Disney Adds $22 Parade Upcharge Ahead of the Holiday Crowds

Disney theme parks continue to raise ticket prices, yet many guests feel they’re receiving less value.

Following the pandemic, once-included perks like the Magical Express at Walt Disney World and FastPass were replaced with paid services like Lightning Lanes. These services have significantly reshaped the park experience—not only because they increase the overall price but also because they add a whole new level of mandatory planning to a Disney vacation.

Credit: Disney Fanatic

The latest addition to Disney’s growing list of upcharges includes the Fantasy Springs Passport at Tokyo Disney Resort, which saw guests paying hundreds for access to Tokyo DisneySea’s new land (and will fortunately be axed as of early 2025). Additionally, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass charges hundreds more for fast-track access to crowded queues.

Disney’s Newest Upcharge

A long-standing upcharge trend at Disney parks is the premium viewing areas for parades and shows. Though guests can still watch these events for free, paying extra for the best spots often feels essential for first-time or occasional visitors who want to maximize their experience.

Credit: Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris recently introduced another paywall for its popular Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas Parade, set to return on November 9. For €21 ($22.68 USD), guests can book a spot in Central Plaza, directly in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at the very end of Main Street, U.S.A.

Bookings are made through the Disneyland Paris app, and guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before the festive parade starts.

This charge follows a similar system introduced earlier this year for viewing the park’s daily parades and Disney Illuminations fireworks, which were initially priced at €19 ($20.56 USD) per person with no discounts for Disneyland Paris Passholders. Prior to this, premium viewing was a free perk for Annual Passholders.

Credit: Disneyland Paris

The resort also offers paid upgrades for “guaranteed access” to popular stage shows such as TOGETHER: A Pixar Musical Adventure, Mickey and the Magician, and The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Land.

Most of the time, these upcharges are relatively unnecessary – particularly for Disneyland Paris’ stage shows. While the shows are popular, it’s extremely rare that you’re unable to secure a seat by arriving shortly before they begin.

Like Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and all of Disney’s theme parks, Disneyland Paris may be busier over the holidays, but guests visiting Disneyland Park or Walt Disney Studios Park this December are unlikely to need to shell out the $22 fee to secure a good viewing point for the parade.

Credit: Disneyland Paris

Other Disney resorts, including Tokyo Disney Resort, also provide paid systems like Disney Premier Access, which guarantees spots at parades such as Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights and Disney Harmony in Colour.

While these paywalls are not universally popular, many guests feel Disney is capitalizing on the opportunity to maximize profit by adding more exclusive paid experiences, turning Disney parks into even more expensive destinations.

How do you feel about Disney’s growing number of upcharges and exclusive paywalls?