In recent years, the Walt Disney Company has come under fire for continuing to price out its intended audiences. The cost of getting into its theme parks has soared drastically in the past decade, leaving many fans wondering how anyone can afford the costly vacation. With CEO Bob Iger back in the driver’s seat, park visitors expressed their desire not to see substantial price hikes anymore. Iger seemed to agree with them in past interviews, saying the cost of admission grew too fast. However, it looks like Iger would rather continue to steer the company in a direction for maximum profit. Disney just announced that Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passes will be getting a significant price increase along with substantial ticket price increases to Disneyland Resort in California.
Walt Disney World Annual Passes
The Annual Pass at Disney theme parks, particularly at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, has long been a symbol of popularity, importance, and a unique facet of the Disney experience. These passes allow visitors to enjoy the magic of Disney throughout the year, making them highly coveted among locals and frequent travelers. They offer unlimited park access (unless you purchase cheaper blackout date options), special discounts, and exclusive events, making them an attractive option for Disney enthusiasts.
The history of annual passes at Disney World dates back to the 1980s when the resort introduced the concept to boost attendance during non-peak seasons. Over the years, the program has evolved, with various tiers and options catering to different budgets and preferences. These passes have played a crucial role in the resort’s marketing and revenue strategy, attracting repeat visitors and fostering a strong sense of community among Disney fans. And now it seems Iger wants to drain more cash from these devoted people.
Disney World Annual Pass Price Increases
Disney Journalist Scott Gustin reported on Twitter/X that the prices of Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passes have all increased significantly. Every option went up by about $50 per year.
NEW: Walt Disney World Annual Pass prices have increased $30-$50 depending on the pass type. Here’s a breakdown (all prices plus tax):
Incredi-Pass: $1449 (was $1399)
Sorcerer: $999 (was $969)
Pirate: $799 (was $749)
Pixie Dust: $439 (was $399)
NEW: Walt Disney World Annual Pass prices have increased $30-$50 depending on the pass type. Here’s a breakdown (all prices plus tax):
Incredi-Pass: $1449 (was $1399)
Sorcerer: $999 (was $969)
Pirate: $799 (was $749)
Pixie Dust: $439 (was $399) pic.twitter.com/aCLMDccaNb— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 11, 2023
Disneyland Resort Ticket Price Increases
Furthermore, the company also raised the cost of ticket prices to gain entry into Disneyland Park and California Adventure. The Anaheim location has reportedly increased the cost of admission for its 1-day theme park ticket, multi-day tickets, and Park Hopper add-on.
According to Scott Gustin, the price of a 1-day theme park ticket to Disneyland Resort will increase on October 11, 2023. While the Tier 0 option has been untouched, the rest saw noticeable increases.
NEW: 1-day theme park ticket prices at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure increased an average of 6-7% effective Wednesday. The cheapest 1-day ticket (Tier 0) remains $104 – but the most expensive (Tier 6) is now $194.
NEW: 1-day theme park ticket prices at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure increased an average of 6-7% effective Wednesday. The cheapest 1-day ticket (Tier 0) remains $104 – but the most expensive (Tier 6) is now $194. pic.twitter.com/YS7fvQWuQl
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 11, 2023
On top of this, multi-day tickets have also seen a significant increase. Along with the Park Hopper add-on, prices have risen over 10%, effective immediately.
Multi-day tickets at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure increased an average of 11-12% effective Wednesday. A 5-day ticket saw the biggest increase, jumping from $415 to $480. The Park Hopper add-on now ranges $65-$75 depending on length of ticket.
Multi-day tickets at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure increased an average of 11-12% effective Wednesday. A 5-day ticket saw the biggest increase, jumping from $415 to $480.
The Park Hopper add-on now ranges $65-$75 depending on length of ticket. pic.twitter.com/RmZnBvMdYG
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 11, 2023
More Price Hikes
Disney price increases didn’t stop at Annual Passes and Disneyland Resort tickets. According to Scott Gustin, the company also announced major increases to the Memory Maker options at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Some other notable price increases at Walt Disney World:
Memory Maker:
Advance purchase: $185 (was $169) Regular price (during and post-vacation): $210 (was $199) One day: $75 (was $69)
Some other notable price increases at Walt Disney World:
Memory Maker:
Advance purchase: $185 (was $169)
Regular price (during and post-vacation): $210 (was $199)
One day: $75 (was $69) pic.twitter.com/4wZtRL8Yze— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 11, 2023
Disney Fanatic will continue to report on any new information regarding Disney price increases across the theme parks. What do you think of these significant ticket hikes? Do they deter you from visiting the parks, or are they acceptable for the magic that Disney provides? One thing is certain: more people will now not be able to afford this previously accessible and popular vacation option.
with the hundreds of nillions of dollars the company is bleeding out at the box office and on streaming, they have to make it up some where. the parks are the only things making money.