Disney World Costs Are Rising–But Guests Can Save This May

A visit to the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida remains one of the most iconic vacation experiences in the world. But as many guests know, it can also come with a high price tag. From admission and accommodations to extras like the Lightning Lane service, the cost of enjoying The Most Magical Place on Earth continues to rise.

Recently, The Walt Disney Company’s CEO Bob Iger—who returned to his leadership role in late 2022—addressed the overall value of what Disney offers. Rather than focusing on the cost, Iger shared his view that the experiences provided at places like Walt Disney World deliver more than comparable entertainment options. In a more recent statement, Iger acknowledged the legacy of Disney in the United States.

“Disney has stood the test of time as a constant source of happiness for families and communities, and a shining example of innovation and imagination,” Iger said. “That enduring cultural influence sets Disney apart as both a brand and business, which is a privilege we take seriously. That’s why we’ve always believed it’s important to be one of the world’s most admired companies — not only for what we create, but for the positive impact we have.”

This message accompanied a recent update to Disney’s official website, which now features a new page highlighting the company’s contributions to the U.S. economy. “Since its founding in 1923, Disney has played an integral part in the American experience, contributing to the economy and helping to positively shape culture, innovation, and communities,” the page reads. “From entertainment and travel to consumer products and sports, we employ 160,000 people in all 50 states.”

Iger’s perspective echoes the experiences of many fans who have witnessed rising costs across the entertainment industry. Ticket prices for high-profile events like the Super Bowl have exceeded $3,000 (CBS), while concerts for top performers like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga have also drawn four-figure prices for a single night.

While Disney isn’t directly addressing the growing cost of its vacation offerings, it’s clear that the company is positioning its experiences as meaningful and worthwhile. And despite the expense, many guests continue to embrace Disney’s evolving offerings—especially as prices rise elsewhere, too.

For those looking for a way to stretch their vacation budget, a limited-time offer is about to become available. From May 2 through May 4, Sam’s Club members can receive 10% off Disney gift cards. This discount applies to the $200 card, with a limit of four per member. That means for $720, guests can secure $800 worth of Disney spending power—a savings of $80.

These gift cards can be used toward a wide variety of purchases at the resort, from food and beverage to merchandise and even vacation packages. As planDisney confirmed in 2023, it’s simple to apply them toward your trip:

“…you can absolutely make your Disney Resort hotel reservation payment using a Disney Gift Card. If you haven’t already booked your reservation, while you’re finalizing the booking, you should see the option to pay with a Disney Gift Card during the checkout process,” planDisney explains. “The website allows Guests to pay using one Disney Gift Card; however, if you have multiple Disney Gift Cards, no worries. You can create an account on the Disney Gift Card website. The site allows you to combine your Disney Gift Cards into one for up to $1000.”

And if you need to apply more than the website allows, Disney recommends calling a cast member directly for assistance.

Meanwhile, some guests are embracing the latest offerings despite the expense. Since its introduction in 2024, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass—priced as high as $449 per guest per day—has regularly sold out, even during non-peak times. That level of demand suggests that, for many, the experiences available at Walt Disney World continue to hold strong appeal.

Looking ahead, Disney is preparing for a major moment in the resort’s recent history. Starting May 21, for the first time in six years, all six of its Central Florida parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach—will be open at once. As the summer season ramps up, the resort is ready to welcome guests with more to explore than ever before.

How do you feel about the evolving cost of a Walt Disney World vacation? Will you be picking up this limited-time gift card deal? We would love to hear from you in the comments!