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Another Costly Change: Tax Increase Means Disney Park Visitors Face Higher Travel Expenses

Another day, another price hike. This time, the cost of visiting one international Disney park is about to climb—not because of admission fees, hotel rates, or even anything directly introduced by Disney, but because of an increase in airport tax.

If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, be prepared to shell out even more starting this fall.

A group of Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, and Dale, are dressed in festive attire. They joyfully pose in front of a colorful parade float with Hong Kong Disneyland's castle sparkling in the background.
Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

The Rising Cost of a Disney Vacation

Disney fans are no strangers to price increases. Over the past few years, everything from park tickets to Mickey pretzels has seen a steady rise, with no signs of slowing down. Single-day admission at Disneyland and Walt Disney World has crept up multiple times, and even Disney CEO Bob Iger thinks that the parks are getting too expensive—though that hasn’t stopped the trend.

Beyond tickets, Disney has also revamped how guests skip lines, replacing the free FastPass system with the paid Lightning Lane service. Snacks and souvenirs haven’t been spared either, with Dole Whips, churros, and even popcorn seeing price bumps. Add in soaring hotel rates and additional resort fees, and suddenly, a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth feels more like a luxury splurge.

Daisy Duck, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and Minnie Mouse at Hong Kong Disneyland
Credit: Disney

And now, thanks to a new travel fee, just getting to Hong Kong Disneyland is about to cost even more.

Flying to Hong Kong Disneyland Is About to Get More Expensive

If you’re flying into Hong Kong International Airport—the only way to reach Hong Kong Disneyland unless you’re already local—you’ll soon be paying a higher Air Passenger Departure Tax (APDT).

Starting in the third quarter of 2025-26, the tax will increase from HKD 120 ($15.43) to HKD 200 ($25.71) for all flights purchased after October 1, 2025.

The new tax is being introduced to help address a financial deficit, with an estimated HKD 1.6 billion ($205 million) in additional government revenue expected annually. While some travelers may be eligible for exemptions, most guests over the age of 12 flying into Hong Kong to visit the park will feel the impact.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse on Dumbo
Credit: Disney

Is Hong Kong Disneyland Still Worth It?

While the tax increase itself isn’t a massive sum, it’s yet another added expense in the ever-growing list of costs associated with a Disney vacation. When you factor in airfare, park tickets, hotels, food, and optional upgrades like Lightning Lane (or Disney Premier Access, as the equivalent system is known at Hong Kong Disneyland), the total bill quickly climbs.

That said, Hong Kong Disneyland remains one of the most unique Disney parks in the world. It may be the smallest, but it packs plenty of exclusive experiences, from World of Frozen—the first-ever land dedicated to the Frozen franchise—to Stark Expo, its Marvel-themed land featuring attractions like Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle!

The Avengers in the Stark Expo section of Tomorrowland at Hong Kong Disneyland
Credit: Hong Kong Disneyland

For hardcore Disney fans, the park still holds plenty of appeal. But with the rising costs of travel, visiting may take a little extra planning—and a slightly bigger budget—than before.

Would you still make the trip to Hong Kong Disneyland despite the added cost?

Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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