Are Disney World Tickets More Expensive?

Visitors walk along Main Street at The Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 30, 2022. Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

Everyone knows the happiest place on earth. It’s been ingrained in us since we were children. As a result, Disney World, despite its recent issues, is one of the hottest attractions in America.

But is the happiest place on earth also becoming the most expensive place? We'll take a look at Disney pricing and if it’s affecting attendance.

Disney World Prices Increase Again

As of Dec. 8, 2022, Disney prices increased for the second time in two years. For example, the price in 2022 for a one-day, one-park ticket was $109–159. But that changed.

Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios had roughly a 12 percent increase. That takes Magic Kingdom to $124–189 and Hollywood Studios from $124–179. Park reservations are required except for single-day tickets.

The $189 and $179 only apply for nine days around Christmas week. The price increase touted by Disney was about demand management.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT were not affected by the price changes this year.

This is a far cry from 1971, when a Disney World one-day ticket cost $3.50.

Prices Rise for Annual Pass Holders

Although new annual pass sales are paused for Incredi-Pass, Pirate Pass, and Sorcerer Pass, those with existing passes will pay an additional $100 at renewal.

A Tiered Pricing Model for Holidays

The busiest times of the year are summer and school vacations. But since Disney World is open all year, in 2018, a tiered pricing system was initiated.

The tiers are broken down into value, regular, and peak times. The result is that Disney tickets can sometimes run over $200 during peak times. The result is that buying tickets months or years in advance can save money.

Cost for a Family of Four Staying at Disney

Pinning down a specific price is almost impossible. You have to dig into Disney’s website for ticket prices and know your exact projected vacation dates to find pricing. Once you find the ticket section, the prices change daily.

But assume this is a costly vacation. If you want the value plan in 2023 for a family of four, the average cost is $268.49 per person per day. And that’s based on a six-day/five-night stay. If you want to move up to a moderate stay for the same period, it will cost $314.99 per person per day.

This pricing has many variables since different families want to do various activities. Themed foods and other snacks prices have increased. And you also must consider any souvenir purchases.

Attracting Wealthy Customers

Middle-class families are being priced out of visiting Disney World. This is because Disney has made it point to market to upscale people with a lot of disposable income.

For example, dinners with princesses and private tours are common. They have even opened a five-star Four Seasons resort. These have inflated costs even more.

Disney 2021 Attendance Lower than 2019

Disney is still on the reservation system. But even so, previous to the price increase on Dec. 8, attendance was increasing in 2022 for Disney World.

With “Guardian of the Galaxy”-themed roller coaster in EPCOT and a “Star Wars”-themed hotel and more, there was a lot to attract people in 2022.

Pre-pandemic attendance in 2019 saw the Magic Kingdom bringing in 20.96 million people. Attendance in 2021 for the Magic Kingdom was close to 12.7 million. In July 2022, the attendance was roughly 57,000 a day for the Magic Kingdom. That could bring it just shy of the 2019 levels (total numbers were not available). The total capacity for the Magic Kingdom is 90,000 people a day. Disney had a 20 percent cap on attendance, but has since lifted it.

Travel May Decrease in 2023

Once the trapped feeling of the shutdown lifted, Americans took to the road in 2021 and part of 2022. Experts called this “revenge travel.” Travel spiked in mid-2022 when all travel and mask restrictions were lifted. But by August and September, people were burnt out. There was a lull in travel, and Disney felt it.

Recession May Affect Disney

With fears of a recession looming in many Americans’ minds, trips to Disney may be canceled or postponed. Disney had a flat year in 2008 compared to 2007. This was due to the economic turmoil. Disney could see another stand-still in 2023.

Political Drama a Turn-Off

Besides the higher costs of visiting Disney World, some people are tired of the drama. Disney has been in the news a lot. Some guests may be weary of the controversies and avoid the parks. It’s too soon to see if this will diminish attendance overall.

Disney Vacation Club Points Used

Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare where members receive specific points yearly. They must use their points each year. They can also bank them. But if they don’t do this, the points will expire.

Disney put a pause on these points when the parks were closed. But once the parks opened, the suspension ended. Many vacation club members had to use their points quickly. They had a limited window to visit Disney. This is over. So, the influx of these people will come to a halt in 2023.

Price Increases May Hurt Disney

Disney still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic numbers. But it is adding more attractions and counting on more people wanting to travel after being locked up for a year.

But in light of price increases, inflation, and political controversy, Disney might have a rough 2023. And now that people have had their vacations, they may not be willing to take another one so soon.

The Epoch Times Copyright © 2022 The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.