If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the most magical place on Earth, you should consider carefully before emptying your wallet for a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland California. According to a recent survey, Disney World has been dubbed the biggest tourist attraction rip-off in America, with 60% of respondents agreeing that it’s not quite worth it.
The base ticket for Disney World starts at a whopping $109 per person, per day, before taxes, and that’s just the beginning. If you want to upgrade to the ability to visit multiple parks in one day or skip the regular lines, be prepared to shell out even more cash. These add-ons can cost tens of dollars per person, per day, adding up to hundreds of dollars over the course of your trip for a family of several people.
And it’s not just ticket prices that are on the rise. The highest tier for the Annual Passholder now costs over $1,450 per year, and food and drink prices have also seen an increase. The FastPass has been replaced by Disney Genie+, a paid add-on that promises front-of-the-line access to attractions, shows, and the Lightning Lane. However, this service comes at an additional cost and only guarantees to skip the line for up to three attractions, with some popular rides requiring an extra fee to skip the lines.
Despite the rising costs, Disney World continues to attract visitors and sell out its events. The company has even sold out its ride-skip service on certain days before the parks have opened for the day. As prices continue to climb, Disney’s parks are selling out in record time, leaving many families feeling priced out of the magic.
Many critics have accused Disney of pricing their parks for the 1% and pushing out average wage-earning families due to the cost of their vacations. Our guide How Much Does It Cost to Go to Disneyland California lays out for you just how expensive a trip to Disneyland can cost.
A recent video titled “Disney World Has Gotten Too Expensive” by Bright Sun Travels highlighted the rising costs of a day at the park. The couple featured in the video spent over $886 in a single day, including a stay at a moderate resort, a visit to Magic Kingdom, purchases of Disney Genie+, snacks, and a table service dinner. Comparing the same costs to figures from 2017, the price had increased by 44% in just seven years.
Despite the backlash over rising prices, Disney World continues to post positive attendance numbers and sell out its events. The company has plans to invest billions in its parks, including the Florida resort. Disney CEO Bob Iger has promised to back off on the “culture war” but remains embroiled in a battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over parental rights and free speech.
So, is a trip to Disney World worth the hefty price tag? That’s a question only you can answer. Whether you’re willing to splurge for the magic or prefer to save your money for a more budget-friendly vacation, one thing is clear – Disney World may be the most magical place on Earth, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
Co-Founder of the OFT Blog. Mother of 2 who disguises as a 9 to 5 finance professional on most days. She loves to travel, is an amateur website builder and cook. And given her day job, she loves travel planning and saving money. Follow along!
