Disneyland and Walt Disney World have announced price increases for most tickets and annual passes, affecting visitors starting this month. The adjustments, while smaller than in previous years, apply to various ticket tiers, including single-day and multi-day options as well as annual passes. Most price changes took effect on March 6, 2024.
At Disneyland Resort in California, the lowest-priced single-day ticket, known as the Tier 0 ticket, remains at $104, a price point unchanged since 2018. However, the Tier 6 ticket, which is the most expensive and valid during peak times such as holidays, will rise from $206 to $224 per day, marking an increase of 8.7%. Notably, the number of days available at the Tier 0 price has expanded from 26 to 46 in this year’s update.
The Magic Key annual passes are experiencing larger increases at the higher tiers. The Inspire Key will now cost $1,899, up $150 from its previous price of $1,749. The Believe Key will increase from $1,374 to $1,474, while the two lower-tier passes, the Enchant Key and the Imagine Key, will remain priced at $974 and $599, respectively.
Multi-day tickets are also seeing modest increases of between 1% and 2%, with a five-day, one-park-per-day ticket rising from $511 to $520. Parking rates at Disneyland will increase by $5 across all tiers.
The price hikes extend to Walt Disney World in Florida, where single-day tickets have surpassed $200 for the first time in the resort’s history. Visitors will pay $209 per person to enter the Magic Kingdom during peak holiday periods in November and December. Annual pass prices at Disney World have increased by $20 to $80, depending on the pass type, although renewal rates for existing Sorcerer Pass and Pixie Pass holders remain unchanged.
Parking fees at Walt Disney World have also increased from $30 to $35 per day. Furthermore, the maximum price for the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, which allows guests to skip lines, has risen from $39 to $45.
Disney officials attribute the price revisions to rising operational costs and increased wages for employees. “Disney Parks offer a full day of experiences, with ticket, hotel, and dining options designed to suit a wide range of needs and budgets for all who visit,” a Disney spokesperson stated. They emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to providing magical experiences while maintaining lower-priced tickets.
In recent developments, an Orange County judge approved a $233 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging Disneyland cast members were not benefitting from an Anaheim minimum wage law. In 2018, Anaheim voters passed Measure L, which mandated a minimum wage of $15 per hour for companies in the resort area with tax rebate agreements. This law was in response to a petition led by Disney union members.
The settlement aims to provide back pay with interest to thousands of current and former Disneyland employees. Under Measure L, Anaheim’s minimum wage is set to rise to $20.52 an hour as of January 1, 2025. Disneyland’s website indicates that starting pay for operations roles ranges from $20.42 to $25 per hour, with some positions exceeding $26.
Despite these price increases, there are opportunities for guests to save on their visits. Disneyland is set to launch the California Resident Park Hopper Ticket Offer on December 3, enabling eligible guests to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure for as little as $83 per day with a three-day ticket. Disney World is also introducing promotions, including dining plan deals for children and discounts on select hotel packages.
Gavin Doyle, founder of MickeyVisit.com, highlighted that flexibility with travel dates can lead to better deals. “If guests are willing to visit during less busy months, they can find more affordable options,” he noted, also mentioning nearby hotels in Anaheim that provide cost-effective lodging alternatives.
As Disney parks continue to see strong demand for in-person entertainment, these price adjustments reflect a broader trend in the industry, balancing rising operational costs with the desire to maintain guest satisfaction.
