Disney Price Hike Alert: How Much Your Next Trip Will Cost

Disney Ticket Price Hike

If you’re planning a trip to Disney soon, there’s something you should know: Disney has raised ticket and annual pass prices at both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. But don’t panic—there are still ways to save, especially if you travel on off-peak dates.

Disney announced the changes on October 8, and they are effective immediately. While the lowest-tier tickets won’t change through October 2026, mid-range and high-demand dates will cost a little more.


Why Are Prices Going Up?

According to Disney, the price increase is meant to support higher staff wages and fund new attractions. The company said it’s still committed to creating “magical experiences for everyone,” no matter your budget.

Some upcoming additions include

  • A “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” 4-D show at Animal Kingdom starting November 7

  • A reimagined Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

  • A new animatronic at the Carousel of Progress in Magic Kingdom

So while the prices are higher, Disney says guests will also see more value from new experiences.


Ticket Prices: What’s Changing

Disney castle at sunset with families walking in front, representing Disney ticket price increases
Disney has raised ticket and annual pass prices at its parks, affecting visitors planning trips in 2025 and beyond.

Walt Disney World

For Walt Disney World, the base prices for one-day, one-park tickets remain the same:

  • Animal Kingdom: $119–$174

  • EPCOT: $129–$194

  • Hollywood Studios: $139–$194

  • Magic Kingdom: $139–$199

However, mid-range dates will see about a $5 increase, and some of the busiest holiday days in 2026 may even exceed $199.

Tip: If you want to save money, consider visiting during off-peak times, like early November or early December, right after Halloween decorations go up.

Disneyland

At Disneyland, the lowest one-day tickets stay at $104, the same as 2019. But higher-priced tickets are going up by about 3%. Disneyland’s Magic Key passes (similar to annual passes) are also increasing for the two most expensive options, Inspire Key and Believe Key, by 2–4%. The cheaper tiers, Enchant Key and Imagine Key, remain the same.


Annual Pass Price Increases

Walt Disney World

Annual passes at Disney World are rising $20–$80, depending on the tier, and renewals are also more expensive. If you’re not a Florida resident, your only option is the Disney Incredi-Pass, and experts say you’d need at least nine single-park visits to make it worthwhile.

Disneyland Magic Keys

At Disneyland, the higher-tier Magic Keys (Inspire and Believe) have increased, while the lower-tier Enchant and Imagine Keys are unchanged. This means frequent visitors might feel the pinch, but casual visitors can still enjoy more affordable options.


How to Save on Your Disney Trip

Even with these price hikes, there are ways to keep your trip budget-friendly:

  • Travel during off-peak dates—the cheapest tickets are still available through October 2026

  • Look for seasonal hotel and package deals, like up to 20% off hotels or $249 three-day Park Hopper deals for California residents

  • Take advantage of kids-eat-free promotions and complimentary water park access in some packages

  • Check Disney’s ticket calendar to plan your visit around lower-priced dates


What You Need to Know about the Disney Ticket Price Hike

  • Are ticket prices going up everywhere? Yes, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland are affected.

  • When do the new prices take effect? They are already in effect for most tickets, though off-peak prices stay the same through October 2026.

  • How can you still save? Visit on off-peak dates, book seasonal packages, and compare annual pass vs. single-ticket value.


Bottom Line

Disney ticket price hike again, but it hasn’t removed the chance to save. If you plan carefully, visit on less crowded days, and look for hotel or package discounts, you can enjoy the magic without paying top dollar.

For those hitting peak holidays or buying higher-tier passes, it’s time to budget a bit more. But with new attractions and experiences coming soon, Disney is betting that guests will find the extra cost worthwhile.

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