Disney raised admission prices at Walt Disney World on Tuesday, pushing its premium single-day ticket toward $500 while leaving its cheapest option untouched.
The Incredi-Pass, which allows guests to skip standby lines, went up by $120. Disney’s top-tier annual pass also rose by $120, landing at roughly $1,800. The company’s lowest-priced ticket, a day at Animal Kingdom, stayed at about $120.
Thomas Mazloum, chairman of Disney Experiences, told CNN the company is weighing family budgets as it sets prices. “Our goal is to put guests at the center of our decision making, and that starts by listening to them,” Mazloum said. “That matters more now when families are watching every dollar, and we see it in the choices they make every day — in how they plan, in how far ahead.”
Disney fans responded on social media with anger over the increase. “How in the world does a family afford to attend???” one user asked. Another wrote, “American families can never go on vacation let alone ever see Disney. They are too busy working two 3 jobs paying for subsidies.”
“I’m just waiting for Disney to go out of business. Who the fuck is paying that much to get into Disney? It ain’t even worth that much. Are you fucking kidding me.”
Some pointed to alternatives for their children. “I take my child to historical sights,” one user wrote. “I’d rather her learn about history. She’s been to Disney world and wasn’t impressed.” Another said, “Disneyland is the only real park every kids should see once,” but added that “Disney World is just a money printing machine with no real character.”
Others framed the increase as a break with the company’s founding ethos. “Walt is rolling in his grave. He wanted his parks to be available to everyone, especially the children, because they are our future, and need hope and magic in their lives,” one user wrote. “Making it an option only for the wealthy is against everything Walt wanted.”
A Florida resident said the increase hit close to home. “I’ll never step foot in Disney again,” the user wrote, “As a Florida resident, the resident prices aren’t any better.” Another commenter recommended an alternative outright: “Sea world is a better choice!”
Not every reaction was critical of the company. One user argued the market justifies the price. “You can’t get mad at Disney for raising prices,” the user wrote. “If people are willing to spend it, why wouldn’t they raise it. If people stop going, they will have to lower the price.”
