The price of a daily pass at Florida’s Disney World (NYSE:DIS) during the Christmas break will cost more than $200, an increase of 5% from a year ago and the first time a daily ticket has crossed that threshold in the park’s history.
For park tickets during non-peak times, the average single-day price to enter the park increased by $5, while its lowest priced single-day ticket remains at $119 + tax for Animal Kingdom.
While Disney (NYSE:DIS) has raised the price of most of its park passes — effective October 8 — the company is also offering discounts for its hotel-and-ticket packages between February and July, and free dining plans for kids aged 3-9 with the purchase of an adult dining plan.
At California’s Disneyland, the lowest-priced ticket remains at $104 for non-peak periods (with more non-peak days through April 2026 than in the past), but increases to 3% for a single-day, single-park ticket for the remaining “peak” days.
For California residents, the park now offers a 3-day adult ticket with the option to hop between the two parks for $249 per day, usable for any 3 non-consecutive days between January 1 and May 21.
Travel analysts say the mix of hotel discounts higher ticket prices reflect a glut of vacant hotel rooms and a “potential lull” in visitors following anniversary celebrations for both Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (50th), and Disneyland (70th), as well as the company’s 100th anniversary.
Besides an annual ritual. the price hikes this year will help fund increased wages and higher operational costs, as well as recent ride upgrades and planned park expansions including the new Tropical Americas at Animal Kingdom, a Villains-themed expansion at Disney World, and a doubling of the Avengers Campus in Disneyland.
In the company’s most recent quarterly report, Disney’s (NYSE:DIS) third quarter sales were up 2% to nearly $24B, boosting adjusted profits by 16% to $1.61 per share. Within its domestic Parks & Experiences segment, operating income increased 22% during the quarter.