Disney Parks Hike Prices: Learn How to Save on Your Next Visit!

Ticket prices at Disneyland and Walt Disney World have recently been adjusted upwards for certain tickets, Annual Passes, and other options. Despite these changes, some ticket prices have remained unchanged and various opportunities for savings on trips to these iconic parks still exist.

Disneyland and Walt Disney World are known for their annual adjustments in ticket pricing. This article delves into the details of the most recent changes, supplementing information from Disney and insights from Gavin Doyle, the founder of Mickey Visit.

Updates to Ticket Prices at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Before diving into the specifics, it’s worth noting that Disneyland has maintained the price of its lowest-tier ticket at $104, unchanged since 2019. However, the price for the highest-tier ticket, Tier 6, has risen from $206 to $224. The tier system at Disneyland is based on expected crowd levels, with higher tiers corresponding to busier days such as during Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays.

Mickey Visit has noted that price increases across other tiers have varied between 1.5% to 4.9%, which are actually smaller increments compared to last year’s increases that ranged from 5.9% to 6.5%. Additionally, Disneyland’s most extensive ticket option, the five-day park hopper pass, now costs $655, reflecting a $39 increase.

In terms of Annual Passes, Disneyland’s top two tiers, the Inspire and Believe Magic Key passes, have seen price increases, while the lower two tiers, the Enchant and Imagine passes, remain priced as before.

Over at Walt Disney World, some specific 1-Day 1 Park Per Day tickets for November and December 2026 have seen prices rise to $200 for the first time, with the highest tier reaching $209. However, the lowest ($119) and highest ($199) tier prices will stay the same from now until October 2026, with intermediate tiers experiencing an average increase of $5.

Annual Pass prices at Disney World have also gone up by $20 to $80, depending on the pass, and the cost of parking has increased by $5.

Despite these price increases, there are still significant savings to be had. For instance, Disneyland offers 32 days within the next six months where tickets are available at the lowest price tier of $104. Additionally, a new 3-Day Park Hopper ticket for California residents priced at $249 is available, which is more than a 50% discount, valid from January 1 through May 21, 2026.

Discounts of up to 20% are available for stays of three nights or more at Disneyland Resort Hotels from August 17 through December 19, 2025. At Disney World, guests can save up to $250 per night on stays of four nights or longer at Disney Resort hotels, coupled with the purchase of a 4-day or longer theme park ticket, from January 4 through July 25, 2026. Additional offers include a free Dining Plan for children aged 3 to 9 throughout 2026, which can be combined with the $250 per night discount.

Reasons Behind the Price Increases at Disneyland and Walt Disney World

Price increases often lead to questions about their necessity. According to Disney, the price adjustments reflect the high value and expanding offerings of a Disney vacation. Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World are continuously enhancing their attractions, including new additions like the Coco and Avengers attractions and a new Avatar land at Disneyland.

Furthermore, Disney World is developing several new areas and attractions, including the Tropical Americas area in Animal Kingdom, a Cars-themed area called Piston Peak, and a Villains-themed land. Also in the works are the Zootopia: Better Zoogether show, a reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster now featuring The Muppets, and a new Audio-Animatronics figure of Walt Disney for the Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress.

Gavin Doyle elaborates on these price changes, attributing them to a broader industry trend of rising entertainment costs and demand, sometimes referred to as ‘funflation.’ For context, he notes that the average ticket price for top musical acts has nearly doubled over the past decade.

Disney also highlights significant wage increases for many of its employees, contributing to the rising costs.

For those planning a visit, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland offer a range of special deals and packages to help manage costs and enhance the vacation experience.