Disneyland Raises Prices Again Despite 25% of Americans Needing a Second Job to Pay For Disney Days
More than 50 million people visit Walt Disney World every year despite the ever-increasing price tag. The cheapest Walt Disney World ticket in 2025 will be $119 per day per person, up $10 from 2024. Add in accommodations, food, and potentially flights, and the total cost is budget-busting. This week, Disneyland announced it is raising its prices as well, effective immediately.
While some dip into their savings or reduce daily expenses to cover it, one in four recently surveyed took on a second job or a side hustle to pay for their Disney vacation.
The Increasing Cost Is More Than Inflation
When Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, a single-day admission ticket was $3.50. Someone earning federal minimum wage ($1.60 an hour) in 1971 only needed to work 2.19 hours to pay for admission. Fast-forward to today, and prices have skyrocketed.
A minimum wage worker visiting a single Disney World park on the cheapest days would have to work 15.03 hours to afford admission, an increase of 586% since the park first opened. If the same person wanted to visit the park on a high-demand day, they would have to work at least 21.90 hours, a massive jump of 900% since 1971.
Many Can’t Afford It But Go Anyway
18% of respondents went into debt over their Disney trip. Half shared that in-park food and beverage and admission costs were significantly more expensive than they originally thought or budgeted for.
Not surprisingly, Disney pulls at heartstrings significantly, with 43% of those surveyed admitting they had some emotional connection. Perhaps it’s the childhood nostalgia or Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars attractions that make it more than just a vacation spot, but one battling crowds and debt for.
The Cost Puts Even High Earners Into Debt
The report stated, “Six-figure earners are more likely to go into Disney debt than any other income group. In fact, 26% of those earning $100,000 or more yearly have gone into debt for Disney. Disney goers earning between $35,000 and $49,999 are the least likely, at just 12%.”
It’s Out of Reach for Many
According to Time2Play, 92.6% of surveyed Disney World enthusiasts said they believe the cost of a Disney vacation is now out of reach for average families. What was a regular vacation for middle-class families has evolved into a luxury trip with pricey add-ons everywhere you look.
Social Media is Creating Disney FOMO
In the age of Instagram Reels, TikTok, and infinite feeds, social media’s sway on vacation decisions is real. 46% of Disney goers admit it impacts their desire to visit and spend big.
What States Are Spending the Most at Disney?
When it comes to spending on Disney park visits, Pennsylvania tops the findings of a recent survey of 2,000 Americans completed in March 2024. Wisconsin and Idaho follow, with residents shelling out $3,350 and $3,340 versus the national average of $2,398.
Who Else Is Spending Big?
States like Illinois, Minnesota, and Texas also make the top ten list for Disney spending. Though smaller in population, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Connecticut compete in wallet-opening exercises. Georgia rounds out the top ten at $2,957 spent.
It Doesn’t Stop With Tickets and Travel Expenses
Beyond park visits, Disney fans also love their merchandise. Indiana has the highest average annual spending on Disney merchandise, at $240 per person, nearly quadrupling the national average of $65. Tennessee and Alabama aren’t far behind, with fans spending $144 and $136, respectively.
Some Are Opting Out of Disney Days
“Our Spring Break Disney World tickets were $1,646 for two days of park hopper passes and ride reservations for two adults and two kids,” says Daniel, a dad from New Jersey. “Our per-person cost was almost double the average ticket price at $205.75. Given the exorbitant cost, huge crowds, and super-long lines, I don’t see our family returning to Disney anytime soon.”
NEXT: It’s Emmet Over Elsa: 30 Reasons Families Prefer Legoland Florida to Disney World
Richard Campbell, a frequent traveler and theme park visitor, visited international and U.S. Disney and Legoland amusement parks nine times in the past five years.
“I never liked Disney until I had kids, and the first family trip to Disney in 2014 changed my mind, as it was such a wholesome family trip. But, over the last ten years, the experience has changed and, unfortunately, become worse,” he says. “We worked hard to use crowd calendars and travel weird weeks when no schools are off, but still, it’s always packed.”
“Overall, Legoland is a clear winner with younger children due to price, experience, and ease. I don’t know when we will go to Disneyland or Disney World next as it’s simply too crowded,” Campbell continues. He’s not the only one to think this way.
It’s Emmet Over Elsa: Here’s Why Families Prefer Legoland Florida to Disney World Theme Parks
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