People From These 10 States Are Shelling Out the Most Dollars for Disney World Days
More than 50 million people visit Walt Disney World every year. A trip to the Happiest Place on Earth means spending big, though. 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 eye-popping.
The Increasing Cost is Much More Than Inflation
When Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, a single-day admission ticket was $3.50. Someone earning federal minimum wage in 1971 ($1.60 an hour) 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.
Is The Heart Winning Out Over the Head?
Not surprisingly, Disney pulls at heartstrings significantly, with 43% of those surveyed admitting they had some kind of emotional connection. Perhaps it’s the childhood nostalgia or Hollywood Studios’ Star Wars attractions that make it than just a vacation spot, but it continues to successfully draw people in despite the crowds and cost.
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 former Disney guests admit its impact on their desire to visit.
So, what state’s residents are spending the most on their Disney Days?
How This List Was Made
This survey of 2,000 Americans was completed in March 2024. The median age of respondents was 36, with 60% responding as women, 38% men, and 2% non-binary. After opening up their wallets, they opened up on how much they spent on a Walt Disney World trip.
Pennsylvania
Of those surveyed, Pennsylvanians spend the most on Disney days at $3,811.
Wisconsin
Next up is Wisconsin, whose residentsspend an average of $3,350. Despite similar flight times, they also prefer a trip to The Mouse’s House to a vacation in Las Vegas.
Idaho
Practically tied, Idaho residents also spend big at Walt Disney World in Florida, to the tune of $3,340.
Illinois
Thrill seekers from this Midwest state spend, on average, $3,252. Yet, unlike those from Wisconsin, they prefer a Vegas vacation to a Disney one.
Minnesota
Perhaps willing to dig deep into their pockets to escape the third coldest weather in the United States, residents are spending $3,250 for a Disney getaway.
Texas
Texans enjoy a lower cost of living than those across America, freeing up some dollars in their budget. On average, they spend their extra money ($3,120) at Disney’s Florida theme parks.
North Dakota
Residents of the United States’ second coldest state are also big Disney spenders, ranking 7th on this list with over $3,100 of spending.
West Virginia
Despite a state with consistently low incomes, its residents spend their hard-earned dollars at Disney, on average spending $3,050 per trip.
Connecticut
Practically tied with West Virginia and North Dakota, Americans from this state spend $3,050 for a Disney vacation.
Georgia
Perhaps its proximity to Florida allows Georgia residents to skip airline tickets and spend only $2,957 on their theme park getaway.
What States Are Spending the Least?
Residents of Kansas, Delaware, New Mexico, Montana, and Vermont spend the least at Disney, on average, $1,607. That’s less than half of those from Pennsylvania, meaning they could take two trips for their one.
The Best Days to Visit Walt Disney World Theme Parks Revealed
If you’re planning a trip to Disney, it’s essential to think about when you can avoid the crowds and the summer heat. Research reveals these are three best days to visit based on a crowds-to-weather score.
The Best Days to Visit Walt Disney World Theme Parks Revealed
I’ve Visited Disney Parks for More Than 50 Years – Here’s The Biggest Mistakes I See
For over 50 years, I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World, racking up hundreds of visits. Living right behind Magic Kingdom for 17 years allowed me to tour the parks regularly.
I’ve written four books in The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World series, guiding visitors to have their most magical Disney day. Here are the top mistakes I see visitors make year after year.
I’ve Visited Disney Parks for More Than 50 Years – Here’s The Biggest Mistakes I See
