Once again the topic of pricing has returned among Disney World enthusiasts. Only recently prices at Disney World went up unilaterally. Now, there is a huge change in the way ticket prices will work at Walt Disney World moving forward. Here is the news on the Disney World ticket price increase and how to avoid it.
Why Disney World Raised Prices
To their credit, Disney has been striving to stay on top as the premier source for family vacations. They have dumped billions into acquisitions that expand their resources and maximize their potential for entertaining more park visitors. Disney has also invested in new technologies and contracting new ways to experience the intellectual property they now own. Aside from that, they’re dedicated to improving the food to go far beyond chicken nuggets and hot dogs. Food is more expensive and ticket prices have also gone up to reflect the elevated experience and offset crowds in a way that will improve the guests’ enjoyment of the enhanced facilities. As we head into a huge year for Disney there is a new pricing system in place that better reflects demand and helps to distribute attendance in a more appropriate way.
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What is the New Pricing System
Disney World ticket price is now set depending on the date. So, your pricing will fluctuate depending on when you decide to visit. A base ticket for any park is $109 with increases of $3-$20 depending on the starting date. You can schedule your vacation on Disney’s new interactive calendar to see how the price of your park ticket changes. Currently, all parks are the same price, but that price is determined by the starting date. You can see the prices on the calendar before selecting your dates.
How the New Pricing Affects You
Much like the way the pricing has worked for past ticketed events such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the prices will fluctuate from date to date to reflect demand. Busier days will cost more and lighter days will cost less. The intended impact is to flesh out the year in terms of creating more consistent attendance and hopefully alleviate some of the crowds that are expected at busier times. If you already buy tickets based on the slower seasons there will not be too much difference, but the price of a one day ticket jumps $20 on select dates starting in mid-October.
How to Get Around the Added Costs
Since you can plainly see the upfront ticket costs when scheduling your vacation, it is easy to choose the least expensive dates. Multi-day tickets still save money based on the number of days, but those tickets are based on that starting date you choose. Do not by your tickets at the gate. You can still go the discount ticket route and save money as well as long as you are aware of the terms and conditions associated with the tickets you buy at a discount. You could also save on Disney World tickets by buying them online at Costco here.
Meredith Spidel says
Great, helpful scoop, Janine! Thanks for helping us keep the cost down for our trip!
Janine says
Aw, my pleasure and always happy to help with Disney and budgeting if possible π
Dara says
I had no idea they were going to do that!
Janine says
Dara, sometimes I can’t keep up myself!!
William D Holland says
This is one price increase I don’t have to worry about, thankfully! It’s hard enough keeping up with the rising cost of food and gas. π
Happy Thursday my friend! I hope this finds you well.
Janine says
Happy Thursday right back at you, Bill and hope you are enjoying your day so far π
Jen says
I understand why they did it, and if you are doing Disney, you already know there is going to be an investment. Thanks for sharing this with us! Pinned π
Janine says
Aw, happy to share with you and thanks for pinning, too, Jen π
Kristi Campbell says
The new interactive calendar sounds awesome for being able to schedule which days to go in advance to save a little money. Thanks Janine – super helpful!
Janine says
Aw, you are so welcome and again always happy to share with you, Kristi!! π
Tamara says
Actually, yes. We are planning on going in January as usual. I think I need to book soon and try to get them comped like the last few years. Thanks for the info!!
Janine says
Yay for your upcoming January trip. We have less than 5 days now before we return. And think you know how excited I am right about now!! π