Disney World to raise prices as soon as next month

Disney World will hike ticket prices to its four parks next month — with the cost of entering the Magic Kingdom expected to nearly double for the holidays.

The Mouse House, which reported record sales for the year in its fiscal report last week, announced Tuesday it will jack up the price on single-day tickets and annual passes on Dec. 8.

Currently, the lowest price for a one-day ticket to any of its four Orlando theme parks is $109. But now, Magic Kingdom prices will start at $124 and skyrocket to $189 depending on the date and demand.

The tickets will cost closer to the $189 price point specifically during the week of Christmas to New Year’s, Disney said. However, more than 99% of its one-day, one-park tickets will be under $189.

“Magic Kingdom Park will be priced at or above our other theme parks due to the incredible demand as it remains the most-visited theme park in the world,” Disney said in a statement.

Epcot’s ticket will be hiked to between $114 and $179, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios will cost $124 to $179. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be the only park to keep its current price range at $109 to $159.

Three of Disney World’s annual passes — the Incredi-Pass, Sorcerer and Pirate — will also get a price increase amid surging demand. Currently, new sales of the Incredi-Pass, Sorcerer and Pirate annual passes are paused, but they are still available for renewal, Disney said.  

The price hikes at Disney World follow a round of new increases at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.

The Incredi-Pass will increase to $1,399 from $1,299 and the Sorcerer Pass will increase to $969 from $899.  Meanwhile, the Pirate Pass will cost $749, up from $699, while Pixie Pass prices remain at $399.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek had hinted at ticket price increases at both parks, if demand continued to surge.

Chapek has faced blowback this year for price increases for food, merchandise and parking at both Disneyland and Disney World following the pandemic, which had shuttered the company’s theme parks. Fans have also griped about the quality of food, portion sizes and the overall experience at the parks while Chapek has reeled in compensation of $32.5 million, earning him the moniker “Bob Paycheck.”

Despite the record annual sales, Disney missed Wall Street estimates for quarterly earnings on Tuesday as the entertainment giant racked up more losses from its push into streaming video. Shares of the company fell more than 13% on Wednesday following its results and Chapek announced layoffs and hiring freezes last week.