Prices at Disney are up — again, effective immediately
It's no secret that the cost to take a family to Disney World or Disneyland can be quite high. But, unfortunately, like with so many other things in the world right now, the price is on the rise.
Out in California, Disneyland Resort has quietly increased its prices across a number of categories, including park tickets, Genie+ skip-the-line access and even parking. These changes are effective immediately.
The price increase for the Anaheim parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure) is the first in a year and affects single-day, multiday and Park Hopper tickets, along with Genie+.
Walt Disney World ticket price increases were implemented in February of 2022 and are not currently connected to the California price changes. However, the Florida parks were not fully spared. The daily Genie+ prices for Disney World are becoming more variable — and, in many cases, increasing. Some other costs in the Florida parks have also increased.
So, how much more will a trip to Disney parks in California cost? And just how much will you pay to use Genie+ in Anaheim and Orlando? Here's what you need to know to budget for an upcoming park visit.
Related: How much does a Disneyland vacation cost?
Ticket price increase
If you visit Disneyland on Oct. 11, it will end up costing you $40 more for a family of four than it did the day before, with the average cost of a single-day park ticket increased by $10 overnight.
And dynamic pricing is still the name of the game at Disney parks, meaning the more popular the day you're visiting, the more it will cost.
You'll still see this dynamic pricing reflected in Disney's new pricing, plus there's a new so-called Tier 0 that keeps the base price the same for the lowest-priced, single-day, single-park ticket: $104. However, the lowest-priced Park Hopper ticket is $169, which is $5 more than the previous lowest price.
For example, for the coming holiday months, you'll pay the maximum Tier 6 pricing of $179 a day to visit one park (that's right, one park for one day). But if you come back on a weekday in the middle of January when everyone else is back at home and in school, you'll pay the Tier 0 ticket price of $104.
Here's a look at 1-day prices for 1 park with the pricing structure for Disneyland:
Single-day, 1-park Disneyland and California Adventure ticket prices
1-Day, 1-Park (Tier 0): $104 (new tier pricing).
1-Day, 1-Park (Tier 1): $114 (previously $104).
1-Day, 1-Park (Tier 2): $129 (previously $119).
1-Day, 1-Park (Tier 3): $144 (previously $134).
1-Day, 1-Park (Tier 4): $159 (previously $149).
1-Day, 1-Park (Tier 5): $169 (previously $159).
1-Day, 1-Park (Tier 6): $179 (previously $164).
Single-day Park Hopper
1-Day Park Hopper (Tier 0): $169 (new tier).
1-Day Park Hopper (Tier 1): $179 (previously $164).
1-Day Park Hopper (Tier 2): $194 (previously $179).
1-Day Park Hopper (Tier 3): $209 (previously $194).
1-Day Park Hopper (Tier 4): $224 (previously $209).
1-Day Park Hopper (Tier 5): $234 (previously $219).
1-Day Park Hopper (Tier 6): $244 (previously $224).
Related: My top 19 tips to save money and have fun at Disney World
Genie+ price increase
The Genie is out of the bottle at Disney parks. Genie+ pricing, that is.
But it's not just the price to get in that increased. We're seeing prices for the skip-the-lines service increasing across the parks, as noticed and reported by multiple parkgoers in both Orlando and Anaheim parks.
Previously, the cost to add Lightning Lane access (which is essentially a paid version of the old FastPass program) to your reservations was $20 at the Disneyland parks. Now it's up $5 to $25 per day per person. This does not vary by date. And as before, it still includes Disney PhotoPass for the day, which makes it a little more palatable.
A sliver of good news is a new perk of Genie+ at Disneyland is that it now includes California Adventure's SpiderMan: Web Slingers, so you won't need to pay an additional Lightning Lane fee for one of the park's newest and most popular ride experiences. (You'll still now need to ante up for $25 Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane access, which is an increase from $20.)
At Walt Disney World, prices for Genie+ and Lightning Lane access will vary by date, meaning the most popular days will be the most expensive. According to Disney blogger Scott Gustin, only pricing examples for October are currently available and are $15 on less-busy dates, and $22 on more-busy dates. Previously, it was a flat $15 on all dates at Disney World (and does not include PhotoPass access).
Additionally, in Disney World's Disney Hollywood Studios, you'll have to pay a separate, expensive Lightning Lane fee to ride Rise of the Resistance. The maximum skip-the-line price is now up 25% from $20 to $25.
Related: How to use points for Disney tickets
Disney parking increase
But wait, there's more. Disneyland is also implementing a price increase for preferred parking, which will now be $50, up from $45. Valet parking at Disneyland Resort hotels jumped 30% from $50 to $65 with new signs already in place.
The price to self-park ($35) will remain the same at Disneyland's parks and resorts.
Increased costs at Walt Disney World
Although the admission price isn't going up again (yet) at the Orlando parks, there are price increases in other areas in addition to the Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
Most notably, we're seeing a cost increase for add-on experiences in Hollywood Studios at Galaxy's Edge, where handbuilt lightsabers at Savi's Workshop are now priced at $250, up from $220. And the cost to build a droid at Droid Depot is now $120, up from $99.
We're also hearing reports of increased prices on food at Walt Disney World, with The Disney Food Blog reporting that hundreds of items have new elevated prices and that the price of some character dining experiences has increased as well.
Bottom line
If you're budgeting for a Disney vacation, be sure to check the new pricing dynamics across the parks. These increases were immediate so your day in the park today may cost more than it did yesterday.
While it's always been true that being flexible on your park dates will save you some money, it's now more true than ever before.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.