DLNews Recreation

“Disney’s Magic Costs More Than Ever—Even Cinderella’s Coach Takes Surge Pricing”

The “Most Magical Place on Earth” just turned into the priciest one, too. Disney has officially raised ticket prices for both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California—because apparently, fairy dust isn’t cheap anymore. For the first time at Walt Disney World, single-day, single-park tickets will top the $200 mark during peak holiday periods, like that magical week between Christmas and New Year’s when families flock to the parks in droves (and their wallets quietly weep).

Over in Anaheim, Disneyland’s most expensive single-day tickets have already hit $224 for the busiest dates—proving that the only thing soaring higher than Space Mountain is the admission price. Annual passes and even parking fees are also climbing, as Disney cites “rising demand and operational costs.” Translation: nostalgia costs extra.

Last year, Disney’s Parks and Experiences division brought in a staggering $34.1 billion in revenue—a record-breaking figure that makes Scrooge McDuck look like a minimalist. The company insists the extra revenue will help fund “immersive attractions” and upgrades, but it’s hard not to wonder if those new animatronics will also hand out financial counseling at the exit gate.

And if you thought you could skip the trip and enjoy a cozy night of Disney+ instead—think again. The streaming service’s prices have gone up, too. So whether you’re queuing for Pirates of the Caribbean or streaming Encanto at home, the House of Mouse has found a way to make sure your budget doesn’t talk about Bruno—or anything else.

Still, there’s something timeless about watching a child’s face light up at Cinderella Castle, even if it now comes with a credit card bill that could rival your mortgage. Magic, it seems, is still priceless—just not for lack of trying.