Navigating Disneyland’s Holiday Price Hikes: Tips for Smart Planning

In a recent announcement, Disneyland Resort has increased prices for single-day admission, parking, and their Genie+ service just in time for the upcoming holiday season. This move is sure to impact visitors’ plans for experiencing the magic of Disney during the festive period. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Price Hike Overview
- Single-day admission prices on the most popular days have surged by nearly 9%, while parking fees have seen a significant 17% increase. The cost of using the Anaheim parks’ Genie+ service has also risen by 20%.
> "The value of a theme park visit is reflected in the unique experiences that only Disney can offer," said Disney spokesperson Jessica Good.
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The lowest-priced ticket for a single-day visit on low-demand days remains at $104, maintaining its price since 2019. However, on high-demand days, the daily ticket has increased from $179 to $194, marking an 8.4% hike. Prices for other tiers have risen by percentages ranging from 3.9% to 8.9%.
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Multi-day passes, including the two-day pass, have also seen an 8.8% increase. These changes affect visitors planning to extend their stay.
2. Genie+ Service
- The price of the Genie+ program, which provides expedited front-of-line access, has increased from $25 to $30. To compensate for the price hike, Disneyland Resort has added access to attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and the Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure starting next month.
3. Magic Key Holders
- Magic Key annual passes, a favorite among Disney enthusiasts, have also undergone price increases ranging from approximately 3% to a substantial 21.5%, depending on the pass tier. New pass sales are currently paused, as noted on the Disneyland website.
4. Parking Costs
- Preferred parking at Mickey & Friends parking structure, the Pixar Pals structure, and the Toy Story lot has increased to $55 per day, up from $50. Standard parking in these locations now costs $35, compared to the previous $30.
5. Crowd-Control Strategy
- Since 2016, Walt Disney Co. has utilized pricing as a crowd-control strategy, moving from a three-tier system to seven tiers, with single-day admission costs now dependent on projected demand. This approach aims to manage visitor numbers efficiently.
6. Access Efforts
- Responding to customer feedback, Walt Disney Co. aimed to make the parks more accessible last year. This included adding more of the lowest-price day tickets at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, as outlined in consulting firm Aecom’s global theme park report.
It’s worth noting that the two Anaheim parks have not yet returned to pre-pandemic attendance levels. According to Aecom’s estimates, Disneyland hosted 16.88 million visitors in 2022, down from 18.67 million in 2019, while California Adventure saw 9 million visitors, a decrease from 9.86 million in 2019. Walt Disney Co. typically does not release specific attendance figures.
Disneyland’s price hikes, although an adjustment aimed at managing visitor numbers, may affect holiday plans for those looking to visit during this festive season. Visitors should carefully consider their budget and explore the range of pricing options available for a magical Disney experience.
Remember that as the holiday season approaches, reservations and ticket purchases may be in high demand. So, plan your Disneyland adventure accordingly to ensure a magical and memorable visit.
For more information on ticket prices and reservations, please visit Disneyland Resort’s official website.
Strategies for Managing Disneyland’s Price Increases
Does Disneyland have a price hike?
Yes, Disneyland has implemented price hikes on some of its one-day tickets. In an official statement, the park cited "pent-up demand after a 14-month closure" as a key factor behind the pricing adjustments. Notably, a new top-tier pricing structure has been introduced for weekends and holidays. The one-day/one-park ticket pricing now varies based on anticipated demand for a specific day.
How much would a Disneyland ticket cost this year?
Disney announced late last year that ticket prices for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California, would increase this year. For a single-day ticket granting admission to one park, the price has risen by 6.5%, reaching $164. If you’re considering a two-day park hopper pass, be prepared for an increase of nearly 9%, making it cost $319.
How will the Disneyland price increase affect you?
The recent price increase at Disneyland affects visitors to both the original Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. For guests aged 10 and older, the cheapest ticket now stands at $104, representing a modest increase from the previous price of $97. This ticket option, known as the one-day single-park "value" choice, is available for off-peak dates, such as January weekdays.
How much does a Disneyland Hopper ticket cost?
This year, a Disneyland park hopper ticket has crossed the $200 mark for the first time, reflecting the park’s annual tradition of ticket price increases. In 2017, the top one-day, one-park ticket was priced at $124. Subsequently, it saw incremental rises, reaching $134 in 2018, $149 in 2019, and $154 in 2020. Presently, it stands at $159, with a new pricing tier set to launch at $164.
How much is Disney California Adventure tickets?
Ages 3-9 | Ages 10 + |
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$127 | $134 |
$141 | $149 |
$150 | $159 |
$155 | $164 |
How much is parking at Disney?
When driving to the parks at Walt Disney World, one notable advantage is the convenience of to-and-from park access. For standard parking, the cost is $25, while preferred parking options are available at $45 or $50. A valuable benefit for Disney hotel guests is complimentary theme park parking, enhancing their overall experience.