Filed under: Walt Disney, Travel, Music & Entertainment, Vacation Planning, Financial Education
By Jim Gold
At Walt Disney World (DIS) in Florida, a one-day Magic Kingdom adult ticket soon will be $105, up from $99, inside sources recently told the independent WDW News Today. Prices would go up $5, to $99, at Disney World's Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom theme parks.
Similar West Coast increases are planned at Disneyland Park, home to Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Disney California Adventure Park, WDWNT said. An adult one-day, one-park ticket for either now is $96.
Disney officials told Money Talks News that they have "nothing to announce" at this time. However, price hikes have come nearly annually at the Disney resorts since 2010. In Florida, prices in 2014 jumped just before spring break; in California, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend's unofficial launch of summer.
While experts have wondered if a $100 threshold would matter, Disney analysts continue to predict increasing attendance at the company's theme parks. Theme Park Insider recently pegged Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom as the world's most popular theme park, with 18.6 million visitors a year; Disneyland saw 16.2 million visitors. And Disneyland is gearing up for its 60th birthday with special attractions beginning May 22.
Money Talks News can help you offset coming increases without you having to feel like Scrooge McDuck. Here's a recap of ways to save on Disney stays. We've previously mentioned how to go to Disney without going broke and how to save big.
That's Just the Ticket
- Plan ahead, buy now. Single-day tickets bought now are good until Dec. 31, even if a price hike is announced later, Disney officials assured Money Talks News. Multiday tickets bought now must first be used by Dec. 31 and within 13 days of first use, or by Jan. 13, 2016, whichever occurs first, Disney says.
- Multiday discounts. The more days you buy, the larger the discount. At Walt Disney World, a three-day adult ticket for one park per day is $274, or $91.34 a day, which is a savings of $7.66 a day, or 7.7 percent. If you've got the time, a 10-day ticket for one park per day is $354, or $35.40 a day, which is $63.60 a day, or nearly two-thirds, off base price. Similar saving are available in California, with a five-day ticket for one park a day offered at $266, or $53.20 a day, nearly 45 percent off the base price.
- Annual pass. If you live close enough to go often, consider a "premium" annual pass ($754 in Florida; $699 in California) which includes multiple park visits - including water parks in Florida - in one day, free parking, and discounts on food and merchandise 365 days a year. An annual pass in Florida ($634) doesn't include water park admissions; in California, a "deluxe" passport ($519) offers only 315 days of admissions and lesser discounts.
Stay and Play
Walt Disney World includes about 30 hotels and even campgrounds on its nearly 40-square-mile resort at Lake Buena Vista, 20 miles southwest of Orlando. They include "value," "moderate," and "deluxe" accommodations in a variety of prices, many discounted between now and June 15.
Still, other deals may be found in the 200 Orlando hotels and motels. In California, only three hotels are on the 510-acre resort. Outside the resort but nearby are 39 Disney-approved lodges and more than 100 other places to stay.
Although it can run $200 a night or more to stay in a resort hotel instead of off site, amenities often include parking (otherwise $17 a day), proximity to attractions, transportation around the resort, extended park hours and access to Disney characters.
For off-site lodging, consider shuttle service or walking distance to and from park gates, especially if you plan to return to your room during the day, and other promotions, such as gasoline refunds and off-season rates.
Eat for Less
Many visitors try to get around buying expensive food at Disney parks by packing in their own (not really allowed inside Disneyland Park, which offers a complimentary picnic area outside the main entrance) or by going to off-site restaurants or back to their hotel rooms to eat. Experienced visitors recommend going to grocery stores near the theme parks and buying food for savings of $10 to $20 a meal.
Also, you may want to pack items such as batteries, memory cards for cameras, Band Aids, sunscreen. But don't load yourself down so much you can't enjoy the parks.
Apparel and Mementos
My Frugal Adventures and others suggest purchasing Disney-related apparel and other paraphernalia on sale in advance from your local Disney Store, Walmart (WMT) or other discount retailer. Besides saving on resort gift shop prices, you'll be dressed for your occasion right upon arrival. You'll still likely buy souvenirs at the park, but maybe not as many if you hadn't bought ahead.
Alternative Destinations
- Universal Orlando Resort has a one-day one-park ticket to Universal Studios Florida or Universal's Islands of Adventure for $96. (There's a Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction in each.) Universal Studios Hollywood is $92.
- Legoland California, not including its Sea Life aquarium or water park, is $87; Legoland Florida is also $87 but is offering one-day discounts for $72.
- Both Florida and California offer miles of free beaches along their coasts.
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