Disneyland in Anaheim, California, just raised the prices of admission, adding expenses to an already price selective experience. Starting in October 2024, one-day and one-park tickets to Disneyland cost $104 on the least busy days and $206 on peak days, the first time that a single-day ticket has touched the $200 level. Multiday tickets also increased. A two-day, one-park ticket rises to $330 (up from $310), and three-day tickets rise to $415 (up from $390). Disneyland’s annual pass: the Magic Key, which was introduced as a replacement to the original annual pass system – also increased. The Inspire Key now costs $1,749. Other passes, like the Believe and Enchant, grew 10% to 14%, respectively, depending on the tier of the pass.
For comparison, Disneyland’s new prices make it one of the most expensive options for entertainment in Southern California. One-day tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood-a major theme park that offers looks at popular movies and franchises such as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” runs between $109 and $159, depending on demand. Annual passes at Universal Studios start at about $179, significantly lower than the top-tier Disneyland prices. Meanwhile, Knott’s Berry Farm brings a more affordable offer to the table with more budget friendly prices: $79 for a one-day ticket, $150 for annual passes. Lastly, Six Flags Magic Mountain is an amusement park full of roller coasters and thrill rides, rather cheap if compared to the other ones at $50 for an online one-day ticket and $115 annually.
Despite the prices Disneyland still is about the immersive storytelling and unique attractions like its recently added Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Avengers Campus, and soon-to-open Tiana’s Bayou Adventure that create the magic. These high-demand experiences come with a growing price that outpaces many of its local competitors, placing Disney as one of the most if not the most enjoyable amusement parks in California. Moreover, with the Christmas season about to begin, even with the price increase, we might still see a fully packed park every day.
While it has been the ultimate spot for many families, these increases have raised concerns about the unaffordability of the destination for most people. Disney lovers increasingly seek alternatives in other parks to have high quality experience without facing such a huge financial burden.
