Ever look at the bills and credit card statements after your recent Disney World trip and want to cry a little? Well, you’re probably not alone.
Cinderella Castle
A Disney World trip can be very expensive and it seems like things are only getting pricier! If you feel like you’ve been spending more and more on your Disney trips, you’d be right. Costs for Disney World trips are going UP and now we’ve got an insight as to why.
Guest Spending is UP
Recently, Disney shared its quarterly earnings report for Q1 of fiscal year 2022 and it held its earnings call to share the results. As a result of the earnings report and earnings call, we learned a whole bunch of things about Disney+ subscriber numbers, capacity, and more. One of the big things we saw is that the Parks, Experiences, and Products division hit some all-time RECORD numbers when it comes to revenue.
EPCOT
Growth in operating income at the parks was attributed to a number of things including higher volumes and increased guest spending. Disney shared that the increase in guest spending was due in part to things like an increase in per capita ticket revenue, higher average room rates, and an increase in spending on food, beverage, and merchandise. The increase in per capita ticket revenue was due in part to Genie+ and Lightning Lane (a paid service that replaced the free FastPass+ service).
Disneys Animal Kingdom
So while in some ways guests might just be spending more because they want to buy more, some of this increase in spending does appear to come from increases in costs in the parks (on things like room rates and more) which then equal higher levels of spending. And we’ve seen LOTS of price increases taking place over the past several months.
Click here to see more about the all-time revenue record hit in the Disney Parks division
A Whole Bunch of Price Increases
If you recently stopped by Disney World and thought, “Wow! That DOLE Whip, spirit jersey, etc. felt like it was more expensive this trip,” you’d be correct. Price increases have impacted a number of things all throughout Disney World.
When it comes to food, we saw HUNDREDS of price increases impact snack stands and restaurants throughout Disney World’s parks and resorts recently. Popcorn refills and popcorn buckets, DOLE whip floats, Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bars and Mickey Ice Cream Sandwiches, Mickey waffles, Mickey pretzels, alcoholic beverages, and MORE have all seen an increase in price recently.
Price increases hit Aloha Isle!
But that’s not all. Over the past several months we’ve also seen spirit jerseys, MagicBands, the lightsaber experience in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and much more increase in price.
MagicBands
When it comes to park tickets, annual passes have seen a bump in price. For regular theme park tickets, while the range of ticket prices hasn’t increased (yet!) in 2022 you’ll find that some days which were previously at a lower price level now fall into a higher price bracket.
That means that even if you visit Disney World in 2022 on the exact same days you visited in 2021, you might find that the tickets are now more expensive because they now fall into a more expensive bracket (remember that each day on the Disney calendar falls into a different price bracket based on expected demand).
Hollywood Studios
There are also other things that cost more now like the After Hours events that replaced the previous holiday parties.
We’ve theorized and heard some responses as to a number of reasons why these prices might be going up. For one thing, there’s inflation. In fact, Disney’s Chief Financial Officer, Christine McCarthy, previously shared that inflation is something Disney is looking to address.
McCarthy said they were discussing a variety of options. She noted, “you know we can adjust suppliers. We can substitute products. We can cut portion size, which is probably good for some people’s waistlines. We can look at pricing where necessary. But we aren’t going to go just straight across and increase prices. We’re really going to try to get the algorithm to right to cut where we can and not necessarily do things the same way.”
Mickey Pretzel
Supply chain issues may also be making it more difficult to obtain certain things, driving increases in prices. And there could be other factors at play. But recently Disney CEO Bob Chapek gave some clarity as to what he sees as the driving factor behind these increases in price
So WHY Are Prices Going Up?
Following the recent earnings call, an interview between CNBC and Bob Chapek was released. During the interview, Julia Boorstin specifically noted that some days have gone up in price (as we mentioned above) and she said that some have raised concerns about affording a trip to the Disney parks with their families.
Boorstin asked Chapek, “how do you address those concerns and what is driving those prices up? Is it inflation, is it labor shortages?”
Cinderella
Chapek’s response? Demand. Chapek shared that demand is what is driving prices up. Chapek specifically stated “This is a supply and demand business.” Chapek noted that (unlike some other things like Disney+), the physical Disney parks have a fixed supply.
Chapek said that they commit to giving guests “the absolute best Disney experience no matter when they come” and one of the ways that they do that is “by taking those guests that want to have a more bespoke, more personalized, more customized, more expensive day and using that essentially to keep the lower prices on again, the second Tuesday in September. And so, it’s really demand that drives it.”
Monorail
It seems that as long as people keep coming and and the demand is there, prices will continue to increase. It also seems that, based on Chapek’s statements, Disney is working on somewhat balancing out those lower priced days by offering those experiences that guests pay more for (or other price increases on other days of the year).
Toy Story Land
So what can you expect for your Disney World trip this year or into the future? Expect things to be a bit pricier than they were during your last trip. Your trip might be more expensive due to the limited number of hotel rooms available, spending on things like Genie+, or food price increases.
And prices may continue to increase as a result of demand, as Chapek has indicated. So don’t be surprised if we hear about ticket price increases or other increases over the upcoming months (and certainly the upcoming years).
Driving to Disney World
Planning a trip and worried about costs? See our posts below to check out how you can SAVE on a trip or what costs you’ll want to keep in mind:
- See why your Disney World trip in 2022 may cost you THOUSANDS more
- Check out our page full of information about Disney discounts and tips
- Learn about new ways to save for your trip
- Find out how you can save big in Disney World this February
And stay tuned for more Disney news!
Click here to see the most expensive days to visit Disney World in 2022!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What are your best tips for saving money while at Disney World? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Interesting comment by Chapek demand will continue to raise prices. Being a DVC member since 1998 and living in NJ so I usually fly to Disney I will be taking less trips. Usually we go at least twice a year once with my husband and once with by kids and their family. That equals 14 people in total. Now we need to pay to get to our hotel and back to airport. Then if we want to bypass a line for a ride pay for Genie +. Let’s address the restaurants won’t be eating at many if any. Paying for 11 at adult prices and 3 Kids accounts for a lot of money and the food is not worth the cost. The kids eat hardly anything at a buffet. How much does a 4 year old eat. My trips will now be every 2 years. I have seen just about everything I need to see so I will spend my money somewhere else. It’s not that I can’t afford it but I feel that Chapek thinks it’s ok to price gouge people as long as his profits are going up. The average individual will not be able to afford in the future. I don’t think Walt Disney would approve that gouging people because of demand is the way to go.
“A supply and demand business”! That’s right , Not a Magical Theme Park, Not “The happiest place on earth”, Not a place that parents can enjoy with their kids……A SUPPLY AND DEMAND BUSINESS!
I would also say corporate bonuses weren’t helping with park prices either.
Chapek and the rest of upper management better get all they can now. Someday the people they want in their parks are going to find something new to do. And they will leave the parks without deep pockets willing to pay more and more. We are going this last time only because we promised or grandson, we would. Disney was my favorite places in the world to be. Now I am going knowing the word no will come out of mouth more than any other. Sad, that corporate GREED has taken down another family favorite.
Seriously?
“Why are prices increasing?”
“Because we can.”
I don’t buy Bob’s reasoning, pricing is up to cover his multi Million Raise
So much Hooey!! Check out the Disney propaganda key words and phrases.
“guest spending has grown at Disney Parks”
“increases in costs in the parks (on things like room rates and more) which then equal higher levels of spending”
“The increase in per capita ticket revenue was due in part to Genie+ and Lightning Lane”
“We’ve theorized and heard some responses as to a number of reasons why these prices might be going up. For one thing, there’s inflation”
“This is a supply and demand business.” (Chapek notes)
To summarize for Disney, none of this is Disney’s fault. If we vacationers want to blow all our hard earned money at Disneyworld, Disney will just have to keep raising prices until all of this excessive spending levels out. In other words, we are mainly responsible for all these increases. (us, inflation, pandemic etc., etc.,) Certainly not the Disney Corporation.
Even McCarthy is trying to save us from ourselves. She states,” “you know we can adjust suppliers. We can substitute products. We can cut portion size, which is probably good for some people’s waistlines. We can look at pricing where necessary.” She’s very concerned about our waistlines.
It’s time we pitched in to control shareholder profits. STOP SPENDING SO MUCH MONEY!
The comment doesn’t fully explain the cost increases. It could not honestly be expected for prices to go down when demand eases or drops. But blaming Chapek alone is not completely fair. He was likely selected to do the job the very way he is doing it. He’s paid more than enough to take the blame, but this is not likely him alone. In the current circumstances and demand there is the opportunity. It’s a shame as Disney trips have never been considered inexpensive. But eventually there will be a point of diminishing returns. Some will go less, whether less parks on a trip, less frequent trips.
Disappointment will always come with cost cutting or charging for things that were once free like fast pass, magical express.
The real issue and source of complaint for many of us? Is that Disney has us, and the company knows this.
The obvious reason is to make up for the shortfalls of the past two years due to the lockdowns. Other than that, with increased park attendance and the increase in merchandise purchases, there really is no reason for the price increases. But now with Inflation creeping up near 10%, the prices will likely become even higher this year.
They’ve priced our family out of regular visits. It’s going to take more time to save up for these anticipated trips, and as the prices just continue to rise, it becomes harder and harder to accumulate the necessary funds to make it happen. On top of that, all the hoops that need to be jumped through to plan and arrange a visit just bring more and more aggravation to the process. Planning your day to day adventures hour by hour months in advance just doesn’t lend itself to a relaxing vacation.
Demand is causing price increases ? Record profits, Inflation hurts everyone. Keep raising prices and eventually people won’t come. I don’t need someone to lecture me on my waist line.Let’s be truthful here Mr. Chapek, seems like you are trying to make up for what was lost because of Covid. My money will be spent elsewhere.
I’ve been going to Disney for a long time, but the current prices are simply more than I’m willing to pay. I’ve tracked our average cost per day for many years, and now am taking steps to reverse the continuous trend. I’ve quit booking any table service restaurants. Better and certainly cheaper food can be found off property. I’ve stopped buying most souvenirs (why I every bought this stuff is a mystery). I don’t buy Genie anything. I book my DVC room, use my AP to go to the parks, and have a great time: I’m not feeding Bobs need to feed Wallstreet.
I remember McCarthy’s statement about cutting portion sizes cause she basically called everyone fat 😂
I am coming here in June and I am disabled so I won’t be able to go on any rides yet I still have to pay full price for my tickets it’s not fair and should be a price reduction for people in the same position x
My last ever Disney trip is in October. We can’t really afford it but I promised my family that we would go one last time. The magic has gone, I’m just a money bucket now, not a guest.
He is so full of crap. It’s not demand it’s the greediness. Pay more and get less. Every five minutes they are raising prices and then spouting out so sob story as to why. And raising Disney plus again they’re offer good programs just like the rest Hulu and Netflix.
This makes me so mad. Everywhere I read, food prices at Disney are increasing. Yet Christine McCarthy says they will cut portion size rather than raise prices across the board. Lies! They’re doing both. By the way Christine, your food was already way overpriced. I’d rather pay even more than to still overpay with the current prices and be served child’s portions. No more Disney for me. I don’t need to be taken for a ride before the train even leaves the station.
They have stolen the Magic. We have been visiting since the ’70’s and have purchased DVC mownership in ’93 with 4 add on contracts. I have never been so disappointed in the changes at WDW. We used to love going there. Now the added cost and the “complication” of planning a vacation have made it no longer a vacation. It’s a nerve wracking job to try and enjoy all of the “Magic”.
Bob read the teleprompter wrong, it’s not “demand” it’s “greed”.
I am pretty sure Walt Disney did not intend his parks to come to this. Increasing prices just because they can? Unbelievable!
I don’t like someone telling me I have to decide months in advance which park I will be visiting on which days. Trying to afford a Disney trip now is like chasing after the Magical Express…it is gone. So is the Magic.
not so magical 2 1/2 weeks at disney, deluxe resort, beds not made, if u don’t pay for rides, expect 1 to 2 hour wait. Every park major rides down waisted. Plan Universl you will not be dissapointed
oh forgot to add 1 to 2 hour wait ride goes down so sad too bad
Yeah, it’s no longer fun. They are going to keep increasing prices until people say that’s enough and stop going. Then it will be a place for the super wealthy only. We all have our memories from when it was a magical fun family experience and that will be all we have left.
Until then we will use our AP until it expires. It’s a real “nobody goes there anymore cause it’s too crowded” experience now anyway. The crowds and lines are ridiculous so they can keep raising everything because they can. Good business practice I guess.
We can’t wait for Universal Studio’s new park to open. We are probably not going to renew our APs and instead go visit all of the other attractions here in Florida. There is so much competition to enjoy without feeling so ripped-off. Disney doesn’t care about us anymore.
Bob Chapek clearly does not understand supply and demand. Disney was never magical it was a very well oiled machine that Chapek has pulled apart and is now selling the pieces. When demand is high, supply would be , or should cheaper. Go back to economics school, Bob…
“Why Are Prices INCREASING in the Parks”?
I can give you 32.5 million reasons why, just ask Bob.
@ Rob. I just read about that this morning and it made me sick.
Hey Bob,
The reason for such price increases is not so much demand as it is to make sure u get that 100 million$ bonus a year u receive gets paid. Disney been downhill since bob took over. He’s not worth it. The people will revolt and not pay these crazy prices for long. As soon as people wise up to what is going on. Disney has turned greedy greedy greedy greedy.
I agree! Walt would not be happy if he were alive today.
We’ve already made the decision to switch to Universal. It’s not just about fighting corporate greed, it’s also about accommodating our wallets. I don’t like spending more to get less, not do I like being taken advantage of. And Disney is guilty of both. So I will get myself a Cat in the Hat hat and some Universal character shirts and it’s off to Universal I go. (Should have at least kept free Fast Pass and Magical Express Disney. May have made a difference in our decision).
No moderation forthcoming!
My family was going to go in 2023, but after talking together about cost, so much preplanning, etc, etc. It became apparent that using our money to go to Disney was not going to equal a “vacation” in our book. We are looking at other destinations instead- no theme parks, and are finding we are much more excited now to actually have a stress-free vacation. I think many others are going to start seeing the light, too. You CAN give up Disney. It will be interesting to see what Disney does if and when the ball is no longer in their court.
I think it’s time for another CEO to run Disney World! We are yet another family that won’t be going back to “the happiest place on earth.” I am well aware of how suppy and demand work. The sharp increases in every area are NOT because of simple economics. When I wrote a letter to discuss concerns I was told by higher ups there, that Disney’s prices reflect the unique experience that ONLY Disney can provide. No thank you, my family will go to experience travel elsewhere now. Sad, sooo sad!
Basically he didn’t need to have a long interview. Explanation. He should have just said why are we charging more? Because we can and we can get away with it and people will pay it so screw the rest of us right? People will just run up their credit cards and fill Disney’s pockets. It has become disgraceful. I think Walt would be turning over in his grave. We went in December and were thoroughly disgusted with the prices of everything. Been going since 94 and has just continued to get worse and worse.
We completely agree. We’re DVC owners since ‘ 94 and WDW junkies. We stopped eating dinner anywhere in WDW. Loud, mediocre food and absurd pricing. The Genie + and Lightening Lanes went over the top. It’s horrible. Pricing families out. Not what Walt intended.
Disney needs to be careful with these increases as it will start to turn off loyal guests. We’ve been passholders for 4 years (since we moved to FL) and aren’t renewing when our passes expire on 6/1 because it’s become way too expensive, cost wise it doesn’t make sense anymore. We typically go three times a year and stay on site for 2-3 nights with our two young kids but the Passholder prices keep going up and at this point it just makes more sense to buy regular tickets if/when we choose to go back. Plus w/ being a Florida resident the extra 5% we save on an AP room discount vs the Florida discount isn’t worth the higher passholder costs. The AP makes us want to go more which Disney should want… that’s more money in hotel/merch/food… but the price increases across the board is just outrageous, it’s time we try new vacation spots.
I agree with you Rachel. In December of 2020 as a Christmas Present I told my kids with their family I would treat them to a week at Disney as there Christmas gift. I am a DVC member so the rooms were no problem. I was hoping by August 2020 which is when we normally come, since we have 2 teachers in the family, things would be back to normal and we could plan our vacation. Unfortunately that did not happen. We are now coming from New Jersey in July and the cost as you said is ridiculous. The cost for the 7Day Park Hopper with Genie Plus for our group will be approximately $9,000 buy them from undercover tourist (would be more from Disney) besides airfare which of course is also ridiculous and lets not forget food. Luckily I banked points so I have 2 rooms with full kitchens which we definitely be using. Going to restaurant at Disney would run over $400 easily and buffets are out of question especially since no characters. Lets not forget the fact that I need reservations to get into the park and of course no Magical Express or Fast Pass. It is not worth the cost anymore nor does it seem like a vacation when you have to make reservations just to be able to visit a park. I am considering selling back my DVC points if this continues.
This is not what Walt had in mind when he opened WDW. Supply and demand is garbage…. You just took a ridiculous salary and by upping prices, that is how you are justifying it. We just went and spent more because of your new genie+program, no dining plan and it is difficult to put gift cards on the app…. You must put them in every day. Some one wasn’t thinking. Baby care center was rude and not stocked with diapers….. Check out Pampers travel pack with two diapers and six wipes. They have them at MCO. Also having to pay for transportation to and from the airport for 6 both ways is expensive. You are pricing people out of wdw.
Was supposed to go to Disney World in 2020. Made plans but had to cancel because of Covid 19. We ended up going March 2022 with my 4 adult granddaughters, my daughter in law and 18 month old grandson. We had a good time but will not be going to Disney World again. As a grandmother I have taken my 4 granddaughters and daughter in law since 2004 every couple of years. Also took my grandson and 2 granddaughters in the latter part of 1990. I love Disney world and now my Granddaughters are adults and we have gone to Disney a couple of times for a girls week. Shame on you Bob Chapek your greed has really ruined Disney between being expensive, stressful planning and a lack of amenities. For example iI could not get half n half for my coffee just the chemical coffeemate, too many other amenities to list. Too bad. Girls week will be somewhere else.
We cancelled our trip for 2022, with the increasing prices, no magical express and having to purchase Disney Genie or lighting lanes, Disney has priced us out. We are from Canada and at this point it’s cheaper to go to Japan and visit Tokyo Disney.
Bob is not there for the people! He’s there for the stock holders, and himself. He can say whatever he wants about supply chains, demand, yada yada, yada. All we, the people, need to look at is that key phrase, “record earnings” and we know what’s going on. We also were planning a family vacation in 2023 but we can’t afford it! We’ll be going to Universal, or anywhere else but Disney. At their rate of inflation, I don’t think we’ll be able to save up to go again. Those Uber rich people will be there only ones going, and Chapek, there are less of them then there are of us, regular income people. You’re pricing Disney parks out of the people Walt wanted to enjoy it. Enjoy your money.
Every comment is the same, when will Disney and the greedy CEO and management take notice?!!!! I too was an AP but did not renew on April 2. We took our last trip for a long time. It’s not just the expense now. It’s the poor parents who have to be on the app constantly. Family friendly?? Try standing in line for 90 minutes then told the ride is down. AGAIN? Come back later. Who can do that when it’s your last day and catching a plane Disney needs to make it affordable for EVERYONE!! Everything comes with a cost attached. Walt would be so disappointed.
Like Auston Powers, Walt needs to be defrosted to take on the one who has taken control, I’m talking to you Dr. Evil.
As long as people continue to go (especially young families) and spend the money for crowded parks, mediocre food, parking and/or no more free transportation between the airport & resorts, Genie+, overpriced merchandise, and being nickled & dimed to death, then Disney will continue to hike prices & cut services (you know they’re not paying their employees more). If that means a family can only afford to go once in their lifetime, that’s ok with Disney because there will just be more coming the following years. Until it really hits Disney in the pocketbook, it won’t change. And it will never hit them in the pocketbook because there are people who will go seriously into debt (or don’t have to worry about money at all) to spend time there.
Just spend a week in FL….excellent food, perfect accommodations, no waits, swimming all day….oh, one more thing, it was in Fort Myers….try it everybody! You won’t be disappointed there!
The comments on this blog are all on the mark. Disney will charge its customers as much as they think they can get away with. They are betting that their vast appeal gives them the leverage to do this. Pricing will continue upward until reservations start to decline due to the high cost of entry. We are a long way from this point. Unfortunately, this pricing strategy, which is repugnant to many for all the reasons stated, makes the Disney Experience unaffordable for many average American families. This in conjunction with Disney’s sexually inappropriate indoctrination of our children through their statements, slogans, characters and streaming service tells you all you need to know about the New Disney and where it’s heading. Innocent wholesome affordable family fun and entertainment is a thing of the past.
This is not sustainable. I feel like right now people are going because they made promises or plans or have extra DVC points and also because a lot of people have extra money from not having traveled or dined out for two years. Eventually all of those things will change and by then, people may be so fed up with the predatory pricing, they’ll find better value elsewhere. And once people break the “habit” of going to Disney frequently, they might not come back at least not as often. If I didn’t have a Disney obsessed autistic son who’s entire life is about going to Disney, we’d be looking elsewhere for sure.
Chapek specifically stated “This is a supply and demand business.” I thought it was about fun, imagination and a sprinkle of pixie dust.
As a long time visitor to WDW (beginning in the 80’s), I believe the ever increasing prices on tickets-rides-merchandise-eats is turning the experience into an elitist club only the rich can afford. We spent three days in February of this year and it was not enjoyable due to the Genie+ system. We felt all we did was spend our day looking at our phone and the app. Very disappointing!!
Disney needs new leadership, and fast! Where ate all the profits going, because it sure isn’t going to the shareholders. Disney shares are almost as low as they were when they bottomed out during the pandemic, and all I hear from Chapek is park attendance is up…too much demand, so Disney will continue to gouge guests at every turn.
I lost my shirt on my last (and it will remain my last) Disney vacation, and continue to lose my shirt on my Disney stock. Face it, the only winner here is Bob Chapeck. Between his political debacle and his mgt of the business, he will be the fall of Disney. Say good bye to the happiest place on earth.
Yes…..Chapek needs to step out. We have loved and enjoyed Disney every year since 1986. Our trip in Jan to Feb. 2022for 2 weeks was disappointing. We knew we wouldn’t have Hugs , autographs, shows and even be busier and need to wait more than 5 to 10 minutes for a ride. Wait times were more than an hour sometimes 2, ride goes down, so sad to bad situation. Everyday, every park had rides down for long periods of time. We were walked off several. It got to the point that I was asked if I could walk off a ride if it broke down, as I am handicap.
What was most shocking to me is realizing that attractions have not been properly maintained, noticed TRASH everywhere. Truely this is not the same Disney we have so loved and spent our had earned dollars saving for.
We can no longer afford what was ONCE magical.