A huge part of planning a trip to Disney World is figuring out exactly how to get there.
It’s about to get more expensive to drive to Florida
Flying is always a good option, especially if you live far away. Plus, airlines typically offer pretty good discounts to Orlando. However, some of you may choose to drive, and sometimes that could be the best budget-friendly option. Driving, though, may no longer be as budget-friendly as we thought, thanks to rising gas prices in Florida.
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, just getting to your Disney World hotel can eat up a big portion of your budget!
Why, you might ask? Well, gas prices continue to go up this summer, especially in Florida. According to Fox35, Florida’s average gas price reached a new high for 2023 at $3.84 per gallon. The previous record was set in April at $3.72 per gallon. “Florida gas prices are now the highest since August of last year,” said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins.
You may not want to drive to Florida right now…
Gas prices are expected to continue increasing, thanks to a few factors. Part of the problem is the extreme temperatures the U.S. has had this summer — along the Gulf Coast, those high temperatures have prevented oil refineries from operating at full capacity, driving fuel prices up and creating a situation where global oil supplies have tightened, per Fox35.
Driving to EPCOT
But that’s not all. Normally, this time of year would see gas prices decrease thanks to kids going back to school and the summer travel season coming to an end. However, hurricane season has started, and that could also affect gas prices going into the next few months. “Drivers should expect continued volatility at the pump during the coming months, particularly as we approach peak hurricane season,” Jenkins said per a Fox35 report. “The majority of Florida’s gasoline is supplied by refineries along the Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi coastlines.”
Storm in Disney World
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) has predicted a 40% chance of a near-normal hurricane season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season, and a 30% chance of a below-normal season. They’ve also forecasted a range of 12 to 17 named storms (which happens when a storm has winds of 39mph or greater). Of those storms, the NOAA predicts five to nine could reach hurricane status (winds of 74mph or greater), with one to four becoming major hurricanes (category 3, 4, 5, with winds of 11mph or greater).
©NOAA
Jenkins said, “Gas prices could spike just based on the mere threat of a hurricane making landfall in this region. How high gas prices go from there – and for how long – would then be based on whether those refineries suffered any long-term damage.”
The price of gas is always changing!
And while we’re on the subject of driving to Disney World, keep in mind that parking your car at one of the Disney parks is not cheap. For example, the cost of Disney’s preferred parking pass (for a car or motorcycle) ranges from $45 to $50 per day, while the standard parking cost is $25 per day. The good news is that it is free to park at the Disney World hotels.
Magic Kingdom parking lot
So if you’re headed to Disney World soon, you may want to reconsider driving. We’ll be keeping an eye on those gas prices (and hurricane season in the Orlando area), so be sure to stay tuned to DFB for more.
What to Expect from Hurricane Season 2023 in Disney World
Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks
Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World
Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport
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Have gas prices increased a lot where you live? Let us know in the comments!
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Parking was free the last time I visited , but greed is good as they say. Time changes things
Gas prices are up everywhere, not just here in Florida. I have family in Michigan and Illinois. Michigan is about the same, Illinois is more.
Sounds like the prices in Florida are the same as Ohio and West Virginia. Plan flights have also increased so it may still be good to drive.
Gas prices have been quite high in Canada, still cheaper to drive than fly due super high airfares and car rental prices.