The magic of Disney is becoming more and more difficult for the average family to experience. The rising prices of park admission, annual passes, lightning lanes, hotels, food and merchandise make “The Happiest Place on Earth” less accessible.
Disney’s first theme park, Disneyland in Anaheim, opened in 1955. With crowds rushing in, an opening day ticket cost $1—$11.53 in today’s value—, but visitors had to pay an additional price for each ride. With Disney theme parks expanding all over the globe, the average admissions ticket for a single park now costs $160, which allows visitors to partake in numerous exquisite attractions.
But that price doesn’t cover one of Disney’s newest features: the lightning lane.
Lightning lanes allow those who pay for the additional service to skip long lines and join a shorter line to avoid prolonged waiting for desired attractions and rides. From paper FastPasses to magic bands to Genie+, Disney has undergone significant changes to establish a system that addresses the busy lines in theme parks.
While intended to assist visitors and reduce crowded chaos, this luxury of waiting in much shorter lines comes with a financial toll and a competitive game.
In recent years, Disney guests have logged into the cue at 7:00 am sharp on the day of the park visit to compete for limited lightning lane passes. Last month, Disney initiated a brand new Lightning Lane Multi-Pass that allows park goers staying at Disney resorts to make lightning lane selections for the entirety of the trip seven days in advance. Prices vary by date and theme park, but it averages to be $15-$35 per person per day. For a family, the price can add up quickly.
This brilliant technology is far from a solution when some guests are left feeling confused and overwhelmed. While some Disney pros have mastered the best methods of navigating lightning lanes, others remain waiting in long lines, unsure of how to even use any possible features offered in the My Disney Experience App. In order for families to experience a successful Disney trip, it seems they have to first research the ins and outs of the system.
There is unfortunately no room for spontaneity.
What was once considered an opportunity for a beloved family vacation full of magic with Mickey and his friends has now become a somewhat unaffordable and unachievable luxury for average-income families. “I do think that the rising prices of Disney have deterred some people from wanting to go. It can even be seen as a hardship to want to go because several families spend significant portions of their savings to experience the so-called magic,” remarked senior Becca Hahm.
The Walt Disney Company was developed to bring entertainment and inspiration to society through storytelling and creative innovation. Visiting these outstanding theme parks is a dream of many, but it is hard for Disney to achieve its intended purpose when the experiences can create a financial burden for some.
The extent to which perks and opportunities are available to travelers depends on how much individuals are able or willing to spend.
Once visitors arrive at their Disney destination, there are still a variety of prices to be covered. “I feel like the most expensive part of Disney is the food. It is overpriced yet small in serving proportion, so it’s not worth the money most of the time,” expressed Hahm. The famous churros and Mickey pretzels are a must-have snack at theme parks, but the meals, drinks and desserts purchased throughout the day can certainly add up to a high amount.
Not only that, but Disney is marketing to higher-income families by partnering with well-known and expensive brands. Disney announced a collaboration with Lululemon last week. The designs may be charming and fun, but the high-end brand targets a particular audience. From a $78 tank top to a $158 hoodie, this overpriced athleisure wear is out of reach for most Americans.
Despite these rising prices, there is still hope for families seeking a fun-filled Disney experience.
Disney travel agents are a helpful source to manage vacations and avoid the risk of overspending. They ensure travelers don’t miss any key opportunities. “A Disney travel agent can create a customized itinerary that fits your family’s needs and budget, ensuring you make the most of your time and money,” shared Disney travel agent Katelyn Darling. “By planning well in advance, exploring bundled package deals, choosing to visit during off-peak times and utilizing promotions, families can discover more budget-friendly options to create lasting memories at Disney,” added Darling.
As Darling noted, families may still be able to enjoy a magical Disney experience without overspending by leveraging those strategies. While the high prices are discouraging, the Walt Disney franchise should continue to work to make its magic more accessible to its dreamers.
