Predicting Disney Parks ticket prices for the next 10 years and how to save money
Research conducted by Koala — an online marketplace that connects travelers and timeshare owners — has predicted the cost of going to Disney parks around the world in 2031.
Koala looked at the original cost of an adult ticket for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Shanghai Disney Resort when each park first opened, and then compared that amount to current ticket prices to predict the costs in 10 years.
“It’s always interesting to see how prices increase over time,” said Mike Kennedy, Koala’s co-founder, and CEO. “Despite the steep increase in price, millions of families continue to travel to the parks each year and pay a premium to experience that Disney magic.”
With an average price increase of 7.4% each year, Walt Disney World Resort Resort is projected to be the most expensive Disney destination in 2031, with an adult ticket costing $253.00, an increase of 7134% since the park first opened 50 years ago. Still, that’s unlikely to deter Walt Disney World fans since, as Kennedy notes, Orlando bookings have continued to rise steadily.
Coming in second is Disneyland Resort, which offered an opening day adult ticket for the low, low bargain price of only $2.50 (about $24.00 in today’s money). However, Koala predicts that an adult ticket to the Happiest Place on Earth will cost $224.00 in ten years, an 8858% increase since the resort first opened in 1955 — and the most significant increase across all parks.
Currently, the most affordable of the Disney Parks is also the newest — Shanghai Disney Resort — which is expected to retain that title, with prices projected to rise only 25% (1.52% a year) by 2031.
As most theme park fans know, the price of a ticket is just one of the many expenses that need to be considered when planning a Disney vacation. Because of that, Koala has also shared a few valuable tips for saving money when going to a Disney Resort.
“Disney’s trademark fun and R&R continues to be a lure, especially for families planning their post-pandemic ‘comeback’ vacations,” Kennedy notes. “Fortunately, there are plenty of other ways to save on a Disney vacation, such as renting a timeshare directly from the owner.”
Koala’s Top Five Money-Saving Tips:
- Timeshares – Timeshare resorts are ideal for families because they have extra space, kitchen and laundry facilities, and all the perks of a traditional resort, and timeshare owners will often rent their vacation properties to help defray their annual costs.
- Ticket Sales – Disney Parks will occasionally offer tickets that can save you money if you can make the small print work with your plans. In addition, travel agents often have subsidized tickets or bundle options that come with a discount.
- Transportation – When booking rental properties, consider transportation links to the parks and weigh the expense. Some resorts may be within walking distance, but you may need to use public transportation or rent a car for others. In addition, many timeshare resorts will offer shuttle services directly to the resorts, so you don’t have to worry about parking.
- Travel Off-Season – From airfare and park tickets to hotel and rental rates, prices during the off-season are almost always more reasonable, so traveling to Disney parks off-peak is bound to save some money. Plus, with fewer crowds, you’ll be less tempted to purchase priority tickets to skip the lines.
- Food and Drink – Lunch for a family of four at a Disney park can easily top $50 a day, so rather than buying food and drinks in the parks, you can bring your own snacks and meals. Taking the time to go grocery shopping and making use of the kitchen in your timeshare rental can save a lot of money, especially for families.
Click here to view Koala’s research in full.
