It’s that time of year again. No, not the holidays or the changing of fall colors, but the time that Disneyland sets out to price gouge its guests just a little more.
The California-based park’s entry-level ticket will remain at $104, the same price it’s been for six years, but other ticket tiers, which are based on demand, will jump between $7 and $12, a 5.9% to 6.5% increase, the company said Wednesday.
Similarly, the cost of the park’s Magic Key annual pass will increase between 6% and 20%, or $100 to $125 depending on the pass type. These price changes are effective as of Wednesday.
Though the company has been under scrutiny for years because of the price it takes to enter the park, they have made some promotions to try and give attendees a break.
Disney announced its kids ticket offer of $50 tickets would be made available on Oct. 22 and can be used starting Jan. 7. Additionally, the company has a hotel offer that can save guests up to 20% starting in January.
“We always provide a wide variety of ticket, dining and hotel options, and promotional offers throughout the year, to welcome as many families as possible,” said Jessica Good, a Disneyland Resort spokesperson, in a statement Wednesday.
Disney’s theme parks operate on a demand-based pricing model. That means that certain times of the year are more expensive to visit the parks because more people are trying to visit at that time. Major holidays like Christmas and Halloween, as well as summer and school vacations are peak attendance times.
Disney said that there is a period of time in January and February where a family of four — two adults, two children — can visit the park for $308. That’s two $104 adult tickets and two $50 kids tickets.
But to handle demand, Disney has a tiered ticket system. Tier 0 is the lowest demand, the $104 base ticket price, while Tier 6 is the highest demand and will see an increase of $12 to $206 per ticket.
The Magic Key program will also get a price bump because of demand. The lowest tier, called Imagine, will cost $599 a year, a $100 increase, Enchant will be $974, a $125 increase, Believe will be $1,374, a $125 increase, and Inspire will be $1,749, a $100 increase.
Each tier has different access to theme park dates and perks. Disney noted that Magic Key passholders will get early access to the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening and discounts on Lightning Lane passes, as well as the existing merchandise, food and parking discounts.
It’s pretty wild to think that you could pay over $200 a head to visit the park for one day! I remember when it surpassed the $100 mark, and I thought that was expensive!
via: CNBC
