If Disney Parks are Crowded, Prepare to Pay More

In early 2016, Disney parks announced they would base their rates on the volume of visitors to their parks in Anaheim, Calif., and Orlando, Fla. It comes as no surprise, then, that when prices drop as attendance becomes sparse, prices would rise if attendance is high. Therefore, prepare to pay more during what the parks consider “peak” days, labeled as such on its website.

A calendar online will display three categories of prices and days: Peak, Value and Regular. Peak days will be selected based on the parks’ anticipated attendance. For example, during schools’ spring break holiday, the prices will be set as peak prices, as well as during the high summer period from Memorial Day until the end of July. One-day prices will rise as high as $124, a 20 percent increase from past high-season prices of $105 per day. Value-day prices will be $105 for adults and $99 for kids. On regular days, expect to pay $110 for adults and $104 for children. Prices vary from park to park, but the amount of the increase is the same — 20 percent across the board.

It isn’t surprising Disney is issuing this new pricing scheme in an effort to make money, but guests who aren’t willing to fork over the higher-priced tickets will inevitably search for other ways to enjoy the park. For example, families may be tempted to take their children out of school in order to take advantage of the regular or value day prices. However, families that visit Orlando and Anaheim from faraway destinations may consider extending their stays by enjoying other local attractions on peak days, and visiting the Disney parks on off-peak days. Either way, seeing Mickey and Minnie Mouse just got a lot more difficult for planning parents.