NEWS: Disney World Raises Prices on Tickets, Parking, Annual Passes, Lightning Lane & More

Going to Walt Disney World has just gotten more expensive. Disney has raised prices on its theme park parking, Lightning Lanes, annual passes, ticket prices, and some premium experiences. Catch all the details below.

1 – Parking at Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Effective October 8, parking at Walt Disney World theme parks is now more expensive. Parking rates have been increased anywhere from $5-10 depending on the type of parking. Standard parking is now $35 a day, up from $30. Preferred parking is now anywhere from $50-$60 a day, depending on the date, up from $45-$55. Oversized parking also saw a $5 increase and is now $40, up from $35 for shuttle, limo, trailers, RVs, bus or tractor trailers.

2 – Lightning Lane Multi Pass

Guests who purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass are able save time and skip the line on certain attractions who fall into the Multi Pass groupings. Since its launch in 2021, the program has been tweaked and prices have steadily increased. Prices vary by date (and demand) but we’re seeing new maximum prices. Here is a breakdown.

• Magic Kingdom – previous maximum was $39, now up to $45
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – previous maximum was $35, now up to $39
• EPCOT – previous maximum was $32, now up to $37
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – previous maximum was $29, now up to $35

Keep in mind that again, prices vary by dates, but you may see a $4-$6 increase in what you pay for Lightning Lane Multi Pass per person, per day.

3 – Lightning Lane Single Pass

Lightning Lane Single Pass attractions are also seeing new $1-$3 prices increases as well with new maximum charges. Here is a breakdown.

• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – now $15, was $14 previous maximum
• TRON Lightcycle / Run – now $23, was $22 previous maximum
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – now $22, was $19 previous maximum
• Avatar Flight of Passage – now $19, was $18 previous maximum
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – remains at $25

4 – Walt Disney World Annual Passes

Walt Disney World annual pass prices have also been increased. These prices are usually raised every October, so we were expecting these price increases. Prices have been raised anywhere from $20-$70. Click here to learn more about the different annual pass options.

• Pixie Dust Pass: $489, up $20
• Pirate Pass: $869, up $20
• Sorcerer Pass: $1,099, up $20
• Incredi-Pass: $1,629, up $70

5 – 2026 Walt Disney World Theme Park Ticket Prices

Walt Disney World has released the entire 2026 ticket pricing and we’re seeing an all-new high for ticket prices during the holiday season. A one day ticket to Magic Kingdom on Christmas Day 2026 will cost $209, up $10 from the $199 price in 2025. Walt Disney World uses dynamic pricing and this $209 highest price ticket only applies to a handful of very popular days around the holidays. By comparison, a ticket to Magic Kingdom during the Value Season in late August and early September is $139. Below you’ll find the price ranges for tickets in 2026.

• Magic Kingdom: $139-$209
• EPCOT: $134-$199
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $139-$204
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $119-$184

6 – Price Increases on Premium Experiences

Disney has also raised prices on some of its premium experiences such as it tours and firework cruises.

Here is a breakdown of the new pricing:

• Firework cruises: starting at $499, up $50
• Wild Africa Trek: ranges from $229-$239, up $10
• Savor the Savanna: ranges from $199-$209, up $10
• Behind the Seeds Tour: ranges from $39-$49, up $5
• Savi’s Workshop: $249.99, up $30
• Droid Depot: $129, up $109
• Keys to the Kingdom Tour: ranges from $169-$189, up $20-$40
• Poolside Patios: ranges from $109-$119, up $10

RELATED ARTICLE: Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Disney World Vacation Magical

by Kristin

Walt Disney World does a lot of the work to make the most magical vacations for each and every family, but we all have to do our part, too.  There are definitely things that you can do to keep your vacation magical and have the most amazing trip ever.  Here are the top ten ways to make sure you keep the magic in your Disney vacation:

10 – Do some planning and research prior to your trip.

We always recommend that you make sure to do some basic planning and research before you go on your trip.  It is a good idea to understand the park hours during your stay, security processes, check-in processes at the resort, packing planning, budget planning, etc.  This is also the time where you can get a basic plan for each day the must-do attractions for each member of the family so that you make sure those are planned.  This will help a lot to alleviate frustrations and concerns once you arrive.

9 – Don’t over-plan your days.

While we recommend that you do some planning before your trip, you definitely don’t want to over-plan your days.  You don’t want to try to plan out every minute of each day in an attempt to fit every single thing at Walt Disney World.  You really can’t fit everything into a single vacation, so you just have to prioritize and enjoy what you experience.  If you over-plan and try to do too much in a day, you set yourself up for frustration and disappointment.

8 – Set realistic expectations for the trip. 

Disney World is one of the most magical places on earth, but don’t expect perfection.  Disney will definitely do their best to make it the perfect trip for you and your family, but sometimes things aren’t as perfect as you like.  You will have to wait in lines. You may encounter a problem at your resort, your food may not be perfect, etc.  Disney World is still just like anywhere else so don’t set the vacation up for failure to live up to your expectations.

7 – Don’t let rain get you down.

Rain and Florida go hand in hand, so the probability that you will experience rain at some point in your vacation is very likely.  Definitely don’t let that get you down, even if it rains a lot during your stay.  You can still experience most of the attractions and fun during the rain.  Plus, it typically doesn’t rain the entire day, so odds are that you will also get some sunshine during your trip, too!

6 – Stay at a Walt Disney World resort.

The resorts and accommodations at the resorts are definitely magical and will enhance any vacation.  The cast members do their best to make it the best stay for your family, and you get to be immersed in the Disney theming and magic the entire time.  It is always a requirement for our family to stay on property when we visit!

5 – Let Disney do the driving.

We typically always take Disney transportation. Trying to drive around Walt Disney World can be frustrating and confusing, so we find that it is better to just wait for the transportation and enjoy not having to do any of the driving.

4 – Make your dining reservations in advance.

It is frustrating when your family has their hearts set on a particular restaurant, and then you aren’t able to get in, or when you are hungry for a meal and can’t seem to find a reservation.  We always recommend when planning to go ahead and at least get reservations for the restaurants you most want to dine at and at key dining times so you will have a reservation when you plan to eat.  We don’t recommend making a reservation for every meal each day, but at least get some of them in advance.

3 – Purchase tickets before you arrive and make park reservations (if necessary)!

You definitely don’t want to wait in line to purchase tickets.  Those lines can definitely take some of the initial magic out of your trip, especially when you haven’t even been able to enter the park yet.  Tickets are able to be purchased online or as add-ons to your vacation package.  You will save so much time if they are already linked to your Magic Band, and you don’t have to worry about it.  It makes for a more seamless experience that is focused on the magic and fun. Since January 2024, guests with date-based tickets no longer need to make park reservations. However, certain ticket types, like annual passholders, are still required before you can make a park reservation. Sometimes, parks do fill up, so if necessary, you’ll want to make a park reservation as soon as possible and not on the day of your visit!

2 – Enjoy the moment and don’t stress.

Don’t get caught up in creating perfect moments, and just live in the moment.  Enjoy everything around you and your loved ones enjoying it alongside you.  One of the best things about Disney is that there is something for everyone, and families/friends can enjoy amazing experiences together that are entertaining for everyone.  Just enjoy it, and don’t worry about what comes next and rushing around.  You don’t want to miss out on all the memories right in front of you!

1 – Let the fun take over!

Don’t be afraid to cut loose and have fun!  Be silly, wear matching family shirts, wear Mickey ears, give out glow sticks to other kids waiting for the fireworks, etc. Just have fun with it all and let all the magic in.  Once you get a taste of the true Disney magic, then you aren’t going to want to give it up.  Don’t worry about what anyone thinks, and just enjoy it all.  Dance in the streets to the music with your kiddos and hug them close during the fireworks.  These are the moments that Disney is the best at creating for families year after year!