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If you’re dreaming of a trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you might want to grab your Mickey ears — and your wallet. Disney has officially raised prices on tickets and annual passes across both resorts. But before you panic, here’s some good news: depending on when you go, you might not spend a dime more than before.

The Price Hike Explained

Disney recently announced new pricing for both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California, effective immediately. However, the “starting prices” — the cheapest tickets available — will stay the same through October 2026. That means visitors who plan trips during less busy times won’t see any increase at all.

According to a Disney spokesperson, the company remains committed to providing “magical experiences for everyone,” with flexible options for different budgets. Still, guests visiting during popular times, like holidays or summer break, will notice higher prices — especially on peak days in late 2026.

Here’s a quick look at the current one-day, one-park ticket ranges for Disney World:

• Animal Kingdom: $119–$174

• EPCOT: $129–$194

• Hollywood Studios: $139–$194

• Magic Kingdom: $139–$199

While those top and bottom prices are locked for now, many mid-tier dates have quietly gone up by about $5.

When to Visit for Lower Prices

Timing is everything at Disney. If you want to enjoy festive holiday décor without the peak-season price tag, plan your visit in early November or early December. That’s when the parks are decked out for the holidays, but most schools are still in session.

You can also use Disney’s ticketing calendar online to spot the cheapest days — they’re clearly marked and can make a surprising difference in your total cost.

Annual Passes Get Pricier Too

If you’re a frequent park-goer, you’ve probably considered an annual pass. Disney has raised those prices, too — between $20 and $80 more, depending on the pass type. Renewal rates are climbing for some tiers as well.

For Walt Disney World, the only pass available to non-Florida residents is the Incredi-Pass. According to theme park experts, it now takes about nine days of one-park tickets or seven park-hopper days to break even on the cost.

It’s still a good deal if you plan multiple visits per year, but be sure to consider added expenses like hotels, meals, and transportation before committing.

Disneyland Prices See Smaller Increases

Across the country at Disneyland Resort, ticket prices are rising too — but the changes are more modest. The lowest tier ticket still starts at $104, a price that’s been frozen since 2019. The other five tiers are going up by around 3%.

If you’re flexible, look for the $104 days on Disneyland’s ticket calendar — those are typically weekdays in off-peak months.

Magic Key Passes: Still Worth It?

Disneyland’s Magic Key annual passes — the Enchant, Believe, Inspire, and the SoCal-only Imagine Key — have also seen slight price increases. The two priciest passes are going up by 2–4%, but the lower-tier Keys are holding steady.

Experts say the Enchant Key can still pay for itself after about six park-hopper visits, making it a smart buy for locals or frequent visitors.

How to Save on Your Next Disney Trip

Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways to save:

• Check Disney’s official deals page: Both resorts frequently offer discounts on hotel stays and multi-day tickets. For example, Disneyland currently has up to 20% off resort stays this fall.

• Look out for resident specials: California residents can grab a $249 three-day park hopper deal for spring 2026.

• Book early for 2026 packages: Disney World guests can save up to $250 per night on four-night vacation packages.

• Kids eat free next year: Starting in 2026, children staying at Disney World hotels can get free Disney Dining Plans when adults in their group purchase meal plans.

• Bonus perk: All Disney World hotel guests will get free water park access on their check-in day next summer!

Why the Increases?

Disney says the higher prices help fund new attractions and support competitive wages for its Cast Members. Both resorts are in the middle of big expansion projects.

At Disney World, you can look forward to:

• Zootopia: Better Zoogether, a new 4-D show opening at Animal Kingdom on Nov. 7

• A reimagined Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuting next summer

• Updated animatronics in EPCOT’s Frozen Ever After

• A new, lifelike Walt Disney figure in Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress

Meanwhile, Disneyland is preparing a new Avatar-inspired area at Disney California Adventure — another sign that your extra dollars are going toward more immersive experiences.

Yes, Disney tickets and passes are getting more expensive, but with a little planning, you can still enjoy all the magic without draining your savings. Visit during non-peak times, check for promotions, and keep an eye on Disney’s official deals page. After all, there’s no price tag on pure Disney joy — especially when you’ve outsmarted the price increases.