Gabby Belardo
Put those Mickey ears back on the shelf, because your next family vacation just got a little more expensive. With Disney reporting a lower than expected revenue for the fourth quarter, prices at all theme parks in Florida and California will increase on December 8th. Visitors in Orlando have seen their once $109 one-day-ticket rise to as much as $189 per person depending on day and demand. Magic Kingdom prices start at $124, Epcot’s varies between $114 and $179, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios ranges at $124 to $179. Only Animal Kingdom Park, Disney’s biggest in size yet smallest in terms of attractions, will remain at a price range of $109 to $159. Annual passes have also skyrocketed in price, with the most expensive being the Incredi-Pass, increasing from $1,299 to $1,399. The Pixie Pass, Disney’s cheapest, is the only one to remain at its original price of $399. By comparison, a one-day-ticket to Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Disney World’s main competitor, only cost $109 for an adult ticket. All the prices mentioned only account for entrance into the park. They do not factor in the price of transportation, parking, food or lodging. With Disney’s former CEO Bob Chapek being replaced by his predecessor Bob Iger, the company hopes that they can put their best foot forward in dealing with their many changes. Unless Iger can unleash some of that “Disney Magic” we so often hear about, many families are going to have to keep the Mickey ears on the shelf for the foreseeable future.