Disney fans, brace yourselves! As of Wednesday morning, Disneyland’s peak-time ticket prices have seen a roughly 6% hike, and annual passes, known as Magic Keys, have jumped between 6% and 20%. For those planning a magical visit during the busy holiday season in late December, a single-day ticket will now cost $206, up from $194.

Annual passes haven’t been spared. The “Imagine” Magic Key pass rose from $499 to $599. Other Magic Key passes have also increased by $100 to $125. Though currently unavailable, these passes will return before the end of 2024. Even the popular “Lightning Lane Multi Pass” service has bumped up from $30 to $32 when purchased in advance. Remember, Magic Key holders can still snag 20% savings on multi-passes, and for the first time, they can enjoy a 50% discount on day-of prices throughout January.

Despite these price increases, the golden nugget of savings lies in timing. For instance, the base price for a single-day ticket during less busy periods remains stable at $104 for Disneyland, unchanged for six years. But these low prices are rare, typically available only on select weekdays in January and February.

Don’t let the sticker shock deter you! Numerous strategies exist to stretch your Disney dollar. Multi-day tickets often provide a lower per-day cost. Look out for occasional deals, like the recently announced kids’ tickets for Disneyland early next year, coming on sale October 22. Notably, Southern California residents frequently benefit from discounted adult tickets during off-peak seasons.

And the perks don’t stop there. Starting January 7 through late March, Disneyland hotels are offering 10% to 25% off, with bookings open on October 22. Even more, savings await at over 50 Disney-approved third-party hotels surrounding the resort.

For reader insights and shared experiences on navigating these recent price changes, drop your thoughts in the comments below! Let’s keep the magic alive by sharing tips and tricks with fellow Disney lovers.

Source: Natasha Chen