Here’s How Much It Cost To Go To Disney World the Year You Were Born – MASHAHER

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Here’s How Much It Cost To Go To Disney World the Year You Were Born – MASHAHER


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Known as one of the world’s most popular and beloved destination resorts, Disney World hosts more than 58 million guests every year. At least 17 million of those guests pass through the flagship Magic Kingdom alone. If you want to visit the wonderful world of Disney in Florida, you’re going to have to purchase tickets — and the cost of entry continues to shift.

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GOBankingRates examined how admission fees have changed since the theme park opened in 1971 through 2024, according to data from AllEars.net. Then, GOBankingRates used the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator to determine the yearly rates adjusted for inflation. Prices for tickets or entrance fees to other Disney parks in the Orlando, Florida, area were not considered; all data is for the price of general admission tickets to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World only. Admission prices between 1971-81 include sales tax, and prices after 1981 do not.

All in all, “The Most Magical Place on Earth” certainly sells some of the priciest theme park tickets around the globe.

Rodrigo Sanchez / UnsplashRodrigo Sanchez / Unsplash

Rodrigo Sanchez / Unsplash

1971: $3.50

Visionary entrepreneur and mogul Walt Disney died before this namesake park opened on Oct. 1, 1971. That year, the Walt Disney World Resort debuted with the Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and, of course, Magic Kingdom.

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Jeff Krause / Flickr.comJeff Krause / Flickr.com

Jeff Krause / Flickr.com

1972: $3.75

In Disney World’s second year, management hiked the general admission price by 25 cents. Even after considering the cost of inflation, the price of a ticket to enter the Magic Kingdom was still only a small fraction of what it costs to visit some of the best theme parks around today.

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Frank Phillips / Flickr.comFrank Phillips / Flickr.com

Frank Phillips / Flickr.com

1973: $4.50

The cost to enter the Magic Kingdom was a full dollar more in 1973 than it was during the inaugural season just two years prior — but fans got what they paid for. That year, Disney World unveiled its very own Pirates of the Caribbean ride, which was and still is one of the most iconic and popular attractions at its sister park, Disneyland. With a few exceptions, the modern-day Pirates ride is almost identical to the original.

Leigh Caldwell / Flickr.comLeigh Caldwell / Flickr.com

Leigh Caldwell / Flickr.com

1974: $5.25

In 1974, Disney World price increases continued to slowly outrun the pace of inflation. That year, fans experienced for the first time what would become an enduring Disney tradition: the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner theater show.

arctic_whirlwind / Flickr.comarctic_whirlwind / Flickr.com

arctic_whirlwind / Flickr.com

1975: $6

The year 1975 represented the third 75-cent price increase in a row, but fans likely were distracted by a new, otherworldly arrival. That year, Space Mountain debuted at Disney World, where it would remain one of the most impressive, exciting and popular rides for the next 40-plus years.

Coreyjune12 / Wikimedia CommonsCoreyjune12 / Wikimedia Commons

Coreyjune12 / Wikimedia Commons

1976: $6

For the first time since Disney World opened, the price of Disney tickets stayed the same as the year before. Other things, however, changed dramatically — and for the wetter. In 1976, Disney made a splash and unveiled its first water park: River Country.

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Steven A. Miller / Flickr.comSteven A. Miller / Flickr.com

Steven A. Miller / Flickr.com

1977: $6

Prices remained flat again in 1977, which made that year the cheapest for general admission tickets since 1972 when considering the rate of inflation. One thing at the park, however, was anything but flat — the Main Street Electrical Parade debuted in 1977, ushering in the era of nighttime parades as one of the main attractions at Disney.

d.k.peterson / Flickr.comd.k.peterson / Flickr.com

d.k.peterson / Flickr.com

1978: $6.50

Prices began inching upward again in 1978. That year, the country caught a glimpse of what the holidays are like at the Magic Kingdom when NBC aired “Christmas at Walt Disney World” on Dec. 10.

Russell102 / Getty ImagesRussell102 / Getty Images

Russell102 / Getty Images

1979: $7

In 1979, the price to enter Disney World hit the $7 mark, but that wasn’t the big news. That same year, the Orlando Sentinel reported that workers finally broke ground on Epcot Center, an homage to science and discovery that thrills fans to this day.

Luis Brizzante / Flickr.comLuis Brizzante / Flickr.com

Luis Brizzante / Flickr.com

1980: $8

In 1980, Disney World experienced two firsts. It was the first time that prices had been raised twice in one year — to $7.50 in March, then to $8 in November. It was also the first time that audiences had experienced the thrill of one of the most beloved rides in the park: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

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Barry Lewis / Flickr.comBarry Lewis / Flickr.com

Barry Lewis / Flickr.com

1981: $9.50

Even though the price of entry increased by a relatively steep $1.50 over the year before, 1981 was the last year that Disney fans enjoyed tickets for less than $10. The year 1981 was also the first time that Disney replaced its standard general admission ticket with the one-day ticket.

Sakkawokkie / Getty ImagesSakkawokkie / Getty Images

Sakkawokkie / Getty Images

1982: $15

In 1982, double price increases appeared once again — the first in June, and then again in September. After adjusting for inflation, prices rose from the low-$30 range in 1981 to the $40 range by 1983. That was also the year when Disney introduced its annual pass for a cool $100 per year.

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.comJames Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

1983: $17

Not only did the price of one-day tickets jump by $2 in 1983, but the price of annual passes also increased by a full $25 to $125 per year. Disney, however, justified the price hike when it introduced the original Journey Into Imagination — and the lovable Figment — in 1983 at Epcot Center.

Benjamin D. Esham / Wikimedia CommonsBenjamin D. Esham / Wikimedia Commons

Benjamin D. Esham / Wikimedia Commons

1984: $18

Prices rose again in 1984, but the cost of entry wasn’t the only thing that soared at Disney. The Laserphonic Fantasy show made its debut as the best nightly fireworks display on World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot Center.

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Manakin / Getty ImagesManakin / Getty Images

Manakin / Getty Images

1985: $21.50

With price increases in both June and November, 1985 represented the last year that a $20 bill could buy you a day at Disney, as well as the first year that it couldn’t. Annual pass holders, however, saw their prices remain the same at an even $140 per year.

Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.comKatherine Welles / Shutterstock.com

Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com

1986: $26

In 1986, something happened that was brand new to Disney World: Management raised the price of entry three times in one year. The first price increase was in March, followed by hikes in June and December, which caused ticket costs to reach $26 by Christmas. Even with the price increases, about 23.9 million guests passed through Disney World in the 1986 fiscal year, according to a 1987 article in the Orlando Sentinel.

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.comJames Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com

1987: $28

In 1987, the 3D film “Magic Journeys” went on a journey of its own. The popular Disney movie — which shows the world as seen through the mind of a child — made a move from Epcot Center and arrived at the Magic Kingdom for the first time.

Christian Lambert / Flickr.comChristian Lambert / Flickr.com

Christian Lambert / Flickr.com

1988: $28

The year 1988 introduced one of the many reasons for travelers to visit Florida: the opening of the iconic Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which is noted by Disney as the park’s flagship resort. The deluxe accommodations have wowed crowds since June of that year and even received a four-diamond rating from travel association AAA, which it maintains in 2024.

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Chad Sparkes / Flickr.comChad Sparkes / Flickr.com

Chad Sparkes / Flickr.com

1989: $29

The year 1989 was a banner one for Disney, which saw the opening of a number of beloved attractions: Mount Mayday at Typhoon Lagoon; Disney-MGM Studios, now known as Hollywood Studios; Pleasure Island; and Feature Animation Florida.

Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.comFeatureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

1990: $31

The onset of the 1990s was an exciting time — not just for visitors to the Florida theme park, but to TV audiences at home, as well. That year, two of America’s most beloved casts of children’s characters united when NBC aired “The Muppets at Walt Disney World.”

abalcazar / Getty Imagesabalcazar / Getty Images

abalcazar / Getty Images

1991: $33

In 1991, Walt Disney World celebrated its 20th anniversary. That year, Disney adopted a Mardi Gras atmosphere as the Surprise Celebration Parade filled the streets. The celebration was larger than life and included balloons that measured 40 feet tall.

Matthew Freeman / Flickr.comMatthew Freeman / Flickr.com

Matthew Freeman / Flickr.com

1992: $34

One of the theme park’s most beloved — and wettest — rides ever built was unveiled in 1992. That ride, Splash Mountain, continues to thrill the millions that flock to Frontierland every year.

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Larkyn T / Flickr.comLarkyn T / Flickr.com

Larkyn T / Flickr.com

1993: $35

In 1993, crews broke ground on what would become one of the most famous rides in Disney history: the Tower of Terror. The ride would terrify audiences at Hollywood Studios in Florida for decades to follow — all while trying to convince them that it was actually built in 1917.

Anna Fox / Flickr.comAnna Fox / Flickr.com

Anna Fox / Flickr.com

1994: $36

“Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!” debuted at Epcot Center in 1994, and other notable additions included the first annual International Flower & Garden Festival, the former Legend of the Lion King attraction and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride. That same year, Disney introduced the premium annual pass.

Ivan Curra / Wikimedia CommonsIvan Curra / Wikimedia Commons

Ivan Curra / Wikimedia Commons

1995: $37

On April Fools’ Day 1995, Disney World thrilled and chilled visitors with the grand opening of Blizzard Beach Water Park. The 60-acre park was themed to mimic a ski resort, complete with the 90-foot Mount Gushmore body slide.

Michael Gray / Flickr.comMichael Gray / Flickr.com

Michael Gray / Flickr.com

1996: $38.50

The year 1996 marked Disney World’s silver anniversary, celebrating 25 years since its initial opening in 1971. Not known for doing anything understated, Disney World transformed the iconic Cinderella Castle into an 18-story birthday cake.

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Forsaken Fotos / Wikimedia CommonsForsaken Fotos / Wikimedia Commons

Forsaken Fotos / Wikimedia Commons

1997: $39.75

In 1997, you still could get into Disney World for less than $40, but those days soon would be gone forever. At the same time, Disney was entering another era — and this one had nothing to do with the price of admission. That year, Downtown Disney West Side, now known as part of Disney Springs, opened to visitors.

Jennifer Lynn / Wikimedia CommonsJennifer Lynn / Wikimedia Commons

Jennifer Lynn / Wikimedia Commons

1998: $42

The year 1998 was wild for Disney World — literally. That year, Animal Kingdom roared into existence, treating visitors to encounters with more than 1,000 exotic beasts spread out over 500 acres of land designed to mimic their natural habitats. Staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and having giraffes just outside of your window transforms a basic continental breakfast into a memorable safari worth the splurge.

Theme Park Tourist / Flickr.comTheme Park Tourist / Flickr.com

Theme Park Tourist / Flickr.com

1999: $44

Disney World closed out the 20th century strong. In 1999, the park unveiled its FastPass system and added a new Asia area to Animal Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom also saw the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

MyGlassSlipper10 / Flickr.comMyGlassSlipper10 / Flickr.com

MyGlassSlipper10 / Flickr.com

2000: $46

Any visitor to Fantasyland knows that official Disney princess dresses are hugely popular among young visitors to Disney World. That all started at the dawn of the new millennium, when Disney began selling the dresses for the first time in Florida.

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Xiquinho Silva / Flickr.comXiquinho Silva / Flickr.com

Xiquinho Silva / Flickr.com

2001: $48

This year signaled the grand opening of Magic Carpets of Aladdin, which would go on to become a fan favorite at Adventureland. It was the first major new attraction in Adventureland since Pirates of the Caribbean 28 years earlier.

Loren Javier / Flickr.comLoren Javier / Flickr.com

Loren Javier / Flickr.com

2002: $50

Although prices jumped by $2, 2002 was the last year that a $50 bill could buy your way into Disney World. That same year, a massive new resort opened. Guests were beckoned to Disney’s Beach Club Villas resort, joining the ranks of hotels with stunning views.

Michael Gray / Flickr.comMichael Gray / Flickr.com

Michael Gray / Flickr.com

2003: $52

The familiar pattern of Disney’s annual $2 price increases continued in 2003, but that’s not everything that happened. Named Tufani, the first baby elephant ever born in captivity at Animal Kingdom arrived on May 22. Other arrivals in 2003 included Mickey’s PhilharMagic in the Magic Kingdom, along with Wishes, a nighttime fireworks display that would run through May 2017.

Haydn Blackey / Flickr.comHaydn Blackey / Flickr.com

Haydn Blackey / Flickr.com

2004: $54.75

In 2004, prices rose by $2.75, not $2 — and increases weren’t limited to one-day passes. Disney also hiked the cost of Ultimate Park Hopper tickets, water park tickets and annual passes.

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David Roark / Disney WorldDavid Roark / Disney World

David Roark / Disney World

2005: $59.75

In 2005, prices jumped by $5 — the largest single increase to date. That year, Disney also got rid of one-day park tickets and replaced them with the “Magic Your Way” base ticket. The good news for visitors was that the interactive flight simulator ride Soarin’ debuted in The Land pavilion at Epcot.

Benjamin D. Esham / Wikimedia CommonsBenjamin D. Esham / Wikimedia Commons

Benjamin D. Esham / Wikimedia Commons

2006: $67

Prices jumped twice in 2006 — first in January, and then again in August. That year, for the first time, guests boarded the runaway train through the Expedition Everest version of the Himalayan Mountains and had to beware of the yeti.

Carlos Cuz / Wikimedia CommonsCarlos Cuz / Wikimedia Commons

Carlos Cuz / Wikimedia Commons

2007: $71

In 2007, admission fees jumped by another $4, pushing prices over the $70 mark for the first time in Disney history. That year, Disney World paused to recognize the 25th anniversary of the opening of Epcot in 1982. Although the celebration was fairly understated by Disney standards, the milestone did include a charity event and a rededication ceremony.

Loren Javier / Flickr.comLoren Javier / Flickr.com

Loren Javier / Flickr.com

2008: $75

Prices jumped by another $4 in 2008, but there were bigger changes brewing at Disney World that year. The Downtown Disney area underwent a radical transformation in feel and culture. All six nightclubs at Pleasure Island closed, completely removing the dance and nightlife vibe that had attracted a multitude of adult visitors to Disney for nearly 20 years. In their places, the park added more retail and shopping.

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JodiJacobson / Getty ImagesJodiJacobson / Getty Images

JodiJacobson / Getty Images

2009: $79

In 2009, prices jumped by $4 yet again, but Disney World justified the increase by announcing plans for a massive expansion at the Magic Kingdom. The new Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs attractions would nearly double the size of the area.

Jeremy Thompson / Flickr.comJeremy Thompson / Flickr.com

Jeremy Thompson / Flickr.com

2010: $82

In 2010, the dawn of a new decade also saw the relocation of Winnie the Pooh’s massive tree, which signaled the first milestone in the new Fantasyland expansion.

Anna Fox / Flickr.comAnna Fox / Flickr.com

Anna Fox / Flickr.com

2011: $85

In 2011, Disney visitors caught a glimpse of the future when the first photos of what would become Beast’s Castle were revealed, along with the new system that would deliver passengers through the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Thomas Jung / Flickr.comThomas Jung / Flickr.com

Thomas Jung / Flickr.com

2012: $89

In 2012, the Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction doubled in size and got FastPass access. The new and improved Fantasyland also opened with plenty of upgrades. It was the last year that visitors could get into the Magic Kingdom for less than $90.

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Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.comKatherine Welles / Shutterstock.com

Katherine Welles / Shutterstock.com

2013: $95

In 2013, the pricing structure at Disney World went through a dramatic overhaul. The park began offering entry to the Magic Kingdom — and only the Magic Kingdom — for $95 via one-day passes. One-day tickets to Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios would cost $90 each.

Jennifer Lynn / Wikimedia CommonsJennifer Lynn / Wikimedia Commons

Jennifer Lynn / Wikimedia Commons

2014: $99

This year was the final year that ticket prices would remain below $100 for visitors. It wasn’t all bad news, however. The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade also debuted at Fantasyland in 2014.

Frank Phillips / Flickr.comFrank Phillips / Flickr.com

Frank Phillips / Flickr.com

2015: $105

In 2015, the price to enter the Magic Kingdom hit the three-figure mark for the first time in the history of Disney World. In fact, prices increased across the board that year — including the special reduced rate for Florida residents. Also in 2015, the annual pass became the Platinum Pass and the premium annual pass became the Platinum Plus Pass.

Frank Phillips / Flickr.comFrank Phillips / Flickr.com

Frank Phillips / Flickr.com

2016: $110

In 2016, Disney’s pricing structure evolved yet again. This time, the park adopted an all-new tier system for one-day tickets, changing the value of a day at Disney based on the calendar date. This meant some days at the park cost more than others, so visitors needed to be strategic when booking their Disney trip. Value tickets cost $105, regular tickets cost $110 and peak tickets cost $124 each.

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Jedi94 / Wikimedia CommonsJedi94 / Wikimedia Commons

Jedi94 / Wikimedia Commons

2017: $115

In 2017, a new family-style raft ride debuted at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, and Disney welcomed Pandora — The World of Avatar. But the cost of park tickets also climbed again, increasing by another $5 for off-peak Magic Kingdom tickets to a whopping $115.

Anthony Quintano / Flickr.comAnthony Quintano / Flickr.com

Anthony Quintano / Flickr.com

2018: $122

Disney introduced date-based prices in 2018, meaning each day of a Disney World trip might have a different cost depending on a variety of factors, including the day of the week, predicted attendance and time of year. This year is also when Disney World opened Toy Story Land, which featured two new attractions and a quick-service dining spot.

©Unsplash©Unsplash

©Unsplash

2019: $125

Although there was only a $3 rise in ticket prices from 2018 to 2019, annual passes increased by $225 in June 2019. That increase might’ve made you think twice about buying one.

BanksPhotos / iStock.comBanksPhotos / iStock.com

BanksPhotos / iStock.com

2020: $125

Disney World closed its doors for about four months in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and upon reopening, visitors would see a different Disney World. The park required masks and temperature checks for guests, capped capacity and suspended FastPass+ upon reopening.

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Amy Humphries / UnsplashAmy Humphries / Unsplash

Amy Humphries / Unsplash

2021: $125

By May, Disney World had begun to lift some of its COVID-19 restrictions as the number of vaccinations increased and virus cases dropped. Plans continued for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” an 18-month commemoration of the park’s golden anniversary that kicked off Oct. 1 — 50 years after the magic at Walt Disney’s dream park began.

Jonathan Novack / Getty ImagesJonathan Novack / Getty Images

Jonathan Novack / Getty Images

2022: $109

Two years after the start of the pandemic, Disney World saw a significant decrease in ticket prices, as well as several new attractions. These included the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster — Epcot’s first roller coaster — and the Star Wars-themed hotel, officially known as Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.

2023: $109

Daily ticket prices stayed the same in 2023. Additionally, Disney World introduced even more new attractions, including Toy Story Land’s Roundup BBQ, which opened on March 23, and the Tron Lightcycle Run, which opened on April 4. Disney World also brought back the fan-favorite Happily Ever After fireworks show that was introduced in 2017 and closed in 2021.

2024: $109

Gabrielle Olya and Justice Petersen contributed to the reporting for this article.

Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Here’s How Much It Cost To Go To Disney World the Year You Were Born


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