Disney World park ticket prices are rising for 2020, especially the cost of annual passes for both Florida and non-Florida residents. What does this mean for average guests? If you were considering an annual pass to Walt Disney World, it might be time to run some numbers and determine your ticket options. Annual passes for frequent Disney vacations used to mean savings, but that may no longer be the case.
Disney Prices Increasing in 2020
Disney World ticket prices have changed many times over the years. Most recently, the parks in Florida went to a tiered pricing structure. This was meant to help spread out attendance and encourage visitors to save money by visiting at less popular times of the year. Now, in line with upgrades of Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the new Tron coaster coming to the Magic Kingdom, Disney World is increasing prices.
Ticket Prices Stay the Same, Park Hopper Increases
While the tiered ticket pricing structure hasn’t changed, the cost for adding a park hopper has. The Park Hopper option may be added to tickets from one-day to 10-day tickets. Park hopping allows guests to visit multiple parks of their choosing on the same day. In 2020, park hopper tickets will rise by slightly more than $25 per ticket.
Additionally, the Park Hopper Plus option that can be added to theme park tickets will cost more. This option allows guests to also visit Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach waterparks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, and the mini-golf courses. The Park Hopper plus price also will jump by slightly more than $25 per ticket.
Walt Disney World Annual Pass Categories
For non-Florida residents, there are four major categories of annual passes to the theme parks:
- Disney Premier Passport
- Disney Platinum Plus Pass
- Disney Platinum Pass
- Water Parks Annual Pass
Each of these passes has different costs and perks associated with them. Perks include admission to all four theme parks, the ability to park hop on the same day, Disney PhotoPass downloads, merchandise and dining discounts, and free standard parking.
Florida residents have more options to choose from when it comes to their annual passes. In addition to the pass types listed above, Florida residents also can buy:
- Gold Pass
- Silver Pass
- Theme Park Select Pass
- Weekday Select Pass
- Epcot After 4 Annual Pass
- Water Parks After 2 Annual Pass
Read More: How Much Does it REALLY Cost to Go to Disney World?
Non-Florida Resident Disney Pass Prices
The most prestigious, and most expensive, Disney World annual pass price will jump sharply. The Disney Premier Passport, which allows admission to both Disneyland parks and all four Walt Disney World theme parks, will cost $2,099, up $150 from the current $1,949.
Non-Florida residents who want the perks of the Platinum Plus Pass will pay $225 more –$1,219, up from $994 in 2019. The Platinum Pass also increased $225 from $849 to $1,119.
Water Park Annual Passes cost the same, whether you are a Florida resident or not. Those passes will increase by $9, from $130 to $139.
Florida Resident Annual Pass Prices
Florida residents, not just Orlando residents, have the option of paying for annual passes in 12 installments after an initial down payment of $139. For Florida residents:
- A Disney Platinum Plus Pass will cost $999 in 2020, up from $849.
- A Disney Platinum Pass will cost $899, up from $749.
- The Gold Pass, which has some block out dates, will cost $699, up from $609.
- Disney Silver Pass, which has more block out dates than the Gold Pass, will cost $519, up $50 from $479.
- Disney Weekday Annual Pass allows admission during certain times of the year Monday through Friday only, but it does allow park hopping. This pass increases $30, from $319 to $349.
- The Water Parks After 2pm Pass price rises by $10 in 2020 from $79 to $89.
- The Epcot After 4 Annual Pass is $309 for the year, up from $289.
One pass will not cost more: The Disney Theme Park Select Annual Pass, which allows admission during certain times of the year to select theme parks and admission to at least one theme park on more days annually compared to the Silver Pass, remains $439 for the year.
Parking Fee Increases
Finally, parking fees also are going up in 2020. Reservations made after June 18, 2019, for arrivals anytime after June 18 and through 2020 will include the following parking fees:
- Value Resorts: $15 per night
- Moderate Resorts: $20 per night
- Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $25 per night
This is an increase of $2 for value resorts and $1 for moderate, deluxe, and deluxe villa resort guests. Parking fees at the theme parks have not changed. Resort hotel guests can still park their vehicles at the theme parks for free with the resort stay. Parking remains free at the Disney water parks as well as Disney Springs.
Tips for Getting the Best Deals
As always, there are ways to combat the price increases if you are a savvy vacation planner. Consider using a travel agent to help plan your next vacation. It is their job to check for special offers and alert you of deals for multi-day tickets, hotel discounts, and more. Right now, before Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are several great ticket options for Florida residents and non-Florida residents alike.
When planning your Disney parks trip, consider the number of days you will visit the parks. Do you need Disney tickets for every day? Can you get by with a single-day ticket or choose to attend a special ticketed event instead of spending the entire day at the park? Price increases may make you think twice about becoming an annual passholder or using the add-on park hopper feature, but they shouldn’t deter you completely from visiting the most magical place on earth.
How Much Does it REALLY Cost to Go to Disney World?
