Here’s How Much It Cost to Go to Disney World the Year You Were Born

Known as one of the world’s most popular and beloved destination resorts, Disney World hosts more than 40 million guests every year — at least 20.4 million of whom 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. The famous park recently announced that ticket prices will exclusively be based on date rather than a standard general admission fee, which might very well have some families rethinking the cost to stay at Disney World.

GOBankingRates examined how admission fees have changed since the theme park opened in 1971 through 2018, according to data from AllEars.net. Next, GOBankingRates calculated what the rate would have been for every year when considering the effect of inflation according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics inflation calculator. Prices for Disneyland tickets or entrance fees for other theme parks were not considered; all data is for the price of general admission Magic Kingdom tickets at Disney World only, and admission prices between 1971 and 1981 included sales tax and prices after 1981 did not include sales tax. All in all, “The Most Magical Place On Earth” certainly sells some of the priciest theme park tickets around the globe.

1971: $3.50

• Price increase from previous year: N/A
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $21.66

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 Resort, Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground and, of course, Magic Kingdom. The price of admission was $21.66 once you consider how inflation affects prices.

1972: $3.75

• Price increase from previous year: $0.25
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $22.49

In Disney’s second year, management hiked the price by 25 cents. Even 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 most budget-friendly theme parks around today.

1973: $4.50

• Price increase from previous year: $0.75
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $25.13

The cost to enter Magic Kingdom was a full dollar more in 1973 than it had been 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.

1974: $5.25

• Price increase from previous year: $0.75
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $26.19

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.

1975: $6.00

• Price increase from previous year: $0.75
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $27.74

The year 1975 represented the third 75-cent price increase in a row, but fans were likely 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.

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1976: $6.00

• Price increase from previous year: None
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $26.30

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

1977: $6.00

• Price increase from previous year: None
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $24.67

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, however, was anything but flat — the Main Street Electrical Parade debuted that year, ushering in the era of nighttime parades as one of the main attractions at Disney.

1978: $6.50

• Price increase from previous year: $0.50
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $24.67

Prices began inching upward yet again in 1978. But 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.

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1979: $7.00

• Price increase from previous year: $0.50
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $23.69

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.

1980: $8

• Price increase from previous year: $1
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $24.04

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

1981: $9.50

• Price increase from previous year: $1.50
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $25.73

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 would enjoy tickets for less than $10. The year 1981 was also the first time Disney replaced the standard general admission ticket with the one-day ticket.

1982: $15

• Price increase from previous year: $5.50
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $38.68

In 1982, double price increases appeared once again — the first in June and then again in September. Considering inflation, prices rose from the mid-$20 range in 1981 to the $40 range by 1983. That was also the year that Disney introduced the annual pass for a cool $100 per year.

1983: $17

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $42.62

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

1984: $18

• Price increase from previous year: $1
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $43.28

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

1985: $21.50

• Price increase from previous year: $3.50
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $50.11

With price increases both in June and November; 1985 represented both 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.

1986: $26

• Price increase from previous year: $4.50
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $59.56

In 1986, something happened that was brand-new to Disney World — management raised the price of entry three times in one year. First in March, then in June, then finally again at the end of the year in December, reaching $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.

1987: $28

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $61.46

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 — for the first time ever — arrived at the Magic Kingdom.

1988: $28

• Price increase from previous year: None
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $59.00

The year 1988 introduced one of the many reasons for travelers to visit Florida — the opening of the iconic Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. 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.

1989: $29

• Price increase from previous year: $1
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $58.57

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 — which is now known as Hollywood Studios — Pleasure Island and Feature Animation Florida.

1990: $31

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $58.97

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

1991: $33

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $60.72

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.

1992: $34

• Price increase from previous year: $1
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $60.74

One of the 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.

1993: $35

• Price increase from previous year: $1
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $60.89

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

1994: $36

• Price increase from previous year: $1
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $60.83

Honey, I Shrunk the Audience! debuted at EPCOT Center in 1993, 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.

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1995: $37

• Price increase from previous year: $1
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $60.97

On April Fools’ Day in 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 peaked Mount Gushmore body slide.

1996: $38.50

• Price increase from previous year: $1.50
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $61.59

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

1997: $39.75

• Price increase from previous year: $1.25
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $62.25

In 1997, you could still get into Disney World for less than $40 — but those days would soon be gone forever. Disney was also entering another era, however, 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 for the first time.

1998: $42

• Price increase from previous year: $2.25
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $64.81

The year 1998 was wild for Disney World — literally. That’s the year that the 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 your window transforms basic continental breakfasts into memorable safaris worth the splurge.

1999: $44

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $66.15

Disney World closed out the 20th century strong — that year, the park unveiled the FastPass system, added the new Asia area to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Magic Kingdom saw the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade.

2000: $46

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $66.85

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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2001: $48

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $67.96

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.

2002: $50

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $69.73

Although prices jumped by $2, 2002 was the last year 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 worth every penny.

2003: $52

• Price increase from previous year: $2
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $70.88

The familiar pattern of Disney’s annual $2 price increases continued in 2003, but that wasn’t all that happened that year. The first baby elephant ever born in captivity at Animal Kingdom — named Tufani — arrived on May 22. Other arrivals in 2003 included Mickey’s PhilharMagic in the Magic Kingdom, as well as Wishes, a now-beloved nighttime fireworks display.

2004: $54.75

• Price increase from previous year: $2.75
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $72.78

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

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2005: $59.75

• Price increase from previous year: $5
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $75.87

In 2005, prices jumped by $5 — the largest single increase to date. Also that year, Disney did away with 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.

2006: $67

• Price increase from previous year: $7.25
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $83.36

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

2007: $71

• Price increase from previous year: $4
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $85.97

In 2007, admission fees jumped by another $4, this time pushing prices over the $70 mark for the first time in Disney history. Also 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 re-dedication ceremony.

2008: $75

• Price increase from previous year: $4
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $86.54

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

2009: $79

• Price increase from previous year: $4
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $92.34

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

2010: $82

• Price increase from previous year: $3
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $94.76

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

2011: $85

• Price increase from previous year: $3
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $94.57

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.

2012: $89

• Price increase from previous year: $4
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $97.09

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 new upgrades. This was also the last year that visitors could get into Magic Kingdom for less than $90.

2013: $95

• Price increase from previous year: $6
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $102.42

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

2014: $99

• Price increase from previous year: $4
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $104.99

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

2015: $105

• Price increase from previous year: $6
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $111.40

In 2015, the price to enter Magic Kingdom hit the three-digit 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.

2016: $110

• Price increase from previous year: $5
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $115.02

In 2016, Disney’s pricing structure changed yet again. This time, the park adopted a completely changed tier system for one-day tickets, changing the value of a day at Disney based on the calendar date. This means some days at the park cost more than others, and, therefore, you need to be strategic when booking your Disney trip. Value tickets were $105, regular tickets were $110 and peak tickets were $124 each.

2017: $115

• Price increase from previous year: $5
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: $117.62

In 2017, the Family Raft Ride debuted at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and the park welcomed Pandora — The World of Avatar. But the cost of seeing them also climbed again, increasing by another $5 for off-peak Magic Kingdom tickets to a whopping $115.

2018: $122

• Price increase from previous year: $7
• Cost adjusted for 2018 inflation: N/A

Like the price of a movie ticket or a gallon of gas, the Disney World of the Nixon Era — when a single ticket was under $4 and you could take your family of four to the park without breaking a $20 bill — is probably going to spark some nostalgia. But there’s more to those rising prices than just inflation. Even after converting them to 2018 dollars, the price of a ticket to Disney World today is nearly six times higher than it was when the park initially opened in 1971.

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Joel Anderson contributed to the reporting for this article.

To calculate prices for inflation, the BLS inflation calculator was used to gather data based on September 2018.

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