Cinderella Castle was painted pink for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary celebration, but Disney has announced that the Magic Kingdom icon will return to greys, creams and blues.
Sleeping Beauty Castle is adorned with Disneyland 70th anniversary flourishes.

Your next visit to Walt Disney World and Disneyland could cost more.

Both resorts are raising various ticket and annual pass prices, effective immediately, but depending on when you visit, you may not pay a penny extra.

That’s because both resorts are keeping starting prices flat through October 2026, so guests who visit on the least expensive dates won’t feel a difference.

“Disney Parks offer a full day of experiences each day, with ticket, hotel, and dining options designed to suit a wide range of needs and budgets for all who visit,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement. “Our commitment to creating magical experiences for everyone remains at the heart of what we do – and that will never change.”

Here’s what is changing and how to find the cheapest tickets.

How much is a ticket to get into Disney World?

Disney World tickets vary by park and date. For one-day, one-park tickets:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $119-$174
  • EPCOT: $129-$194
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $139-$194
  • Magic Kingdom: $139-$199

Those starting and top-end prices will remain the same through October 2026.

However prices for nonpeak dates – those that fall in the middle – will increase an average of $5.

Additionally, peak prices will exceed the current $199 top end on some of the busiest days of the 2026 holiday season, beyond next October.

If you want holiday vibes at lower prices, aim to visit in early November or early December, when parks are decorated, but schools aren’t out yet. Disney World begins decorating for the holidays as soon as parks close Halloween night.

You can find the cheapest dates on the ticketing calendar on Disney World’s website.

Is it worth getting a Disney annual pass?

It can be, but Disney World annual pass prices are also increasing.

Annual pass prices now cost between $20 to $80 more, depending on pass type. Renewal prices are also increasing for some passes.

Whether or not it’s worth it depends on when and how often you plan to visit.

The only annual pass available to guests who are neither Florida residents nor Disney Vacation Club members is the Disney Incredi-Pass. According to TouringPlans.com, it would take at least nine days of one-park tickets or seven days of park hopper tickets to break even at pre-increase pricing.

You should also factor in the associated costs of each visit, like transportation, accommodations and meals.

How much does it cost to go to Disneyland?

Disneyland tickets start at $104 for one-day, one-park entry. That starting price has not changed since 2019.

However, Disneyland is increasing the prices of five of its ticketing tiers by roughly 3%.

You can find the cheapest dates with $104 pricing on the ticketing calendar on Disneyland’s website.

Are Magic Key passes worth it?

Disneyland’s version of annual passes can be worth it, but it again depends on when and how often you visit, as well as which Magic Key you choose. Only Southern California residents may purchase the Imagine Key. The Enchant, Believe and Inspire Keys are open to everyone.

According to UndercoverTourist.com, an Enchant Key is worth it after six visits with park hopper tickets, at the lowest starting price.

Prices for the two most expensive Magic Keys are increasing between 2% to 4%, but the two least expensive options remain the same.

How to get discounts on Disney

Both Disney World and Disneyland list their latest deals on their websites, like up to 20% off Disneyland resort hotel stays this fall and a new $249 three-day park hopper Disneyland promo for California residents for spring 2026.

Disney World guests will be able save up $250 per night on 2026 vacation packages of four nights or longer. Additionally next year, kids staying at Walt Disney World hotels can get free Disney Dining Plans when adults in their party purchase plans for themselves. All resort hotel guests will get free water park entry on their check-in dates next summer.

What’s behind Disney prices increases?

Disney says it’s dedicated to paying cast members industry-leading wages while enhancing and refreshing guest experiences.

Both Disneyland and Disney World are working on a slate of new attractions, including a new Avatar-inspired area at Disney California Adventure and a new Villains land at Magic Kingdom.

What’s coming to Disney World?

A new 4D show called “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this Nov. 7.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is being reimagined as “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.” That’s set to open next summer.

The Anna, Elsa and Kristoff figures in EPCOT’s “Frozen Ever After” will be getting the same facial technology as in Hong Kong Disneyland.

And a new audio-animatronic of Walt Disney will be coming to Magic Kingdom’s Carousel of Progress, along with other updates, for which timing has not been announced.

(This story was updated to meet our standards.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Disney increases ticket, annual pass prices; how to avoid paying extra

Reporting by Eve Chen, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect