As inflation continues to impact various aspects of American consumerism, even the prices at the Happiest Place on Earth have not been spared.
A recent study by Finance Buzz reveals that concession prices at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida have surged by an average of 61% over the past decade, surpassing the 56% increase in single park ticket prices during the same period.
Popular treats like the Dole Whip dessert and the Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream bar have seen significant price hikes of 58% and 63%, respectively, in the last 10 years. The bread service at Animal Kingdom’s Sanaa restaurant saw the highest individual increase, more than doubling in price from $9.99 to $22 since 2014.
“Prices for every single item have risen by at least $1.50, with most increasing by at least $2 since 2014,” noted Finance Buzz in its study. Despite the surge in food costs, the base price for the most affordable Disney World tickets has remained relatively stable, rising just $19 from 2014 to 2024.
The research compiled data by comparing current food and beverage prices from the Walt Disney World website with archived prices from previous years using the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine.
In a recent development, Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) have approved a $17 billion expansion program for the Florida establishment, which may include the construction of a fifth Walt Disney World park.
During a Q1 2024 earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed plans for increased investments across all Disney locations. The Walt Disney Co. has seen an over 8% year-over-year increase as of Friday afternoon.