The rising cost of food and beverages at Disney World has left inflation-stricken guests doubting whether the theme park is still the “most magical place on Earth.”
Disney fans traveling to Orlando for extended stays at Epcot Center, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom vented some tension on Reddit where they expressed their frustration at the very high prices at the sales stands.
“Pretty sure I spent $500 on food and drinks for three days doing Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot,” one Redditor wrote on Thanksgiving.
Another frequent visitor to Disney parks lamented the strain on his finances caused by his trips to central Florida.
“We have been visiting 3 to 5 times a year for the last 15 years. I love WDW so much. But now it costs more than $200 each time. [sic] We sat down to eat,” the Redditor wrote, adding that he and his family “may need to leave the property more to eat.”
One Disney customer reported his reaction to seeing the bill for an alcoholic beverage, writing, “Drink prices have become outrageous.”
“I understand it’s not necessary to drink there, but I felt violated after being charged $22 for a small rum drink in a plastic cup over the weekend,” they wrote.
Another Redditor said testimonials about the exorbitant prices of concessions at Disney might prompt them to book a trip across the pond.
“My partner and I were looking at Europe for next year and you are so right about what Disney cost us that we could go to Europe for about 2 weeks!” they wrote.
The Post has sought comment from The Walt Disney Company.
Last month, Disney, whose stock price hit a nine-year low earlier this year amid economic headwinds that have crippled the entertainment industry, raised ticket prices at its Florida theme parks and California by up to 10%.
One Reddit commenter said a recent trip to Disney surprised them, especially during their stay at the “Star Wars”-themed “Rise of the Resistance” attraction.
“Last November, around the same time [we paid] $11 [per person] for Rise of the Resistance. This year? $22 PER PERSON,” the frustrated Redditor wrote.
“It was really discouraging.”
Comments posted on Reddit appear to corroborate reports on Disney-themed blogs like Inside The Magic Kingdom, which reported price increases on popular snacks and meals at theme parks.
According to Inside The Magic Kingdom, Disney increased the price of its Baby Gem Caesar salad from $23 to $25.
A Blue Iceberg salad will cost guests $24, up from $22, while a crispy calamari appetizer now costs $28, up from $26. according to the blog.
A serving of Lil’ BRG, or miniature burgers, will set you back $26, while a jalapeño pickled shrimp cocktail is priced at $33.
The high rate of inflation has made it more difficult for budget-conscious families to travel to Disney and other theme parks.
A recent Bloomberg News review found that a typical family of four can end up spending at least $4,280 for a week-long stay.
The sum takes into account food, hotel, parking tickets and admission to theme parks, whose prices are on a sliding scale depending on when the trips take place.
Wealthier families who splurge on perks and amenities like dining with Disney characters and creating a custom lightsaber can expect to spend at least $40,000 for a six-night stay.
Disney officials, sensitive to backlash from critics who say the park caters strictly to wealthy customers, recently brought back free self-parking for stays at Disney Resort hotels.
The company has also allowed annual pass holders to visit the parks after 2 p.m. without a reservation.
Starting in January, guests will once again be able to access dining plans as part of their stay package at Disney resort hotels.
