A four-day visit to Walt Disney World for a family of four costs $1,000 more than it did in 2023, according toThe Wall Street Journal. So, it isn’t surprising that many Disney fans are packing up their Mickey Mouse ears and threatening to boycott the theme parks for good. But be that as it may, Disney World is still following through with plans to hike 2026 admission prices. To cushion the blow, Disney is offering some "free" incentives. Here’s everything you need to know.
RELATED: These Are Now the “Cheapest Times to Go to Disney World,” According to Experts.
Disney World unveils new ticket prices for 2026.
Once again, Disney World is raising its ticket prices. The only park to remain unchanged for the 2026 season is Hollywood Studios. Animal Kingdom’s maximum price will have the biggest increase, jumping from $174 to $179 per person. As per usual, pricing models vary by theme park and time of year ("peak dates" have the highest price tag).
- Magic Kingdom: $139 to $199
- EPCOT: $129 to $184
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: $139 to $194
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: $119 to $179
According to WDWMagic.com, it’s cheapest to visit Disney World during the back-to-school season in August and September. Conversely, you’re likely to pay more if you purchase tickets for the spring, specifically around spring break and Easter.
Disney introduces a free dining plan for kids.
Disney is running a limited-time offer in which children ages 3 to 9 eat for free if their family books a Walt Disney Travel Company package. The incentive is only valid on 2026 reservations. However, your visit will need to meet the following qualifications:
- You have to stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel
- All guests ages 10+ must also have a dining plan
- Everyone in the same room must be on the same package
- Your package also has to include theme park tickets
- Children must choose their free meal from the kids’ menu
There are two dining plans available for guests over the age of 10. The Disney Dining Plan comes with one Quick-Service meal, one Table-Service meal, one snack or nonalcoholic drink, and one resort-refillable drink mug per night, according to ABC News. The Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan comes with two Quick-Service meals, one snack or nonalcoholic drink, and one resort-refillable drink mug per night.
"A dining plan includes delicious meals and snacks, so you can focus on enjoying the magic and worry less about meal budgeting during your visit!" said Disney World in a release.
Disney Resort hotel guests can score free water park admission.
Disney is piling on the freebies. In addition to comped kids' meals, Disney Resort hotel guests will be granted free entry to a water park of their choosing—either Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach water park, per WDW News Today. The catch? Free admission is only valid upon arrival, so you have to redeem the perk on your check-in day.
The promotion is still relatively new to Disney. It was first announced last year to help boost summer 2025 reservations; both water parks will reopen on May 21, 2025. They haven’t operated simultaneously since COVID-19.
Reservations for stays through Oct. 31, 2026, are already available for booking. The good news is you don’t have to reserve a specific room or vacation package to snag the freebie pass either. You just have to ensure that your lodging accommodations are through a Disney-owned resort.
Nov. and Dec. 2026 dates will be open for booking at a future date, reported WDW News Today.
