Visitors Say "Disneyland Only Cares About Money"... One-Day Pass Up to 250,000 Won

Following an 8% increase last year, prices rise 9-12% within a year
Higher than the August US Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase rate

Disneyland raised the prices of admission tickets and various services for the first time in a year. Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] Disneyland, a representative amusement park in the United States, has raised admission and various service prices for the first time in a year, drawing criticism as a "money-grubbing company."

According to the Los Angeles Times (LAT) and local broadcasts on the 12th (local time), Disneyland raised the price of one-day tickets by more than 9% on the 1st, and increased the price of 2- to 5-day tickets by 9-12%.

Disneyland sets different prices by day of the week according to visitor demand. With this increase, as of the 11th, the highest price for a one-day ticket changed to $179 (about 250,000 KRW). The price of a two-day ticket was adjusted to $285 (about 400,000 KRW), up 11.76%, and the five-day ticket exceeded $400 (about 570,000 KRW). Previously, Disneyland raised the price of one-day tickets by up to 8% in October last year and increased annual pass prices by up to 16% in August this year.

LAT pointed out that amid the worst inflation in 40 years in the U.S., Disneyland’s recent price hike exceeded the 8.3% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in August. The Washington Post (WP) reported that "Disney park visitors are complaining that Disney is a 'money-grubbing company.'"

Leslie Harvey, who runs a Facebook group called "Disneyland with Kids," said, "I am always angry about Disneyland’s price increases," adding, "There are people who think they cannot afford the ticket prices." Len Testa, CEO of the amusement park specialist site TouringPlans, pointed out that for years there has been analysis that Disney is giving up on the American middle class and targeting the top 1-20% households as its main customers.

Meanwhile, Disneyland also raised the price of the paid service Genie+ from $20 to $25. Genie+ offers customers the ability to reserve their preferred rides in advance to avoid long waiting lines.