For decades, a trip to a Disney park has been the quintessential American family vacation.

But now soaring prices are forcing some to turn their backs on the happiest place on earth.

At minimum, entry to Disney World costs $119 per person, making it increasingly unaffordable for families.

Mom-of-two Jordan Pinson says that despite being a lifelong Disney devotee, spiraling costs mean she and her husband have decided to stop going.

‘It’s devastating,’ she shared with the Daily Mail. ‘It’s where I spent my childhood, got engaged, and celebrated my honeymoon; it’s deeply woven into my life’s fabric.’

She noted that although the family used to visit Disney parks such as Magic Kingdom up to four times each year, they have now relinquished their annual passes and are ceasing all visits indefinitely.

‘When we started out with annual passes in 2016 they were $100, now they’re $1700 per person, even for my three-year-old,’ Pinson explained.

‘I also feel that the perks have gone down. The price of tickets to the park have also increased as well as things like character dining.’

The Pinson family is pictured with a Donald Duck character at Disney World. Jordan Pinson (left) mentioned she feels compelled to stay away from the ‘happiest place on earth’ as it has become too costly for her family to vacation there.

At its opening in Orlando in 1971, Disney World tickets were priced at $3.50, which would be approximately $27.78 when adjusted for inflation. The current cost is $119 per person, vastly exceeding inflation rates.

Character dining offers park-goers the chance to share a meal with beloved figures such as Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck.

This has gone up from $50 per person to $75, which can add up quickly for families, Pinson said.

She estimates that park tickets alone have almost doubled in cost, meaning she has to shell out around $600 before even stepping foot inside.

As Pinson and others know all too well, it hasn’t always been this expensive to get a Disney fix.

When Disney World first opened in Orlando in 1971, tickets cost $3.50, equivalent to around $27.78 today. 

As the years have passed the park has grown in size from 43 to 47 square miles and drastically increasing its offerings.

Back on opening day, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom had 23 rides and attractions. 

Currently, the park boasts 66 attractions extending across all four primary theme parks and two water parks, namely Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.

Devoted Disney fans have expressed increasing discontent over the rising costs associated with planning a visit to Magic Kingdom or any of Disney World’s various parks.

Financial analysts say Disney has engineered a pay-to-play model, necessitating families shell out thousands to have a worthwhile trip (Pictured: The Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse float passes by on April 3 in Disney World)

But many say that the price is no longer justifiable at a time when many families are already feeling the pinch.

Disney message boards are awash with park-goers admitting defeat.

‘While we can afford Disney, I find it hard to justify the cost on a regular basis,’ one mom wrote.

‘We are planning to go in 2025 because our kids would like to go, but it will likely be the last trip. 

‘We pay a ton of money to stay in a cramped room when we could pay less and get a larger suite or villa on the beach with a full kitchen, which is far more enjoyable to me.’

‘The last time we did a “full”, as in, on-site, week long trip to WDW [Walt Disney World] as a family of 5 was 2019, and I got CBR [Caribbean Beach Resort] for $180/night which was about the max I was willing to pay for that room,’ another mom wrote.

‘It took us a bit to save up for that but not too astronomically long. I thought that was a pretty great trip.

‘Fast forward 5 years later — I’m working full time now, and so make almost double what I was making and looking at prices now… it doesn’t seem worth it to save up for.’

According to Fortune, 50 years ago, a family of four could visit Disney World for $262 in today’s dollars (Pictured: Guests ride Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom on July 11, 2020)

In 1998, when Animal Kingdom came to life, a family of four could still enjoy a peak-season day at the parks for less than $300 in today’s money

According to Fortune, 50 years ago, a family of four could visit for $262 in today’s dollars. 

In 1998, when Animal Kingdom came to life, a family of four could still enjoy a peak-season day at the parks for less than $300 in today’s money. 

Fast forward to 2025, and that same average family faces a staggering $766 pre-tax bill for four one-day peak-season tickets.

This doesn’t even include adding extras such as $40 ‘Lightning Lane’ passes which are designed skip long lines but can’t even be used on every ride.

Financial analysts say that, with expensive add-ons like line-skip passes, Disney has created a pay-to-play model where you need to spend extra for a better, more worthwhile experience.

Airlines have adopted a similar model by offering premium seats, better food and more luggage allowances for a higher price.

Fortune also found that, over the last 10 years, Disney World ticket prices have grown at almost nine times the rate of inflation. 

Unfortunately for park visitors, as ticket prices have swelled so have the price tags on merchandise and refreshments. 

At Casey’s Corner, a ‘quick service’ American eatery, a hot dog will set you back up to $15.99

The infamous Beauty and the Beast-themed Be Our Guest restaurant – set in a grand castle-like dining room – charges $72 for a pre-fixed lunch menu and $43 for children. 

At Casey’s Corner, a ‘quick service’ American eatery, a hot dog will set you back up to $15.99.

Even at the simple refreshment carts scattered around the park, a bottle of Coke sells for $4.50.

For those above the age of 21 who want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage at one of the park’s bars, like The Beak and Barrel, you can expect to pay an average of $20 for a cocktail or up to $46 if you want the Plunderer’s Punch in a Souvenir Pirate Skull Mug.

‘It feels like I have to spend $5,000 for it to be not only enjoyable but really just to ensure we actually get access to the rides we want to ride,’ Sarah Marmolejo told Fortune.

However, Disney World strategist Allie Mae told the Daily Mail that there are ways to do Disney on a budget.

Her top tip is to stay at a ‘value resort’ – a budget-friendly, themed accommodation at Disney World. There are five to choose from: All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century, and Art of Animation. They typically range from $130 to $350+ per night. 

By comparison, fancier resorts with better amenities typically start at $500 per night. 

Pictured: Disney World’s All-Star Movies resort, which has rooms for as cheap as $130 a night

Pictured: The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a five-star luxury hotel in Disney World

Mae also suggests budgeters should opt for ‘quick service’ meals, a dining plan that she says is ‘much cheaper’ than a sit down meal. It costs approximately $60 per day for each adult and $25 for children.

Meanwhile, other US theme parks have managed to keep morale high while keeping costs low. 

Knoebels in Elysburg, Pennsylvania, charges up to $58 for a ‘Ride All Day’ ticket, but entry to the park itself is free.

Knoebels was ranked third in the top 10 best US amusement and water parks – above Universal Studios and most Disney parks, though the Magic Kingdom Park did place second.

Knoebels Guest Experience Director Stacy Yutko told the Daily Mail the success is ‘a testament to the passion of our team and the loyalty of our guests, many of whom return year after year to create new memories with their families’.

‘Knoebels is America’s largest free-admission amusement park and offers free parking, entertainment, and picnic facilities. This means guests can choose what they want to spend their hard-earned money on during their visit,’ she continued.

‘For example, thanks to our pay-per-ride option, some guests choose to visit for dinner, catch a free show, and stop by our Giant Wheel to take in the views before heading out.’ 

Yutko said that, while the Knoebels family – who have run the park since 1925 -continue to enhance what they offer guests, their vision has been consistent. 

Knoebels was ranked third in the top 10 best US amusement and water parks – above Universal Studios and most Disney parks, though the Magic Kingdom Park did place second

For Pinson, the decision to bid farewell to Disney is not one she has taken lightly and she hasn’t ruled out returning in a few years after saving up.

‘My eldest daughter has been going since she was really little, she keeps asking all the time when we’re going back,’ she said. ‘It breaks my heart for her.’

For now, the family has their sights set on nearby Dollywood, which is currently offering one-day entry tickets for just $29.95.

‘I think the perks are better and my youngest can in for free,’ Pinson explained.

‘We’re seeking other adventures, taking smaller trips for now.’