x
Breaking News
More () »

Cost is steep for tickets to some theme parks

The most magical thing about the Magic Kingdom? It might be its ability to make your money disappear.
mickey money

(CNN) — The most magical thing about the Magic Kingdom? It might be its ability to make your money disappear.

The ultimate family vacation destination just raised its one-day, single park ticket price to $95 for adults at Orlando’s Disney World. But don’t worry, at least the kids get a discount. Their park pass is now a mere $89.

California’s Disneyland also raised its prices — $92 for adults and $86 for children.

And here we were complaining that $9.49 for that famous jumbo turkey leg was a lot of cash.

The changes went into effect Sunday and represent a $6 bump from the previous adult rate of $89 a day. So for a family of four, that means a single day of Space Mountain, Main Street U.S.A. and having the “Pirates of the Caribbean” theme song (yo, ho!) seared in your mind now costs $368, before tax.

Of course, that tally assumes you and your kids don’t want any food. Or Mickey-shaped souvenirs. If they do, it’s not unreasonable then to think that a day at Disney may carry a true cost of around $500.

There are still multiple-day discounts and options for a Park Hopper pass allowing your band of Mouseketeers to visit several Disney theme parks at a reduced rate. For instance, the three-day, multi-park pass for a family of four costs $862. Plus, we suppose you’ll then need somewhere to stay as well.

So how do Disney’s prices stack up against the competition? Pretty well, actually. Good for them, tough on your thrill-seeking wallet. Here’s what you’ll pay this summer for a single day at some of the nation’s top theme parks.

EPCOT: $90 for adults, $84 for children.

Universal Studios Orlando: $92 for adults, $86 for children.

Universal Studios Hollywood: $81 for adults, $73 for children.

Busch Gardens Tampa: $85 for adults ($75 if purchased online), $77 for children ($67 online).

Busch Gardens Williamsburg: $80 for adults ($70 online), $70 ($60 online) for children.

Dollywood: $56 for adults, $44 for children.

Cedar Point: $55 for adults ($45 online), $30 for children if purchased online.

Six Flags Magic Mountain: $65 for adults ($45 online), $40 for children.

Knott’s Berry Farm: $60 for adults ($40 online), $31 for children ($27 online) through June 27.

Before You Leave, Check This Out