Disney fanatics who really want the full experience can wind up spending at least $40,000 for a six-night stay at the company’s Florida resort — partaking in amenities that include line-skipping VIP tours, build-your-own lightsabers, and dinner with Cinderella.
These pricey extras for a Walt Disney World visit are out of reach for budget-conscious visitors to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”
A family of four on a tight budget can still expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 for a week-long stay at Disney, according to calculations by Bloomberg News.
When adding up the cost of food, hotel, parking tickets, and admission into the theme parks, a family of four can expect to pay $4,280 on the low end — particularly if the visit takes place during non-peak season such as August, when Orlando is sweltering.
The high cost for a basic visit has been a factor in attendance at the Orlando theme parks dropping by as much as 15% this year, according to studies and analysis reviewed by Bloomberg News.
But luxury items such as a two-bedroom suite at a high-end hotel; four “park hopper plus” tickets that allow entry into other theme parks; a VIP tour; “Genie+ passes” that allow expedited access to certain attractions and other extras during peak travel season can cost in the neighborhood of $40,000.
Disney World’s “Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique” is marketing “a royal transformation” in which “children become elegant princesses and shining knights — right before your eyes!”
Packages for the princess makeovers — which entail hairstyling, nail polish, gown, and other accessories to make kids look like Mirabel or Isabel from the film “Encanto” — range from $100 per person to $180 before tax.
The resort also offers “character dining” in which families can eat alongside Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Chip ‘n’ Dale, and others.
The meals range in price between $35 and $60 per adult and up to $40 per child — and that’s before ordering a drink.
Star Wars fans can channel their inner Jedi Knights by ponying up $250 each to participate in a workshop where they get to build their own custom-made lightsabers.
“Once your lightsaber is complete (purchase required!), you’ll be ready to embark on incredible new adventures—from the far reaches of Wild Space to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!” according to Disney’s web site.
Disney executives acknowledged on a recent earnings call that low attendance and higher operating costs at theme parks have put a crimp in the company’s bottom line.
In the first nine months of the year, Disney theme parks generated $24 billion in overall revenue — 17% more than the first nine months of last year, according to the company’s most recent earnings report.
The robust earnings from its theme parks are helping to offset losses in the company’s streaming division and traditional television properties.
Disney stock is at a years-long low and the company has undertaken a multi-billion-dollar restructuring.
“Everyone vacations differently, so we offer a wide range of options, including ways to save and find great value, all while continuing to roll out updates that make planning simpler and easier for the millions of guests who visit each year,” a Disney spokesperson told The Post.
The exorbitant cost entailed in travel to theme parks as well as their byzantine reservation system that was introduced during the coronavirus pandemic has been met with disapproval by Disney fans.
Disney recently brought back complimentary self-parking for Disney Resort hotel stays. It also allowed annual passholders to visit the parks after 2 p.m. without needing a reservation.
Beginning in January, visitors will once again be able to access dining plans as part of their stay package at Disney resort hotels.
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