The soaring cost of food and drinks at Disney World has left inflation-battered visitors doubting whether the theme park is still the “Most Magical Place on Earth.”
Disney fanatics who trekked to Orlando for extensive stays at Epcot Center, the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom blew off some steam on Reddit where they expressed frustration over the sky-high prices at the concession stands.
“I’m pretty sure I spent $500 on food and drinks for three days doing Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot,” one Redditor wrote on Thanksgiving.
Another frequent Disney park-goer lamented the stress on his finances caused by his trips to central Florida.
“We’ve been visiting 3-5 times a year for the past 15 years. Love WDW so much. But it’s now $200+ everytime [sic] we sit down to eat,” the Redditor wrote, adding that he and his family “might just need to go off property more to eat.”
A Disney patron reported their reaction upon seeing the bill for an alcoholic drink, writing: “The drink prices have gotten outrageous.”
“I understand that you don’t have to drink there, but I felt violated after being charged $22 for a tiny rum drink in a plastic cup over the weekend,” they wrote.
Another Redditor said that the testimonials about exorbitant concession prices at Disney could prompt them to book a trip across the pond instead.
“My partner and I were looking into Europe for next year and you are so right for what Disney cost us we could go to Europe for like 2 weeks!” they wrote.
The Post has sought comment from The Walt Disney Company.
Last month, Disney, whose stock price hit a nine-year low earlier this year amid economic headwinds that have hamstrung the entertainment industry, jacked up admission prices at its Florida and California theme parks by as much as 10%.
One Reddit commenter said that a recent trip to Disney gave them sticker shock — particularly during their time at the “Star Wars”-themed “Rise of the Resistance” attraction.
“Last November around the same time [we paid] $11 [per person] for Rise of the Resistance. This year? $22 PER PERSON,” the frustrated Redditor wrote.
“It was really disheartening.”
The comments posted on Reddit appear to corroborate reports on Disney-themed blogs such as Inside The Magic Kingdom, which reported price increases for popular snacks and meals at the theme parks.
According to Inside The Magic Kingdom, Disney hiked the price of its Baby Gem Caesar salad from $23 to $25.
A Blue Iceberg salad will set visitors back $24 — up from $22 — while a Crispy Calamari appetizer now costs $28 — up from $26, according to the blog.
A serving of Lil’ BRGs, or miniature hamburgers, will set you back $26 while a Jalapeño Pickled Shrimp Cocktail is priced at $33.
The high rate of inflation has made it harder for budget-conscious families to take a trip to Disney and other theme parks.
A recent review by Bloomberg News found that a typical family of four can wind up spending at least $4,280 for a week-long stay.
The sum takes into account food, hotel, parking tickets and admission into the theme parks — the prices of which are on a sliding scale depending on when the trips are taken.
Wealthier families who splurge on perks and amenities such as dining with Disney characters and creating a customized light-saber can expect to spend at least $40,000 for a six-night stay.
Disney officials who are sensitive to the backlash from critics who say the park is catering strictly to wealthy customers recently brought back complimentary self-parking for Disney Resort hotel stays.
The company has 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.
