The Happiest Place on Earth just made a major change at the gate.
Disney parks in both California and Florida have introduced a new "seasonal pricing" system that charges a higher entrance fee on peak days of the year -- and raises the ticket price for many regular days, too.
Some people are calling this "surge pricing," and it's making them grumpy.
A one-day pass at Disneyland previously cost $99 year-round. But under the new ticket system, days at Disney parks are now classified as either "value," "regular" or "peak" days, depending on how crowded they're expected to be. Now, a value day costs $95, a regular day is $105, and a peak day is $119.
If you're visiting on, say, a Wednesday in May, then you'll actually save $4 under the new system, because value days are cheaper. But visit on any day in July or August, and you'll pay more.
Disney announced the ticket change earlier this week on its Disney Parks Blog. They say it's a way to deal with growing crowds and usher in a fun new era of Star Wars rides, "Frozen" attractions and more.
If you plan your Disney trip strategically and visit on the right days, then the new ticket pricing is actually good for your wallet. But if you enjoy Disney holiday magic -- or summer vacation, for that matter -- then expect to pay some extra bucks.
Happy travels!
