- The cost of tickets to Disneyland went up 8% in 2021, reports say.
- Disney is experiencing the effects of inflation like 'any restaurant on the street,' expert says.
The cost for a day at Disneyland is only going up as inflation continues to drive up the price of concessions at the theme park.
Disneyland, which is in Anaheim, California, is no stranger to price increases when it comes to tickets, parking, and fast passes. Ticket prices went up 8% while parking increased by 20% in 2021, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Now, patrons also are having to pay more for food inside the park and even reportedly deal with smaller portions.
Over the last two years, food and beverage prices at Disneyland have gone up 12%, according to the LA Times.
New Orleans mint julep at the Mint Julep Bar
2020 price: $4.99 Current price: $5.49
Angus beef burger
2020 price: $14.49 Current price: $15.49
Tatooine Sunset (a non-alcoholic drink similar to an Arnold Palmer with melon/blueberry flavor added) at the Ronto Roasters
2020 price: $5.49 Current price: $5.99
Theme park fan Hastin Zylstra expressed his frustrations with the price changes after spending $12 for a sandwich with no side dish, the LA Times reported.
"I've definitely noticed that the prices are going up, and that the 'price floors,' depending on the dish, are getting higher and higher," Zylstra said.
Although Disney officials deny decreasing portion sizes, the company isn't immune to the effects of inflation being felt by many theme parks in the industry.
Parkgoers claimed to notice portion cuts at both Disneyland and Disney World after a 2021 earnings report by CFO Christine McCarthy mentioned decreasing portion sizes as a potential solution to inflation, the LA Times reports.
"We can adjust suppliers. We can substitute products. We can cut portion size, which is probably good for some people's waistlines. We can look at pricing where necessary," McCarthy said.
Disneyland patrons are allowed to bring snacks and nonalcoholic beverages inside the park as long as they follow regulations.
"In our industry, yes, food prices have increased necessarily to adjust for the cost of food and labor, but honestly it's not any different than any restaurant on the street," said Ken Whiting, a food consultant for the theme park industry and chairman of the International Assn. of Amusement Parks and Attractions, according to the LA Times.
Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.