by Monica Poling
Last updated: 10:15 PM ET, Sat February 11, 2017
It's going to cost a little more to visit the happiest place on earth, starting Sunday, February 12.
As is the case with Disney, it requires a bit of a slide rule to navigate the complicated pricing tiers, so bear with us.
California
In California, the best time to visit either park is during Value Days, or low season periods, where admission to Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure will now cost $97, an increase of $2. The park also features Regular days ($110) and Peak days ($124), both of which are increasing by $5.
"Our pricing provides guests a range of options that allow us to better manage demand to maximize the guest experience and is reflective of the distinctly Disney offerings at all of our parks," said a company spokesperson.
Last year was the first time Disney implemented the tiered pricing structure, in an attempt to lessen the crowds on high-volume days.
Disney pass holders can also expect to pay more. The Southern California Select ($339) and Southern California ($469) passes, which each have black out dates, are increasing by $10 for 2017. The Deluxe pass ($619), which features a smaller quantity of black-out dates is increasing by $20.
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Parking is also increasing, jumping to $20 from $18.
According to the Orange County Register, both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure had record-breaking attendance in 2015, but those numbers slipped by five percent last year.
Florida
In Florida, Disney also introduced the three-tier pricing system last year, and prices at most parks will increase in keeping with those at the California parks. Value days jump from $97 to $99, while Regular days ($107) and Peak days ($119) are both increasing by $5. Admission to the Magic Kingdom costs a little more than it does at sister parks. At the Magic Kingdom, prices are increasing for Value and Regular days but will remain the same ($124) for Peak days.
Annual passes for the Florida parks will also increase, jumping $10 to $559 for Gold passes (with blackout dates) and $30 to $679 for Platinum passes (with no blackout dates.)
A new rule this year, all tickets will have expiration dates, so visitors should pay attention if they plan to purchase their tickets online well in advance of travel. Preferred parking in Florida, also a new option for guests last year, will increase to $40, up from $35.
Disney typically increases its admission prices every February.
According to a tweet by @Epcotears, the Magic Kingdom had its first price increase in 1972, when admission rose to $3.75 (from $3.50) for adults.
Of course, back then, Disney was famous for its "E" ticket rides, where guests had to hand over paper coupons at varying levels to ride the attractions. Coupon books needed to be purchased, at various pricing levels, in order to enjoy most of the rides.
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