Inflation continues to impact nearly every industry, including theme parks. The impact on theme park pricing has been especially significant. A study examines the level of theme park inflation over a decade by comparing prices from 2015 to 2025.
Highlights
- A study was conducted to understand the theme park inflation in America.
- Data from 2015 and 2025 were collected, compared, and analyzed.
- A recent study examined how theme park prices in the U.S. have changed over time.
Theme Park Inflation: A Study Comparing 2015 to 2025
Theme parks continue to draw millions of visitors each year. There is joy in climbing onto thrilling rides or entering the magical world of our favorite characters. That experience now comes with a steeper cost. As inflation continues to play its part, it looks like entering theme parks is getting pricier.
A recent study conducted by FinanceBuzz shows the stark contrast in entrance and parking prices. When comparing prices from 2015 and 2025, a drastic difference is clear. Major parks dominate in rising admission costs, while smaller parks lead in steep parking fee hikes.
The study goes further to explain what is causing this inflation. Upon studying the days when the prices change, it also gives a few tips on how to get the best theme park experience.
Over the Top Admission Prices
The study compares single-day passes at 20 of the most popular theme parks in North America. On average, these passes cost around $105 today, which is a 37% increase since 2015. Among these, the biggest rises have been observed in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (79%), EPCOT (72%), Magic Kingdom (70%), and Knott’s Berry Farm (60%).
The price increase is so high that Hollywood Studios and EPCOT have already doubled the national rate of inflation. These statistics come as a surprise to many, as this is just the admission rate.
Major parks have led the rise in ticket prices, while smaller parks have driven parking fee increases. However, these reduced rates are a part of a strategy.
Increase in Parking Prices to Create Balance
The data on admission rates may have been surprising, but the data on parking prices is not far behind. While some parks have kept their admission rates low or even reduced, their parking rates have seen a shocking increase. Disney and Universal are also part of this list of theme parks that have increased their parking rates.
Surprisingly, many smaller parks have been placed higher on this list. The park placed highest on this list is Ohio’s King’s Island. The park has witnessed a 150% increase in parking rates. The numbers keep coming as SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, and Busch Gardens place next with an increase of 119%.
This may be an effort to offset revenue from lower ticket prices. The reduced admission rates and higher parking prices don’t just create a balance. It also attracts the crowd to these theme parks and keeps the numbers running.
Reasons for the Inflation
Many parks are investing in new rides and attractions to justify higher prices. Major upgrades and changes in the parks are among the major reasons for this change. The two new themed lands at Hollywood Studios and new rides in EPCOT are part of the reason.
These changes need to be observed and taken into consideration when fretting over inflation. The parks are also investing in making the experience worth every penny spent. But this only makes inflation acceptable to a certain extent.
Tips and Tricks to Make the Best of a Theme Park Trip
When looking at the skyrocketing prices of theme parks, it’s still a costly experience for many families. However, proper planning can make these trips worthwhile. Since 2015, many parks have introduced date-based pricing where admission costs vary depending on the date. While some days are expensive, there are some days that are relatively low-cost.
Making a note of these dates can help clear the first hurdle of admission rates. Then comes the parking and in-park purchases.
People can also focus on earning credit card rewards that can help them get the best deals at the parks. Credit card points, rewards, and cashbacks cannot be underestimated when it comes to planning these trips. With the right approach, families can still make lasting memories without breaking the bank.
