70% of Disney-going parents skipped a Disney vacation this summer due to costs

New research from iVisa, which surveyed more than 2,000 people in the US, has revealed that financial pressures are keeping many American families away from the iconic Disney theme parks.

Happy Family

Known for its magical experiences and unrestrained nostalgia, Disney has long been a dream destination for families. However, the parks have lost some of their fairy dust due to rising costs – causing many to choose alternative vacation plans.

Where dreams do come true: Disney's enduring popularity

Travel visa platform iVisa found that Americans' love for Disney remains strong, with 60% of the population having visited a Disney theme park at some point in their lives.

Among these Disney-goers, 30% made the trip within the past year, indicating a consistent draw to the parks. However, the data suggests that concerns over the cost means many will have to miss out on future trips.

The happiest place on earth comes with a hefty price tag

Unfortunately, Disney vacations have become synonymous with high expenses. Almost three-quarters (73%) of the people we spoke with who had been to Disney parks were surprised at how costly the experience was.

a pie chart withiVisa in green and the rest in a different brand color with a heading that says Three-quarters of Disney visitors were surprised at the cost

Three-quarters of people were surprised at how costly the Disney experience was – specifically tickets and food

The two biggest contributors to these high costs were admission tickets, cited by 33% of people we spoke with as their most significant barrier to visiting, and in-park food, which 31% found too expensive.

The perception of Disney vacations as more expensive than other trips is widespread. A significant 72% of Disney visitors agree that these vacations cost more than other types of trips. Furthermore, 67% of Disney-goers believe that a Disney vacation should actually be cheaper than other vacation options.

a bar chart with the different reasons why people find Disney too expensive. E.g. Heading: The biggest Disney park costs

Disney park tickets (33%)
In-park food (31%)
Accommodations (23%)
Upgrades like Disney Genie (Fast Pass) (14%)

Parents are the least likely to revisit

These financial concerns are not just theoretical – they’re having a real impact on family vacation plans. A substantial 38% of Disney-goers stated that the high cost of Disney parks makes the experience not worth the price. This sentiment is even more emphasized among parents with young children, with 40% agreeing that the cost outweighs the benefits.

Quote from David Perez, iVisa Co-Founder: “As a kid growing up in Miami, I used to visit Disney twice a year. I still remember how much I loved those family trips. After taking my kids to Disney last year, I will be lucky to take them twice in my lifetime. It is a shame since Disney continues to be a magical family destination.”

70% of previous Disney-going parents had to opt out this summer

This has led to a noticeable decline in Disney visits, particularly among parents. A staggering 70% of parents who had previously taken their children to Disney parks opted out of a Disney vacation this summer due to the costs involved. Overall, 56% of Disney-goers skipped their trip this year, highlighting the growing financial strain.

A closer look at the numbers

Delving deeper into the data, 59% of Americans have visited a Disney theme park, with parents of young children slightly more likely to have gone, at 63%. Interestingly, the survey found that Gen Zers are the least likely to have visited Disney, with nearly half (46%) saying they’ve never been to a Disney park.

For those who do choose a Disney vacation, the financial outlay is significant. Approximately 43% of Disney-goers reported spending between $1,000 and $5,000 on their trip. This substantial investment further reinforces why many are rethinking the value of a Disney vacation.

quote from Sergio Merino, iVisa Co-Founder: “As a Spaniard who has visited the U.S. more than 20 times, going to Disney in Orlando has always been one of my biggest dreams. Now, as a father, it’s become an obsession to take my kids there. But with prices rising every year, I keep postponing the trip and I’m beginning to wonder if we’ll ever make it.”

More than a third (38%) said the cost is their biggest reason for never visiting Disney

Among those who have never visited a Disney park, the cost is the biggest factor. More than 38% cited the expense as the primary reason for not experiencing the magic of Disney.

The future of Disney vacations

As Disney continues to be a cherished destination, the financial barriers to visiting are becoming increasingly evident. With the majority of parents believing that a Disney vacation should be more affordable, whether the company will address these concerns remains to be seen. Unfortunately, this means the cost of Disney magic is causing many families to seek alternative vacation options.

For many, the price of magic is way too high.

About iVisa

Simplifying our customers' lives is at the heart of everything we do. At iVisa ivisatravel.com, we endeavor to make traveling easy. Whether you need a visa, photo, passport, or any other travel document, we've made the process simple – so you can focus on what's important.

Methodology

iVisa commissioned QuestionPro to conduct an online survey of 2,002 U.S. consumers. Fieldwork was undertaken between August 23-26, 2024, and administered using a nonprobability-based sample. Quotas were used to ensure the sample base represented the overall population.