6 Unexpected PRICE INCREASES You'll Have on Your 2025 Disney World Trip

Are you planning a trip to Disney World in 2025?

If you are, there’s so much to look forward to and we’re so excited for you. That being said, we want to help make sure you’re ready even for the unexpected. Now, we know all about how Disney prices have always have a way of creeping up year after year (i.e. park tickets and food prices), but before you go all-in on booking your dream Disney World vacation, let’s talk about a couple of unexpected price hikes that might catch you by surprise, and what you can do to budget around them!

As we were saying, the last thing we want for you is for unexpected price increases to put a damper on your 2025 Disney World travel plans, so let’s talk about six (6) things you might not expect (so they don’t catch you off guard).

Airline Tickets

We all love a good deal on airfare, but with airlines continuing to grapple with fluctuating fuel costs, labor shortages, and overall increased demand, you can expect to see prices inching upwards in 2025. Yes, post-pandemic travel is on the up-and-up, but Disney World is one of the top destinations, which means higher competition for seats and higher prices for you.

This is a trend that’s likely to continue into 2025. If you’re planning a Disney trip, booking flights earlier than ever might be your best bet. Also, don’t forget to keep an eye out for budget airlines and flexible travel dates. While no one can control airline pricing (even though we wish we could!), a little planning ahead can help soften the blow to your bank account.

Pro Tip: Use flight tracking tools to get alerts when prices drop or change. Also, mid-week flights tend to be cheaper, so consider flying out on a Tuesday or Wednesday if you can swing it.

Airport Transportation

Do you remember those good ol’ days when Disney’s Magical Express would whisk you away from Orlando International Airport to the gates of Disney World? Well, those days are long gone, and now airport transportation can add an extra layer of expense.

Since Disney canceled the Magical Express service, guests are left to fend for themselves when it comes to getting from the airport to their Disney hotel. Thinking about 2025, have it in mind that you might need to pay even more for your ride no matter if you’re taking a ride-share like Uber or Lyft, renting a car, or even opting for a paid shuttle service like Mears Connect.

Because of the rising gas prices and inflation, airport transportation costs will continue to rise. Even those quick Uber rides could end up costing more than you expect, especially during peak travel times or when there’s surge pricing (which, let’s face it, can be pretty common in busy spots like Orlando).

Pro Tip: If you’re staying on Disney property, compare shuttle service costs with ride-share options to see what gives you the most bang for your buck. If you’re staying off-property, renting a car might be the most economical option, especially if you have a large group.

Gas Prices

Speaking of gas prices, if you’re one of the many families who prefer a good old-fashioned road trip to Disney World, you may want to take a closer look at your gas budget. Gas prices have been fluctuating like crazy over the past few years, and while they might dip slightly here and there, the overall trend seems to be creeping higher.

In 2025, chances are that you can expect fuel prices to be a bit higher than what you’re paying now, particularly during popular travel seasons like summer or around the holidays. Driving to Disney can be a great way to save money compared to flying, but it’s important to remember that those gas costs can add up, especially if you’re coming from out of state.

Pro Tip: Use your favorite apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas stations along your route, and don’t forget to account for parking fees at your hotel and at the parks if you’re driving in.

Toll Prices

Speaking of driving, if you’re staying off Disney property (maybe in a vacation rental like an AirBnB or a more budget-friendly hotel), you’ll probably be driving in and out of the parks each day. If you’re unfamiliar with the Florida highway system, you might be surprised at how many tolls you’ll encounter on your way to and from Disney World.

Toll prices have been steadily increasing, and in 2025, they’ll likely go up again. While each toll might only be a couple of dollars, the costs add up if you’re driving back and forth every day for a week. It’s especially frustrating if you’re trying to cut costs by staying farther away from Disney, only to realize you’re paying more in tolls than you saved on your hotel!

Pro Tip: If you’re renting a car, look into getting a SunPass or E-PASS for easier (and sometimes cheaper) toll payments. Also, find out if your favorite GPS apps have a “no tolls” route option, just be aware that it might add significant time to your trip.

Grocery Delivery

One popular tip for saving money on food at Disney World that we love is to have groceries delivered directly to your hotel room. Services like Kroger delivery are great for getting snacks, breakfast items, and drinks without paying Disney’s inflated food prices. However, what used to be a budget-friendly hack may not be as cheap in 2025.

Kroger Delivery at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Inflation has been affecting the cost of groceries nationwide, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Combine that with increased delivery fees, surge pricing for high-demand times (like spring break or the holidays), and even tipping the delivery driver, and you’re looking at a hefty grocery bill just to stock up on some basic essentials.

Pro Tip: If you’re flying in, you might want to pack as many non-perishable snacks as you can fit into your suitcase. That could save you from having to rely on pricey grocery delivery once you’re there.

Souvenirs

Now, who doesn’t love a good souvenir? (I know we do!) Just keep in mind that the cost of Disney souvenirs continues to rise, and in 2025, you’ll probably be paying even more for that magical merchandise.

Everything from Disney-branded apparel to toys and home décor prices tend to creep up every year. So, expect to pay a premium for those must-have items, especially if they’re part of special collaborations or limited-time events. Even items like bottled water or snacks sold in the gift shops are marked up.

Pro Tip: You’ll want to set a souvenir budget ahead of time and stick to it. You could also consider buying Disney-themed merch online before your trip from retailers like Target and Amazon as sometimes they carry licensed Disney products for a fraction of the price you’d pay in the parks.

Those are just a couple of the unexpected price increase that you’ll have to face on your 2025 Disney World trip. Now we love hearing from you, so go ahead and share your thoughts down in the comments. Until then, keep it right here at AllEars for all the latest Disney news!