The Unexpected Splurge Suddenly Impacting Disney World Trips

You might need to do some splurging in order to go to Disney World these days!

I mean, it’s a vacation, of COURSE there’s going to be splurging. But on our recent trips, some prices have caught us off guard. We’re here to warn you about three big splurges you’ll be making in Disney World in 2026.

Gas Prices

First of all, it’s no secret that gas prices are VERY high in the U.S. right now, and that can affect your Disney World trip in a variety of ways. The most obvious is for those who are driving themselves to the property, but it also raises the cost of rideshare options like Uber, Lyft, and Minnie Vans. Whether you’re using those to go to and from the airport or to get around Disney World, you’ll want to budget extra.

Also, the high cost of fuel is making many flights more expensive than usual. Make sure to do your flight shopping early, and if you need to, set alerts for price drops so that you can secure the best deal possible.

What I Wish I’d Known Before Going to Disney World in 2026

$22 Slices of Cake

Now this one is a little less serious, but you’re definitely going to need to budget extra to try a life-changing slice of cake in Disney World. Since it opened in 2024, we’ve been OBSESSED with The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s BoardWalk. This restaurant and bakery are gorgeous and have delicious treats.

The one problem? A single slice of cake costs $22. Given, they’re pretty large slices of cake that are certainly shareable…but they’re still on the expensive side. Trust us, though, Gwendolyn Rogers does not MISS with these cakes.

Check Out One of Our Cake Reviews Here!

Customizable Souvenirs

The third big splurge you’re going to find in Disney World these days? Customizable souvenirs. Many Disney souvenirs are becoming more customizable to your personal preferences, which is fun, but that also means you’ll be spending more to buy individual pieces.

What do I mean? Take the whole bag charm craze, for example. You buy the plain bag without much embellishment, then purchase the themed keychain. Then you add tiny plushes of your favorite characters, a cutesy little coin purse, and a beaded piece of bag jewelry. All of a sudden, you’re spending WAY more than if you’d just straight-up bought a Disney Loungefly backpack.

The same goes for the customizable ear headbands, the create-your-own charm bracelets, and many other offerings these days. Unique souvenirs, but at a cost.

The Sneaky Way Disney Is Making You Spend More Money on Souvenirs

With these things in mind, you might end up having a more expensive Disney World trip in 2026. As long as you make a budget and stick to it, you should be fine, but there might be some creative problem-solving involved.

Of course, we’ll help you save as much money as possible by sharing all the available discounts and deals for your trip! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest.