Disney World raises 1-day rate

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- Ticket prices at Disney World changed in January, with discounts for longer stays, higher prices for one-day visits, and a "park-hopper" option that allows visitors to check out all four theme parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom -- whether they are there for one day or two weeks.
In the past, park-hopper tickets were only available for four- or five-day stays at Disney's Florida parks. The new park-hopper option is a flat $35 add-on to regular ticket prices, but the $35 buys you access to all four parks for up to 14 days.
The new one-day base admission price of $59.75 is a $5 increase over the past admission price of $54.75.
Package deal
The best deal under the new pricing is a six-night, seven-day package for a family of four that includes lodging at a Disney hotel and tickets to one theme park each day for about $1,500, which Disney World president Al Weiss said is a 25 percent savings over the current price. He predicted that the $1,500 price would entice more visitors to plan longer stays.
A new dining plan offers two meals and a snack for $35 a day for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 9. Disney Resort hotel guests will also get to spend more time in the parks than customers staying elsewhere; they'll be allowed to come an hour early or stay three hours later at a different theme park each day.
For an extra cost, guests can also purchase a "no expiration option" to take advantage of any unused ticket entitlements. In addition, there are advance savings purchases on five-, six- and seven-day tickets bought with park-hopper options before leaving home.
The new prices and options, called "Magic Your Way," can be bought beginning Jan. 2, the day they become effective. Details can be found at www.disneyworld.com or (407) W-DISNEY.