Your Flight to Disney World Just Got More Expensive

Things may have just gotten more expensive for those planning on flying to Walt Disney World.

A black and white image of the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park, including the Main Street, U.S.A. train station. — Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

There’s no denying that a trip to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” can be quite costly, and as such, Disney World is a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for many. From the increased cost of park tickets and add-ons to the rising price of hotels, a trip to Disney World can easily cost thousands upon thousands of dollars.

Guests can implement a few key strategies to save money on their trip, but they should expect to shell out a considerable chunk of cash if they want to do everything there is to do in Walt Disney World.

Unfortunately, a Disney World vacation may have just gotten more expensive for guests looking to fly, specifically for those planning on using Southwest Airlines.

Southwest Airlines Introducing Fees for Checked Bags

two southwest airlines planes flying above clouds — Credit: Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines announced today that it will soon begin charging for checked bags. Beginning May 28, 2025, passengers not part of Rapid Rewards A-List Prefered will be charged for both their first and second checked bags.

It’s unclear how much Southwest intends to charge guests for checked bags, but competing airlines such as Delta and United charge passengers $35 for a single bag.

As stated earlier, the price of a trip to Walt Disney World has increased significantly over the last decade, with Disney continuing to introduce more price hikes resort-wide. Just recently, Disney announced it would be increasing the monthly payments for Annual Passholders, with the company also raising the price of its Disney Vacation Club timeshare program earlier this year.

Prices continue to rise on the West Coast as well, though Disneyland will be rolling out special discounted tickets this summer as part of the California resort’s 70th-anniversary celebration event, which begins this May.

This year will be a big one for Walt Disney World and Disneyland as major projects begin to take shape and certain rides and attractions close forever. Not only will 2025 see the removal of classic attractions like “It’s Tough to Be a Bug” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but it’s also seen the temporary closures of iconic thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which is not scheduled to reopen until 2026.

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World this year?