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Credit: Inside the MagicIf it feels like every little thing costs more on your Disney World vacation these days, you’re not wrong.
Between higher ticket prices, Lightning Lane costs that fluctuate daily, and food that seems to get more expensive with every visit, guests are already budgeting down to the last Mickey pretzel. And just when you thought you had a handle on the price tag—here comes another one. This one isn’t inside the parks, though. It hits before you even walk through the gates.
And no, we’re not talking about resort parking or airfare. This one hits while you’re still on the road—literally.
A New Expense for Many Central Florida Travelers
As of July 1, toll rates have officially increased on some of the busiest roads near Disney World. The Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX), which operates over 120 miles of toll roads in the Orlando area, raised prices between 2 and 5 cents per toll booth. Doesn’t sound like much? That adds up—especially for families staying off-property or those who make frequent trips to the parks.
If your travel route includes any of these major roads, you’re going to feel the change:
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State Road 408 (East-West Expressway)
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State Road 417 (Central Florida Greenway)
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State Road 429 (Western Beltway)
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State Roads 414, 451, 453, 528 (parts of Beachline), and 538 (Poinciana Parkway)
Several of these roads serve as a main artery for guests heading toward Disney property. And with more than a million toll transactions logged every day on the CFX network, this change affects a lot of visitors, both from out of town and local.
Why the Price Increase?
CFX says the rate hike is part of its five-year work plan, which focuses on expanding and improving the system. The authority doesn’t get state or local tax dollars, so toll increases are one of their few ways to generate revenue. Most of the new money will go toward projects like interchange upgrades and road expansions that aim to keep traffic flowing—even with the massive tourism numbers Central Florida sees year-round.
In short, if you’re stuck in traffic on I-4 or trying to get around it via these toll roads, you’re now paying a little extra for the privilege.
Is There Any Way to Save?
Actually, yes. CFX has several toll discount programs through E-Pass. If you’re a regular visitor or even a local Disney fan who drives these roads often, using E-Pass could save you up to 25%. Drivers who make 40–79 transactions a month get a 20% discount, while those who cross 80+ transactions monthly earn 25% off. It may not help your next single trip to the parks, but for annual passholders or frequent flyers, it’s something to consider.
Plus, E-Pass is accepted in more states than ever, so it might benefit you beyond Orlando, too.
For many guests, Disney trips already come with enough planning stress. Between park reservations, dining, transportation, and entertainment, a few extra cents per toll might seem like no big deal—but it’s just another piece of the financial puzzle. And when you’re stacking these small price increases on top of everything else Disney-related, it’s understandable why guests are keeping a close eye on their wallets.
So next time you’re planning the drive down to Walt Disney World, give yourself a little buffer. Because even getting to the magic has a cost—and now, it’s a bit higher than before.
How Much Have Ticket Prices Increased at Disney World?
Disney’s dynamic pricing continues to bump up ticket costs. For 2025, one-day, one-park tickets have jumped to:
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Animal Kingdom: $119–$174
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EPCOT: $129–$194
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Hollywood Studios: $139–$194
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Magic Kingdom: $144–$199
You also have options for Park-Hopping and such that will create additional fees.
To put this in perspective: in 2024, tickets ranged from about $109 at the lowest end to $189 at the top. That means the cheapest base ticket is now $10 more than a year ago, and peak-day passes at Magic Kingdom can hit $199—just shy of $200. Keep in mind that multi-day tickets will be less per day, depending on how many days you purchase for your vacation.