Credit: Inside the MagicIf you’re a Disney fan who lives out of state, it’s starting to feel like Disney World is sending a not-so-subtle message: “Come less.”
With another round of price increases hitting Annual Passes this week, out-of-state passholders are taking the biggest hit once again—and it’s not hard to see why they’re frustrated.
The Price of “Unlimited” Magic Keeps Climbing
The top-tier Incredi-Pass—the only Annual Pass option available for out-of-state guests—now costs $1,629, up from $1,549 just a year ago. That’s not chump change. This jump comes on top of previous increases over the last several years, making the Incredi-Pass hundreds more expensive than when it returned in 2021. It was $1,299.00 when it first returned.
Florida residents, on the other hand, can still choose between multiple lower-priced tiers like the Sorcerer, Pirate, or Pixie Pass. Out-of-staters don’t get that choice. If they want an Annual Pass, they’re stuck with the most expensive one, and they have to pay for it up front. While Florida residents have the option to pay over time, those from out-of-state must pay for their pass totally up-front.
And that’s just the ticket. Out-of-state guests also have to pay for flights or gas, hotel stays, meals, transportation, and all the little extras that pile up fast. Locals can drive in for the day, skip the hotels, and go home after fireworks. For non-Floridians, every visit comes with a travel bill.
A Not-So-Hidden Strategy
Let’s be honest—Disney knows exactly what it’s doing here. By raising the price of the Incredi-Pass the most, the company is making it harder for out-of-staters to justify multiple visits a year. There’s a reason the lower tiers didn’t see the same kind of increase: Disney still wants locals to fill the parks on slower weekdays.
Out-of-state passholders, on the other hand, are more likely to book resort stays, dining, and extras—but Disney has figured out something important: those guests spend even more if they visit less often and buy standard multi-day tickets. It’s a classic business move.
The Only Option Left
For years, many out-of-state fans saw their Annual Pass as their ticket to freedom—an easy way to make multiple trips without constantly worrying about ticket costs. But as prices keep climbing, that freedom is shrinking.
A family of four would need to spend more than $6,500 just for Incredi-Passes, and that doesn’t include taxes, flights, hotel stays, food, or add-ons. For many, the math simply doesn’t work anymore. And it’s clear Disney isn’t too worried about losing some of those passholders.
Out-of-State Fans Are Frustrated
Fans from across the country have already started sounding off, pointing out how locals can enjoy the parks at a fraction of the cost while they’re being priced out. Many say they used to take two or three trips a year, but those plans are changing. Some are letting their passes expire entirely, shifting their vacation money elsewhere—cruises, other theme parks, or international trips.
Others say the rising costs feel like a message from Disney: “We don’t need you as much anymore.” It stings because out-of-state visitors have long been some of Disney World’s most loyal and highest-spending guests.
Disney’s Gamble
Disney may be betting that fewer Annual Passholders from out of state won’t hurt its bottom line. But that’s a risky game. If too many loyal fans feel priced out and find other vacation destinations they love just as much, that’s money Disney may not get back.
This latest price hike doesn’t just increase the cost of entry—it reinforces the feeling that out-of-state guests are no longer the priority they once were. Whether that strategy pays off or backfires will become clearer over the next couple of years.