New Mandatory Tourist Tax Hits Disney Vacations: What Travelers Need to Know About Rising Costs

Planning a magical getaway often involves budgeting for park tickets, dining plans, and flights, but a new financial hurdle is officially arriving for fans of one specific Disney destination. A new mandatory tourist tax aimed at climate resiliency has been implemented, and it is set to directly impact the cost of Disney vacations for thousands of families this year.

Mickey Mouse in a tuxedo stands in front of a Disney World castle on a themed street. To the side, there's an open suitcase filled with stacks of cash, hinting at $10 million and a Lifetime Pass to endless whimsical adventures and opulence. — Credit: Inside The Magic

While the “Disney Bubble” usually feels insulated from the outside world, travelers heading to Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa are now facing higher nightly totals due to a significant increase in local lodging taxes.

Here is everything you need to know about the new tourist tax and how it will affect your next Disney vacation budget.

Why is the Tourist Tax Increasing?

The decision to hike the tax comes as local government officials move to address the environmental impact of heavy tourism. According to recent reports, the revenue generated from this increased Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) and proposed climate fees will be funneled into “climate resiliency” projects.

These projects are designed to protect the natural beauty and infrastructure of the region—the very things that draw millions of visitors to the resort area each year. From coral reef restoration to beach preservation, the tax is being framed as a “green fee” to ensure the destination remains viable for future generations.

The Financial Impact on Disney’s Aulani Resort

For guests staying at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, the tax increase isn’t just a minor line item. Because Aulani is a premium, high-end destination, the nightly room rates are already significant.

Children playing in a splash zone at Disney Aulani — Credit: Disney

When you apply a percentage-based tourist tax to a luxury resort, the total cost adds up quickly:

Nightly Increases: On a room that costs $600 to $900 per night, even a slight percentage increase can result in an additional $15–$30 per day in taxes alone.
Week-Long Stays: For a standard 7-night family vacation, guests could see their total bill rise by $150 to $250 more than they previously budgeted.
DVC Members: Even Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, who use points to stay at the resort, are often required to pay certain nightly transient taxes in cash upon check-out, meaning this tax will impact even the most loyal “owners” at the resort.

Is This the “Green Fee” Travelers Feared?

For over a year, there has been discussion of a flat $25 climate tax, also known as a “Green Fee,” for every tourist. While that specific flat fee has seen various legislative hurdles, the current move to increase the hotel and transient taxes serves a similar purpose. By increasing the cost of staying in a hotel or resort, the local government ensures that the tourism industry—and the people who enjoy it—pays for the environmental upkeep of the land.

How to Manage Your Disney Vacation Budget in 2026

With the rising cost of travel, Disney fans need to be more strategic than ever. Here are a few ways to mitigate the impact of the new tourist tax on your Disney vacation:

Chip and Dale in orange tank tops. — Credit: Disney

Book Early: Lock in your room rates as early as possible. While you cannot avoid the tax, you can avoid the seasonal price hikes that Disney often implements.
Factor in “Hidden Costs”: When using online budget calculators for Aulani, ensure you are looking at the “total price with taxes and fees” rather than just the base room rate.
Use Disney Rewards: If you have a Disney Visa card, use your rewards points specifically to cover the “incidentals” at check-out, which will likely include these new taxes.
Look for Off-Peak Discounts: Disney frequently offers “Save up to 25%” deals at Aulani during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). These savings can easily offset the additional tax costs.

The Bottom Line

The implementation of this tourist tax serves as a reminder that the cost of preserving beautiful travel destinations is being passed on to the consumer. While a trip to see Mickey in a tropical paradise remains a dream for many, the price of that dream just got a little steeper.

Aulani Disney Resort aerial view — Credit: Aulani

Whether you are a DVC member or a first-time visitor, being aware of these rising costs is the first step in ensuring your Disney vacation remains as stress-free and magical as possible.

Are you planning a trip to Aulani this year? How do you feel about the new climate resiliency tax? Let us know in the comments!