As 2025 turned the page to 2026, American travelers — including those heading to Walt Disney World — caught a break at the pump.
It may be time to drive to Disney World
According to AAA, the national average gas price dropped more than 4 cents in the final week of 2025, falling to $2.89. The group says this is the cheapest December at the pump since the end of 2020.
AAA credits the prices to crude oil prices remaining low and supplies remaining high, despite an “increase in gasoline demand over the holidays.” These prices were likely welcomed by the RECORD-BREAKING amount of travelers during the Holiday Season. Approximately 109 million Americans traveled by car over the final weeks of 2025, an increase of 2% compared to 2024, with driving being the overwhelming favorite mode of transportation.
Traffic in Disney World
Despite the Holiday Season ending, gas prices remain low for now, meaning that an early 2026 road trip, like say to the “Most Magical Place on Earth,” during a period where crowds are generally a bit lower (in a comparative sense anyway) might be a wise idea. The hope overall is that 2026 follows the same pattern as 2025, which was a “stable year for the national average with few fluctuations and no sharp spikes.”
©GasBuddy
If you do decide to take advantage of these gas prices and take a road trip to Disney World, keep some further tips in mind, including:
- Keep the GPS ready.
- Make sure your car is loaded with any essentials you could need, from snacks to automotive fluids.
- Check up on any road construction or other hindrances that may be on your route.
- Map out a place to stop for the night if you’re driving in from far enough away.
Driving to Disney World
Gas prices are down for the moment, which means that road trips — including ones to Walt Disney World — are more in reach for many travelers at the start of 2026. Stay tuned to DFB for further updates on the U.S. travel industry.
2026 Dates You Should Know If You’re a Disney World Fan
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