Price increases seem to be the name of the game at Disney World, but some DEVASTATING ones have hit the parks in 2023.

Reports previously indicated that current Disney CEO Bob Iger was “alarmed by increases in prices at Disney theme parks,” which former CEO Bob Chapek felt would “boost revenue and limit overcrowding.” Though that may be the case, and Iger has brought back some FREE perks to Disney World — like free overnight parking for guests at Disney World hotels — that doesn’t mean all price increases have stopped…

Instead, 2023 has featured its own set of price increases in Disney World on everything from iconic snacks to fun experiences for the family. So let’s go through some of the most devastating ones here.

Genie+

We start with Genie+ — Disney’s paid FastPass+ replacement service. Towards the beginning of the year, Genie+ hit some HISTORIC record prices. At that time, it reached a high of $35 for the standard Genie+ service.

But note that this was before major Genie+ changes were implemented.

In June of 2023, Disney CHANGED the Genie+ pricing structure. Rather than just having one standard Genie+ price that granted you access to the system at all of the parks, Disney introduced a per-park payment option.

Now, you can opt to buy a multi-park Genie+ option (that lets you use Genie+ at multiple parks in one day) and that is one price. Or you can opt to buy Genie+ for a single park and those are priced individually.

Prices for Genie+ now vary by park and by date. And you’ll want to keep in mind that Genie+ can (and does) sell out.

The updated Genie+ pricing structure hasn’t hit the $35 high we saw from the standard Genie+ pricing previously, but it has seen some increases (and decreases). Overall, the highest multi-park Genie+ pricing (thus far) has been $29.

There’s no telling what the future will hold and just how high those prices might get, particularly around peak periods like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. So, be sure to plan ahead and leave plenty of room in your budget for these increased costs.

Click here to see how this Genie+ pricing structure change actually FIXED a huge problem

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Next, we turn to dining. For quite a while, Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom (the iconic restaurant in the castle) had been offering a modified character meal with just a meet-and-greet with Cinderella before the meal. That changed in early 2023 when a more traditional character dining experience returned here.

Now, you’ll still meet Cinderella before your meal, but as you eat you’ll also get the chance to chat with royalty as various princesses make their way around the restaurant.

But, with the return of the more traditional princess character dining came some BIG price increases. Here’s a look at just how prices changed when the princesses came back:

• Breakfast for adults was previously $45 per person and is now $65 per person ($20 increase!)
• Breakfast for children was previously $29 per person and is now $39 per person ($10 increase)
• Lunch/Dinner for adults was previously $67 per person but is now $79 per person ($12 increase)
• Dinner for children was previously $39 per person but is now $47 per person ($8 increase)

The increase in adult pricing at breakfast — which saw a $20 jump — is by far the most devastating one here. The question is whether you feel like that increased cost (or the increased cost for the other meals here) is worth paying. On the one hand, this is one of those you-have-to-try-it-once-type experiences since you get to eat INSIDE the Castle and meet the princesses.

But the food can be somewhat hit or miss. We’ve had some tasty dishes here and some rather boring ones. Truthfully, the big thing you’re paying for here is the experience as a whole. Would it be worth it for you?

See ALL of our reviews of Cinderella’s Royal Table here to decide whether it’s worth it! 

DOLE Whip + MORE Eats

Say it isn’t so! The DOLE Whip is one of the most iconic snacks in Disney World, coming in a variety of flavors but most famously in its classic pineapple form. We’ve seen price increases hit this refreshing treat in the past, and 2023 brought another jump.

In February of 2023, DOLE Whip got a price increase at some locations in Disney World. For example, over at Aloha Isle Refreshments in Magic Kingdom, the Coconut, Pineapple, and Raspberry flavors increased from $4.99 to $5.99 — and the same applied for a swirl of any of these flavors.

As of late July 2023, those are still the updated prices, but more increases could be on the way. Disney is constantly adjusting prices for its meals and snacks.

For example, earlier in 2023, buffet-style dining returned to Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. With that return came some price increases:

• Breakfast — adult pricing — was $45, increased to $51
• Dinner — adult pricing — was $60, increased to $62
• Breakfast — child pricing — was $29, increased to $33
• Dinner — child pricing — was $38, increased to $39

Price increases have also hit Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie in EPCOT, some Disney World hotel restaurants, EPCOT restaurants, Homecomin’ in Disney Springs, and MORE. When making your dining budgets for Disney World, be sure to give yourself a bit of breathing room to make space for any potential increases that might hit those menus before your arrival.

Click here to take a look at the HIDDEN price increases for 2024 Disney World park tickets

Fireworks Cruises

Ever thought about doing a Disney World fireworks cruise? The Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise is a unique experience that allows you to view the Magic Kingdom fireworks away from the big crowds, from a totally different perspective (a boat on the Seven Seas Lagoon), and with the bonus of specialty desserts and drinks (including alcohol for those 21+).

The cruise experience shut down for a while for refurbishment in 2023 and then reopened in mid-July. But when it came back, it was MORE expensive than before.

Ticket prices were previously $99 for adults and $69 for kids. Now, the cruises cost $130 for adults and $100 for kids. That’s more than a 30% increase!

Special desserts and drinks, fireworks glasses with Mickey effects, and an ultraviolet scavenger hunt might be enough to make you feel that this experience is still worth the cost…or they might not.

If you do decide to give it a try, know that the offering is available on select Wednesday and Saturday nights, advance reservations are highly recommended (though same-day reservations can be made before 5PM depending on availability), and the boat sets sail about 50 minutes before the fireworks begin.

Click here for our full page of details about this experience

Eat to the Beat Dining Packages

And finally, our last devastating price increase comes in the form of Eat to the Beat Dining Packages. These special dining packages are offered during EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival. If you opt for one of them, you’ll get to enjoy a meal at a qualifying EPCOT restaurant paired with reserved seating for one Eat to the Beat show on the day of your reservation/visit.

Eat to the Beat Dining Packages are only available at select EPCOT restaurants and how much they cost depends on what restaurant you select. Some of the pricing for these restaurants did not change between 2022 and 2023, but one restaurant, in particular, saw a BIG increase.

Dining packages at Le Cellier Steakhouse (Canada) got a big jump this year. Here’s a look at the pricing:

• Adults: $95 ($16 price increase compared to 2022)
• Children: $36 ($8 price increase compared to 2022)

WOWZA. What a price increase! That’s by far the most devastating jump in price for the Eat to the Beat Dining Packages, but other restaurants saw some increases too — generally around $3-$4. Check out some of the details below:

Biergarten Restaurant (Germany)

• Adults: $60 ($3 price increase compared to 2022)
• Children: $34 ($2 price increase compared to 2022)

Coral Reef Restaurant (World Nature)

• Adults: $69
• Children: $27 ($5 increase from 2022)

Spice Road Table (Morocco)

• Adults: $47 ($3 price increase compared to 2022)
• Children: $20 ($4 price increase compared to 2022)

Just note that dining packages are NOT required to see the Eat to the Beat shows. You can technically see these shows for free (as part of your EPCOT admission). But seating for some performers (especially the really popular ones) can fill up fast, and you might be stuck waiting in a long standby line for a significant period of time if you want to secure a good spot. That’s why the Dining Packages can be helpful if there’s a particular performer you want to see up close without having to wait in line.

If you’re looking for a cheaper Eat to the Beat Dining Package option, consider the same-day ones available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue. These are subject to availability but are priced at $35 for adults and can still secure you a good seat and some tasty eats.

Click here to see the FULL Eat to the Beat concert series schedule and more dining package details

And that’s a look at 5 devastating price increases that have hit Disney World this year. But the year isn’t over just yet, so be sure to look at those budgets carefully because more price increases could be on the way.

And keep in mind that more increases could impact trips in 2024. We’ll keep an eye out for everything you need to know and share all the latest updates with you. Stay tuned for more news!

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Which of these price increases do you feel is the most devastating? Tell us in the comments.

The post The 5 Most Devastating Price Increases in Disney World in 2023 first appeared on the disney food blog.