‘The most magical place on earth’ has always come with a steep price tag.
There’s the cost of flights, accommodation, park entry and the inevitable array of Mickey Mouse-shaped snacks.
Around one million Brits visit Orlando and its theme parks, especially Disney World, each year, with many families returning every year – despite the steep cost.
A survey of UK-based Disney fanatics found 95 per cent believe a Disney World holiday in Orlando, Florida, is out of reach for average families due to rising costs and just 8.5 per cent said they could get to the Sunshine State within a year of saving.
But now, travel experts have revealed that it could be cheaper to fly to Tokyo Disney in Japan than visit Disney World in Florida.
According to official park data, Tokyo Disney Resort tickets range from 7,900 to 10,900 yen (roughly £38 to £52).
This is compared to the $119 (£90) minimum at Walt Disney World, which can surge to $274 (£205) during peak holiday weekends. Disneyland Paris tickets cost around €49 (£43) to €85 (£74).
But as travel planner and Disney expert Chris French explains, the real difference isn’t just about ticket prices, it’s about when you pay.
Around 1million Brits visit Orlando and its theme parks, especially Disney World, each year, with many families returning every year
Travel experts have revealed that it could be cheaper to fly to Tokyo Disney in Japan than visit Disney World in Florida. The World Bazaar area at Tokyo Disneyland is pictured
‘At Tokyo Disney Resort, your entry ticket might seem cheap,’ French told the New York Post. ‘But premium experiences — front-of-line access, major shows, or parades — often cost extra. You’ll see lower base prices but higher upcharges for convenience.’
According to a post on the Facebook page ‘Orlando Trips for Brits’, which has nearly 160,000 members, it is possible to spend as much as £28,000 on a family holiday to the Disney park in Florida.
One user shared that they spent this sum on a trip for their family of seven, including premium flights. They wrote: ‘You need to budget £1,000 per person for food and drinks and souvenirs for two weeks (talking teens age and over).
‘We did private fireworks boat, animal encounters, Discovery Cove, four nights at Animal Kingdom, two nights at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, three nights at Loews Royal Pacific Resort (for fast passes) and six nights at a budget hotel.’
Another added: ‘We are a family of five and in school holidays, we’re looking at around £15,000.’
Tokyo’s affordability often comes more from Japan’s cost-of-living difference than Disney pricing itself. Food, transportation and local inns can be inexpensive compared to US resorts.
But when airfare is added, the savings begin to evaporate unless booked during off-seasons or with points.
According to Skyscanner, economy flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo in February are around £480 per person, with a flight time of 21 hours. Economy tickets to Orlando for the same date are around £317 per person with a flight time of around 13 hours.
According to a post on the Facebook page ‘Orlando Trips for Brits’, it is possible to spend as much as £28,000 on a family holiday to the Disney park in Florida
On the Facebook page, Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea holiday planning, the topic of whether it is cheaper to visit the resort in Japan than the US is a regular topic.
One user wrote: ‘I find going to Tokyo Disneyland more affordable than going to US parks. I don’t stay on property in Tokyo and I don’t do VP. The Japanese culture makes Tokyo Disneyland my favourite and worth the long flight.’
Another wrote: ‘With the low yen, it is cheaper. However, there are suites and fancy hotel rooms. If you pick those, then it is more expensive.
‘Overall, the crowds are nice and it is cleaner. Pricing varies as to VP or just hotel stay. Not sure which you are planning to do. VP includes tickets, hotel, breakfast and perks for one or two nights.’
When it comes to whether it’s cheaper to visit Orlando or Tokyo, it seems to depend on whether you intend to book accommodation at the park or stay local. While the cost of living is cheaper in Tokyo, there is the added factor of long flight time.
AloJapan.com