Just in time for the peak of summer travel season, Disneyland Resort has quietly rolled out a sweeping wave of food and beverage price increases—and fans have noticed. According to Theme Park IQ on X (formerly Twitter), more than 1,200 individual items saw their prices increase beginning July 15th. While Disneyland historically raises prices about twice a year, this round comes with especially steep hikes for some of the park’s most iconic snacks and drinks.

Crowds in line for the Riverboat at Disneyland Park.
Credit: Jeremy Thompson, Flickr

Theme Park IQ shared the chart on X stating, “Disney increased food, beverage and novelty prices across the Disneyland Resort beginning July 15th. They typically increase prices twice per year. Over 1,200 items saw price increases.”

Among the most talked-about changes:

  • Popcorn: Up $0.50, now $6.50
  • Milk & Juice: Each up $0.50, now $3.49
  • Chicken Tenders: Jumped a full $1.50, now $13.49
  • Turkey Leg: Also up $1.50, now $14.49
  • DOLE Whip: A favorite treat now $0.80 more, priced at $7.29
  • Coffee: Increased by $0.50, now $4.79
  • Dasani Bottled Water: Now $4.79, up $0.40
  • Fountain Sodas: Rose by $0.40, now $5.69
  • Pickles: An unexpected hike of $0.30, also $4.79
  • Quick Service Cocktails: Each up $1.00, final prices vary
  • Novelty Sippers: Up $1.00 across the board
  • Bottled Sodas or Cans: Increased $0.25, now $5.50
  • General Quick Service Meals: On average, up $0.50
  • Pretzels: Got a smaller bump of $0.25

These changes have sparked heated reactions online, especially among Disneyland regulars who are already grappling with rising ticket costs, hotel rates, and the ever-shifting landscape of Genie+ and Lightning Lane pricing.

Not Just Snacks—Everything is Going Up

People walking on a quiet Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park, similar to the crowd levels people say are hitting the Southern California Disney parks amid reports of ICE activity nearby.
Credit: Ken Lund, Flickr

While Disney is known for regularly adjusting its pricing, many fans and analysts have noted that these food increases are just one piece of a broader pattern. Over the past several years, Disney has steadily raised costs across every corner of the guest experience.

  • Theme Park Tickets: Daily admission prices for Disneyland have risen multiple times in the past five years. Tiered ticketing introduced in 2016 has evolved into more complex pricing models, with peak-day tickets reaching up to $194 for a single-day, one-park ticket.
  • Magic Key (Annual Passes): The revamped passholder program, formerly Annual Passports, has seen steady increases with fewer included perks. The top-tier Inspire Key currently costs $1,649—and that’s before any food, parking, or merchandise add-ons.
  • Hotel Stays: On-property accommodations have seen year-over-year hikes, with standard rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa often exceeding $800+ per night during peak periods..

What’s Behind the Cost Surge?

Experts point to a mix of post-pandemic inflation, higher operational costs, supply chain disruptions, and increasing demand as reasons for the surge. But for guests, the steady stream of upcharges is beginning to feel relentless.

Even smaller price increases, like those for bottled drinks and snacks, start to add up over the course of a full day in the parks—especially for families. A single turkey leg, a DOLE Whip, and a soda now set you back nearly $27 before tax.

A New Normal for Theme Park Pricing?

Disney isn’t alone in this trend. Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and even regional theme parks like Six Flags have all implemented their own pricing hikes in recent years. However, Disney remains a lightning rod for criticism due to the brand’s visibility and emotional resonance with its fanbase.

And while some guests may shrug off the added cost as the price of magic, others see it as yet another sign that the Disney parks are becoming less accessible to the average visitor.

With no signs of price stabilization in sight, parkgoers can likely expect another round of increases before the year is out—just in time for the holiday season.

Stay tuned as we continue monitoring price shifts across Disney Parks. For now, bring your appetite—and your wallet.

The post Disney Raises Prices on Over 1,200 Food and Drink Items in Stealth Hike appeared first on Inside the Magic.

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