Confirmed: Tokyo Disney Resort Slashing Ticket Prices to Rescue Attendance
Five years after the onset of COVID-19, Disney’s theme parks have gradually returned to form. But not all of them have emerged equally strong – and in Japan, the magic may be wearing thin.
While Tokyo Disney Resort continues to be lauded online for its attention to detail and enthusiastic crowds, local reports paint a more complicated picture. From restricted ticketing options to the disappearance of Annual Passes, the guest experience has quietly changed. And attendance has reportedly taken a hit.
Unlike U.S. parks — where high prices have become the norm — Tokyo Disney’s issues aren’t rooted in excessive costs. In fact, ticket prices at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are already considerably cheaper than those at Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort. But as inflation and cautious consumer spending continue to shape travel decisions in Japan, even modest prices may no longer be low enough.
Oriental Land Confirms Disney Price Adjustment Plans
This week, The Mainichi reported that Oriental Land Company, which owns and operates Tokyo Disney Resort under a licensing deal with The Walt Disney Company, is considering adjusting its pricing strategy to help address the recent attendance drop.
Lower prices are reportedly on the table for both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, according to the outlet. Currently, a one-day adult ticket runs between 7,900 yen (approximately $55) and 10,900 yen (around $75 USD). That’s far less than the $199 one-day peak price guests might pay in Orlando — but with fewer local guests visiting post-pandemic, even that may not be sustainable.
Confirmation came via Oriental Land Company President Wataru Takahashi, who stepped into the role of president and COO on April 1. Speaking to reporters, he also touched on the company’s long-term redevelopment plans — part of a business strategy stretching through fiscal 2035 — and noted that adjustments would be key to ensuring future growth.
Cruise Ship, Park Hopping, and the Road Ahead
Takahashi also addressed a different kind of expansion: the company’s cruise ship, set to launch in fiscal 2028. He described the project as “the integration of a theme park and hotel sailing across the ocean,” and said the goal was to get it “on track.” Notably, he emphasized the ship’s live entertainment, which will offer guests experiences “with fewer restrictions like those experienced at theme parks where patrons often must win a seat in a lottery.”
At the same time, the resort has begun testing more flexible options for parkgoers. From July 2 to September 15, 2025, Tokyo Disney will offer a Park Hopper Passport allowing guests to move between the two parks starting at 11 a.m. (via Inside the Magic). While common in the U.S., this system marks a rare return to pre-pandemic flexibility for the Japanese theme park resort.
While Tokyo Disney Resort already bears multiple unique attractions – such as Pooh’s Hunny Hunt, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, and Peter Pan’s Neverland Adventure – there are more on the horizon.
Tokyo Disneyland is currently in the process of constructing a bigger and better version of Space Mountain to replace its predecessor. A Wreck-It Ralph ride is also on its way to Tomorrowland, marking the first at any Disney park.
Recent concept art shared by the Oriental Land Company also suggests that attractions inspired by Up and The Incredibles could potentially be constructed in Tokyo Disneyland’s Adventureland area in the future. However, these projects remain “Blue Sky” ideas for now.
