Could the City of Anaheim Make Disney Tickets More Expensive Than They Already Are?

It’s no secret that taking a trip to the Disneyland Resort is not a cheap excursion. A one-day, one-Park ticket can cost upwards of $150 per person — and that doesn’t include parking. Then there’s food that your family will eat, plus any souvenirs you may want to purchase. It’s completely plausible that a family of four could spend close to $1,000 for just one day at The Happiest Place on Earth. There are ways to save — like purchasing a multi-day ticket and bringing your own food — but it will be pricey either way. And, unfortunately, it looks like things could soon get even more expensive.

Credit: Disney

For decades, the city of Anaheim and Disneyland Resort have worked in relative harmony. However, Anaheim officials believe that Disneyland has always benefited more from the city than the city has benefited from Disneyland. For example, Disneyland rents a large parking garage from the city — the Mickey & Friends parking structure — but the rent is only $1 per year. Disneyland charges $35 per car, more if you want preferred parking, and even more if you drive a larger vehicle like a camper.

Credit: Disney Wiki Fandom

Anaheim City officials are currently trying to balance the city budget, and some believe that Disney needs to start helping the city that has helped the theme park so much. They are considering adding a 2% city tax to the cost of tickets to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure  — a cost that would most likely be passed on to the customer instead of Disney covering that cost.

Credit: Disney

Fortune Magazine wrote more on the proposed tax:

The Anaheim City Council has raised a proposal on whether to add a 2% tax onto tickets at large venues and theme parks, most notably Disneyland and California Adventures.

Proponents say the tax could raise another $82 million per year for the city, which would be used to build a second public pool, restore seven-day library services, construct a senior center or hire more police and firefighters…

It still faces an uphill battle. Five of six council members must vote for the measure, and even if it passes that hurdle, it will need to be approved by voters in the next election.

Should it pass, the measure could add a few dollars onto each Disneyland ticket, which currently run as high as $164.

Credit: Disney

Disney has not commented on the proposed tax, but the relationship between Disney and the city of Anaheim has been rocky in the past months. A Disneyland official was named in an FBI investigation as part of a “cabal” that was pulling the strings of Anaheim politics. The investigation centered around potential illegal behavior by Anaheim officials — including the mayor. However, Disney officials were not accused of doing anything wrong or illegal.

If the take proposal does pass, Anaheim city officials have not said when the ticket tax would begin.