Disney has steadily introduced a wave of new upcharges in recent years, and not all (read: none) have been well-received.
From replacing the once-free FastPass with paid alternatives like Lightning Lane Multi Pass to rolling out exclusive access passes, these fees have left even Disney’s most devoted fans questioning if the magic justifies the mounting expenses.
Most recently, both Walt Disney World and Disneyland introduced the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, allowing one-time access to all Lightning Lane attractions without booking times—but at a hefty cost, ranging from $129 to $449 per person in Central Florida and a flat $400 per person in Anaheim until the end of 2024.
Tokyo DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs: An Expensive New Land
The latest addition to Tokyo DisneySea, Fantasy Springs, opened this June with attractions inspired by Frozen (2013), Tangled (2010), and Peter Pan (1953).
While the land charmed Disney park guests with its intricately designed animatronics and stunning settings, access to these new rides came with a significant price tag.
Guests could enter Fantasy Springs through one of three methods: snagging a free Standby Pass upon park entry, purchasing Premier Access (also available only once inside), or opting for the exclusive Fantasy Springs Magic Passport. This high-tier Passport, available only to guests with a reservation at the Fantasy Springs Hotel, starts at 22,900 yen ($149 USD) per Disney park guest.
When combined with the hotel’s starting rate of 66,000 yen ($430 USD) per night, the total cost for guaranteed Fantasy Springs access comes to a startling total of nearly $580 – nearly 10 times more than it costs to get the most expensive one-day ticket to Tokyo Disney Resort.
Paying for Magic: Entry to Fantasy Springs
The idea of paying nearly $600 to secure access to the new attractions didn’t sit well with many Disney fans, especially those who found themselves lining up as early as 2 a.m. to try their luck with a Standby Pass. This exclusive access made it feel as though Tokyo Disney Resort was putting Fantasy Springs behind a financial barrier, one that many guests felt was too high.
Today’s announcement, however, offers a glimmer of hope for Disney park guests hoping for easier access. Tokyo Disney Resort has quietly revealed that Fantasy Springs Magic Passports will be discontinued as of March 31, 2025.
Although it’s not officially confirmed, this move strongly suggests that Fantasy Springs will eventually allow open entry, similar to Disney’s phased-access strategy with other popular lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
A Period of Transformation for Tokyo Disney Resort
The end of Magic Passports is only one part of Tokyo Disney Resort’s ongoing evolution. This summer, the original Space Mountain closed to make way for a modernized indoor roller coaster.
Elsewhere in Tomorrowland, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters will soon make way for the world’s first Wreck-It Ralph (2012) attraction, promising a new layer of excitement and nostalgia. Fans are also eagerly anticipating “it’s a small world with Groot,” a temporary Marvel-themed overlay that will bring beloved characters to life in the whimsical style of Mary Blair.
How do you feel about Tokyo Disney Resort’s decision to phase out Fantasy Springs Magic Passports?
It’s a start. Keep going; Disney will have more guests coming in, generating more revenue and approving posts.
My husband was in Japan in October, and at my encouragement, he went to Tokyo Disneyseas. He was there on a weekday, and the shortest ride line was 3 hours – most at 4 hours. The line for a regular box of popcorn or sodas was over an hour. Lines for counter-service restaurants was 1.5 hours. Not sure if it’s not enough staffing, poor management or what but it was ridiculous he said.
Disney is increasing prices once again. Due to losing so much money in other areas. I predict that eventually people are going to stop paying these outrageous fees to attend the parks. It’s been crazy for the last decade with increase after increase.
I used to come once a year to Disney World. However my family can’t afford to attend. It’s a shame most children won’t get to experienced the magic. The executives need to find other ways to make money.