New Mandatory Tourist Tax Hits Disney Vacations: Why Your Next Resort Stay Just Got More Expensive

For many families, a Disney vacation is a carefully planned and budgeted financial endeavor. Between airfare, park tickets, and character dining, every dollar is often accounted for months in advance. However, a significant new hurdle has officially arrived for those planning a luxury getaway to one of Disney’s most iconic coastal escapes.

As of January 1, 2026, a mandatory new tourist tax has gone into effect, directly impacting the bottom line for guests at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa. While Disney fans are used to price hikes on churros or Genie+, this latest increase comes from the local government and is specifically designed to fund climate resiliency and environmental protection.

If you are planning a trip to the “House of Mouse” on the beach this year, here is the essential breakdown of how this new tax will affect your wallet and your vacation planning.

The Numbers: Breaking Down the “Green Fee” Increase

The core of the change lies in an increase to the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT). While the percentage might seem small on paper, when applied to a multi-thousand-dollar resort stay, the impact is anything but minor.

Previously, the state portion of this tax sat at $10.25%. As of the start of 2026, that rate has officially climbed to $11%. When you layer this on top of existing local and general excise taxes, the total tax burden for a night at a resort now reaches nearly $19%.

To put this in perspective for a standard Disney vacation budget:

• The Baseline: A high-end room at a luxury resort often averages $600 to $900 per night.
• The Daily Impact: At a total tax rate of $18.712%, a $700 room actually costs guests roughly $830 per night after all government fees are applied.
• The Weekly Total: For a 7-night family vacation, guests are now looking at over $900 in taxes alone—enough to cover several days of high-end dining or a VIP excursion.

Why Disney’s Aulani Guests Are Feeling the Pinch

While this tax applies to all lodging in the region, guests at Disney’s Aulani Resort are particularly affected due to the resort’s premium pricing structure and the unique way Disney Vacation Club (DVC) handles taxes.

1. Room-Only Reservations

If you booked a room-only stay at Aulani before the new year, you may be in for a surprise at check-in. Disney has noted that due to technology limitations, the updated tax rate was not always reflected in final booking quotes made in late 2025 for 2026 stays. Guests are now being charged an “additional folio charge” upon arrival to cover the 0.75% state increase.

2. Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Members

Perhaps the most significant impact is on DVC Members. Unlike traditional hotels, where taxes are bundled into the “cash” price, DVC members pay for their rooms using points. However, the local government still requires a “Transient Tax” to be paid in cash based on the value of the stay.

The formula used to calculate this is complex:

Nightly Tax = 0.5 x Annual Dues per Point x Total Tax Rate x Points Used

With the tax rate increasing to $ 11% (state) plus the 3% county surcharge, DVC members are seeing their out-of-pocket “checkout fees” hit new record highs in 2026.

The “Green Fee” Logic: What is Your Money Funding?

State officials, led by Governor Josh Green, have dubbed this increase the “Green Fee.” The legislation was accelerated following the devastating wildfires of 2023, which underscored the urgent need for improved environmental management and disaster preparedness.

For the average tourist, it can be frustrating to see an extra line item on a bill, but the government argues that these funds are essential for preserving the very paradise people pay to see. The tax is expected to generate approximately $100 million annually, which will be funneled into:

• Wildfire Prevention: Clearing flammable invasive grasses and creating firebreaks to protect resort communities.
• Beach Restoration: Fighting coastal erosion and replenishing sand at major tourist hubs.
• Coral Reef Protection: Investing in the health of the marine ecosystems that make snorkeling excursions a staple of the Disney experience.

Navigating the 2026 Disney Vacation Budget

With the cost of luxury travel rising, Disney fans must be more strategic than ever to avoid “sticker shock” at the end of their trip.

• Audit Your Booking: If you booked an Aulani package that included ground transportation or a protection plan, Disney has largely integrated the new $11% rate into your total. If you booked “room-only,” assume your final bill will be slightly higher than the initial quote.
• Factor Taxes into Your “Daily Spend”: Don’t just budget for the room rate; calculate the $19% tax up front so you aren’t surprised when your credit card is charged at checkout.
• Leverage Rewards: Use a Disney Premier Visa to earn $2% back on your resort stay, which can help offset the cost of the tax increase.
• Compare All-Inclusive Options: Some travelers are finding that “all-inclusive” vacation packages elsewhere are becoming more attractive as à la carte taxes in premium destinations continue to climb.

The Future of “Sustainable Tourism”

This new tourist tax represents a growing global trend. From Venice to Bali, popular destinations are increasingly asking visitors to pay a “premium” to help maintain the local environment. As a brand that prides itself on conservation and “The Magic of Nature,” Disney finds itself in a delicate position—complying with local laws while maintaining its value proposition for guests.

For families, the message is clear: the cost of a tropical Disney dream is rising, and the “Green Fee” is now a permanent part of the itinerary.

Are you planning a stay at Disney’s Aulani Resort in 2026? Does knowing your tax dollars are going toward wildfire prevention and beach restoration make the extra cost easier to handle?