Paid zone for the Mickey parade, dynamic ticketing… Recently, the new measures of the amusement park have sparked controversy among families and fans. Interviews.
Since its opening in 1992, Disneyland Paris has never ceased to amaze young and old. But recently, new pricing measures have made the park lose a little of its magic. “For two adults and two children, we arrive at more than 400 euros for entry to the parks, so, if we have to add 80 euros (for 4 people) to see a parade, pay for the attractions so as not to do the tail (the Disney Premier Access offer, editor’s note)it’s becoming overpriced. Everything has become paying and inaccessible“, regrets Julie, mother of two children. So, is Mickey about to give up his place to Uncle Scrooge?
Already in July 2023, the new “Disneyland Pass” range comprising three new categories with increasing prices was having difficulty getting through to regulars. Now count on 289 euros for the Bronze pass, 499 euros for the Silver pass and 699 euros per year for the Gold pass, an increase of 200 euros compared to the old unlimited “Infinity” version. A much more expensive price… With fewer advantages, regret the fans of the park. “Today, the clientele is increasingly wealthy and going there with family has become very complicated. People are very disappointed with the development of the park“, tells us Fred, who runs the ADN (Addict Disney News) fan page. “Fans feel that they do not have as much consideration as before, particularly with annual passes which no longer represent the same advantages (private evenings, goodies, etc.). Also, it happened that certain attractions were closed for renovation for 6 months”, he summarizes.
In recent days, the Disneyland Paris park continues to cause debate among visitors. Indeed, the announcement of paid zones allowing you to obtain the best places to admire the Christmas parade, opposite Sleeping Beauty Castle, sparked controversy. And for good reason, these locations have always been free. From November 9 until January 6, 2025, visitors can choose their place for 21 euros per person during the day and 24 euros for the evening parade.. “It creates a gap between people who can afford to pay even more, whereas until now it was first come, first served,” deplores Julie. But for Disneyland Paris, it is a product that exists in everyday life: “like when you go to see a concert and book the gold square or first class on a train”the park explains to us. “This is a response to a need and could become the norm…” Also, if some people can afford to pay to see the show without having to wait more than half an hour to reserve a seat, “This is only a very small part of the park.” Everywhere else, visitors can admire the parade for free and certain locations also offer beautiful views (in front of the kiosk facing Main Street, on the balcony near the dolls’ house or in front of the Bella Note restaurant in Fantasyland…) .
As for the price of entry tickets, the park is now adopting a new strategy: evolving pricing for dated tickets where the prices offered, for the same visit date, vary according to seasonality and the level of demand. In this month of December 2024, for example, prices for the two parks vary from 89 euros to 175 euros depending on the day. For 2025, certain January dates are on sale at 76 euros for two parks and 51 euros for one park (the lowest price to date), but overall there are more tickets at higher prices. However, the price variation takes place within a fixed range.with maximum prices set at 119 euros except for three dates in the year (July 14, October 31 for Halloween and December 31)”explains the park.
In addition, families now have visibility over 18 months instead of 12 months, to allow visitors to anticipate their visit by comparing prices, and thus find the cheapest tickets. “This new pricing system no longer has predefined prices for specific dates. Prices will vary throughout the year within a fixed range: on certain days, tickets will be priced below 56 euros (which was until now the minimum).” Another change that has probably gone unnoticed: the possibility of changing your visit date or canceling your reservation up to three days before the visit to get a refund if in the meantime you find a cheaper ticket. But it’s worth taking a regular look at the schedule and being well organized…
