When Craig Stowell decided to take his visiting family to Walt Disney World for an impromptu Easter weekend trip, he never expected to spark a viral conversation about theme park affordability. The professional YouTuber from West Palm Beach documented his $1,391.91 total expense for a single day at Hollywood Studios, leaving many viewers shocked at the rapidly increasing cost of the Disney experience.
“Know that everything is more expensive than it used to be,” Stowell told USA TODAY after his video gained widespread attention. “It’s not just a quick trip up to Disney anymore. It’s the cost of my son’s first car.” His candid breakdown of expenses has resonated with thousands of families facing similar financial realities when planning Disney vacations.
The majority of Stowell’s spending went toward basic park admission, with entrance tickets for his family of five totaling $974 when purchased on the day of their visit. This steep price reflected Disney’s holiday weekend surcharge, a pricing structure that significantly increases costs during peak visitation periods. If you’re planning a visit during any major holiday, expect to pay premium rates that can dramatically impact your budget.
Holiday pricing continues to affect Disney visitors in 2025, with Memorial Day weekend tickets starting at $159 per person and reaching as high as $184 for Magic Kingdom access. Disney’s tiered pricing model means a family of five would pay nearly $950 for Hollywood Studios admission alone during the upcoming holiday weekend—before adding parking, food, or any extras.
The remaining $345 of Stowell’s expenses covered the family’s parking fee of $30 and various food and beverage purchases throughout the day. Caught in the moment of creating family memories, many parents find themselves approving expenses they hadn’t initially budgeted for. Disney’s immersive environment and strategic pricing encourages spontaneous spending that can quickly accumulate.
Disney does offer more economical options for those willing to plan ahead, particularly for Florida residents. The Florida Resident Summer Magic Ticket provides significant savings with 4-day passes available for just $60 per day plus tax. These special tickets are valid from May 18 to September 27, offering locals a more affordable way to experience the parks during less crowded periods.
Non-Florida residents aren’t entirely left out of savings opportunities. The 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket allows guests admission to EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios (excluding Magic Kingdom) starting at $89 per day. If you’re tired of premium holiday pricing, visiting during off-peak times can result in substantial savings over holiday weekends.
Stowell recommends families skip holiday weekends entirely and plan Disney trips during the off-season. Night visibility of actual costs becomes 57% clearer when you research pricing in advance rather than making impulsive decisions. He also offered one additional piece of practical advice: “Don’t buy the alcohol,” Stowell said. It “would have saved a lot of money for me.”
As families weigh their Disney options, the recent announcement of half-price kids’ tickets for summer 2025 offers a welcome reprieve, providing more affordable access with optional upgrades like Park Hopper and water park add-ons that can be tailored to fit various budgets.
Whether you’re a Disney enthusiast or considering your first visit, Stowell’s viral experience serves as both cautionary tale and planning guide. The magic of Disney World remains a powerful draw for families, but understanding the financial landscape before arrival can help transform potential sticker shock into a more manageable vacation experience.
