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Disneyland hit by mass layoffs despite charging record prices for entry READ MORE: The hidden housing danger brewing on America's main streets By MARTHA WILLIAMS, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 20:18 GMT, 3 November 2025 | Updated: 20:39 GMT, 3 November 2025 Disneyland Resort has laid off 100 of its employees - as ticket prices for the parks hit an all-time high. Workers from all different teams in Anaheim, California, were let go at the end of last month as the company works on 'recalibrating' the organization. A Disney spokesman said: 'With our business in a period of steady, sustained operation, we are recalibrating our organization to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests, while positioning Disneyland Resort for the future.' 'As part of this, we've made the difficult decision to eliminate a limited number of salaried positions.' Disney added that they had over–hired when parks reopened as the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down. Its theme parks serve as a key economic driver for the Burbank–based media and entertainment giant. In the past year, the company's experiences division – encompassing its theme parks, cruise line, and Aulani resort and spa in Hawaii – accounted for nearly 60 percent of Disney's total operating income. Disneyland Resort has laid off 100 of its employees in Anaheim, California According to Fortune, 50 years ago, a family of four could visit Disney World for $262 in today's dollars - now that is just a little bit more than an individual one-day ticket Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, and Mickey Mouse The layoffs, which were announced last Tuesday, came weeks after Disney hiked ticket prices to an all time high, prompting concern over the state of the company's financial position. The magic of Disney will now cost each visitor $224 for just one day – up from $206. This price is for the park's most in-demand days. The price of its lowest-tier offering - a single-day, one-park ticket for a less crowded weekday – will remain at $104. Prices for all other one-day, one-park tickets on busier days will rise between 1.5 percent and 4.8 percent. Disneyland uses a six-tier pricing system based on crowd levels, and most tiers saw moderate increases of $3 to $7 – a smaller jump than in previous years. Park Hopper add-ons, which let guests visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day, now cost between $70 and $90 per day, up from $65 to $75, depending on the crowd calendar. Resort parking has also increased by $5 to $40 per day for a standard vehicle. Once inside the park, the line-skipping Lightning Lane Multi Pass has jumped up to $34 per day from $32. This offering is also subject to variable pricing. The magic of Disney will now cost each visitor $224 for just one day – up from $206 (Pictured: Patrick and Brittney Mahomes with their children at Disneyland) Disneyland uses a six-tier pricing system based on crowd levels (Pictured: Kylie Jenner with her kids on a ride at Disneyland) Disney's theme parks serve as a key economic driver for the Burbank–based media and entertainment giant (Pictured: Hailey Bieber with Justin Bieber at Disneyland) Disneyland's Magic Key annual passes have also seen price hikes for their top two tiers – the Inspire and Believe passes. The Inspire Pass, which provides the most extensive year-round access along with the highest merchandise and dining discounts and includes parking, has increased by $150 to $1,899. The Believe Key has risen by $100 to $1,474. Prices for the two lower-tier passes, the Enchant and Imagine Keys, remain unchanged. Disneyland is becoming less and less affordable for American families. According to Fortune, 50 years ago, a family of four could visit for $262 in today's dollars. In 1998, when Animal Kingdom came to life, a family of four could still enjoy a peak-season day at the parks for less than $300 in today's money. Fast-forward to 2025, and that same average family faces a $766 pre-tax bill for four one-day peak-season tickets. This does not even include adding extras such as Lightning Lane passes. Disneyland is becoming less and less affordable for American families (Pictured: Actor Steve Rowland and actress Kathleen Case and Adelle August pose as they walk through the park during the Opening day of Disneyland in Anaheim) In 1998, when Animal Kingdom came to life, a family of four could still enjoy a peak-season day at the parks for less than $300 in today's money (Pictured: The Mad Hatter's Tea Party attraction at Disneyland on opening day in 1955) Magic Kingdom is now a financial burden: Families seek Disney alternatives due to soaring costs Financial analysts say that, with expensive add-ons like line-skip passes, Disney has created a pay-to-play model where you need to spend extra for a better, more worthwhile experience. Fortune also found that, over the last ten years, Disney World ticket prices have grown at almost nine times the rate of inflation. Unfortunately for park visitors, as ticket prices have swelled so have the price tags on merchandise and refreshments. The infamous Beauty and the Beast-themed Be Our Guest restaurant - set in a grand castle-like dining room - charges $72 for a pre-fixed lunch menu and $43 for children. At Casey's Corner, a 'quick service' American eatery, a hot dog will set you back up to $15.99. Even at the simple refreshment carts scattered around the park, a bottle of Coke sells for $4.50. For those above the age of 21 who want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage at one of the park's bars, like The Beak and Barrel, you can expect to pay an average of $20 for a cocktail or up to $46 if you want the Plunderer's Punch in a Souvenir Pirate Skull Mug. The Daily Mail has reached out to Disney for comment. Share or comment on this article: Disneyland hit by mass layoffs despite charging record prices for entry Add comment
