If you’ve walked out of a Disney park lately thinking, “When did this get this expensive?”—you’re not imagining it. And now, Disney is finally saying something about it.
Disney is finally addressing the rising cost of its theme parks—and the timing couldn’t be bigger. During The Walt Disney Company’s 2026 Annual Shareholder Meeting, newly appointed CEO Josh D’Amaro (officially stepping into the role following Bob Iger’s departure) spoke directly about ticket prices, guest satisfaction, Lightning Lane changes, and updates to DAS. The Walt Disney Company’s latest leadership shift marks a major turning point, and these comments give fans an early look at how Disney plans to balance higher prices with the overall guest experience moving forward. (The Walt Disney Company)
In a recent conversation, Disney Experiences Chairman (now CEO) Josh D’Amaro addressed rising prices across Walt Disney World and Disneyland, while also touching on guest satisfaction, changes to Disability Access Service (DAS), and the ever-evolving Lightning Lane system. It’s a rare moment of transparency from Disney leadership—and it gives us a clearer picture of how the company views the current state of its parks.
Here’s what you need to know.
Disney Knows It’s Expensive—But Says Guests Are Still Happy
Let’s start with the big one: pricing.
D’Amaro acknowledged what pretty much every Disney fan has been saying for the past few years—costs are up. Way up. There’s even been internal concern about how far pricing can go before it starts pushing families away.
But Disney’s official stance? Guests are still having a great time.
According to D’Amaro, guest satisfaction scores remain high, and Disney sees that as validation that the experience is still delivering. From their perspective, the parks offer a full, high-quality day of entertainment that justifies the price.
Whether fans agree with that…is another story.
Disney Is Making More Money Per Guest Than Ever
Here’s the part that really stands out.
Even when attendance isn’t dramatically increasing, Disney is making more money per guest—and that’s very much by design.
Between higher ticket prices, paid add-ons like Lightning Lanes, and increased in-park spending, the parks have become Disney’s biggest profit driver.
For fans, this is where the disconnect starts to creep in. The parks are thriving financially, but many guests feel like they’re having to spend more just to have the same experience they used to.
Lightning Lane Isn’t Going Anywhere—It’s Expanding
If you were hoping Disney might roll things back to the old FastPass days… this isn’t that.
D’Amaro’s comments make it pretty clear that Lightning Lane is here to stay—and Disney sees it as giving guests more flexibility, not less.
Right now, the system includes single-ride purchases, multi-ride bundles, and the newer Premier Pass option, which can cost hundreds per day
That last option, in particular, has raised eyebrows among fans. It essentially lets guests skip most lines—but at a premium price point that’s out of reach for many.
Disney’s framing is all about “choice,” but fans may not always be as convinced.
DAS Changes Continue to Be a Big Conversation
D’Amaro also touched on updates to Disability Access Service (DAS), which have been one of the most talked-about changes in the community.
While Disney’s goal is to prevent misuse and improve the system overall, the adjustments have sparked a lot of discussion among guests who rely on DAS during their visits.
Like Lightning Lane, this is another example of Disney trying to balance access, demand, and operations—while fans continue to debate whether they’re getting it right.
So…Why Do the Parks Feel More Complicated Than Ever?
Even with strong satisfaction scores, it’s hard to ignore a growing sentiment among fans: visiting Disney just feels more complicated now.
Planning a trip often means juggling Lightning Lane strategies, staying one step ahead by mobile ordering, navigating the flurry of virtual queues, and budgeting for add-ons.
For longtime visitors, especially, it’s a very different experience than the more straightforward trips of the past.
The Bottom Line
Disney isn’t backing off its current approach. If anything, everything D’Amaro said points to the company continuing to lean into tiered experiences, paid convenience, and higher per-guest spending.
And as long as guests keep showing up—and reporting high satisfaction—there’s little reason for Disney to change course.
Disney says guests are happier than ever. But if you’ve been following the conversation in the fan community, you know it’s not quite that simple. Trips can still be incredible—but they’re also more expensive, more planned, and more strategic than ever before.
And moving forward, knowing how to navigate all of it might be just as important as the trip itself.
We’re bringing you the latest Disney news and updates, so be sure to check back in with TPS soon!
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