2 Extremely Popular Amusement Parks Tied As America's Least Affordable In 2026

For theme park lovers, a trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth" has become one of the least affordable theme park getaways in the nation. According to the 2026 HomeToGo Theme Park Index, all of the Disney parks dominated the absolute bottom of the rankings for affordability. And Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure have tied as America's least affordable theme parks out of 40 major destinations analyzed nationwide. 

The index calculated the baseline daily cost for each theme park using only the bare essentials — a one-day admission ticket for one adult, average accommodation price per person for one night, and standard theme park parking — which means secondary expenses like food and souvenirs weren't even part of the equation. By measuring only the absolute minimum required, the index revealed that it would cost $331.03 per visitor to visit either Anaheim Disney park. 

When compared to Six Flags Magic Mountain, also California's biggest amusement park, which ranked No. 20 at $171.12 per visitor each day, the cost difference is substantial. The Walt Disney World parks don't fare much better, occupying the spots immediately above them in national affordability. For instance, a one-day visit to Magic Kingdom comes in at $296.80 per visitor, and while that makes Florida slightly cheaper, Orlando is home to four Disney parks, meaning visitors would likely need to budget for additional park days and hotel nights.

The index's calculation is intentionally limited to baseline expenses; however, it does not account for many costs visitors may encounter during a Disney trip to Anaheim (which is the ultimate gateway to California's best family-friendly attractions). Parkgoers may also spend significantly more on optional add-ons, food, and merchandise.

Whether you're exploring Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland or Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park, you'll have to prepare your party to wait in long lines or pay up to skip them. That's where the Lightning Lane Multi Passes come in and add a minimum of $34 to each admission ticket, with prices varying depending on the date. On top of that, Lightning Lane Single Passes for headliners at the Anaheim parks like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers can add anywhere from $7 to $40, according to Thrill Data.

Throw in souvenirs like the iconic Mickey Ears, which can add another $20 to $50 per person. Then there's food, where Redditors on the r/Disney Planning subreddit note that $100 a day per person is a good baseline estimate for dining at some of the most popular Disneyland restaurants and purchasing snacks like popcorn and Dole Whip. Unless you're confident you can stick to a budget, those secondary costs will quickly increase your per-person price tag for a single day at a Disney park.