As summer vacation travel and seasonal trips increase, travelers are likely to encounter both rising temperatures and prices. Recent data indicates inflation increased by 2.4% year-over-year in May for tracked items. For those seeking to take their families to amusement parks, the costs are on the rise.
Disneyland in Anaheim has raised ticket prices for most of its parks by 5.9% to 6.5% as of October 2024, according to an LA Times report. A single-day, pre-tax admission ticket to Orlando’s Disney World is priced at $194 per person and $766 for a family of four. Meal prices at “House of Mouse” parks are also high. A father who shared a picture of a $937.65 “princess breakfast” receipt at Disneyland recently went viral, amassing over 16.5 million views.
However, a report from TicketLens reveals that prices for non-theme park tourist attractions have increased by over 19% in the four years leading up to 2024. Such significant price hikes can deter even the most enthusiastic travelers. Surprisingly, one of the most expensive attractions in the U.S. is not linked to theme parks or character breakfasts. It is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
Big bucks to visit a billionaire family’s estate
Shipping and railroad magnate Charles Vanderbilt constructed the expansive estate over six years in the late 1880s. The Biltmore Estate’s vast 175,000-square-foot floor plan includes 65 fireplaces, 250 rooms, and original artworks by Monet and Renoir. Nearly as impressive as the 8,000-acre estate is the starting ticket price of $80 per person. A family of four pays $320 just to enter — and this price doesn’t include a luxury meal with Pocahontas or Ariel.
Despite the high admission cost, visitors seem to believe the attraction is worth the splurge. Though it’s considered an overpriced tourist spot, the Biltmore Estate boasts over 20,000 five-star reviews on sites like Trip Advisor. It also ranks highly on many lists of top things to do in Asheville. Notably, more than 330,000 people explore the venue and its gardens each year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day to see it adorned with holiday lights and decorations.
Are expensive vacation memories worth the price
Recent research and media reports highlight a concerning trend in vacation travel where wealthier Americans constitute a larger portion of vacationers. Nearly half of those surveyed with vacation plans earn more than $100,000 annually, a notable increase from the 35% with similar earnings who traveled in 2023. One survey indicates that 64% of average Americans are not planning a vacation due to high costs. However, you don’t need to spend much to enjoy this summer.
In fact, more Americans are opting for “staycations” — staying home or nearby — with the staycation trend predicted to grow 8.2% annually through 2033. This year, Airbnb reports a rise in trip searches within 300 miles of people’s homes. Skip the velvet ropes and Monet. Pack snacks, fill up the car, and find magic in a local area that doesn’t cost $80 at the entrance.
