Planning a trip to Disney World in 2022?

That’s so exciting! Of course, Disney World is EXPENSIVE, so you might have budgeting on your mind. There are a few aspects of Disney World that will be MORE pricy next year. Here are eight additional costs to plan for in Disney World in 2022!

1. Disney Genie+

Perhaps the most infamous cost you’ll need to anticipate is the cost of Disney Genie+! The new skip-the-line service will run you $15 per person, per day. With that $15, you’ll be able to use the Lightning Lane at a number of attractions in each Disney World park.

The Disney Genie service also offers Individual Attraction Selections. Most of the time, each park features two IAS attractions. There is a date-based fee to use the Lightning Lane for these attractions and they are individually priced.

Keep in mind that using Genie+ is a totally optional cost, but if your family intends to use the new service at all during your trip, it is certainly something you need to consider in your budget. After all, $15 per person, per day can really add up!

Click here to learn more about Disney Genie+!

2. Airport Transportation

In the past, you might have had the benefit of FREE transportation between your Walt Disney World hotel and the airport. Resort guests have had the benefit of the Magical Express for years, offering a free lift to and from Orlando International Airport.

That service, however, was discontinued in 2022. That means you’ll need to come up with your own way to and from the airport — and it might cost you.

Some of your options include rideshare (approximately $35 to $120), renting a car (depends on trip length, but likely several hundred dollars), taxi (approximately $70), Mears Connect (approximately $16 each way, per adult), The Sunshine Flyer (approximately $17 each way, per adult), and more.

Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you’re looking at a notable added cost to your trip. And, if you’re going to fly into Disney World, this cost is not optional.

Want to learn more about airport transportation options? Click here!

3. MagicBands

Complimentary MagicBands used to be the norm for resort guests in Disney World, but that’s no longer the case. Now, if you want a MagicBand, you’ll need to pay for it. Resort guests still get discounted options, but this cost can still be $5 to $30 or more.

Beyond that, Disney is introducing MagicBand+ in 2022. The new MagicBand+ models will have the same features as current MagicBands plus interactive features like color-changing lights, haptic vibrations, and gesture recognition.

With more features, it’s possible these MagicBands will also be higher cost. Disney has not yet announced the pricing for these, but if you think your family will want these bans — you’ll want to keep them in mind with your budget.

To learn more about MagicBand+, click here!

4. Special Events

Special events have typically been an upcharge for Disney trips in the past, but you might need to budget in a little more money if you’re hoping to attend a special event in 2022.

In 2021, we saw that the prices for the new holiday After Hours events, Disney After Hours Boo Bash that replaced Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Disney Very Merriest After Hours that replaced Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, were more expensive for fewer hours than the parties.

Tickets to the holiday event ranged from $169 to $249 per person for three event hours. Disney has not made it clear whether 2022’s holiday celebrations will feature parties or After Hours events. Regardless, it’s entirely possible that you’ll need to budget a little extra if you’re hoping to attend one of these events.

Click here to learn more about the difference between After Hours events and holiday parties!

5. Food

Of course, food costs are going to be a part of your budget, but you might need to budget for some different costs in 2022. For one, Disney World has regular price increases. In fact, price increases already happened at the beginning of this year. There were HUNDREDS of price increases on food all across Walt Disney World. Things might cost more than they did on your last trip, so make sure to check out those menus while you’re budgeting for meals and snacks!

Beyond that, there have been a number of nationwide food shortages. If this trend continues, this could cause menu items to change and items to get slightly more expensive. Having a little extra padding in your food budget could help if those little increases start to add up.

And, 2022 may mark the return of the Disney Dining Plan! Disney has not announced when the option will return, but we know that it will. So, if the Dining Plan could be a part of your plans if it returns, keep those costs in mind (Especially considering Disney could change the structure of the plans!).

Want to learn more about the Disney Dining Plan? Click here!

6. Annual Passes

If you’re looking to purchase an Annual Pass or renew into the new Annual Pass program in 2022, you’ll need to expect a higher cost than in years past. Disney changed the Annual Pass program in 2021 to increase renewal rates and purchase rates for Disney World Annual Passes.

Purchase rates for the NEW passes are as follows:

• Disney Incredi-Pass: $1,299 (plus tax)
• Disney Sorcerer Pass: $899 (plus tax)
• Disney Pirate Pass: $699 (plus tax)
• Disney Pixie Dust Pass: $399 (plus tax)

Renewal rates for the NEW passes are as follows:

• Disney Incredi-Pass: $1,104 (plus tax)
• Disney Sorcerer Pass: $764 (plus tax)
• Disney Pirate Pass: $594 (plus tax)
• Disney Pixie Dust Pass: $339 (plus tax)

If you were hoping to purchase a new Annual Pass or renew an existing Annual Pass, you’ll need to budget in for these costly purchases. Do note that sales have been paused at this time.

To learn more about Annual Passes, click here!

7. Merchandise

A Disney trip budget has always required thinking about souvenirs, but you might spot a few additional costs in 2022. For one, like food, price increases are pretty standard so we may see some beloved merchandise options get more expensive.

Beyond that, the 50th Anniversary merchandise that is currently available in Disney World is pretty expensive, even compared to standard souvenirs. If you’re planning on commemorating the occasion with a merchandise purchase, you might want a little more room in your budget.

Click here to see ALL of the 50th Anniversary merchandise online!

8. Tours

And finally, if you’re planning on taking a behind-the-scenes tour in 2022, budget a little extra! For one, many of these tours haven’t even been an option since the 2020 park closures, so this is the first year they have the potential to be back in your plans in a while.

Beyond that, most of the tours have seen a small price increase! Make sure you research these prices in advance before you book so that you can account for the added costs.

Want to see more about the return of tours? Click here!

So, when you’re planning your 2022 trip, make sure you keep these added costs in mind! And, as always, keep an eye on DFB for the latest Disney World tips and tricks!

To find more help for planning your Disney vacation, click here!

Headed to Disney World in 2022? Tell us in the comments!