Disneyland raises ticket prices ahead of Memorial Day weekend

Happy just got more expensive. Disneyland, which calls itself the happiest place on Earth, raised its entry prices, a week before the Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer.

Without notice, Walt Disney Co. raised the price of a single-day ticket to either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim for a visitor 10 or older to $96, up from $92, a 4% increase. The park increased prices by 4% in June of last year.

The prices went into effect at midnight, Saturday night.

The price for parking also rose from $16 to $17.

Theme park experts have long wondered how guests will respond when the single-day price breaks the $100 mark. Prices have been raised in August 2010, June 2011, May 2012 and June 2013. If Disneyland raises the entry price by another 4% next year, it will reach the $100-per-ticket mark.

The prices for annual passes also increased. For the Deluxe Annual Passport, which allows admission for both Anaheim parks 315 days of the year, rose from $499 to $519, also a 4% increase.

“Like any business, we periodically evaluate our pricing and make adjustments based on a variety of factors,” the park said in a statement. “A ticket to our theme parks represents a great value, particularly when you look at the breadth and quality of attractions and entertainment we offer and the special moments guests experience with our cast.”

At Walt Disney World, a single-day ticket for the Magic Kingdom costs an industry-high $99 while the resort’s other three parks cost $94.