Yo Ho, Yo Ho, the Price Went Up 2 Bucks

ANAHEIM —  The Happiest Place on Earth ensured Thursday that it will remain one of the priciest amusement parks on the planet, with a $2 price hike that boosts the standard adult admission at Disneyland to $36 effective today.

The park’s standard admission for children will remain $26.

Separately, Knott’s Berry Farm also said it will raise prices Wednesday to $31 for adults and $23.95 for children. That last figure is a $4 hike from Knott’s current kids’ price of $19.95.

Industry analysts say the prices are not out of line.

“They are following increases in the other economic indicators” like the cost-of-living index and average wages, said San Pedro park concept and development consultant Harrison Price.

Disneyland’s closest Southern California competitors in the race to see how much a family is willing to spend for a day of fun and fantasy are Universal Studios-Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia. Adult admissions at both are $34--Disneyland’s old price.

Disneyland officials said their new admission fee for adults also won’t affect the $26 special price for Southern California residents being offered through May 14, when the tourist season begin in earnest.

Disney World in Orlando, Fla., remains the nation’s most expensive amusement park with one-day admissions of $42.14 for adults and $33.93 for children.

Also contributing to this report was Times correspondent Melinda Fulmer.