Going to Disney World unplanned? One dad pays price, goes viral after spending $1,400
The dad's sticker shock on a last-minute family trip to The Happiest Place On Earth helped him go viral. But planning ahead can help cut costs.
It's no secret that Disney World is expensive, but just how much of a hit will your wallet take? Well, one dad from Florida went viral after breaking down the price of his $1,400, unplanned visit to Disney World.
Craig Stowell, a professional YouTuber based in West Palm Beach, Florida, took his family to Walt Disney World in April, during Easter weekend and had some sticker shock after he spent a grand total of $1,391.91 on parking, tickets, food and drinks, he told USA TODAY.
"Know that everything is more expensive than it used to be," said Stowell. "It's not just a quick trip up to Disney anymore. It's the cost of my son's first car."
Nearly $1,000 just to get into the park
Stowell's family was visiting him from New Hampshire on Easter weekend, when they decided to do an impromptu Disney trip, Stowell said. So, they packed their things and drove to Orlando, Florida, from West Palm Beach, Florida, which is around 170 miles southeast of Orlando.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In a video he posted about his day, he talks about just how much money he and his family spent on a day trip to Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.
One of the first big purchases was the tickets, he said. For Stowell, his wife and three kids, including his son who was younger than 10, entrance to Hollywood Studios cost $974. The tickets were purchased on the day they visited the park.
Tickets are broken up into two categories, according to Disney's website. Tickets for children who are 3 to 10 years old are a bit cheaper than tickets for adults, who need to be purchased for anyone who is 11 and older to enter the parks. Children younger than 3 enter the park for free.
The remaining $345.91 was spent on parking, which is $30 per car, food and drinks.
Holiday surcharge made tickets more expensive
Since the family visited the theme park on a holiday weekend, their tickets were more expensive due to a holiday surcharge, Stowell said.
One-day tickets for Florida residents on Disney's website start at $119, and can be even cheaper for Florida residents planning to visit the park for multiple days.
Will Disney tickets be expensive during Memorial Day weekend?
Yes, tickets for Florida residents and non-Florida residents will be more expensive during Memorial Day weekend.
During the holiday weekend, tickets start at $159, according to Disney's website. The price of admission for each park varies.
Listed below are the prices of one-day tickets to enter the Disney parks on Saturday, May 24 for both residents and non-residents:
THEME PARKS
Going to Disney World unplanned? One dad pays price, goes viral after spending $1,400
The dad's sticker shock on a last-minute family trip to The Happiest Place On Earth helped him go viral. But planning ahead can help cut costs.
Portrait of Julia GomezJulia Gomez
USA TODAY
It's no secret that Disney World is expensive, but just how much of a hit will your wallet take? Well, one dad from Florida went viral after breaking down the price of his $1,400, unplanned visit to Disney World.
Craig Stowell, a professional YouTuber based in West Palm Beach, Florida, took his family to Walt Disney World in April, during Easter weekend and had some sticker shock after he spent a grand total of $1,391.91 on parking, tickets, food and drinks, he told USA TODAY.
"Know that everything is more expensive than it used to be," said Stowell. "It's not just a quick trip up to Disney anymore. It's the cost of my son's first car."
Nearly $1,000 just to get into the park
Stowell's family was visiting him from New Hampshire on Easter weekend, when they decided to do an impromptu Disney trip, Stowell said. So, they packed their things and drove to Orlando, Florida, from West Palm Beach, Florida, which is around 170 miles southeast of Orlando.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
In a video he posted about his day, he talks about just how much money he and his family spent on a day trip to Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios in September 2022.
One of the first big purchases was the tickets, he said. For Stowell, his wife and three kids, including his son who was younger than 10, entrance to Hollywood Studios cost $974. The tickets were purchased on the day they visited the park.
Tickets are broken up into two categories, according to Disney's website. Tickets for children who are 3 to 10 years old are a bit cheaper than tickets for adults, who need to be purchased for anyone who is 11 and older to enter the parks. Children younger than 3 enter the park for free.
The remaining $345.91 was spent on parking, which is $30 per car, food and drinks.
Spending Memorial Day weekend at Disney? See crowd calendar, weather
Holiday surcharge made tickets more expensive
Since the family visited the theme park on a holiday weekend, their tickets were more expensive due to a holiday surcharge, Stowell said.
One-day tickets for Florida residents on Disney's website start at $119, and can be even cheaper for Florida residents planning to visit the park for multiple days.
Photo of Grand Avenue, also known as Muppets Courtyard, in March 2025.
Will Disney tickets be expensive during Memorial Day weekend?
Yes, tickets for Florida residents and non-Florida residents will be more expensive during Memorial Day weekend.
During the holiday weekend, tickets start at $159, according to Disney's website. The price of admission for each park varies.
Listed below are the prices of one-day tickets to enter the Disney parks on Saturday, May 24 for both residents and non-residents:
Magic Kingdom- $184
EPCOT- $179
Disney's Hollywood Studios- $179
Disney's Animal Kingdom- $159
A family of five, with one child younger than 10 years old, would pay $947.87, including taxes, to enter Hollywood studios during the holiday weekend, according to Walt Disney World's website.
That price tag doesn't include the additional costs of parking, Lightning Lane passes, photo packages, hotel stays or food.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from Silas Blackwood and writers in Families and other communities.
Key Components of a Specific Conference Room History
Conference rooms, though often perceived as ordinary office features, can hold remarkable historical, strategic, and cultural significance. From witnessing pivotal business decisions to hosting diplomatic negotiations, these spaces often serve as silent witnesses to moments that shape organizations, institutions, or even nations. A detailed historical account of a specific conference room can uncover not only the evolution of a space but also the progression of ideas and actions within it. This essay outlines the key components necessary to build a comprehensive history of a specific conference room, whether in a corporation, university, or government facility. 1. Name and Location The first step in creating a conference room history is identifying its official name and location. Many rooms are named after influential figures, themes, or functions—such as “The Kennedy Room,” “Innovation Suite,” or “Boardroom A.” The name often reveals insight into the room's original purpose or cultural identity. Documenting the exact geographic or institutional setting also contextualizes the room within a broader organization. For example, a room located on the top floor of a law firm’s headquarters may have been reserved for high-stakes negotiations or senior leadership. 2. Date of Establishment Understanding when the room was created provides historical context. Was it part of the original building, or added later as the organization expanded? This component might also include information about the architect or interior designer, original blueprints, and intended usage. For instance, a conference room built during the 1960s Cold War era in a government building may reflect the geopolitical tensions of the time, possibly including security features like soundproofing or classified communications systems. 3. Original and Evolving Purpose One of the most insightful aspects of a room’s history lies in its intended function and how that function has evolved. Initially, the space might have been used for executive board meetings, legal arbitrations, academic deliberations, or strategic planning. Over time, however, changing technologies, work styles, or institutional needs might have transformed it into a digital collaboration hub, a media room, or a space for hybrid work. For example, a conference room in a tech company established in the early 2000s might have transitioned from being a brainstorming venue with whiteboards and projectors to a smart meeting room integrated with video conferencing software, augmented reality interfaces, and real-time translation capabilities. 4. Notable Events and Decisions Perhaps the most compelling component of a conference room’s history is a record of the important events that occurred within its walls. This includes significant decisions, strategy sessions, press briefings, negotiations, and agreements. For instance, a corporate conference room may have hosted the signing of a major merger agreement or the announcement of a groundbreaking product. In a political or governmental context, the room may have been the site of policy-making, treaty discussions, or emergency response planning.documentation where possible—meeting minutes, photographs, news articles, or oral histories. Including the names of individuals involved—executives, diplomats, academics—adds a human layer to the story. 5. Renovations and Technological Updates Conference rooms rarely stay static. Most undergo a series of renovations and updates to meet contemporary needs. Tracking these changes reveals shifts in organizational priorities and advances in technology. Did the room go from analog to digital? Were new presentation systems or security features installed? Did the furniture shift from formal, heavy wood to modular and mobile units? Each upgrade tells a part of the room’s story. Renovations may also reflect broader cultural shifts—for example, moving from hierarchical seating to inclusive, circular arrangements may indicate a change in leadership style or values. 6. Architectural and Design Features A thorough history includes attention to the room’s physical characteristics—size, layout, materials, lighting, acoustics, and decor. These features often reflect the time period of the room’s creation and the ethos of the organization. Was the space minimalist and modern, with glass walls and digital touchscreens? Or was it traditional, with dark wood panels, heavy drapes, and oil portraits? Design choices influence not only aesthetics but also behavior. Research shows that lighting, seating arrangements, and even color schemes can impact decision-making and collaboration. Highlighting these features provides insight into how the space shapes human interaction. 7. Symbolic and Cultural Significance Beyond utility, some conference rooms take on symbolic meaning over time. They may become known for specific traditions—such as where annual strategic retreats are held—or become iconic within the organization due to memorable speeches or leadership changes. Government or university conference rooms may become sites of pilgrimage for alumni, historians, or journalists. In some cases, the room’s history is woven into the organization’s identity. For example, the Roosevelt Room in the White House symbolizes executive deliberation and carries historical gravitas. Such cultural resonance elevates the room from functional space to institutional landmark. 8. Current Role and Future Outlook A complete history also considers the present-day role of the room and its possible future evolution. Has it retained its original prestige, or has it been repurposed for more informal use? Is it open to employees or students, or still reserved for executives or VIPs? Has it integrated new tools for hybrid or international meetings? Looking ahead, will the room remain central to the organization’s operations, or will it become obsolete in the age of virtual collaboration? Documenting future plans—such as renovation proposals or relocation—adds a forward-looking dimension to the historical narrative. Conclusion The history of a specific conference room may at first seem like a niche topic, but it reveals much about the organization it serves. From foundational decisions to design evolutions, each element—name, function, design, and event history—tells a part of a richer institutional story. Whether the room is a silent witness to historic breakthroughs or simply a well-used space for daily collaboration, recording its history is a way of honoring the ideas, voices, and people who have passed through its doors.
By Silas Blackwood9 months ago in History
Christmas Abroad: Celebrating the Holidays Without Family
I moved to South Korea in 2017. I was twenty-two years old and excited to start my career as an English Second Language Teacher. With a Bachelor's degree and six hundred dollars in my bank account, I set off for Busan.
By Kera Hollow27 days ago in Families
How Can You Stay Safe While Traveling in Punta Cana?
Traveling should feel exciting, not stressful, and when Punta Cana is on your list, safety is usually one of the first things you think about. I have learned that feeling secure while traveling is not about fear, it is about awareness and smart choices that let you fully enjoy the experience.
By Amanda Glen3 days ago in Families
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.