Disney hikes ticket prices ... again

It's going to cost you to visit Mickey and Minnie.

For the second time in 10 months, Walt Disney World is raising its ticket prices.

The price increases went into effect June 12. A single-day ticket is now $85, a 3.7% increase from the $82 ticket price that became effective in August.

The price hikes are across the board for all ticket packages. The cost of a four-day pass is up 4.7 % ($232 to $243), while a seven-day pass will cost $267, a $20 (8.1%) increase.

Disney says the price increases are part of the company's normal evaluation of rates.

The increases may be a move to offset discounts Disney used to attract visitors during the recession. Disney historically has refrained from offering discounts. However, in late 2008 and early 2009 the world's most popular theme park operator was offering a seven-night vacation package for the price of a four-night stay, a 34% discount. In addition to a hotel room and tickets to all Disney parks, the package included a $200 gift card for food and souvenirs.

On Aug. 2, Disney raised the price of a single-day ticket to $82 from $79, a 3.8 % increase.

The Disney price hike comes after SeaWorld recently announced it was raising the price of a two-day multi-park ticket by $5 and ending the “Fun Card” ticket in which Florida and Georgia residents could buy a one-day ticket and keep coming back for the rest of the calendar year.

Universal Orlando officials have not indicated whether prices increases are coming. But in theme parks' apparent tit-for-tat pricing strategy, Coffee Talk would bet on more expensive tickets coming your way soon.