Disneyland announces 30% jump in prices

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ANAHEIM, Calif., May 26 (UPI) -- A 30 percent increase in ticket prices at California's Disneyland is meant to discourage local season pass purchases, an industry expert said.

Tickets to the Anaheim Disney parks -- Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park -- rose May 20, from $80 to $87 for daily passes and from $499 to $649 for annual passes including parking.

David Koenig, the author of four books about Disney theme parks, said the major price increase is most likely because the park will introduce the new Cars Land attraction this season, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday.

"If it wasn't for Cars Land, the increase would be $4 or $5. Park-goers will go to see Cars Land."

The the large jump in season pass fees could serve to put a cap on how many Southern California locals -- who don't spend as much on concessions and souvenirs -- visit the park, he said.

"There is no room in the park and the parking lot for this many people to come back over and over and over," Koenig said.