$200 to Meet Santa: Walt Disney World's Latest Holiday Money Grab
The holiday season at Walt Disney World is no longer a time for magic and wonder, but rather a chance to shell out even more money. The latest example of this trend is the 'Dinner with Santa Claus' event at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers on Disney's BoardWalk. For $200 per adult and $150 per child, guests can enjoy a three-course dinner, meet Santa, and receive digital PhotoPass downloads.
However, when factoring in the mandatory 24% gratuity, Florida sales tax (6.5%), and third-party booking fees, the total cost increases to over $269 for an adult ticket and nearly $201 for a child's ticket. This means that a family of two adults and two children will spend almost $950 for a single evening meal.
This is just another example of Disney's increasing reliance on paid experiences and shrinking free holiday entertainment. In recent years, the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House has been paused due to construction and crowding, while complimentary airport shuttles like Disney's Magical Express have been discontinued. Even ticketed parties like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are no longer offering unique entertainment options.