Florida Dad Who Paid $1,400 For Family Of 5’s Day Trip At Disney World Says He Felt ‘Punished’ By Park

Craig Stowell, a father of three from Florida, has gone viral for his eye-opening TikTok rant about Disney World’s skyrocketing costs.

Father’s Disney nightmare detailed.

In the video posted on May 6, 2025, Stowell aired his grievances about a family trip that cost a staggering $1,400 for one day at the park.

“It wasn’t worth it,” he said, describing the experience of taking his wife and three kids to the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

For Stowell, the magical experience was clouded by long lines and hefty prices, ultimately leaving him feeling like a “punished” Disney guest.

The TikTok video, now viewed by millions, details his disappointment with the park’s expensive tickets and disappointing value.

“If you do the average cost per ride, it probably isn’t really worth it,” Stowell explained to his followers.

Breakdown of Disneyland prices clarified.

The Stowell family spent over $245 just on dinner while at the park, adding to the mounting frustration over the trip’s costs.

And that was just the start. Stowell revealed he spent a whopping $974 on five single-day tickets, even with a Florida resident discount.

That doesn’t even account for the $30 parking fee, which he felt was just the beginning of Disney’s relentless “cash cow” mentality.

Stowell then dropped the bombshell that if he’d chosen the Lightning Passes to skip the long lines, it would have set him back another $400.

“It was like one charge after another, and none of it felt worth it,” Stowell lamented on a segment of “FOX & Friends.”

The dad’s discontent comes as Disney’s ticket prices have soared in recent years, with single-day passes now ranging between $119 and $199 for 2025.

Disney’s price hikes follow troubling reports of fewer visitors returning to Disney’s parks in 2023, sparking concerns about its pricing strategy.

“They want you there for five days, dropping 10 grand,” Stowell said, calling out Disney’s strategy to prioritize long-term guests over locals and day-trippers.

He quickly noted that Disney’s price adjustments are far more favorable to those who plan longer stays.

For Stowell, the family’s one-day trip felt like a punishment, especially as the company offers discounts that only apply to multi-day visits.

At the end of it all, the Stowell family’s total was a jaw-dropping $1,391.91.

“If you’re just trying to do a one-day trip, you’re being punished,” Stowell continued.

Relatability of Stowell’s post highlighted.

Disney has faced accusations before of being “addicted” to hiking prices that only cater to wealthier visitors, as insiders warned in The Wall Street Journal.

For Stowell, the experience was a reality check, making him question if the dream of creating lasting memories was worth the financial strain.

“I had a feeling this would go viral, but I didn’t expect it to get this much support,” he admitted.

Stowell’s viral post resonated with countless families struggling to afford a fun day out, and it didn’t take long for the online community to rally behind him.

“It’s family-friendly, relatable, and Disney is always a hot topic,” Stowell noted, explaining why his video hit a nerve with so many people.

“Everyone’s pinching pennies these days,” he added, emphasizing how tough it can be to take your family on a budget-friendly trip.

The TikTok video sparked intense debates on the internet, with some defending Disney and others empathizing with Stowell’s frustrations.

Disney’s rising costs have been a growing concern for many, particularly locals like Stowell who feel sidelined in favor of multi-day tourists.

The park’s pricing model appears to be increasingly out of touch with the reality of working-class families, some argue.

“I never expected to get this much attention,” Stowell said, still processing the overwhelming support from viewers online.

While the viral video has shone a spotlight on Disney’s expensive reputation, it also sparked a larger conversation about family entertainment costs.

Stowell hopes his video will shed light on the struggles parents face when trying to give their kids a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

Disney World trips continue to spark speculation.

As for future trips to Disney World, Stowell isn’t sure he’ll be back unless the prices and experiences change significantly.

“I feel like I’m being punished just for trying to give my family a fun day,” he concluded, still stewing over the cost of his magical adventure.