1955: Disneyland opens: Admission $1; attraction tickets, 10-35 cents each.
1964: Universal Studios Hollywood back-lot tour opens: $2.50 adult, $1.50 children.
1970: Busch Gardens charges admission for first time, $1.25 adults.
1971: Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom opens: Admission $3.50, seven-ride attraction ticket book $4.75, 11 rides $5.75.
1973: SeaWorld Orlando opens: $4.50 adults, $2 children.
1981: WDW drops ticket books, goes to one-price park admission ($13).
1986: Disney World increases one-day, one-park ticket from $19.50 to $24.50.
1990: Universal Studios Orlando opens: $29 (equal to Disney).
1998: Tickets priced $42 per adult for one-day, one-park tickets at all major Orlando theme parks.
2005: One-day, one-park passes at major Central Florida parks: $59.75 adult, $48 under 10.
Florida resident deals offered, with one-day tickets from $53.75 for adults, $43.20 under 10. Combination tickets for multiple days, multiple parks and vacation packages offered at all parks. Busch Gardens Tampa tickets are a few dollars less expensive than the others, priced at $55.95 per adult, $45.95 for ages 3-9; Florida residents pay $49.95 and $40.95 respectively. Under 3 free at all parks. Cypress Gardens charges $34.95 for ages 10-54; $29.95 ages 3-9 and 55 and over.
Source: Miami Hearld (registration required)