A single-day ticket to Disney's California theme parks can now cost more than US$200 (€184, £154) – the first time such a ticket has gone above that figure.

Disney revised its demand-based pricing structure this week, introducing an extra two pricing tiers to the previous three tiers, which are based on peak tourist dates, including weekends and major holidays.

Solo "hopper" tickets, which allow the holder to visit both Disneyland and the Disney California Adventure Park, are now priced between US$159 and US$209, depending on time of year. Five-day solo hopper tickets now cost up to US$415.

Responding to a question about the pricing from CNN, Disney said the purpose of the new pricing structure was to "preserve the guest experience at its parks and help the company to spread attendance more evenly throughout the year".

It also claimed that a visit to its parks was "the best value in entertainment bar none". It added that admission prices to its parks were comparable to those for a three-hour sporting event, Broadway play or concert, but a typical day at Disneyland lasts around 15 hours.