DISNEYLAND ENTRY COSTLIER FOR MICKEY MOUSE'S GUESTS.

Byline: DAVE MCNARY DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

The Happiest Place on Earth just got more expensive: Disneyland raised its admission price for adults this week by $2 to $38.

The price hike, the first in a year, makes the 43-year-old landmark the most expensive ticket among major Southern California theme parks. Universal Studios Hollywood charges $36 for adults, while Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita each has a $35 adult entry fee.

``We constantly look at the value of our experience and evaluate the competition, then price accordingly,'' said Disneyland spokesman Tom Brocato. ``There's no set formula.''

Universal Studios spokesman Eliot Sekuler said the theme park's pricing plans for this year are not final.

Disneyland also bumped up ticket prices for children 3 to 11 by $2 to $28, making it the most expensive local amusement park for parents. Universal Studios charges $26 for children 12 and younger, while Knott's has a $25 child ticket. Six Flags charges $17 for children shorter than 4 feet.

Disneyland is offering Southern California residents a discount adult price of $28 through May 15 to bolster business during its slowest period, with that price up $2 from a similar promotion last winter. No discount price is available for children.

Disneyland, the flagship of Burbank-based Walt Disney Co., has increased adult prices by $8 for adults and $4 for children since 1993. But prices at the company's trio of Florida parks are significantly higher - $42.14 for a one-day adult pass to Walt Disney World, Epcot or Disney-MGM Studios and $33.92 for children 3 to 9.