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Walt Disney World in Florida is the largest Disney resort in the world. A single vacation can last weeks and cost thousands of dollars. We’ve researched the best places to find a Disney World ticket discount so you can keep a little extra spending money in your pocket.
We only recommend authorized ticket sellers where we know that the deals are valid and reliable. This way, you can save time and avoid spending time on promo codes, coupons, and special offers that don’t work.
Before You Buy: Important Disney World Discount Ticket Purchasing Tips
There are several considerations to consider before purchasing any Disney theme park tickets.
Decide How Many Days You Need Tickets For
First, you need to decide how many days you need tickets, which does not necessarily need to coincide with the duration of your stay.
Walt Disney World has four theme parks, two water parks, and many resort hotels. The entire resort is spread across 40 square miles, with a lot of ground to cover. This is one of the facts you will need to consider as you determine what type of tickets you want to buy.
Decide Whether You Should Buy Park Hopper Tickets
You can buy tickets for one park per day or Park Hopper tickets that let you experience multiple parks daily.
There are two options within the Park Hopper category: the Park Hopper and the Park Hopper Plus. Park Hopper Plus tickets provide entry to the Disney water parks. Or there’s now a Water Park and Sports ticket that allows you to visit select water parks and sports complexes within Walt Disney World resort.
Disney parks at other Disney Resorts worldwide are close enough to share security. This makes hopping from park to park easy and a great way to experience both if you have limited time.
However, at Walt Disney World, each park has its own security and is at least 20 minutes apart. The value of splitting your days up between parks is entirely subjective, but the distance between them is something to factor in.
Buy Only From Authorized Walt Disney World Ticket Sellers
Purchasing tickets through a trusted seller is one of the most important things to remember when buying discounted Walt Disney World tickets.
A ticket to “The Most Magical Place on Earth” is an investment and, therefore, subject to counterfeiting. Once a ticket is used, it is connected to the ticket holder’s identity. Never buy a partially used ticket or rent a pass.
Read All Terms and Conditions
You should understand expiration dates, refund, and transfer policies. Confirm whether your tickets are printable, mobile, or snail-mailed (the latter still exists).
If It’s Too Good to Be True…
It probably is. You can save a little bit on your vacation by purchasing discounted tickets. Deep cuts in the pricing are a red flag. One-day passes, in particular, are not known to have any special pricing.
Walt Disney World Parking
Walt Disney World has an extensive network of complimentary transportation. You don’t need to rent a car or pay for a ride if your vacation remains within Walt Disney World Resort. Even the ride from the airport can be complimentary.
If you rent a car, you’ll pay for parking at the parks and resorts.
Parking at the theme parks is $30 or $45-$55, depending on your type of vehicle and if you choose standard or preferred parking. Resorts also have parking prices that vary depending on the tier level of your resort (value, moderate, deluxe).
Parking Tip
You need only pay once per day for theme park parking, so keep your receipt if you park hop.
1-Day Passes Are Rarely Discounted
1-day Walt Disney World tickets rarely have discounts, so buying those directly through Disney is usually best. The exception is that some associations offer discount 1-day passes for teachers, students, military, and other groups.
Child Admission Policies
Children ages two and under receive free entry to Walt Disney World theme parks. Buy a child ticket if you have a child between 3 and 9. Anyone 10 years or older requires an adult ticket.
1. Get Away Today (Top Pick)
Get Away Today’s Walt Disney World tickets start with a 2-Day base, Park Hopper, and Park Hopper Plus. Where Get Away Today excels is its ability to bundle tickets with hotels to create vacation packages that provide extra value.
You get their complimentary concierge service when you book your Walt Disney World vacation package, including a stay at a Disney Hotel and Walt Disney World Resort tickets with Get Away Today. This includes assistance with dining reservations and price monitoring service. If a lower price comes out after you book and qualify, they’ll automatically apply it!
To take advantage of this concierge service, you can book your Walt Disney World Hotel directly, and they’ll be happy to help you work on your dream trip. Or, if you don’t need a hotel, you can save money with their discount tickets.
Navigating the reservation process can be difficult, so you’ll be grateful for the extra advice the concierge service provides!
2. Undercover Tourist
Another option for Walt Disney World park tickets is Undercover Tourist, an Orlando-based authorized ticket seller with excellent customer service.
Undercover Tourist tickets are typically less expensive than those bought through Disney in advance, and the final price includes tax with no other fees.
These tickets can be loaded into your My Disney Experience and MagicBands. You can bundle your hotel with Disney World discount tickets for extra savings.
The discounts start with the 1-day passes and go up to 10-day passes. They have multiple ticket types available, including:
- Base
- Park Hopper
- Park Hopper Plus
- Water Park and Sports
- Special Holiday Event Tickets
- Disney After Hours
- Florida Resident
And there are even more tickets and combo options available.
3. Florida Resident Discounts
As a Florida resident, you are entitled to various discounts for your visit to the park. You must verify residency online to qualify for these discount Walt Disney World tickets. There are also blockout dates to consider when these cheaper tickets will not be usable.
Florida Resident 4-Day 4-Park Pass
Disney World offers several Florida Resident discount tickets throughout the year. For instance, Florida residents can get a 4-Day Discover Disney Ticket, saving 40% on their tickets. You can also check their Florida Residents Special Tickets, Passes, and Offers page for a full and updated list of promotions.
Florida Resident Annual Pass
You can get a Florida Resident Disney Pixie Dust Pass at $34/month after a down payment or for $469 plus tax. The benefits of the annual pass include park admission throughout the year, special discounts and pricing in the parks, and parking. Annual passes are now available with a monthly payment plan option or guests can pay the full fee in one payment. There are several other Florida Resident Annual Pass promotions on their website.
4. AAA Discount Tickets
AAA sometimes sells discounted tickets online. The offer will depend on the AAA regional office that you are a member of. It is worth checking as, in addition to tickets, they also sell vacation packages.
4. Military Discounts
Walt Disney World offers special military discounts for active and retired U.S. military personnel. For example, US Military personnel can purchase a 6-Day Military Salute Ticket with a park hopper for $439 plus tax. Additionally, you can always check the most recent promotions.
5. Costco Discount Tickets
Costco used to be an amazing resource for discounted Disney tickets. Some warehouses may still have them, but most of us have to purchase vacation packages through Costco Travel because they don’t have individual Disney park (or any theme park) tickets anymore.
6. Group Ticket Discounts
Walt Disney World offers special pricing for guest groups who occupy ten or more rooms. The Disney Youth Program also offers discounts for groups of kids ages 3-22.
7. Annual Passes
Florida residents can access the Disney Pixie Dust Pass ($469 or $34/month with a down payment). This pass includes access to one or more Walt Disney World theme parks on the same day with advance park reservations, discounts on dining, merchandise, and standard parking.
Other passes are Disney Pirate Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass, and Disney Incredi Pass. Annual passes also have an Add-On option for $99, which allows you to add the Water Park and Sports option or Disney PhotoPass Downloads.
Special Walt Disney World Resort Experiences
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
One of the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is Extra Magic Hours, which grants you an additional hour at select parks. The park typically offers these extended hours benefits to resorts such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club, and our top pick Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort; however, it would be best to check Extended Evening before making your reservation.
The Theme Park calendars Extended Evening Theme Park Hours so you can plan your trip accordingly.
VIP Packages
For those looking for a VIP experience, Walt Disney World offers various packages that include a concierge to plan park itineraries, priority ride access, reserved seating, and more.
Holiday Celebrations
One of the best times to visit Disneyland Resort is during the holiday season, including Halloween. Several rides take on a Christmas or Halloween theme. Last Halloween, we saw special overlays for Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
At Christmastime, The Jungle Cruise becomes the Jingle Cruise. Special treats become available throughout the park during this time.
Some nights, the Magic Kingdom closes early for a Halloween or Christmas-themed party. Epcot has the Festival of the Holidays and the Candlelight Processional, Hollywood Studios has festive light shows, and Disney Springs has a Christmas tree trail that expands yearly!
Disney Genie and Lightning Lane
You’ll need the My Disney Experience app and can add the Lightning Lane before you enter the park. Prices change depending on the date.
Through the app you’ll make Lightning Lane selections that allow you to enter through a faster queue. You can buy a Multi-Pass or purchase up to two Single Pass Lightning Lane entries per day.
When budgeting for discount Disney World tickets, I highly recommend planning to add Lightning Lane. You’ll need to buy Lightning Lane:
- Up to 7 days in advance of a stay at a Disney Resort hotel or a few other select hotels
- Up to 3 days in advance of a park visit for all other guests.
FAQs About Walt Disney World Tickets
Can Florida residents buy Disney World tickets for family and friends?
Yes, however, all ticket adults will need to verify proof of residency online or at the park. So, if you are a Florida resident purchasing tickets for your family or friends, ensure all family members have a Florida ID.
Is there a Disney World student discount?
Yes, student discounts are available, but only if you go in a group of 10 or more. Students can buy discount Walt Disney World tickets through the Disney Youth Program. There are no student discounts for ticket purchases with fewer people than 10.
Is there a Disney World teacher discount?
At certain times of the year, teachers can purchase tickets to Walt Disney World at a cheaper price. They are also eligible for some discounts at resort hotels.
See also:
Katie Dillon
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