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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 that we know offer valid and reliable deals. 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 spans 40 square miles, covering a substantial area. This is one of the factors you will need to consider when determining the type of tickets you want to buy.
Decide Whether You Should Buy Park Hopper Tickets
You can purchase one-park-per-day tickets or Park Hopper tickets, which allow you to visit multiple parks in a day.
There are two options in the Park Hopper category: Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus. Park Hopper Plus tickets provide entry to the Disney water parks. There is now a Water Park and Sports ticket that allows you to visit select water parks and sports complexes within the 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 between parks is subjective, but the distance between them is worth considering.
Buy Only From Authorized Walt Disney World Ticket Sellers
Purchasing tickets through a trusted seller is one of the most important considerations 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, refunds, and transfer policies. Confirm whether your tickets are printable, mobile, or mailed by snail mail (the latter is still an option).
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 the 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 costs $35 or $50-$60, depending on the type of vehicle and whether you choose standard or preferred parking. Resorts also charge parking fees that vary by tier (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
One-day Walt Disney World tickets rarely offer discounts, so buying them directly through Disney is usually the best option. The exception is that some associations offer discounted one-day passes to teachers, students, military personnel, and other groups.
Child Admission Policies
Children ages two and under receive free entry to Walt Disney World theme parks. Purchase a child ticket if you have a child aged 3-9. 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 ticket, including Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus. Get Away Today excels by bundling hotel and ticket packages to deliver extra value.
With Get Away Today, you receive their complimentary concierge service when booking your Walt Disney World vacation package, which includes a stay at a Disney Hotel and Walt Disney World Resort tickets. This includes assistance with dining reservations and a price monitoring service. If a lower price becomes available after you book and qualify, it will be automatically applied.
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 challenging, so you’ll appreciate the concierge service’s extra guidance.
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 account and linked to your MagicBands. You can bundle your hotel with Disney World discount tickets for extra savings.
The discounts range from 1-day passes 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
There are additional tickets and combo options available.
3. Florida Resident Discounts
As a Florida resident, you are eligible for various discounts on your visit to the park. You must verify residency online to qualify for these discount Walt Disney World tickets. There are also blackout dates to consider, during which 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 and save 40% on their ticket. You can also check their Florida Residents Special Tickets, Passes, and Offers page for a complete, up-to-date list of promotions.
Florida Resident Annual Pass
You can get a Florida Resident Disney Pixie Dust Pass at $27/month after a down payment or for $489 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 you belong to. It is worth checking, as they also sell vacation packages in addition to tickets.
4. Military Discounts
Walt Disney World offers special military discounts for active and retired U.S. military personnel. For example, U.S. 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 a fantastic resource for discounted Disney tickets. Some warehouses may still have them, but most of us must purchase vacation packages through Costco Travel because they no longer carry individual Disney park (or any theme park) tickets.
6. Group Ticket Discounts
Walt Disney World offers special pricing for groups of 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 ($489 or $27/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, as well as discounts on dining, merchandise, and standard parking.
Other passes are Disney Pirate Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass, and Disney Incredi Pass. Annual passes also include an Add-On option for $109, which lets you 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 seeking a VIP experience, Walt Disney World offers 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 hosts the Festival of the Holidays and the Candlelight Processional; Hollywood Studios features festive light shows; and Disney Springs offers a Christmas tree trail that expands each year!
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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