How to Buy Discount Disneyland Tickets

Disneyland© Resort in California is a truly magical place and a bucket list destination for many. It is possible to buy discount Disneyland tickets to save money for the excellent character dining, famous desserts, and souvenirs. It’s important to follow some general guidelines to avoid scams. This post was updated on November 20, 2018.

Initial Decisions to Make

Several decisions are necessary to make before buying Disneyland tickets.

How many days will you need a ticket? Disneyland Resort is home to two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure. While it’s possible to see both theme parks in one day, it’s rushed. A minimum of two days will allow for a better experience.

Should you buy Park Hopper© tickets? The park entrances are right next to each other, so it doesn’t take long to walk from one to the other. Whether you opt for Park Hopper tickets depends on what suits your traveling companions best. Typically, for more extended visits Park Hopper provide much-needed flexibility and allow people to re-ride favorite rides on a whim. If you do buy a one-park ticket and decide to upgrade it, you can do this at the park. Park Hopper tickets do not need to be used on consecutive days, but they do need to be used within 13 days of first use (be sure to read all terms and conditions).

Where to buy discount Disneyland tickets? I’ve detailed reliable methods for buying discounted tickets for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park below.

Important Ticket Purchasing Tips

Buy ONLY from a Disneyland Authorized Ticket Seller

One of the most important things when buying Disneyland tickets is this. Buy only from a Disneyland Authorized Ticket Seller. Tickets to “The Happiest Place on Earth” are an investment and like many high-value goods, they can be subject to counterfeiting. Do not ever buy a partially used pass or “rent” a pass.

Read All Terms and Conditions

Read all terms and conditions before purchasing Disneyland tickets. Be sure that they do not expire before your visit. Check refund and transfer policies. And most importantly, check how you’ll receive the tickets. For example, will you need to pick them up at the ticket booth, can you print and go or will they be snail mailed?

If It’s Too Good to Be True…

It probably is. Steep discounts on authentic Disneyland Resort tickets do not exist, especially on one-day passes.

Disneyland Parking

There are various parking options offered for guests visiting the Disneyland Resort(s), all detailed on the Disneyland website. At the time of this writing, the fee for self-parking a standard car for the day is $20, and preferred parking (closer to the elevators and escalators) for a standard car is $35.

1-Day Passes Are Almost Never Discounted

1-day Disneyland tickets are rarely discounted so usually the best bet for a one-day ticket is to buy directly from Disneyland Resort. (Teachers, students, military and a few other groups can be eligible for discount 1-day passes through various associations.)

Kids Under the Age of 3 Are Free

You do not need to purchase a ticket for children under 3. Children ages 3-9 need a child ticket while ages 10 and older require an adult ticket.

Magic Morning

Magic Morning is a significant benefit usually added to 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day Tickets. Magic Morning allows ticket holders entry to Disneyland Park one hour before it opens to the general public. Current Magic Morning days are Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday but please check the calendar for details.

1. aRes Travel (Top Pick)

aRes Travel is a San Diego based, Disneyland Authorized Ticket Seller. All 3, 4 or 5-day tickets purchased through them include one-day access to the Magic Morning.  aRes Travel is also known for excellent customer service as they have agents that you can call if need be. Go straight to the gate!  no need to go to the ticket booth.

Note that aRes Travel charges a $2 convenience fee per ticket, but you will still likely come out ahead.

The current Disneyland tickets deals are:

2-Day Park Hopper Ticket

The 2-Day Park Hopper ticket includes admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on the same two days. Note that this option does not include Magic Morning. (Price: $246.50/adult and $236/child)

3-Day Park Hopper Ticket (LIMITED TIME OFFER)

The 3-Day Park Hopper ticket includes one Magic Morning and admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the same three days. (Price: $251/adult and $251/child)

4-Day Park Hopper Ticket (LIMITED TIME OFFER)

The 4-Day Park Hopper ticket includes one Magic Morning and admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on the same four days. (Price: $270/adult and $270/child)

5-Day Park Hopper Ticket (LIMITED TIME OFFER)

The 5-Day Park Hopper ticket includes one Magic Morning and admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on the same four days. (Price: $280/adult and $280/child)

2-Day One Park Per Day Ticket

Receive admission to one park per day over two days of use. The 2-Day One Park Per Day ticket does not include Magic Morning. (Price: $198/adult and $187/child)

3-Day One Park Per Day Ticket (LIMITED TIME OFFER)

Receive admission to one park per day over three days of use. The 3-Day One Park Per Day ticket includes one Magic Morning. (Price: $201/adult and $201/child)

4-Day One Park Per Day Ticket (LIMITED TIME OFFER)

Receive admission to one park per day over four days of use. The 4-Day One Park Per Day ticket includes one Magic Morning. (Price: $217/adult and $217/child)

5-Day One Park Per Day Ticket (LIMITED TIME OFFER)

Receive admission to one park per day over five days of use. The 5-Day One Park Per Day ticket includes one Magic Morning. (Price: $222/adult and $222/child)

Disneyland Resort & Universal Studios Hollywood Combo Pass

Receive a 2, 3, 4 0r 5-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper ticket (including one Magic Morning) and a 1-Day Universal Studios Hollywood general admission ticket with this Combo Pass for up to six days of fun. (Price for 2-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper + 1 day Universal Studios Hollywood: $352/adult.)

Disneyland Resort & Knott’s Berry Farm Combo Pass 

Receive a 2, 3, 4 or 5-Day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper and a  1-Day General Admission Ticket to Knott’s Berry Farm, that includes unlimited use of all rides, shows, and attractions (except Pan For Gold and arcades) with this Combo Pass for four days of fun. (Price for 2-day Disneyland Resort Park Hopper + 1 day Knott’s Berry Farm is: $288/adult.)

Character Dining (Includes Tax and Gratuity)

This ticket allows the purchaser the ability to select the location where they’d like to dine within the Disneyland Resort on the day they visit the park (make reservations). Valid character dining restaurants and locations are:

• Minnie & Friends Breakfast Buffet at Plaza Inn on Main Street, USA – Disneyland Park. Valid Park Admission Required.
• Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Critter Breakfast Buffet at Storytellers Cafe – Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

(Price: $38/adult and $22/child – includes tax and gratuity)

Premium Character Dining (Includes Tax and Gratuity)

This Premium Character Dining ticket allows the purchaser to dine at either Goofy’s Kitchen inside Disneyland Park (valid admission is required) or Mickey’s Surf’s Up! Breakfast at Disney’s PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Make reservations. (Price: $49/adult and $29/child – includes tax and gratuity).

2. Southern California CityPASS

Black Friday/Cyber Monday SALE: Save up to $179 if you can pick up your Southern California CityPASS at Disneyland. $345/adult and $316/child.

Get the Black Friday/Cyber Monday DEAL

The Southern California CityPASS provides entry to the very best attractions in Southern California at substantial savings. This pass is ideal for families who will visit San Diego and Disneyland. Eligible attractions covered by CityPASS include:

• Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure (a 3-Day Park Hopper ticket with one Magic Morning)
• Disney California Adventure
• SeaWorld San Diego
• LEGOLAND California
• San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park (optional add-on)

It is valid for 14 consecutive days, starting with the first day of use and an incredible deal.

Note: If you can buy the Southern California CityPASS 48 hours in advance AND pick it up at a Disneyland ticket booth, you will save money by purchasing it through aRes Travel. (They are currently selling it at 2017 prices for a limited time.)

3. AAA

Disneyland Resort offers slight discounts of $5-$9 to AAA members on 2-Day, 3-Day, 4-Day and 5-Day tickets.

4. Military Discounts

Disneyland Resort offers several substantial, special military discounts for active and retired U.S. military personnel. The current offer is for 3-Day and 4-Day tickets.

5. Costco

Costco used to sell discounted Disneyland Resort theme park tickets but now only offers vacation packages. It is rumored that some warehouses still have tickets, so it doesn’t hurt to check yours.

6. Group Ticket Discounts

Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park offer discounts for groups of 15 or more from qualified non-profit organizations. You’ll need to call to secure the discount.

The Disney Youth Program also offers discounts for groups of kids ages 3-22.

7. Annual Passports

Annual Passports (annual passes) to Disneyland Resort theme parks start at $369 and go up to $1,149, depending on how many days of access you’d like (some Annual Passports are subject to blockout dates). The percentage of in-park discounts on dining vary by the pass. They can be purchased in full or via monthly installments.

The Disney Southern California Select Annual Passport is a very viable option for Southern California residents who visit the park multiple times per year. It starts at $369 per person (ages 3 and older).

Special Disneyland Resort Experiences

Extra Magic Hour

If staying overnight in Anaheim on a Disney vacation, I am a big advocate of choosing a Disneyland Resort hotel.

See also: Theme Park Luxe: Disney’s Grand California Resort and Spa

One of the main reasons is Extra Magic Hour. Registered guests of the Disneyland Resort hotels enter Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park one full hour before the parks open to the general public on select days. This means that if you’re staying one night, you’ll get to enjoy Extra Magic Hour on the day you check-in and the day that you check out. Select rides, dining, and attractions in one park per day are open for Extra Magic Hour. I do advise checking the calendar in advance of booking a hotel so that you know which park is open early on which day.

VIP Packages

For those looking for a VIP experience, Disneyland Resort now offers various packages that include 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 including the Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise take on a Christmas or Halloween theme, special treats become available throughout the park and much more.

See also: 10 Reasons to Visit Disneyland Resort During the Holidays

How do you buy discounted Disneyland tickets?

See also:

• How to Buy Discount San Diego Zoo Tickets
• How to Buy Discount San Diego Zoo Safari Park Tickets
• How to Buy Discount LEGOLAND California Tickets
• How to Buy Discount SeaWorld San Diego Tickets