The Pixie Dust Pals Plan...Park Tickets!
Welcome to The Pixie Dust Pals Plan, a series where we help you plan your Walt Disney World vacation with short, easily digestible information. While we are in no way the most knowledgeable of all the Disney sites, we have some tips and tricks we love to share.
What does my Disney park ticket include?
Your Disney park ticket includes admission into one or more of the parks including all rides, shows, and character greetings within the park. Currently fast passes (a pass that allows you to reserve up to three rides ahead of time) are also included with your park ticket should you choose to use them.
What are the different types of park ticket available to me?
When purchasing a Disney park ticket you have three options: a one park ticket, a park hopper, or a season pass. There are a few things to consider when deciding which park ticket is right for you:
How long is your vacation?
Which parks do you want to visit?
For example, if you only have a day to visit the parks, it’s probably worth both your time and money to just get a single park ticket. This way you can spend all your time soaking up Disney magic without having to take up time traveling between parks. However if you are going to be there longer than a day we highly suggest getting a park hopper pass. This allows you to travel between the four parks as much or as little as you want. Ticket prices decrease each day you add on a ticket. Additionally for long stays Disney offers deals when booking both your hotel and tickets together; this typically only applies to stays of longer than six days.
Make sure when booking your trip you play around and price out single tickets versus park hoppers, even for trips of only two days. We have found that oftentimes because of the price decrease of each additional day the park hopper is often cheaper than doing two single day tickets.
Where can I purchase my tickets?
The best place to purchase your tickets is directly from the source! You can find all pricing information on the Disney website here. Please note that there are discounts available for Florida residents as well as special discounts for members of the military. Additionally, if you are a member of a union you might want to check if you get a perk of discounted park tickets! Teachers, I know for a fact that NEA features discounted park tickets throughout the year.
What about those cool special events I keep seeing on my Instagram feed?
While the standard Disney park ticket includes access to a myriad of unforgettable activities, there are add-ons that you can purchase should you wish to extend your magic. Seasonal events such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are an additional ticket; note that you don’t have to have a park ticket in addition to this special event ticket to attend. Disney has also begun to host “after hours events” such as Disney Villain’s After Hours which offer exclusive access to certain attractions as well as unique character and dining experiences. However note that EPCOT’s Food and Wine Festival as well as their Flower and Garden Festival are included in the price of your admission ticket.
When is the best time to get a cheap ticket for Walt Disney World?
September and February are typically the least crowded and therefore least expensive times to visit Walt Disney World. Most children are in school during these times and the weather can be unpredictable. That being said we have traveled there during these months and experienced both beautiful weather and large crowds. However if your wallet is calling the shots, this is the best time for you to experience the magic.
Final Thoughts
It’s no secret that park ticket prices have increased over the years. However, with careful planning you can make sure to get the most bang for your buck and enjoy your Walt Disney World vacation. Questions about your trip? Email us at thepixiedustpals@gmail.com and we will be happy to answer any lingering questions you might have.