One of the first things that must be decided on when you start planning your vacation to Walt Disney World is your ticket type. Each ticket type is going to give you different degrees of flexibility and access to the parks and other events and offerings across property. Even if you’ve been to Disney World before, your ticket type should be discussed and decided on for each specific trip. For example, this week’s announcement of the Premier Pass lightning lane option would push a family who is interested in this offering into the standard, one park per day ticket option. The Premier Pass is good only for the one day at one park- rendering the ability to park hop ineffective if you want to maximize use of this add-on.
1. Standard Theme Park Tickets
Perfect For: Guests who want a simple and straightforward way to enjoy one park per day.
These are your basic, single-park tickets that allow entry to one of the four main theme parks per day: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom. You can choose between 1 to 10 days, and the more days you buy, the less you pay per day. It’s a great option if you’re planning to spend a full day exploring the wonders of each park.
2. Park Hopper Tickets
Perfect For: Guests who want to experience multiple parks in a single day.
A Park Hopper ticket gives you all the benefits of the standard ticket but with added flexibility. Start your day at EPCOT and then finish at Magic Kingdom to catch the fireworks—it’s all possible with the Park Hopper!
3. Park Hopper Plus Tickets
Perfect For: Guests who want both park-hopping flexibility and extra experiences beyond the main parks.
This option includes the same park-hopping privileges as the standard Park Hopper ticket, plus access to Disney’s other fun attractions. These include the water parks (Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon), Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. You also get to visit the miniature golf courses like Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens. It’s ideal for guests who want to mix a little water park action or relaxation into their theme park adventures.
4. Special Event Tickets
Perfect For: Guests looking for exclusive, after-hours experiences.
Throughout the year, Walt Disney World hosts special ticketed events that offer unique experiences. These include after-hours events like Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Special event tickets are separate from regular park admission and often allow access to select attractions, exclusive entertainment, and character meet-and-greets with smaller crowds.
6. Annual Passes
Perfect For: Guests who plan to visit multiple times a year.
If you’re a Disney superfan or live nearby, an annual pass might be the best value. Walt Disney World offers several tiers of annual passes, each with different levels of access. These include the Incredi-Pass, Sorcerer Pass, and Pirate Pass, which all provide year-round access to the parks with varying blackout dates and perks like free parking and discounts on dining and merchandise.
7. Military & Florida Resident Tickets
Perfect For: Eligible guests looking for discounted options.
Walt Disney World offers special discounted tickets for U.S. military personnel and Florida residents. These options come with their own set of rules and pricing, but they are a great way for eligible guests to enjoy Disney magic at a lower cost. Florida residents can often find special offers like 3-day or 4-day tickets, while the military salute tickets offer fantastic savings throughout the year.
Which Ticket Should You Choose?
Choosing your ticket type is very dependent on the vacation style of each family, duration of your trip, and your expectations for your trip. At Wish, we pride ourselves on taking the time to get to know what makes your travelling party unique and making recommendations tailored to meet your specific needs! Our Disney experts are here to help you choose the right tickets, plan your days, and add in all those magical extras that make your vacation unforgettable. Contact us today for free planning services!