Your Ultimate Guide: Where to Buy Your Tickets for Walt Disney World
Disclaimer: This is an unbiased and objective review of our opinion on where you should buy your Disney ticket. We do not receive any money or perks from any of the companies listed in this article.
Walt Disney World is a magical destination that brings joy, excitement, and wonder to people of all ages. As you embark on your journey to this enchanting realm, securing your tickets is the first step in creating unforgettable memories. But with various options available, where should you buy your tickets for Walt Disney World? In this guide, we’ll explore the different avenues for purchasing your tickets, helping you make an informed decision and ensuring a seamless start to your Disney adventure.
Where to Buy Your Tickets for Walt Disney World
Official Walt Disney World Website
One of the most straightforward and reliable ways to purchase your tickets is through the official Walt Disney World website. This platform offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to explore various ticket options, including single-day tickets, multi-day passes, and special event tickets. The official website provides up-to-date information on ticket prices, park availability, and any ongoing promotions. This direct approach also ensures that you’re dealing with the source, reducing the chances of encountering fraudulent or unreliable sources.
Pros
Your tickets will be linked directly to My Disney Experience. It’s straightforward, making the process simple in a very complex Disney world. Also, if you received a lot of Disney gift cards, you can use them when purchasing your Disney tickets.
Cons
No rebates or reductions, the most expensive alternative.
Authorized Travel Agents, like CAA or (AAA)
Authorized travel agencies can also be a great option for purchasing your Walt Disney World tickets. These agencies have partnerships with Disney and can offer package deals that include accommodations, transportation, and park tickets. Not only can they help you save time by planning various aspects of your trip, but they can also provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance your overall experience.
Pros
The travel agent will assist you with reservations, linking tickets etc.Special promotions will be applied, meaning the tickets could be at a better overall price than if purchased directly through Disney.
Cons
The travel agent will help you out, but their advice also comes with the sales they are trying to make. For example, they may be pushing the Disney Dining Plan when you are not sure if the Dining plan is for you, or longer stays when you wanted to keep it at a minimum.
Online Travel Marketplaces like Expedia and Undercover Tourist.
Several reputable online travel marketplaces, such as Expedia, Priceline, and Undercover Tourist, offer Walt Disney World tickets. These platforms can sometimes provide discounted rates or bundle deals, allowing you to save money on your ticket purchases. That being said, it’s essential to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of the seller before making a purchase. Stick to well-known platforms with good reviews and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. We have used Expedia and Undercover Tourist when purchasing Disney Theme Park tickets, and can confirm their authenticity and integrity.
Undercover Tourist, for one thing, is where I always buy my Disney Tickets when I only have tickets to buy. A 5-day park ticket (with park hopper) will have about a $50 US rebate. For a family of four, that can come down to more than $200 US in savings, which is more cash for souvenirs!
Undercover Tourist’s customer support is very good, so they can help should you have any problems after the sale.
Make sure to read the fine print before you hit the “purchase” button. Also, tickets bought via these websites will needed to be linked in your “My Disney Experience”, which is an added step.
Pros
Great price. Good customer service. You purchase only what you need (no hidden fees or someone trying to make a sale).
Cons
Tickets will need to be linked to your My Disney Experience app, which means taking an additional step. You may also need to do more research on your end, and there may be a bit more back and forth (not as straightforward as when buying the tickets directly through Disney).
Costco
We’ve put Costco in a category of its own, because we believe they are worth mentioning separately.
If you are a Costco member, you may (or may not) be one of those people who swear by it. Full disclaimer: I’m pretty much sold about Costco’s quality and offers. But, I also believe that one has to know their prices, and not everything is a deal.
Still, Costco Travel, available on the Costco app, offers many different trip options and packages, and offers theme park packages for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and as of recently, Disneyland (California).
You can select a package with or without airplane tickets (so you can decide to drive down for example). All WDW packages include a 5 day theme park tickets (in the price you see off the bat when you do your research), but you can further customize your ticket from 3 park days up to 10 (with or without the park hopper, water park etc.)
See our blog post: Navigating the Magic: Exploring Different Walt Disney World Ticket Categories.
In my humble experience, the price of Costco’s Disney’s packages are unbeatable. If I need a quick Disney fix and do not have time to shop around for the best deal, I’ll go on the Costco app, because I know I won’t find a better deal anywhere else.
They have different packages, some for Disney hotels (You can read all about it in our Different Hotel Categories blog post!), some for non-Disney hotels but on the sites, some for hotels very close by that include a rental car and a full size kitchen. On top of which, their customer service after the purchase of your package is excellent.
The downside is that their packages for the following year can come out quite late. For example, as of August 2023, the packages for 2024 have yet to come out. Also, you may need to book via their call center (as opposed to directly online) if you wish to book a trip that will include Universal AND Disney tickets, or if you trip differs from their pre-package trips.
Pros
Amazing, unbeatable prices. Great customer service. No pressure sale.
Cons
Packages come out last, after everything else on the market.
Important Considerations:
Ticket Types
Walt Disney World offers various ticket types, including single-park tickets, park hopper tickets (allowing you to visit multiple parks in one day), and water park tickets. Choose the option that best suits your preferences and itinerary. Also make sure you always compare the exact same ticket when deal shopping (to compare apples with apples).
Ticket Upgrades
If you decide to upgrade your ticket during your visit, such as adding park hopper or additional days, you can usually do so at the parks or through the official website, but not always: for example, the Dining plan can only be added for your entire stay for your entire party, or none at all. So make sure to be informed ahead of time if this is be a possibility you are truly considering.
Scams and Counterfeit Tickets
Be cautious when purchasing tickets from third-party sellers, especially if the deal seems too good to be true. Stick to reputable sources to avoid scams and counterfeit tickets.
When it comes to purchasing your tickets for Walt Disney World, it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy and reliable source. The official Walt Disney World website, authorized travel agents, reputable online travel marketplaces and Costco are all viable options. By making an informed decision, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the magic, wonder, and joy that only Walt Disney World can offer.
Remember that should you decide to opt for anything other than a travel agent to purchase your tickets or Disney package but still need help navigating through the many Disney rules and requirements, Mickey à la Carte Is here for you! We are the best tool to help you make informed decisions, and know that we are completely independent. We offer unbiased support.
Got questions? Feel free to email us at [email protected] – we’re always happy to hear from you!
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with enchantment and cherished memories!
