Walt Disney World Resort to Debut Date-Based Tickets and Pricing on Oct. 16, 2018

This approach to pricing tickets by date goes along with consumer demand. It is part of Disney’s effort to better distribute attendance throughout the year to improve the Guest experience.

 In the past five years alone, Disney Parks has invested approximately $15 billion to bring historic and exciting expansions, both completed and in development, to destinations around the world. Expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® helped drive record attendance at Walt Disney World and along with Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® increased capacity and resulted in high levels of guest satisfaction. In addition to building new attractions and whole new lands, Disney continuously updates existing attractions and creates new festivals, seasonal celebrations and events to provide guests with something new when they visit. Guests say that new offerings, paired with our immersive storytelling and creativity, is a magical part of the Disney experience.

Detailed pricing will be available beginning on Oct. 16. We know that you and guests will have questions about this new ticket structure, so we have provided answers to some potential frequently asked questions below. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When will date-based tickets expire?

1-Day base tickets are valid for admission on a specific start date. Multi-day tickets are valid for admission beginning on the start date selected and must be used within a limited time period.

For example, a 6-day base ticket with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov.1 – Nov. 9.

Add the Park Hopper Option to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 9.

Add the Park Hopper Plus Option to include visits to the Disney Water Parks and other attractions—along with the ability to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. This option also extends the period of time within which you may use your ticket by one day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 10.

When will tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package expire?

Date-based tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package will have one of the following valid use periods (whichever is longer): (i) the same valid use period described above, OR (ii) a valid use period beginning on the package resort arrival date and ending on the package resort check-out date. See above for the explanation of valid use period and how valid use period is not the same as ticket duration.

For example, a Guest who purchases a Walt Disney Travel Company package with a 3-Day base ticket and a resort length of stay of 6 nights with an arrival date of Nov. 1; ticket is valid any 3 days from Nov, 1 – Nov. 7.

Why was the valid use window shortened for tickets?

The new valid use window for tickets better aligns with observed Guest ticket usage patterns. Guests wanting additional flexibility can purchase a Flexible Date Ticket.

Will Disney still offer multi-day discounts?

Yes, the “More you Play, the Less you Pay Per Day” philosophy still applies. Similar to today, the price per day decreases as you add more days to your ticket. Multi-day discounts will vary depending on the length of the ticket.

I already purchased tickets for my upcoming visit. Are my tickets still valid?

Unused, unexpired tickets will remain valid. Tickets maintain the same terms and conditions – including the expiration date – as they had at the time of purchase.

Will I need to pay more for my ticket if I already purchased it prior to Oct. 16?

No. Please be sure to check the specific terms and conditions on your ticket to confirm the expiration policy.

Are tickets able to be modified – what happens if a guest needs to change their date?

Yes, you will be able to modify tickets for guests prior to the ticket start date. And, for the first time, guests will be able to modify their own tickets online or through the Disney Reservation Center prior to the ticket start date. If the ticket is changed to a higher priced date, guest will be responsible for paying the difference in price. There will be no refunds to changes to lower priced dates.  If modifications are needed after the ticket start date, guests must visit any Vacation Planning window.

Are stand-alone water park tickets included in this change?

This change will not include 1-Day Water Park Tickets.

Is date-based pricing being implemented at other sites at this time?

Walt Disney World Resort will be the only location implementing this change at this time.

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JM Oliveri

JM has been a Disney fanatic his whole life. He has a life-long love of all things Goofy and is a big kid at heart. JM is from NY and loves to visit WDW several times per year. He can tell you lots of things about Disney and/or help you plan your DREAM Disney Vacation. He is an authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Travel Agent.
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