Walt Disney World Tickets: What to Know Before You Buy
Walt Disney World tickets are your key to the magic—but figuring out which ones to buy can feel like solving a riddle written by a pixie with a flair for fine print. With options and upgrades, standalone tickets or Walt Disney World vacation package additions, plus the addition of hard ticket events, it’s enough to make you call a travel agent with a flair for all things magical. And, of course, you can! But we also wanted to offer up this handy dandy guide so you have an idea where to begin. Whether you’re planning your first trip or just need a refresher, this we break it all down so you can choose with confidence and skip the stress.
What Does a Walt Disney World Ticket Include?
A standard ticket gives you entry into one of the four major theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
You can choose how many days you want and add upgrades like Park Hopper, Water Parks and other experiences or Lightning Lane Multi Pass to customize your experience.
Base Ticket
Visit one park per day. This is the most budget-friendly and simple option—perfect for first-time guests or relaxed park days.
Park Hopper Upgrade
Visit multiple parks in a single day. Great for short trips where you need to pack as much into each day as possible, park veterans or anyone wanting to watch fireworks at Magic Kingdom after eating around the world at EPCOT. This is one cost for the length of the ticket whether or not you hop daily.
Park Hopper Plus Upgrade
Access to Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Blizzard Beach Water Park, mini golf, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Disney’s Oak Trail Gold Course or FootGolf at Oak Trail. Ideal for long trips or vacationers looking to cool off or switch up the pace.
How Much Do Walt Disney World Tickets Cost?
Prices vary depending on:
-
The date of your visit (peak dates = higher price)
- The park you choose to visit (if purchasing single day tickets)
-
The number of days you choose
-
Any upgrades like Park Hopper
Magic Tip: The more days you add, the less you pay per day. Once you hit four days, the additional days drop in price dramatically.
What’s a Hard Ticket Event?
Hard ticket events are separately ticketed experiences at Walt Disney World—meaning your regular park admission won’t get you in.
These events usually include:
- Early park access or late-night hours
- Limited crowds = shorter wait times
- Exclusive entertainment, treats and character meet-and-greets
Magic Tip: You don’t need a regular park ticket to if you’re only planning to attend a hard ticket event that day. Most hard ticket events actually allow early entry prior to the event start time!
Hard Ticket Events
- Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom
- Disney After Hours at Epcot
- Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios
- Disney H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon
- Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- Disney Jollywood Nights
Our planning services include these hard ticket events, as well! In fact, they’re some of our favorite ways to spend an evening at Walt Disney World!
Whether you’re planning a multi-day adventure through all four parks or just dipping into a one-night-only event like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary, Walt Disney World tickets are your key to the magic. From base tickets and Park Hopper upgrades to special hard ticket events that bring exclusive thrills, there’s a perfect combo for every kind of Disney dreamer.
Need help choosing the right mix for your trip? Let me sprinkle a little planning pixie dust on it! Click here for a custom quote or planning help!