When planning a trip to a Disney theme park, one of the most important decisions is when to purchase your park tickets. Disney ticket prices fluctuate based on the time of year, so choosing the right time to buy can help you save money. Understanding Disney’s tiered ticketing system and the factors that influence prices is key to getting the best deal.
How does Disney price tickets?
Disney uses variable or dynamic pricing for its theme park tickets. This means ticket prices change based on the date and anticipated park attendance. Disney divides the calendar year into ticket “seasons” that each have their own price range:
Ticket Season | Time Frame* | Price Level |
---|---|---|
Value | January – February (except Martin Luther King Jr. weekend) | Lowest |
Regular | March – first week of April; September – December (except holidays) | Moderate |
Peak | Last 2 weeks of April; June – August | Higher |
Holiday | Martin Luther King Jr. weekend; Easter week; Spring break weeks; Thanksgiving week; Christmas – New Year’s weeks | Highest |
*Actual dates vary year to year
In addition to ticket seasons, Disney also uses daily pricing calendars. Ticket prices may vary day to day within a season based on predicted crowds at each park. For example, ticket prices will be higher on a day when Magic Kingdom is expected to be busy than a day when Hollywood Studios is expected to be less crowded.
When are Disney World tickets cheapest?
The cheapest time to buy Walt Disney World tickets is during the value season in January and February, with the exception of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Value period offers the lowest prices all year. However, park hours are shorter and some attractions may be closed for refurbishment after the busy holiday season.
Another good time to find deals on Disney tickets is August once kids go back to school. Crowds thin out by late August, allowing Disney to offer discounts. Look for special late summer ticket deals.
The fall season also sees prices dip after summer crowds leave. Ticket prices usually drop in September after Labor Day and remain low through early December outside of Thanksgiving week.
When are Disney World tickets most expensive?
Disney World tickets are most expensive during the holiday season in December and around Easter week in April. Ticket prices skyrocket due to incredibly high demand and heavy crowds. If you want to go during these peak times, buying tickets well in advance can help score a lower price before prices increase as dates approach.
Spring break season in March and April also commands very high ticket prices, especially the two weeks around Easter. Avoid visiting during spring break weeks if possible.
Major summer holidays like Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day draw big crowds and inflated ticket prices. The entire summer season from June through August (except late August) is considered peak season.
Savings tips for buying Disney tickets
Here are some tips to save money on Walt Disney World tickets:
- Purchase tickets early – Buying months in advance allows you to lock in the lowest prices before increases.
- Visit during value season – Plan your trip in January, February or early December to score the lowest prices.
- Check prices daily – Don’t assume you’ll get the best deal buying months in advance. Check back often for sales.
- Buy from an authorized ticket reseller – Get the same tickets for cheap through approved third party vendors.
- Look for special deals – Watch for promotions like free dining plans that come with ticket discounts.
Do Disneyland tickets follow the same seasonal pricing?
Much like Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort tickets are also subject to demand-based pricing with seasons that fluctuate in price. The lowest fares can be found in winter and fall, while spring break, summer and holidays bring the highest prices. However, there are some key differences:
Disneyland Pricing | Disney World Pricing | |
---|---|---|
Lowest prices | January – February Mid-August – November |
January – February (except MLK weekend) August – early December |
Highest prices | March – April June – early August Holiday weeks |
March – April June – August Holiday weeks |
Cheapest single day | Typically a weekday in fall | Typically a weekday in early December |
Disneyland offers fewer ticket seasons than Disney World. As a result, prices at Disneyland can vary more dramatically day to day even within the same season. Checking the daily calendar is crucial to find the best deals on Disneyland tickets.
Should I buy Disney tickets now or wait?
If your dates are set, it almost always makes sense to purchase Disney tickets as far in advance as possible. Disney usually increases prices as dates get closer, so buying early locks in lowest prices.
However, it can sometimes pay to wait until 1-2 months out to buy tickets. Disney will occasionally release ticket discounts and deals that bring prices lower than what was available further in advance. Flexibility with dates makes it easier to take advantage of last minute deals.
Monitor prices daily over a few months to identify the best time to purchase. Buying too early or too late can cost more money.
How far in advance can I buy Disney tickets?
Walt Disney World tickets can be purchased up to 545 days in advance. This allows guests to reserve ride times using Disney’s FastPass+ system as early as 60 days before their visit.
Disneyland tickets can be purchased up to 365 days in advance. Guests visiting Disneyland can reserve FastPasses up to 90 days before arrival.
Booking as far ahead as possible usually ensures the lowest prices at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.
Should I upgrade to Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus?
Disney offers ticket add-ons that allow you to visit multiple parks per day. The upgrades include:
- Park Hopper – Visit more than one park a day at World or Land
- Park Hopper Plus – Park hopping + water parks and sports at World
- Park Hopper – Park hopping + Disney Genie+ at Land
Upgrades range from $65-$85 extra per ticket depending on dates. Whether they are worth it depends on how you plan to tour the parks:
- If focusing on one park per day, stick to base tickets
- If park hopping occasionally, upgrade select days only
- If park hopping daily, upgrade all tickets
Compare added flexibility vs. cost. Upgrades may not make sense for short trips focused on one park.
Conclusion
Timing is everything when it comes to scoring the best deal on Disney park tickets. Avoid holiday weeks and busy spring/summer seasons if possible. The greatest savings come from purchasing tickets early during Disney’s lowest price value season in early winter. Check back often for daily deals before locking in dates. With smart timing, you can experience the magic of Disney for less.