Your Questions About Disney World’s New Date-based Ticketing System Answered

September 24, 2018

In case you haven’t heard the news, Disney announced that effective October 16th, Walt Disney World will be implementing a new ticket pricing structure based on dates. Visitors to Walt Disney World will now be able to purchase theme park tickets priced by the dates that you choose to visit. These changes were decided by Disney based on consumer demand and are part of a strategy better designed to distribute attendance throughout the year to improve the guest experience.

Obviously, with the news of a new pricing structure just around the corner, there are a ton of questions about how this structure will work. It is still early days and we expect further details to be trickling in during the weeks ahead but here are some answers to your most common ticketing questions.

Will there be an increase in ticket prices under the new structure? Disney hasn’t revealed specifics regarding prices as of yet. This will be made clear on October 16th. Keep following along with Disney Addicts and our sister site Chip and Co. and we promise to keep you posted.

When will date-based tickets expire? This is a great question and definitely one worth noting as you make your vacation plans. Under the previous ticketing structure, visitors to Walt Disney World had up to 14 days from the time of first use to enjoy their multi-day ticket. Because of the date-based pricing structure changes need to be made. These are as follows:

Ticket Duration	Valid Use Period
1-Day Ticket	Only the start date selected
2-Day Ticket	Any 2 days within 4 days beginning on the start date
3-Day Ticket	Any 3 days within 5 days beginning on the start date
4-Day Ticket	Any 4 days within 7 days beginning on the start date
5-Day Ticket	Any 5 days within 8 days beginning on the start date
6-Day Ticket	Any 6 days within 9 days beginning on the start date
7-Day Ticket	Any 7 days within 10 days beginning on the start date
8-Day Ticket	Any 8 days within 12 days beginning on the start date
9-Day Ticket	Any 9 days within 13 days beginning on the start date
10-Day Ticket	Any 10 days within 14 days beginning on the start date

What about Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Tickets? Park Hopper tickets allowing visitors to visit more than one park each day will fall into the expiry date structure outlined above. Park Hopper Plus which also includes visits to Disney’s Water Parks will get an extra days grace period. Under this option, you can add an extra day to the structure above.

What about tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney World vacation package? For those purchasing a room and ticket package one of the following valid use periods will apply to you based on whichever takes longer. Guests will either abide by the structure outlined above or adhere to a valid use period beginning on the package resort arrival date and ending on the package resort check-out date.

I liked the 14-day period. Why was this shortened? The new system outlined above is better aligned with the observed guest ticket usage patterns. Guests wanting additional flexibility will have the option of purchasing a Flexible Date Ticket.

Will guests still get multi-day ticket discounts? Yes. Disney is keeping its discount policy offering guests greater savings the more theme park days you purchase in advance.

What if I’ve already purchased tickets for my Disney World visit but am traveling after October 16? Then you should still adhere to the original terms and conditions set out when you purchased your tickets.

Will ticket increases be applied to my Walt Disney World vacation package if I’ve already booked? No, not unless you make changes to your travel dates. If changes are made guests will be expected to pay the increase in ticket prices based on dates. If there’s a decrease in price, however, Disney will not be issuing refunds. Your package price would stay the same.

I’m thinking about a visit to Disneyland in California. Should I expect similar changes? At the moment, this new structure is only being implemented at Walt Disney World Resort.

Keep following along with Disney Addicts for this and other exciting Walt Disney World developments. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions via the email address or phone number listed below.

Thinking about a visit to Disney? Packages are currently available to book through until the end of 2018. Click here or send an email for your FREE no obligation quote.

Why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you get the best discounts for your Disney World vacation package, assist with making dining, Fastpass and Mickeys’ Not-So-Scary Halloween Party reservations and can even help you plan an itinerary filled with extra special seasonal touches. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Contact me at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or on Facebook and let’s get planning!

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