A truly magical vacation destination, Disneyland Resort, California, is rightly known as the happiest place on earth. Every kid’s dream, the resort has many activities for older adults as well. However, visiting Disneyland, especially after the launch of its new Star Wars theme park, has become difficult due to increased ticket prices.
So, if you are planning to visit Disneyland soon, this article has everything you need to know about Disneyland tickets, and how you can get the best out of your vacation.
Types of Disneyland tickets
One-day and multiple day tickets
The 1 Day 1 Park Ticket allows you to visit one theme park in Disneyland in one day. This means that you are not allowed to visit Disneyland in the morning and move on to a different park, like the Disney California Resort, in the afternoon. There are also 2 Day 1 Park, 3 Day 1 Park, and 4 Day 1 Park Disneyland tickets that allow you to visit each park per day.
Hopper tickets
If you’re looking to visit more than one theme park in a day, Hopper tickets are the ideal option. Sold as an add-on, the Park Hopper Disneyland tickets let you jump from one theme park to another. They come as part of your multiple-day tickets.
Combo passes
You can choose to get combo passes that offer a range of Disneyland experiences. Firstly, there is the Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood Combo Pass that offers you the benefits of multiple-day Disneyland tickets with Park Hopper feature, along with a one-day admission pass to Universal Studios theme park.
Next, there is the Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm Combo Pass that lets you choose from the 2, 3, or 4-Day Park Hopper tickets. It also comes with an admission pass that gives you access to all the rides, attractions, and shows in Knott’s Berry Farm for a day.
Annual passports
These are perfect for families who visit Disneyland several times a year. The Disneyland Annual Passports can be purchased at one time or paid for by monthly installments. In-park discounts, dining, and days of access vary according to the pass you purchase. For Southern California residents, the Disney Southern California Select Annual Passport can be purchased for $399.
When purchasing Disneyland tickets, it is important to read the fine print. Make sure your tickets do not expire before your vacation ends and understand their transfer and refund policies. Also ensure to cross check how will the tickets be sent to you. Will they arrive by post? Do you have to visit the ticket booth, or print them out?
How to get a discount
Army members and American Automobile Association (AAA)
Disneyland tickets are available at a discounted price for active or retired members of the US Army, US Coast Guard, National Guard, Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service. However, currently, these discounts are only on 3-day and 4-day tickets. Military personnel and their spouses can purchase up to six tickets at a time.
Furthermore, members of the AAA get discounts ranging from $8 to $14 on multi-day tickets.
Children
Children under the age of three get to go to Disneyland for free. The kids discount is valid for only up to ten years. Anyone older than ten has to pay the full adult fee.
Disney authorized Re-seller
These re-sellers are permitted by Disneyland Resorts to buy the Disneyland tickets in bulk, at a cheaper rate, and resell it to the general public. The tickets are often sold at competitive prices, meaning, you have chances of getting good discounts and deals. Ensure to buy your tickets only from authorized re-sellers to prevent yourself from getting scammed. Also, avoid any deal that seems too good to be true.
Most re-sellers give you a voucher that needs to be exchanged for the actual ticket when you are at Disneyland. Waiting in long queues to get the exchange done seems like an unnecessary hassle when you can get tickets delivered home.
Grocery stores
Chain stores like Safeway, Costco, and Vons offer Disneyland tickets at competitive prices. You are likely to find a good deal here.
Discounts for Southern California residents
When it comes to Disneyland tickets, Southern California residents get the best discounts, sometimes as much as 40 percent. Prices of Park Hopper tickets are also less for them. However, these deals aren’t just limited to Californians or Americans for that matter. Discounts for Disneyland tickets are available all the time for residents of Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
Avoid Craigslist and eBay
With sources like Craigslist and eBay, it can be difficult to tell if you are being scammed. Sometimes people with multi-day tickets visit the park just one day and then attempt to resell these tickets in hopes of making a quick buck. Unsuspecting buyers, looking for a discount, often fall prey to such schemes. There is no guarantee that such feats will get you inside Disneyland. The resort now photographs all visitors, so attempting to enter with someone else’s partially used ticket is not a great idea.