Discount Disneyland Tickets Buying Guide
When you're in the market for Disneyland tickets at a reduced price, it's essential to fully grasp the intricacies of the ticket types and to make certain that you are purchasing from a trustworthy source. This post offers an analysis of various methods to secure discount Disneyland tickets.
EXPLANATION OF DISNEYLAND TICKET OPTIONS
Before diving into where to snag the most substantial savings on Disneyland tickets, we must cover some basic information about the tickets.
Disneyland Tickets Dates
Disneyland tickets usually aren't connected to exact dates. One-day tickets link to a specific "tier" of dates, while multi-day tickets have a 13-day use window from the first use. Although all tickets expire, an entirely unused, expired ticket's value can be applied towards a new one.
When looking for discounted tickets, ensure you examine any special conditions that might apply. Even Disney occasionally offers date-limited tickets during special promotions.
Disneyland Park Reservations
Disneyland also requires park reservations along with tickets. Purchasing a ticket directly from Disney typically includes the reservation, but buying from third-party vendors might require an extra step to link your ticket to your Disney account.
Disneyland Park Hopper Tickets
There are two kinds of tickets—park hopper and one-park-per-day. Park hoppers let you visit both Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park on the same day, starting at 11 AM. One-park-per-day tickets restrict you to one park each day.
Park hoppers are not usually needed for stays longer than two days but can offer significant convenience, especially if it's a rare visit.
How Many Days to Plan?
Generally, three full days is an ideal time for a first trip, but shorter trips can also be valuable. Depending on your experience with the parks, 2 days may be adequate but our general recommendation is 3 days to see and do it all.
Straight To The Gate
Check whether the tickets you're purchasing are “straight to the gate” tickets. Most advanced purchases will allow this, saving you a stop at the ticket booth and allowing you to enter the parks using your mobile device.
Genie+ Add-On For Disneyland Tickets
Genie+ is Disneyland's paid fast-track service, which can be bought in advance or during your trip, ranging from $25 to $30 per day. For Disneyland we recommend purchasing the Genie+ service in advance as it provides savings.
Discounted Tickets
Discounted tickets are usually just as valuable as those bought directly from Disney, but some may have date limitations. Pay close attention to details like whether the ticket includes Genie+ and any date restrictions.
TOP DISCOUNT DISNEYLAND TICKET PROVIDERS
With the ever-increasing costs, discounted tickets are more crucial than ever. Some reliable sources include:
Get Away Today: Offers varied discounts with no risk.
Undercover Tourist: A longstanding seller of Disneyland tickets.
Other Discount Ticket Brokers: Various brokers that come recommended, like aRes Travel.
We recommend using Undercover Tourist as they offer a best price on all tickets and have been offering discounts on Disneyland Tickets for over 20 years. Guests will receive e-tickets to link to the Disneyland App and use their tickets directly from their mobile device.
STANDARD DISCOUNT OPTIONS
Public Offers From Disney: Occasionally matched or beaten by ticket brokers like Undercover Tourist.
Southern California Resident Discount: Often available to locals they reside within select zip codes. Photo ID required for use.
Disney Vacation Club Discount: Around a 10% saving.
Military Discount: About 40% off for eligible service members (retired, active, reserve). Photo ID required for use.
AAA Discount: Small savings.
Sam’s Club: Offers tickets with a low discount level.
Costco: No longer offers Disneyland tickets.
ALTERNATIVE DEAL HUNTING APPROACHES
Using Discount Disney Gift Cards: Save around 8% to 10%. The Target Red Card is the simplest way to purchase the cards.
The Magic Key Annual Pass: Consider if planning multiple trips or for family-specific savings.
EBay / Craigslist / Etc.: Risky and not recommended. These are too-good-to-be-true scenarios.
In summary, while looking for discounted Disneyland tickets, always be vigilant about the fine print and opt for reliable sources. Whether through specialized vacation sites, membership discounts, or even annual passes, there are many legitimate ways to save on your trip without sacrificing any perks or conveniences. Always be wary of high-risk methods like eBay or Craigslist, as the potential savings might not be worth the risk.
