Top 5 Orlando Travel Scams Exposed
Scammers take advantage of Orlando travelers every day. Until now! I expose 5 common travel scams near Disney World and Universal Orlando.
Orlando is generally a safe travel destination, but like any major tourist city, there’s always someone out there thinking of new scams. Millions of visitors pass through Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld each week. Most are in town for a few days, and scammers know that. They are experienced at what they do and know just how to lure us in. Until now. I am going to help you avoid Orlando’s top 5 travel scams. I’ll even expose real-life examples of online scams going on right now.
5 Pizza Scam
The pizza scam in Orlando was alive and well until a few years ago until Disney and Universal caught on and began taking steps to help their guests avoid it. But these scammers are still around, especially if you’re staying at an off-property resort like in Kissimmee or Lake Buena Vista. There are 3 types of scams that I hear about that range from misleading advertising to outright theft.
Watch my video on Orlando travel scams now
But they all have one thing in common: they start by having someone slip menus and fliers under your hotel room door for a seemingly local pizza place. In Orlando, it’s a misdemeanor to distribute menus and fliers at hotels without permission.
Pizza Scam # 1. Now, I have to admit, I love reading about travel scams, and this is one of my favorites because it’s kind of humorous. It works like this. You get a flier under your door for what appears to be a legitimate pizza shop in Orlando. It has pictures of the pizza, maybe some coupons, and there’s even a website with fake reviews.
But the problem is, there’s no pizza restaurant. It’s just a guy who goes to Walmart or Sam’s Club, Costco etcetera and buys a ton of frozen pizzas. He then cooks them at his house. As humorous as this might be, I want to warn you that this illegitimate business is not licensed or inspected and may have health code violations, not to mention subpar pizza. Although Costco pizza is pretty good.
Pizza Scam #2 You call the number provided on the fake menu, pay with your credit card, and expect the pizza to arrive in 30-40 minutes. After an hour, no pizza. You call to get an update - you're told they are really busy. 2 hours, no pizza. You call again, and this time, you’re so mad you cancel the order thinking you really showed them. They agree to cancel the order and apologize. You fell right into their trap. They never intended to send you the pizza and they appear to be very sorry - this is so you don’t any foul play. But here’s the problem. They have your credit card number, which is all they wanted anyway. A month or two later, when the pizza incident is long forgotten, you discover that someone went on a shopping spree with your credit card.
And Pizza Scam #3. So you call the number listed on the menu and place an order. A pizza actually arrives with this one. But the number on the menu was fake. You actually called a scammer who placed the order for you and used your credit card. But now he has your card number, which he will use later on when you’re long gone.
To avoid food delivery scams in Orlando, use trusted services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Or use your phone to search for nearby chain restaurants like Pizza Hut or Domino's and order directly from them. Never order from any menus or fliers found around your hotel or slipped under your door.
#4 Resort Fee Scams and Other Hidden Charges
Some vacation rentals or hotels advertise an attractive low nightly rate but tack on high resort fees, cleaning fees, and/or parking charges that are only disclosed in the fine print, or maybe not at all. This can lead to a significantly higher final price than expected. It’s a dirty trick, and it’s done all the time - unless you book a package directly with Disney and Universal.
One of my subscribers sent me a message that she had found an inexpensive hotel in Kissimmee for 1 night, as a pre-night to her Disney World package stay. She found the hotel on a travel site for less than $50 per night. But when she arrived, all the surprise fees nearly doubled the base price. I did my own research on this and saw exactly what she was talking about. Here’s an example of a travel site offering the Holiday Inn and Suites at Celebration for just $44. With sales tax, the price for 1 night came to $50, which is no big deal. But the fine print reveals a resort fee of nearly $32 for the night! Almost doubling the nightly rate.
Even the name of the hotel is dishonest. Holiday Inn Celebration implies that the hotel is located in Celebration, Florida which is the town created by the Walt Disney Company. Celebration has some of the most expensive real estate in the State of Florida, so a hotel in this town would surely be high-end. But the Holiday Inn is located a few miles down the road. While I do think it’s a perfectly fine hotel, you just need to know it’s not in Celebration and to watch out for those resort fees.
The same is true for the Delta Hotel Celebration. This hotel is not in Celebration, either. Instead, you’ll be overlooking the abandoned Orlando Sun Resort and an older time-share community.
When booking an off-site hotel near Disney or Universal, do your homework. Read the fine print, email the hotel to ask about any resort fees, and consider using a travel agent who knows about all these tricks in Orlando.
# 3 Fake Airbnb Resorts
When visiting Orlando, rental scams are unfortunately too common, especially around the Davenport area, which is a neighborhood near Disney that is zoned almost entirely for Airbnb properties - many of which are owned by Chinese real estate companies. Scammers often target families searching for affordable accommodations by advertising fake vacation homes or using deceptive pricing tactics to lure unsuspecting tourists. Scammers create fake listings for properties that don’t exist or that they don’t actually own. These listings often look too good to be true—luxurious, spacious, and priced far lower than similar options. They may ask for payment through platforms like Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, or wire transfers, which makes it difficult to get your money back if things go wrong.
The scammers will offer you a nice rental online, but when you arrive, the owner claims it’s "not available due to sudden maintenance. He will offer you a different, lower-quality property—often in a less desirable location. Some companies do this intentionally, hoping you’ll accept the switch rather than deal with the hassle of finding a new place. To avoid this, always book through reputable vacation rental platforms like Airbnb. OR book a hotel on Disney property instead.
#2 Orlando Theme Park Ticket Scams
If you’ve visited Orlando before, chances are you’ve noticed the many billboards, signs, and kiosks near Orlando’s theme parks advertising discounted attraction tickets. While some of these businesses are legitimate, others operate illegally, taking advantage of unsuspecting visitors. Scammers often sell partially used, counterfeit, or invalid tickets, leaving travelers stranded at park entrances with no way in.
Some booths advertise deep discounts but require you to attend high-pressure timeshare presentations or pay hidden fees before receiving your tickets. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department recommends that you purchase theme park tickets from official sources like Disney, Universal, or authorized resellers. Look for the authorized ticket seller logo on their website and call Disney to see if they are in fact an authorized vendor. But remember, If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
And this is good to know. You’ll see on Disney’s website that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. This isn’t Disney trying to be difficult. This is Florida law. See, it’s a misdemeanor crime for anyone to sell or transfer any used multi-day theme park or event ticket.
If the seller gives you a “script” or instructions on what to say if the ticket is questioned at the park entrance, it is not a valid ticket.
Let’s take a look at some actual ticket scams going on right now. Here on a website called Offerup, we see dozens of Orlando theme park tickets for sale. Many of these are sellers who are just waiting for you to come along to buy a phony discounted ticket. And they know the law - offering only 1-day tickets, because remember it’s a misdemeanor to resell multi-day tickets, and of course, they always say the tickets are new to throw off law enforcement - because it’s against the law to transfer used tickets.
Some even say they can prove the tickets are valid. But how? The Theme parks will not provide ticket information over the phone. The only way you will know for sure if a ticket is valid is by visiting Guest Relations. If it’s a Disney ticket, you can try to link it to your online account but the seller will surely want his money before you try doing that. Once you link it to your account, it cannot be undone.
When it comes to buying tickets for Orlando’s theme parks, just accept that they cost what they cost, there are no easy ticket deals out there.
#1 Free Orlando Vacation Scam
Since Orlando is a major vacation destination, many companies entice you with so-called free theme park tickets, free resort stays, or free gifts to attract tourists—only for travelers to realize they've been trapped in a high-pressure sales pitch.
Here’s how these scams work: First, the bait is set with ads, many on International Drive or Route 192. You may even get emails or phone calls. Now, to claim your “freebie,” you’re told you must attend a “short” 90-minute presentation for a timeshare purchase. But the presentation often turns into 3 or 4 hours of highly aggressive sales tactics, making it difficult to leave. If you plan to just keep saying no and persevere just to get your freebie, well, they are more than prepared for people like you. They return fire with a discount, a manager sales pitch, or a different offer, and they pressure you to sign. Otherwise, the free ticket offer is no longer valid. They are experts atr making you feel like you are not meeting the requirements to get your free tickets or whatever.
And the so-called “free” reward will likely come with hidden fees, blackout dates, or conditions that make it nearly impossible to redeem. Usually, they will ask you to pay the tax or resort fees in advance. This is illegal. Florida law stipulates that you cannot be charged anything other than the cost of postage or shipping.
Now, once they have your credit card, you won’t be able to leave, or perhaps storm out in a fury after they get your blood boiling. And the guy who took your card - oh, he just went to lunch, but he will be back in an hour.
Be wary if the company has no physical office - they like to use hotel conference rooms. If the offer seems too good to be true—like free Disney tickets worth hundreds of dollars—proceed with caution.
You might encounter these scams in restaurants and hotel lobbies throughout Orlando or in roadside ads for “free Orlando vacations.” You may also see them at existing timeshare resorts near Disney World or Universal Orlando.
There’s an old Spanish saying that I learned from watching the People’s Court on TV that translates to, “The cheap comes out expensive.” Disney and Universal are expensive vacations, and scammers know that people will search for cheaper prices. You should work directly with a travel agent, Disney, or Universal. If you want to stay off-property to save money, Disney and Universal have preferred partner hotels.
Thanks for watching my video. If you’ve been scammed or sat through a time-share presentation, let us know in the comments below. And now, here comes another one of my videos that has been picked just for you.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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How Disney After Hours Tickets Work
Linking Disney After Hours Tickets to your phone, wallet, and picking up physical tickets at the theme parks.
Disney After Hours is a ticketed event at Walt Disney World Resort that allows guests to enjoy the parks after they close to the public:
When
After Hours events take place in the evening after the park closes. Guests can enter the park as early as 7 PM and stay until 1 AM.
What
Guests can enjoy shorter wait times for attractions, meet Disney characters, and eat complimentary snacks and drinks. Some events may also include DJ dance parties, trick-or-treating, or seasonal nighttime shows.
Where
After Hours events take place at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT.
Tickets
Tickets for After Hours events are limited, so guests can expect shorter wait times.
How To Link Disney World After Hours Tickets to Your Phone
Using Your Phone’s Wallet
To use your ticket, tap your ticket from your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet at the park entrance.
To save your ticket to your wallet, first link your ticket to your Disney account online at DisneyWorld.com or use the Disney World App.
Using a MagicBand
You may use a MagicBand for park entry as well. Follow the steps above - link the ticket to your Disney account.
Be sure your MagicBand is linked to your Disney account and that it is active. You can do this in the MagicBand tab of the mobile app.
Visit a Ticket Window for a Physical Ticket
If you prefer a physical ticket, visit a park ticket window located at the entrance of the theme park.
You will need the following:
Your ticket confirmation email - either printed or on your phone.
Original credit card, PayPal, transaction receipt, Disney Gift Card, or Disney Rewards Redemption Card that was used to purchase the tickets.
Valid government ID for all adults.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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DISNEY WORLD OFFERS Winter and Spring 2025
Save money at Disney World with these discounted hotel rates for Winter and Spring 2025!
Tron Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom
Orlando: Walt Disney World Resort Winter Promotion Package
Save up to $200 per night on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays:
January 1 - April 30, 2025 - most Sunday through Thursday nights
Free is always better. Book your Disney vacation with me now through February 10, 2025. My services are free to you. Disney pays me to ensure you have the best vacation plus enjoy special perks.
I’ll work with you to find the perfect Walt Disney World Resort Hotel for your vacation goals and budget. Experience legendary detail, service and storytelling found in Walt Disney World Theme Parks when booking a Disney Resort hotel stay with me. From unique accommodations to distinctive dining options, themed rooms, exclusive theme park benefits, theme park transportation, and more, I help make your trip more magical because you’ll have expert, insider advice.
Choose from Disney World value, moderate, deluxe and deluxe villa properties that exemplify the Disney Difference and suit every budget.
Disney World Vacation Package Extras
Included in your Disney package
Disney World hotel accommodations (minimum 3-night stay)
Disney World Theme Park Tickets
Professional guidance from me (my services are free to you)
Early Theme Park entry
Extended evening Theme Park hours (select Deluxe hotels)
Complimentary Disney Water Park admission on check-in day (starting 1/1/2025)
Transportation to the 4 Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs
Free Overnight self-parking at most hotels
Free standard parking at all Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Disney Springs
Magical Extras Discount Card
Walt Disney World Luggage Tags
7-Day headstart on Lightning Lane purchase and selections
The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same package. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Theme park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket.
Valid Travel Dates
For arrivals most nights from February 26 to June 30, 2025
Length of Stay Requirements
Minimum – 3 nights
Maximum – 14 nights
Package Includes
Room
Theme park ticket(s)
Important Details
The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited.
Savings based on the nondiscounted price of the same package.
Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.
Theme park tickets are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket.
Minimum 2-day theme park ticket required.
Minimum 3-night length of stay required.
Advance reservations required.
Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.
Offer excludes the following room types: Campsites; 3-Bedroom Villas; Deluxe Resort Suites; Club Level Rooms; Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Tower Studios at Disney’s Riviera Resort; and Bungalows and Island Tower 2-Bedroom Penthouses at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Why Magic Bands Are Not Needed Anymore
Stop using MagicBands! They are SO 2013. Here’s everything you need to know about MagicMobile.
MagicBands were introduced in 2013 along with the MyMagic+ program, also called My Disney Experience. If you haven’t noticed, Disney likes to create multiple names for basically the same thing: Disney Genie+ / Lightning Lane and Memory Maker / PhotoPass are good examples. MagicBands were how guests entered the theme parks, opened hotel rooms, charged meals and merchandise, and entered FastPass queues.
In January of 2021 Disney began phasing out MagicBands and stopped including them for free with Disney World vacation packages. Your entire visit to Walt Disney World is managed through your phone, so there’s no need to have a separate MagicBand when your phone can do the same things, plus more.
Today, it’s rare to see someone wearing a MagicBand in the Walt Disney World theme parks.
MagicBand displays in retail stores went from taking up entire walls to just a small selection, usually near the check out line - almost like an impulse item at the grocery store. I have even found them at the Disney World outlet store here in Orlando.
A very limited selection of MagicBands for sale at World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise store in world.
On a recent visit to Disney Springs, I found only a handful MagicBands in the technology section of the store. I could get any color I wanted as long as it was army green.
World of Disney is the largest Disney store in the world.
It’s worth noting that MagicBand+ is sold at Disney Pin Traders inside Disney Springs.
So, what happened to MagicBands?
It’s not that MagicBands are bad in anyway, in fact they are neat little gadgets. It’s just that we don’t need them anymore, they're outdated.
Today most people are using their smartphones instead. Yep, your phone comes with a hidden MagicBand inside. Smartwatches too.
Your smartphone (or smartwatch) can now do everything a MagicBand does, plus more.
Disney World MagicMobile
Disney World MagicMobile uses the wallet feature in your phone. If you’ve used your phone to pay for items in a grocery store or to board a flight, you have already used your phone’s wallet technology.
If you haven’t used the your phone’s wallet feature yet, that’s ok! I’ll go over it here. Plus, Disney’s app will walk you through the setup process in just a few steps.
Using MagicMobile at Walt Disney World
Enter theme parks
Connect Disney PhotoPass (MemoryMaker) images to your account
Gain access to virtual queue attractions when your boarding group is called
Open your Disney World hotel room
Charge to your Disney Resort hotel folio during your stay
Enter theme park parking lots (complimentary for Disney resort hotel guests and Annual Passholders.)
How to set up Disney MagicMobile:
Download and install the Disney World app on your phone.
Set up your account by linking your package reservation number or your standalone ticket order number to your account. Note: If you have a room and ticket package, you do not need to link your tickets separately.
In the app, tap the Disney MagicMobile tile.
Click the plus (+) sign to begin setting up your pass or passes.
The app will then guide you through the setup process one step at a time.
If you need assistance contact Disney World Internet Help at 407-WDW-HELP.
📱 TIP: If anyone in your party has their own My Disney Experience account, I recommend the lead guest use the “Select Passes to Share” tab within the app and follow the steps.
Using Your Phone to enter the Disney World theme parks
At the park entrance you’ll need to tap your phone on the tapstyle, just as you would a MagicBand. You don’t even need to have the Disney app or the wallet app open. Your phone will automatically open to the wallet when it’s tapped against the reader. It’s magical. Your phone may even play a little jingle.
If you are managing passes for others, such as children, you’ll then swipe the screen to the next pass and tap again.
Cast Members are standing by ready to assist if you need help.
Is Disney MagicMobile free?
Yes, this feature is free to all guests of Walt Disney World, even if you’re not staying on property.
What to Do If You Lose Your Mobile Phone
If you lose your mobile phone or smart device, please go to Guest Relations for assistance. Don’t worry, you’re vacation isn’t over!
What is MagicBand+ and do I need it?
Read my full article Easy Guide to MagicBand+ here.
Will an old MagicBand from a previous trip still work?
Yes. Disney says that MagicBands should last up to 2 years however I have several that are much older than that and they still work. Just make sure they are listed as “active” in your My Disney Experience account.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Insiders Look at the Disney World 4-Park Magic Ticket
Is the Disney World 4-Day Magic Ticket right for you?
There’s no better way to spend quality time with family and friends than a summer vacation at Walt Disney World Resort!
The 4-Park Magic Discount Ticket at Disney World
You can purchase the 4-Park Magic Ticket which includes one day of admission to each of the four theme parks for a total of 4 admissions, on 4 separate days for $99 per day (plus tax).
No theme park reservations are needed. In this article, I’ll show you how you can combine this ticket with a Disney World hotel stay and how to save on the nightly room rate.
How the 4-Park Magic Ticket Compares to a Standard Disney World Ticket
$99 Per Day
Purchase the 4-Park Magic Ticket for $99 per day plus tax ($396 total plus tax). Tickets expire seven days from first use, or Sept. 29, 2023, whichever comes first.
This special promo ticket costs slightly more than a 3-Day Standard Disney World Ticket, but less than a Standard 4-Day ticket.
Flexible Disney World Touring
Standard Disney World Ticket
With a Standard Disney World Ticket, you can choose the parks you would like to visit in any combination.
For example, you may decide to visit Magic Kingdom on two separate days.
Theme Park reservations are required and ticket prices vary by day.
Standard tickets can be included in Disney World Resort Packages and are refundable according to the package terms. In short: cancel by 30 days prior to arrival for a full refund.
4-Park Magic Ticket
The 4-Day Magic Ticket gives you one admission to each of the 4 Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) but you cannot repeat a park visit.
Of course, you will be able to leave and return to the same park on the same day.
Theme Park reservations are not required with a 4-Park Magic Ticket and ticket prices do not vary by day.
Disney World Packages: 4-Park Magic cannot be included in a Disney World Resort Package and it is non-refundable once purchased. However, it can be combined with a resort stay so that it resembles a package, but with different terms and conditions.
Plan a Summer Vacation at Walt Disney World
I can help you plan a Walt Disney World Resort stay with the Four Park Magic Ticket with an easy-to-understand price quote and booking process.
When you combine the 4-Day Magic Ticket discount with one of the summer room offers available on select Walt Disney World hotels, you can save big this summer.
Right now you can save up to 25% off the nightly room rate at most Disney World hotels. Disney Visa offers are also available for card members. View all Disney World offers here.
Let’s get started now - click here.
When you can use the 4-Park Magic Ticket
This discounted Walt Disney World Ticket is valid for admission from June 1, 2023, through September 29, 2023.
It is blocked out from July 1 to July 4 and September 1 to September 4, 2023.
Ticket excludes activities/events separately priced.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
From experiencing the rush of the new TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom Park and delighting in the spectacle of Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to setting out on a thrilling whitewater adventure on Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and putting your very own concept car through its paces on Test Track at EPCOT it’s time to take advantage of this Disney World ticket discount.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney World Discount Tickets
Save money on Disney World tickets with Undercover Tourist, a trusted Disney ticket wholesaler.
Disney World Ticket Discounts from Undercover Tourist
Undercover Tourist offers discounted Walt Disney World tickets. You will need to buy your Disney Theme park tickets in advance to save money and secure your park reservation.
Choose between four different types of Walt Disney World tickets:
Base Tickets (one park per day)
Undercover Tourist Disney Theme Park tickets may be added to My Disney Experience and they work with MagicBands.
Before you visit a park, you must make a Disney Park Pass Reservation.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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How much does it cost to get into Disney World?
2023 Walt Disney World ticket prices and ticket FAQ
As a travel advisor, I get a lot of questions when it comes to Disney World ticket prices. Here’s a quick guide I created on how to figure out Disney World tickets. Have questions about booking your Walt Disney World vacation? I have answers! Contact me today for a no-obligation Disney World package quote ▸
How much does it cost to get into Disney World?
Disney World tickets vary in price by day. Yep, Disney has priced out all 365 calendar days. However, when you book a Disney World room and ticket package that includes a stay at a Walt Disney World hotel (including some off-site hotels) and theme park tickets, you get one package price and a number of benefits. Want to see what a package price looks like? Contact me here to get started ▸
What is the cheapest month to go to Disney?
Going off-peak, anytime grade schools are in session, will save you money. January, May, and late August through October are among the cheapest months to visit Walt Disney World.
These times are also among the least crowded times to visit.
How many days do you need at Walt Disney World?
On my Disney World Package page, I provide sample itineraries for common package options from long weekends to see and do it all.
At the bare minimum, I recommend a 3-Day Park Hopper ticket.
This allows you to visit multiple theme parks on the same day, ideal for short stays like long weekends.
If you have more time, I recommended at least a 4-Day Base Ticket so you can visit each of the 4 Disney theme parks at a comfortable pace.
The longer you stay, the cheaper it is to play
Did you know that Disney tickets get cheaper by the day? For example, a 6-Day ticket costs less than a 3-Day ticket when you break down the cost per day.
Let’s use the chart below for Base Tickets to see an example:
A 3-Day Base ticket starts at $362.13, or $120.71 per day
A 6-Day Base ticket starts at $539.88, or $89.98 per day
Another tip I have is to pay attention to the difference in price as you add more days to your tickets. From 6 days on, there is a minimal ticket price increase for additional days.
For example, the difference in price between a 6-Day ticket and a 7-Day ticket is only $16.
Disney World Base Ticket Prices
Visit one Disney World theme park per day.
| Days | Adult | Child (age 3-10) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $116.09-$201.29 | $110.76-$195.96 |
| 2 | $236.49-$358.53 | $226.54-$348.40 |
| 3 | $362.13-$528.20 | $347.43-$513.27 |
| 4 | $484.67-$673.34 | $465.91-$654.31 |
| 5 | $523.81-$754.96 | $503.38-$733.64 |
| 6 | $539.88-$799.63 | $518.57-$777.05 |
| 7 | $555.96-$820.21 | $533.97-$796.99 |
| 8 | $593.13-$841.45 | $570.13-$817.46 |
| 9 | $617.02-$854.64 | $593.34-$830.10 |
| 10 | $637.94-$869.99 | $613.65-$844.85 |
Disney World Park Hopper Ticket Prices
Visit multiple Disney World theme parks on the same day.
| Days | Adult | Child (age 3-9) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $194.90 - $268.38 | $189.57 - $263.06 |
| 2 | $316.37 - $449.06 | $306.41 - $438.93 |
| 3 | $442.01 - $618.71 | $427.31 - $603.79 |
| 4 | $575.20 - $774.51 | $556.43 - $755.49 |
| 5 | $614.33 - $856.13 | $593.91 - $834.81 |
| 6 | $630.31 - $900.81 | $609.09 - $878.22 |
| 7 | $646.49 - $921.38 | $624.49 - $898.17 |
| 8 | $683.66 - $942.62 | $660.65 - $918.64 |
| 9 | $707.54 - $955.82 | $683.87 - $931.28 |
| 10 | $728.46 - $971.16 | $704.18 - $946.03 |
Disney World Water Park & Sports Ticket Prices
Visit one Disney World theme park per day, plus a certain number of visits to Blizzard Beach water park, Typhoon Lagoon water park, mini golf (before 4:00 pm), a round of golf at Oak Trail family walking course.
| Days | Adult | Child (3-9) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | - | - |
| 2 | $311.04 - $433.08 | $301.09 - $422.95 |
| 3 | $436.68 - $602.74 | $421.98 - $587.82 |
| 4 | $559.22 - $747.89 | $540.46 - $728.88 |
| 5 | $598.36 - $829.51 | $577.93 - $808.19 |
| 6 | $614.33 - $874.18 | $593.12 - $851.60 |
| 7 | $630.51 - $894.75 | $608.52 - $871.54 |
| 8 | $667.68 - $916.00 | $644.68 - $892.01 |
| 9 | $691.57 - $929.19 | $667.89 - $904.65 |
| 10 | $712.49 - $944.54 | $688.20 - $919.40 |
Disney World Park Hopper Plus Tickets
Visit multiple Disney World theme parks on the same day plus Disney water parks, mini-golf, and golf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.
| Days | Adult (10+) | Child (3-9) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $216.20 - $289.68 | $210.87 - $284.36 |
| 2 | $337.67 - $470.36 | $327.71 - $460.23 |
| 3 | $463.31 - $640.01 | $448.61 - $625.09 |
| 4 | $596.50 - $795.81 | $577.73 - $776.79 |
| 5 | $635.68 - $877.43 | $615.21 - $856.11 |
| 6 | $651.61 - $922.22 | $630.40 - $899.55 |
| 7 | $667.79 - $942.68 | $645.79 - $919.47 |
| 8 | $704.96 - $963.92 | $681.95 - $939.94 |
| 9 | $728.84 - $977.12 | $705.17 - $952.58 |
| 10 | $749.76 - $992.46 | $725.48 - $967.33 |
Is it better to buy Disney World tickets separately or through a package?
When you include 2 or more day tickets as part of your Disney World hotel stay, your reservation becomes a Disney Resort Package. Packages allow you more flexibility such as the ability to cancel your tickets without penalty.
You won’t have to pay for tickets in full upfront, and you can modify or downgrade your tickets up to 30 days before arrival.
If you purchase tickets outside of a package, they are non-refunable, non-transferable, and they must be paid for in full at the time of order.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Even More Walt Disney World Tickets - FAQ
Is it cheaper to buy Walt Disney World tickets online or at the gate?
1 and 2-Day Disney World tickets cost the same whether you buy them at the gate or online, however, you’ll save money when your purchase a 3-day ticket or longer online.
Are there Florida Resident discounts on Disney World Tickets?
Yes! Florida Residents can save big with discounted tickets. They are usually offered as a 1-day, 3-day or 4-day ticket but this changes often. Some Florida Resident multi-day tickets have blockout dates so be sure to check the dates prior to purchasing.
All adults will need to show proof of Florida residency at the park entrance. Florida residents may purchase discounted tickets for children age 17 and under, even if they do not reside in Florida. View Florida Resident Discount Tickets on the Walt Disney World website.
I found some old Disney World Tickets that we never used. Can they still be used?
Disney will give you a credit from your unused tickets (typically sold in the 1980s and 1990s) toward the purchase of a new ticket. The credit is going to be minimal. You cannot exchange these older tickets if you are booking a package.
Honestly, they probably make better souvenirs. I would just hang on to them as a collectible rather than trying to exchange them.
Free Disney World tickets in exchange for a timeshare presentation. Is this legit?
Be sure you know the company offering the deal. Brands like Hilton, RCI, Westgate etc. are probably fine. Just do your homework on the company before agreeing to anything, search them online, look for reviews and see what others have said. So no to phone calls where the agent makes you decide before you hang up. Scammers and shady businesses like to use a sense of urgency as a high-pressure sales tactic.
Even if you find a legit program offering free or discounted Disney tickets, just know they are usually very high pressure and always take much longer than expected. They are more than prepared to deal with those who are there just for the cheap tickets and they have ways of wearing you down.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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