Ultimate Guide to Discounted Disneyland Tickets

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Disneyland tickets are often the most expensive part of your trip! Here's the scoop on what you need to know about Disneyland tickets, including how to get the best prices on Lightning Lane, value of Park Hoppers, where to buy discounted Disneyland tickets, and more.

Where Can I Get Discounted Disneyland Tickets?

Everyone planning a trip to Disneyland wants to save money on Disney tickets. Why pay full price when there are places that sell discounted Disneyland tickets? Disneyland ticket prices can be a major vacation budget-buster - but there are ways to save on the costs.

Naturally, with something so important there's a lot to learn. You DO NOT want to buy Disneyland tickets from the wrong place! Keep reading for the best ways to save on Disneyland admission and how to snag great deals throughout your entire trip.

Discounted Disneyland Ticket Changes

Disneyland ticket sales have changed over the years. If it's been a while since you purchased tickets, there are some major changes you need to know! This article will deep-dive into more detail about each topic.

  • Tickets are only sold online, in advance.
  • Disneyland tickets require a park-specific reservation, made online or in the Disneyland app.
  • Lightning Lane can be added on to a ticket when purchasing or purchased in the app once guests scan into the theme park.
  • Magic Key (aka: Disneyland Annual Pass) is not always available for purchase.

This article will cover the best places to purchase Disneyland tickets, different options including Park Hopper and Lightning Lane, and the details about what's included with a regular park ticket. Find out what to do about expired tickets, price increases, and special deals you may qualify for.

Mom Rewritten uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links in these posts. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the Privacy Policy and Disclosures tab.

What are the different types of discounted Disneyland tickets?

Disneyland ticket types vary, so it's important to research ahead of time so you're purchasing the correct version for your trip. These are a few of the types of Disney tickets, specific to the California theme parks.

Disneyland one-day ticket

Disneyland multi-day ticket

This ticket is for 2 or more days, to be used within a specified timeline (usually 13 days from the first day of use). The days of use do not have to be consecutive, but the ticket will expire if it exceeds this timeline for use.

The multi-day Disneyland pass can be upgraded to include a Park Hopper and Lightning Lane.

Specific discounted Disneyland ticket offers

Throughout the year, Disneyland often features discounted tickets to those who meet certain criteria. These tickets could include the Kids Summer Ticket deal or California Resident offer.

Specific offers are only sold during allotted time periods and do not always return as a guarantee. These tickets often have expiration dates, which means that the ticket is valid only within a specific window of time.

Special event tickets

Seasonal events and after-hours parties require a separate special event ticket, outside of the usual theme park ticket. If you plan to go to the theme parks in the day hours and also attend a special event that night, you'll be required to have separate tickets for each activity.

Special events could include Oogie Boogie Bash, a Halloween party at Disney California Adventure park, or the Disneyland After Dark nighttime events.

What are the Disneyland Ticket Add-ons?

Disneyland tickets may be upgraded to include option add-ons at purchase time. The cost of the standard 1-park per day ticket will increase with each add-on.

The standard "base ticket" is specific to one park, which means you must choose in advance whether you'll be visiting Disneyland or Disney California Adventure. You'll make that decision when you make your advance theme park reservation.

Park Hopper

A ticket with a Park Hopper option allows guests to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park on the same day. You are permitted to leave one theme park and visit the other, as many times as you wish, throughout the day.

Disneyland tickets with mickey and minnie for 70th celebration

Lightning Lane

The Disneyland Lightning Lane was formerly known as Fastpass, Maxpass, and Disney Genie+. This is an optional line-skipping service that allows guests to pre-book entrance into a shorter queue via the Disneyland app.

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Mention code REWRITTEN to receive an extra discount off your SoCal vacation package (when booking 2+ nights with two or more tickets).

Disneyland tickets purchased now are good through December 31st, 2027. Purchase your multi-day tickets through Get Away Today today and lock in the best pricing of the year.

Number One Tip for Buying Disneyland Tickets

Buy your Disneyland discount tickets ahead of time. Disneyland tickets are NOT being sold at the front gates or ticket booth!

Disneyland tickets are only being sold in advance and must be accompanied by a separate park reservation for the day in which you are visiting. I will discuss these important details further in this article.

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Various places you can usually purchase Disneyland tickets, sometimes at lower prices:

(some locations may not currently be selling Disneyland park tickets)

  • Third-party retailers, including a reputable travel agent. I recommend purchasing online through my affiliate partner Get Away Today. They are an authorized seller of discounted tickets and full service travel agency.
  • Purchase park tickets on the Disneyland website.
  • Membership may allow you to buy Disneyland tickets as AAA members, from a credit union, or at Costco.
  • Employers may offer theme park tickets.
  • Tickets for Disneyland can be bought at Disney Store.
  • Military personnel may purchase on base (full section later in this article).
  • College students may be able to purchase on campus.
  • Anaheim Good Neighbor hotels sell Disneyland tickets.
  • Southern California grocery stores and/or Target.
  • Disney Visa Card, using credit card Reward Dollars.

What is a Disneyland E-Ticket?

An e-ticket is an electronic ticket. This virtual ticket is usually found online, sent to you via email after purchasing. The e-ticket can be added to the Disneyland app, then scanned when entering the theme park.

Do you need a Disneyland paper ticket?

No, the Disneyland paper ticket has become more rare and unnecessary with the e-ticket availability. Disneyland paper tickets may be given for single day tickets or when a change is made at the ticketing booth.

Download the Disneyland App

Before going on a Disney vacation, be sure to download the Disneyland app to your smart phone. Create a Disney account in order to access all benefits of the theme park app.

If you already have Disney+, the log-in and password will be the same. For guests that already have the Disneyland app on their device, ensure that it's updated to the newest version.

Disneyland app screenshot

How to add Disneyland tickets to the Disneyland app?

Once you receive your Disneyland e-tickets, these should be added to your Disney account through the app. Here's how to do this:

  • Open the Disneyland app and log in.
  • Click the three lines in the bottom right hand corner.
  • Go into the "Tickets and Passes" section. This is where your Disneyland tickets including scannable bar codes will appear once added to your account.
  • Add your tickets by clicking the blue + button at the top right corner of the screen.
  • Here, you'll be able to either buy tickets through the Disneyland website (not recommended, as Disney does not offer discount pricing). If you've already purchased tickets, click the "Link Tickets & Passes" tab.
  • Scan the barcode for the Disneyland ticket. Alternately, type in the ID number for the ticket instead.
  • Click SUBMIT and tickets will be added to your account.

Making Disneyland Reservations

In the past, guests could show up at any time with ticket in hand to visit the amusement parks. This is no longer - anyone wanting to visit must make a separate Disneyland reservation.

Each person with a park ticket must hold a date specific reservation. This can be done via the Disneyland website or through the Disneyland app. Anyone with a single day ticket must first verify eligibility by checking the tier calendar before making a reservation.

There are separate Disneyland theme park reservation calendars for different tickets and/or guests. The Disneyland reservation window opens to guests 180 days in advance. Magic Key holders can book reservations 90 days ahead.

  • One-day one park ticket
  • Park Hopper ticket
  • Magic Key ticket holders (annual pass)
  • Guests of a Disneyland Resort Hotel (staying at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel, and/or Pixar Place Hotel) - If you have a Disneyland resort hotel reservation, add that confirmation number to the Disneyland app account. You'll then have access to the separate ticket reservation calendar for your vacation party.
Disneyland Hotel Villas entrance

Booking a reservation for a Park Hopper ticket?

Guests must make an advance reservation for the park in which they will start their visit. If guests hold a valid Park Hopper ticket, they may “Park Hop” to the other park any time. Read more about Park Hopping in the next section.

Disneyland reservation calendar screenshot

What is a Disneyland Park Hopper?

A Disneyland ticket with a Park Hopper option allows guests to visit both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day.

“Hopping” between Parks is generally quick. The Anaheim theme parks are just across a short esplanade from each other. Re-entry to Disneyland specifically can sometimes take longer on busy days, as a queue may form at the entrance.

Everything you need to know about Disneyland tickets, from discounts, FASTPASS, Annual Passes and where NOT to buy your Disneyland tickets! #Disneyland #Disney #DisneyTickets #DisneyonaBudget #FamilyTravel #TravelwithKids
Inside Disneyland (on the train) and you can see the entrance to California Adventure - that's how close it is to Park Hop!

When can you Park Hop at Disneyland?

When making Disneyland theme park reservations, guests will be asked which park they wish to start their day. There are no longer any time restrictions on when guests may begin Park Hopping. As soon as you scan into your first park, you can hop to the other park!

Disneyland ticket with stormtroopers

Pros & Cons for Park Hopper Disneyland Tickets

Additional Cost - The added cost of a Disneyland Park Hopper ticket can be significant. If on a budget, purchase non-Park Hoppers. Disneyland tickets with a Park Hopper will add more cost to the base ticket price.

Availability - The Park Hopper reservation calendar generally has better availability versus the one park per-day calendar.

When planning to visit Disneyland during a busy time, consider purchasing a Park Hopper ticket. This may offer a better chance at getting Disneyland theme park reservations for the dates you want.

Main entrance to Avengers Campus

Benefits of a Disneyland Park Hopper for 1 or 2 day tickets

For a 1 or 2 day Disneyland visit, I would highly recommend a Park Hopper option. This way you’ll be able to make the Disneyland rope drop by hitting popular rides, then going back and forth between the Parks throughout the day.

Are Disneyland Park Hoppers important for 3 day visits?

Going to Disneyland for 3 or more days? You can certainly purchase the Park Hopper, but also be okay with a one park per day ticket.

By scheduling a multi-day visit, you'll be able to spend more time exploring each Park thoroughly by staying in one each day. Guests also get a better price rate on 3+ day Disneyland tickets.

What to do with Tickets at the Disneyland Front Entrance

If you buy tickets at locations like Costco or through an employer, the ticket purchase might look like a flyer print-out or be on a plastic gift card.

Generally, Disneyland tickets will be sent to you virtually, via email, with a scannable bar code. This is called an E-ticket.

Be sure to read the fine print and find out how you will be redeeming your ticket once you arrive to the theme parks.

Remember that every guests needs a ticket with a linked theme park reservation! Most often you will need to add your ticket to the app, then book your reservation in advance of your visit.

Exchanging Disneyland Tickets at the Gate

This is more of a rare circumstance, since most tickets are E-tickets. However, you may have a ticket that instructs you to go directly to the front gate. The Cast Member at the entrance will exchange the purchase for an official Disneyland paper ticket right then and there.

The best option is to add Disneyland tickets directly to the app before your vacation. I shared how to do this in the Disneyland app section above.

Front entrance and turnstiles of California Adventure

Scanning in to the Disneyland theme parks

At the gate, the Cast Member will take your photograph before entering the turnstile. This links your face to the scanned ticket in the Disney system. There are new machines at the theme park entrance to do this, as of 2026.

Each time you enter the park with this ticket, the Cast Member will match your face to what shows up on their screen when your ticket is scanned.

All You Need to Know About Disneyland Tickets
My husband having his photo taken upon entering the park for the first time with our multi-day Park Hopper ticket.

Are There Cheap One Day Disneyland Tickets?

No, there aren't any discounts on single day Disneyland tickets. Unfortunately one-day Disneyland tickets are the worst value of all ticket options.

One-day Disneyland tickets are sold with “tier pricing”. This means if you’re visiting on what Disney considers a PEAK day, you’re going to be paying more for your ticket based on one of the five ticket tiers.

In addition, Disneyland doesn't discount a one day ticket, so they aren't a good deal. Review some of the dates to avoid when planning a Disneyland trip.

Can you save money on single day Disneyland tickets?

Yes, although Disneyland doesn't discount the one day tickets, there are still ways to save on the overall cost.

Off-peak visits - One-day Disneyland tickets are sold with tiered pricing, so peak dates are higher. Aim for off-peak times to save on the cost of the ticket. Visiting on weekdays and non-holiday breaks will usually offer the best value.

What's new & what's coming to Disneyland? Find out more about MaxPass, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout and more!

Purchase a Base ticket - Choose the non-Park Hopper option without Lightning Lane to save on the cost of the one day Disneyland ticket.

One day Disneyland tickets with the Park Hopper and Lightning Lane add-ons are considerably more pricey than the single park tickets. If you only have one day to spend at Disneyland, choose to stay in one park and save some money.

Multi-Day Discount Disneyland Tickets

Generally the more in-park days you purchase upfront, the better discount you’ll be getting. Keep in mind that once you enter the parks with the multi-day ticket, that ticket is assigned only to you.

Each guest with a valid admission has their photo taken when the ticket is scanned. That means nobody else except for YOU will be able to use this ticket for Disneyland park entry!

How long can you use a multi-day Disneyland ticket?

Multi day Disneyland tickets expire 13 days after first day of use. Take advantage of a multi-day ticket by working in a few off-days during your vacation.

Finish off the trip by using the rest of the multi-day Disneyland ticket within the allotted time before the ticket expires.

Disneyland ticket held up inside the park

Consider visiting Disneyland, then taking days off in between. Suggestions for your itinerary are to visit west coast beaches, for pool days, or driving to San Diego. I have a wide range of ideas in this article about planning things to do on an off-day at Disneyland.

Steamboat mickey splash pad and palette pool at the Disneyland hotel villas

Disneyland Ticket Must-Have Items

In order to access your Disneyland tickets throughout the trip, there are a few necessary items to have on vacation.

Get your free packing printable in this article, What to Bring at Disneyland (and What to Leave at Home)

Cell Phone External Charger

You'll be accessing your Disneyland tickets through the Disneyland app on your phone. With booking and checking in for Lightning Lane, mobile ordering, and using other Disneyland app features, your cell phone battery will drain quickly.

FuelRod portable charger 2-pack

An external charger, like FuelRod are a must-have. These compact battery chargers can be exchanged at kiosks located all around the Disney theme parks. They are much cheaper to purchase ahead of time versus buying at the parks.

Fuel rod charging station at it's a small world gift shop

Lanyard Ticket Holder

If you want to ensure your paper Disneyland ticket is in a safe place, consider purchasing a lanyard. The plastic sleeve protects the ticket, but keeps it close.

Disney lanyard

Disneyland Tickets with Lightning Lane

FASTPASS, Maxpass, and Disney Genie+ are no longer available at Disney Parks. Lightning Lane is the new “skip the line” plan. This new program comes with a cost, which fluctuates based upon crowd levels and seasonality.

Purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass, then schedule a time slot to return to participating attractions. This allows guests access through the special Lightning Lane entrance.

The cost of Disneyland Lightning Lane also includes complimentary Disney PhotoPass downloads from the day of purchase.

Can You Save on the Cost of Lightning Lane at Disneyland?

Yes, if you prepurchase a Disneyland Ticket with Lightning Lane Multi Pass you can save on the cost versus purchasing on the day of your visit.

Buy a Disneyland ticket preloaded with Lightning Lane

Consider locking in the cost of Lighting Lane by purchasing a Disneyland ticket with this line skipping add-on already built in. Once your group has scanned into the theme park, you'll be able to use the Disneyland app to immediately book your first Lightning Lane attraction.

When can I book Lightning Lane at Disneyland with a regular ticket?

If your Disneyland base ticket doesn't have Lightning Lane, you'll need to buy it via the Disneyland app. You can only do this after scanning into the park.

Go into the app and scroll to find the Lightning Lane service "Purchase for Today" button. The cost starts at $34 per person, per day. The price increases depending upon demand and seasonality.

Do Babies Need a Disneyland Ticket?

If your child is under three years old, their admission is free! Any children that have not yet celebrated their 3rd birthday do not need a ticket.

What if your child celebrates their third birthday during a Disneyland vacation?

No worries - Your toddler doesn't need a ticket if they age up during your vacation, as long as they were two years old at the start of the trip.

Check out these posts with tips for traveling to Disneyland with a baby or toddler –

Everything you need to know about Disneyland tickets, from discounts, FASTPASS, Annual Passes and where NOT to buy your Disneyland tickets! #Disneyland #Disney #DisneyTickets #DisneyonaBudget #FamilyTravel #TravelwithKids

Do You Need a Disneyland Child Ticket or Adult Ticket?

Disneyland child tickets are for ages 3-9 years old. Once a child turns 10 years old, they're considered adults at Disney and require a Disneyland adult ticket.

What if your kid turns ten while on the trip? The original child's ticket is still valid throughout the remainder of the vacation and does not require an upgrade to an adult ticket.

Image credit: Disney PhotoPass

Where Can You Get Discounted Disneyland Tickets?

There are a number of different locations to purchase discount Disney tickets. However there are several pitfalls to be aware of when purchasing these special deals. While it might initially appear these sellers offer the best discounts, they often tack on additional charges including fees or taxes at checkout.

Can you get cheap Disneyland tickets at Costco? Yes. You can also purchase Disneyland park tickets at AAA Auto Club or through your employer. But often the cheapest and most reliable way is via an authorized ticket seller.

Is Get Away Today a good place to buy Disney tickets?

I highly recommend purchasing tickets from Get Away Today. They are an authorized seller of discount tickets for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Knott’s Berry Farm, San Diego Zoo, Universal Studios Hollywood, and LEGOLAND.

Best Place to Buy Discounted Disneyland Tickets

Get Away Today offers ticket bundles which includes tickets to Disneyland as well as other Southern California theme parks. You’ll save buying the ticket combo of SoCal attraction tickets versus buying individual tickets for each park.

disneyland theme park ticket held in front of sleeping beauty castle

Stay at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels and book a Get Away Today travel package, which includes park tickets at a discounted rate. Disneyland resort hotels do cost more than off-site hotels, but have some added incentives.

Compare Disneyland Resort versus Good Neighbor hotels. Get Away Today can help you balance your budget and travel dates to get you the best deal!

Get Away Today special ticket offers throughout the year, including Extra Day Free Disneyland multi-day tickets, Adults at Kids' Prices, and SoCal Resident deals.

Exclusive Peace of Mind plan covers any and all changes to your vacation package. The low cost insurance plan permits rescheduling and/or cancellation of vacation without fees or a full refund on Disneyland tickets. This is something that Disney themselves don't do!

Layaway travel with Get Away Today and pay in installments, starting with just $200 down. Keep in mind that tickets need to be paid in full before they can be received to make theme park reservations.

California Resident Ticket Offers

California residents often have the advantage of receiving discounted prices on Disneyland tickets during certain times of the year. Disney has offered this to residents of the entire state or just to Southern Californians in the past. When available, Get Away Today sells this discounted Disneyland ticket as well!

Who qualifies for a Disneyland California Resident ticket?

Ticket holders are required to show proof of residence upon entry to the park for each adult with a SoCal Resident ticket. Eligible zip codes are verified when entering the theme parks.

When is the California Resident Disneyland ticket available?

The California Resident Disneyland ticket is offered at different times of the year, usually in the spring.

The California and SoCal Resident tickets is a multi-day ticket. However, unlike the typical multi-day Disneyland ticket, the SoCal ticket does not need to be used within 13 days.

This ticket has a specific window in which the days must be used before the ticket expires, usually across several months. Look on the back of the ticket for the exact dates the Resident ticket is valid.

Front of Disneyland printed paper ticket
The SoCal Resident ticket can save you lots of money, when it's available!

Disneyland Ticket Discounts for Military Members

Active duty and retired military members receive special discounts on certain Disneyland ticket purchases. Military may purchase tickets to many local theme parks at a significant discount.

What type of tickets are available for the military?

Military discounts may include 1, 2 and 3-day Disneyland tickets (one day one park tickets, Park Hopper tickets, and Disneyland tickets with or without Lightning Lane added on).

The promotional Military Salute tickets are even more deeply discounted, for 3 or 4 day tickets.

My son is a Marine and was able to purchase discounted military member tickets!

Where to buy military Disneyland tickets?

These tickets must be purchased at the military base ticket office. Usual reservation restrictions apply. There are strict eligibility requirements to purchase these tickets in regards to who can purchase and use. Also, there may be blockout dates and military tickets do have expiration dates, so read the fine print.

Who can use Disneyland military tickets?

The military member must show valid identification at the Disneyland gate upon first entering the theme parks. This means that a military member cannot purchase and gift these Disneyland tickets to someone - without being present themselves.

Magical Military Earrings (image credit: PineapplePixieDustCo on Etsy)

Disney Visa Discounts

The Disney Visa card has multiple ways that credit card users can save money on a trip or even earn points towards free travel! Earn Disney Rewards Dollars with each credit card purchase. These reward dollars can then be redeemed towards purchase of Disney travel, including Disneyland tickets.

  • Book a Disneyland vacation with the Disney Visa credit card and be rewarded with special financing on select packages.
  • Use Disney Rewards Dollars to purchase Disneyland tickets. Redeem rewards, then use the rewards dollars to buy tickets trough the Disneyland website. Or save rewards dollars to use while on vacation! The redemption card is valid at most Disneyland dining and shopping locations.

There are no limits to the amount of rewards dollars you can earn with the Disney Visa, which makes it a great choice for Disney fans. Click the link to find out the current cardmember bonus you may receive when signing up!

Expired Disneyland Tickets

When buying your tickets elsewhere, read the fine print that comes with it. Double check the expiration date before you buy to ensure that you'll be able to use the ticket within the timeline.

Little boy in front of White Rabbit statue in Disneyland Fantasyland

When do Disneyland tickets expire?

Some purchase locations will have limited dates in which to use your ticket before it expires. For example, Get Away Today Disneyland tickets purchased now are usually good for 12-18 months.

By purchasing now, guests lock in the cost of the Disneyland ticket (even if the price increases) and that ticket is valid through that specified date.

Disneyland Tickets

What to do with Expired Disneyland tickets

What happens if you have a Disneyland ticket but the date is expired? There are a few scenarios:

Multi-day tickets - these expire within 13 days from the day of first use. Any unused days are a loss and cannot be refunded.

California and SoCal Resident ticket - there is a valid window of time that these tickets can be used. After the end date passes, any unused days on this specific ticket are lost.

Unused tickets - A completely unused ticket is still valid, however you'll need to upgrade to a new ticket is it's expired. That means paying the difference in case the cost has increased.

The full value amount on the expired ticket can be applied to the upgrade in exchange for a valid ticket. This exchange can happen at the Disneyland ticket booth in front of the gates.

Disneyland Annual Pass

The Disneyland Annual Passholder program is now called Magic Key. This is a four-tiered system, with varying calendars and benefits.

The tiers are called Inspire Key, Believe Key, Explore Key, and Imagine Key. The Imagine Key is only available for Southern California residents and offers the most restrictions.

Disneyland annual pass card
No more physical care for Annual Pass holders - everything is now digital.

Should you invest in a Disneyland Annual Pass?

An annual pass is a great way to save on the cost of multi-day vacations! Magic Key is Disneyland’s annual passholder program. Guests can choose from four options, each with various block-out dates, discounts and perks.

Sales of Disneyland annual passes are often paused, allowing only current Magic Key holder to renew their pass. Check the Disneyland website to verify if Magic Key AP are offered.

Which Disneyland Magic Key should you get?

If you buy the Magic Key, consider which pass makes the best sense for you and your family. Different passes have certain blackout dates. Check the calendar before deciding which one is best for you. Magic Key holders have the benefit of accessing the reservation calendar 90 days in advance.

Annual Passports may have a monthly payment option (after an initial down payment) so you can take the year to pay the price of the Passport off. A block-out calendar on the Disneyland website and app shows which dates are “good to go” for each specific tier.

Mad Tea Party tea cups at Disneyland in night

Can you use a Disneyland ticket towards the cost of an annual pass?

Yes, you can upgrade to a Magic Key using a Disneyland ticket. When Magic Key sales are open, here's how to make the ticket upgrade:

  • Apply the amount that you paid for the ticket (so long as it hasn’t expired) to the cost for the annual passport.
  • This should be done on the final day of your multi-day ticket.
  • Applying your ticket cost to a Magic Key is very easy and can be completed through the Disneyland app prompts.

Disneyland Price Increases

Disney increases ticket prices frequently. This is often done without any notice and posted gate prices are changed from one day to the next. Some retailers, including Get Away Today may be able to sell Disneyland tickets at the "old prices" for a short amount of time.

How to avoid Disneyland ticket increases?

It's highly recommended to purchase tickets as soon as you know you're going on a trip. This is a great way to lock in the lower prices. If Disney increases the prices and your ticket is still valid (not expired), you can use the ticket as normal.

If the ticket is expired and completely unused, read the earlier section in regards to Disneyland ticket expiration dates. You'll need to upgrade to a new ticket by paying the difference between the face value and the updated gate price.

Jessie's Critter Carousel

What's Included With My Disneyland Ticket?

Most everything inside of the Disneyland parks is included with the price of admission. Here's what you'll get with admission -

  • All rides, shows, parades, entertainment and most attractions from official opening/closing times
  • Any character greetings
  • Disney PhotoPass photographers - Purchase of photos is an extra cost. Or buy a ticket that includes Lightning Lane Multi Pass, as unlimited photo downloads are included.
  • Seasonal special events, including Festival of Holidays, Lunar New Year, Disney California Food and Wine Festival.

What's NOT Included in the Price of a Disneyland Ticket?

There are some extra events throughout the year and other add-ons that can be made to your Disneyland day that are not included with admission:

  • Parking in any of the Disneyland lots or garages.
  • Food and dining (though Disneyland will permit outside food and snacks).
  • Disney PhotoPass downloads (unless you have purchased Lightning Lane Multi Pass).
  • A few attractions with a small fee, including Frontierland Shootin' Exposition.
  • Special packages, including reserved seating and dining packages for World of Color, parades and/or Fantasmic!
  • After-hours special ticketed events, including Disneyland After Dark and the Halloween time Oogie Boogie Bash.

What NOT to Do When Buying or Using Tickets?

  • Do not buy tickets on Craigslist or on Ebay. You have no way of looking at the tickets and knowing if they are valid or legal.
  • Don't buy tickets from anyone selling them outside the Park. Buy only from an authorized dealer.
  • Do not purchase anyone else's multi-day ticket from them. The initial ticket holder's photo will be taken the first time they use your multi-day ticket and verified each time they enter the park.
  • Don't lose your ticket. Add the ticket to your Disneyland app, but also keep the physical ticket in a safe place.

Did you lose your paper ticket and didn't add it to the Disneyland app? Your park ticket will allow you entrance in and out of the park for the day. I recommend that you take a photograph of the backside of your ticket. Capture the bar code/date stamp.

If you have a photo of the ticket, you may be able to get a replacement at Guest Relations, should your ticket go missing. Make sure everyone in your group and all the tickets that were purchased are with you.

Back of a one-day park hopper Disneyland ticket
Take a photo of the backside of your ticket in case it gets lost.

More Ways to Save on a Disneyland Vacation!

The cost of hotels, Disneyland tickets and even Lightning Lane may vary at different times of the year. Find out the best times to visit Disneyland.

Want to splurge at Disney? This article on the ultimate Disneyland splurges also details ways you can save big and cut costs.

How much will a Disneyland vacation cost? Check out this post and grab the free printable budget worksheet.

This post was originally published July 16th, 2016 and has been updated and republished with a new date.


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5 Comments

  1. Very helpful. Confirms that I should get my tickets from Get Away Today. I like the lanyard idea.

  2. Thanks for all the info about all the pass options and especially the max pass! Super helpful!

Comments are closed.