Ever wondered if you can get a better deal for Disneyland tickets at the Gate vs Online? Let’s dive into the BEST way to buy your Disneyland tickets!
A trip to Disneyland is not as simple as it used to be. Disneyland Park trip planning, along with Disney California Adventure Park, and their Florida cousin, the Walt Disney World Resort, has become far more complicated and expensive than it used to be. Ticket prices to the happiest place on Earth have soared.
In 2024 1-day tickets to the Disneyland resort theme parks can cost anywhere between $104, on the off-seasons, to $194 during the busiest times. If you add the park hopper option you can add between $65-$95 per ticket depending on the length of your stay and your ticket start date.
Disneyland Resort Theme Park tickets can be purchased at the gate or pre-purchased online. Today we are going to explore the difference between Disneyland tickets at the gate vs online.
Disneyland Tickets at the Gate
Let’s start with buying Disneyland tickets at the gate. Just like the old days, you CAN walk directly up to the ticket windows when you arrive at the park. This offers the convenience of an immediate ticket purchase and more spontaneity, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, ticket prices at the gate are sometimes higher compared to online prices. Secondly, Disneyland can and does sell out. You don’t want to get to the gates, saunter up to the Disneyland resort ticket booth, and promptly be turned away because they have met park reservation capacity for the day!
Disneyland Tickets Online
Buying Disneyland tickets online generally works out to be the best way to go. When it comes to buying tickets online you can purchase them directly via the Disneyland app, the Disneyland website, through a travel planner, or from an authorized ticket reseller.
Disneyland Authorized Ticket Resellers
By purchasing from authorized ticket resellers you can sometimes find discount Disneyland tickets and special promotions. Use caution though, some online sellers are not authorized and you should absolutely not purchase tickets through such sites or locations.
Here are the recommended online authorized Disneyland ticket resellers:
- Get Away Today
- Undercover Tourist
- Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels– you can purchase Disneyland tickets in person in the lobbies at certain good neighbor hotels
These resellers are only able to offer discounts on multi-day tickets, not single-day tickets. It’s often best to price shop- check the prices of the reseller, then check the same multi-day ticket price on Disneyland’s mobile app or website. You may find that the tickets are cheaper to prepurchase through Disneyland sites directly, depending on your ticket start date.
Disney Authorized Travel Planners
Another option is to work with a Disneyland travel planner. Their services are completely free and they can help you book all aspects of your Disneyland resort vacation, and help you to find the best prices and promotions. I am a Disney College of Knowledge trained and Disney-authorized travel planner myself, but there are lots of other great planners online also!
Multi-day Tickets vs 1-day Tickets
And speaking of multiday tickets, the price per day goes down the more days you purchase. The one-day tickets are typically the most expensive. However, sometimes the two-day tickets at Disneyland actually cost more per day than the 1-day Disneyland tickets so always check the price and purchase 2 1-day tickets instead if that’s the case. But when you go beyond the two-day tickets the price point will go down per ticket.
For example:
- 1-Day Ticket- this will vary based on the date you are going with the year divided into Tier 0, Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4, Tier 5, and Tier 6 dates. If you are planning on going for 2 days and one or more of your days is a lower-tier day, you may want to purchase the tickets as 2 different one-day tickets.
- 2-Day Ticket 1 Park Per Day $310 for adults $290 for ages 3-9
3-Day Ticket 1 Park Per Day $390 for adults $365 for ages 3-9
4-Day Ticket 1 Park Per Day $445 for adults $420 for ages 3-9
5-Day Ticket 1 Park Per Day $480 for adults $450 for ages 3-9
Park Hopper Tickets
The park hopper tickets also go down in price (per day) with the purchase of multi-day tickets. For example, you will pay $65 per ticket for 1 to 2-day park tickets, when you have a 5-day ticket the park hopper price will be an additional $75 per ticket but that will cover all 5 days.
Theme Park Reservations
Additionally, by purchasing online, you can make theme park reservations which at the time of this writing are still required. Disney park pass reservations began after the pandemic closed the parks, and have remained in place at Disneyland.
Another benefit of purchasing Disneyland tickets online is the convenience of skipping the ticket windows and heading straight to the park entrance. With physical tickets, you might need to wait in line at the ticket booth, whereas online tickets can be scanned directly from your phone, saving you time and hassle.
If you’re looking for discounted Disneyland tickets or special offers, purchasing online is the better choice.
So when deciding between buying Disneyland tickets at the gate or online, it’s important to consider ticket prices, availability of discounted tickets, and convenience. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to assess which ticket type best suits your trip. By taking the time to plan ahead and price shop you can find the best deal for your trip to the happiest place on earth. Don’t forget to check the theme park reservation availability calendar before buying your ticket, as your specific date may not be available. Same-day reservations can be difficult to come by another reason not to purchase your tickets at the gate!
FAQ
Can I purchase Disneyland tickets at the gate?
Yes, you can buy Disneyland tickets at the main entrance ticket booths. However, it’s important to note that purchasing tickets at the gate may result in longer wait times, especially during peak seasons. Additionally, there may be limited or no availability for theme park reservations, meaning you may not be able to get into Disneyland or California Adventure that day.
Should I buy Disneyland tickets online?
Buying Disneyland tickets online offers several advantages. Firstly, you can browse different ticket options and compare prices which can take some time. Additionally, buying your ticket online can sometimes be cheaper, and you can pre-book theme park reservations. You can also save time by skipping the ticket windows and heading straight to the park entrance with your digital ticket.
Can I get discounted Disneyland tickets online?
Yes, there are authorized ticket resellers and official Disneyland websites where you can find discounted Disneyland tickets. These discounted tickets include options for multi-day tickets or park hopper tickets, allowing you to visit multiple parks in one day. Just make sure to purchase from reputable sources to ensure the validity of your ticket (check the list and links above).
Are theme park reservations required?
Yes, theme park reservations are currently required for entry. Even if you have a valid theme park ticket, you need to make a reservation using the Disney Park Pass reservation system. Per Disney, this “helps manage crowd levels and ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests”. It doesn’t seem to be less crowded with this reservation system in place, so don’t plan on short lines, particularly if you are going during a peak season!
Can I make park reservations with my Disneyland ticket?
Yes, at the time of purchase of your Disneyland tickets, you will need to link them to your Disney account. From there, you can access the Disney Park Pass reservation system to make your theme park reservations. It’s important to check the availability calendar and make your reservations as early as possible to secure your preferred dates.
Can I buy Disneyland tickets at Disneyland Resort hotels?
Yes, you can purchase Disneyland tickets at the Disneyland Resort hotels. This is a convenient option if you’re staying at one of the resort hotels and want to purchase your tickets in person. Just talk with any of the cast members at the front desk of your hotel and they can help you. You also can often purchase Disneyland tickets at the front desk of most of the Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels.
Can I use Disney gift cards to buy tickets online?
Yes, you can use Disney gift cards to purchase Disneyland tickets online. Simply enter the gift card information during the payment process. I often buy my tickets with Disney Gift Cards that I have bought over the months before our Disney trip, using the Disney Gift Card savings tips to save as much as I can!
When is the best time to purchase Disneyland tickets?
It’s recommended to purchase your Disneyland tickets as early as possible. This is especially important if you have specific dates in mind or if you’re planning to visit during busy seasons. By buying tickets in advance, you’ll have a better chance of getting the specific dates you want. You also can apply discounts later if they become available. The easiest way to do this is through working with a Disneyland travel planner.
Do I need to have physical tickets for entry?
No, physical tickets are not required for entry. After purchasing your Disneyland tickets online, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a barcode or a digital ticket that can be scanned directly from your mobile device at the main gate. This can save you time and eliminate the need to carry physical tickets.
Can I return to the park on the same day with my original ticket?
If you have a valid theme park admission ticket, you can leave and return to the same park on the same day. Make sure to keep your ticket with you (or on your phone) as cast members at the gate will ask to see this. This allows you to take breaks, have meals outside the park, take a dip in your hotel pool, or even a little afternoon siesta during peak hours at the theme parks.
This blog was all about purchasing Disneyland tickets at the gate vs online
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Shelley has been going on Walt Disney World trips since she was a toddler growing up in South Florida. Since then, she has expanded her interests and passion to include Disneyland and runDisney trips. She is a Disney College of Knowledge-certified Travel Planner, runner, Physician, mom of three, and all-around Disney fan. She believes the magic is in the details of any Disney or runDisney trip!
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