How to buy WDW Park Tickets?

[stanamy]

We're new to the DVC timeshare world. How do most of you buy your WDW park tickets? Before purchasing a DVC timeshare, we'd purchase a hotel/ticket package, so I never had to worry about buying tix separately.

We will only be going to WDW 7 days per year, so we're not getting APs. How do you buy WDW park tickets? Do you buy them from DVC member services and are the tix waiting for you at check in time? Do you buy them from WDW and have them mailed to your home before you depart? Do you wait and buy them at one of the WDW parks? Thanks.

 

[bookwormde]

If you can stagger your vacation weeks by at least one week (vacation at least 1 week earlier in your Second year of your AP) you may still want to consider an AP.

bookwormde

 

[DisneyFreaks]

We will only be going to WDW 7 days per year, so we're not getting APs. How do you buy WDW park tickets? Do you buy them from DVC member services and are the tix waiting for you at check in time? Do you buy them from WDW and have them mailed to your home before you depart? Do you wait and buy them at one of the WDW parks? Thanks.

We've had great success buying our tickets online at Undercover Tourist and Ticketmania. They have a good selection of all the ticket options and they mail them promptly to your home. I believe they still have a discount link inside the mousesavers.com monthly newsletter for Undercover Tourist that will save you a few bucks.

 

[backyardponder]

When comparing prices between Undercover Tourist and the Disney web site, be aware that Undercover Tourist prices include all taxes and fees. You won't see taxes and fees until you go to the checkout page with Disney. I've found Undercover Tourist to be less expensive and quite reliable.

 

[Disneypubgal]

If you can stagger your vacation weeks by at least one week (vacation at least 1 week earlier in your Second year of your AP) you may still want to consider an AP.

bookwormde

Agree with this post 100%... It makes the AP worth while and you can pick up a tables in wonderland card and get the 20 % dining discount (for table service) as well!

 

[stanamy]

Thanks everyone for your advice. We can only go during school breaks so we don't have the flexibility of going a week earlier the following year. Well, we could yank the kids out of school early for vacation next year. I don't want to get people started on the pulling kids out of school for vacation debate. I'm sure there are lots of posts on the boards about this topic.

I'll check out the Undercover place.

 

[Disneypubgal]

Thanks everyone for your advice. We can only go during school breaks so we don't have the flexibility of going a week earlier the following year. Well, we could yank the kids out of school early for vacation next year. I don't want to get people started on the pulling kids out of school for vacation debate. I'm sure there are lots of posts on the boards about this topic.

I'll check out the Undercover place.

Unless you go during the summer months!

 

[disneynutz]

Agree with this post 100%... It makes the AP worth while and you can pick up a tables in wonderland card and get the 20 % dining discount (for table service) as well!

We are off the TIW card. Since the tip is mandatory, we have noticed that the service while using the card becomes non existent. We also don't believe that a buffet server should be tipped the same as at a full service restaurant. With TIW it's a real pain to have a manager modify the tip.

Bill

 

[backyardponder]

I love the TIW card. In addition to 20% discount on dining, it also gives 20% on alcohol. For us, it is a much better deal than DDP. I've never had poor service with the TIW card. And, of course, there are lots of different opinions on tipping!

 

[momof2cutegirls]

If you all buy them from some where other than WDW, do you have the tickets put onto your room? Or do you just carry them separately?

 

[stanamy]

Unless you go during the summer months!

Yes, summer would be more flexible for using an AP if you have kids in school. Unfortunately, summer is our least favorite time to go to WDW given the hot and humid weather. We went last June and it was WAY too hot and humid for our family. It's a good thing that we had all those snack credits on the QS dining plan. We needed lots of popscicles, ice cream, slushies, and drinks to keep hydrated. While our family always enjoys going to WDW (who doesn't?), the kids and grandma said that the don't want to go back to WDW if they have to go in the summer.

We purchased points at BLT during this last trip, so we now have to go to WDW every year! Ok, I know we technically don't have to go to WDW every year with the banking of points and other locations to choose from.

 

[stanamy]

I love the TIW card. In addition to 20% discount on dining, it also gives 20% on alcohol. For us, it is a much better deal than DDP. I've never had poor service with the TIW card. And, of course, there are lots of different opinions on tipping!

Does the TIW discound only apply to full service restaurants?

 

[Lost boy]

Momof2cutegirls; On our last stay in 2009 we bought our tickets thru undercover tourist and at check in they added them to our room key.

 

[Disneypubgal]

does the tiw discound only apply to full service restaurants?

All table service restaurants!

 

[backyardponder]

All table service restaurants!

It does also apply to a few food courts. From what I can tell, if a resort has a food court but not a full service restaurant (like POFQ Sassagoula Float Works) it does apply.

Buffets are also on the list, like Ohana, Boma, Trails End, Liberty Tree, Crystal Palace, Tusker House, Hollywood & Vine, etc.

I think all Full Service restaurants are also included.

Most lounges are included. We especially like River Roost with Bob Jackson at the piano. Unfortunately Jellyrolls isn't included, but that doesn't keep us away!

There's a list at http://allears.net/din/tiwlist.htm and probably other places as well.

 

[momof2cutegirls]

Momof2cutegirls; On our last stay in 2009 we bought our tickets thru undercover tourist and at check in they added them to our room key.

Thanks...that is exactly of what I was thinking of doing! Just one less thing to carry.