Buy tickets and reserve now or wait?

[mickeymom629]

We have a family trip planned for January 2022. DH and I are the only ones currently with tickets and park reservations. It looks like there is practically full availability all the way through from now until the holiday season and into next year. My kids and their families plan plan on going but have not bought their tickets yet.

My question is, do you see a need to get tickets and make park reservation as soon as possible? It doesn't seem like there is lack of availability and, even though we hope the trip happens, is it necessary to buy the tickets so far in advance, especially since we can't book fast passes?

Advice appreciated!

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

I think you could wait a bit. I feel like, aside from the odd special event date here and there (October 1, October 31), there is usually availability up until 1-2 months in advance. I’d just check once or twice a week and aim for booking in maybe October to be on the safe side.

 

[scrappinginontario]

One thing to keep in mind is that prices will only go up from here. If you're looking to purchase packages that include tickets and resort reservations, you will lock them in at current prices and only pay a refundable $200 deposit.

That part would be what would encourage me to purchase now.

If you are only purchasing theme park tickets that you can wait but with the same knowledge that prices could go up between now and when you purchase them.

If a Special Offer comes up for your dates you can try to add it to your existing booking.

 

[mickeymom629]

One thing to keep in mind is that prices will only go up from here. If you're looking to purchase packages that include tickets and resort reservations, you will lock them in at current prices and only pay a refundable $200 deposit.
That part would be what would encourage me to purchase now.
If you are only purchasing theme park tickets that you can wait but with the same knowledge that prices could go up between now and when you purchase them.
If a Special Offer comes up for your dates you can try to add it to your existing booking.

Good advice! We are booked on DVC using points, so tickets will be purchased by my kids separately. Do we usually have advance warning of price increases? I was hoping that, with the ticket prices already different depending on dates, that there would be no change in ticket prices of the days already 'published'.

 

[CarolynFH]

Good advice! We are booked on DVC using points, so tickets will be purchased by my kids separately. Do we usually have advance warning of price increases? I was hoping that, with the ticket prices already different depending on dates, that there would be no change in ticket prices of the days already 'published'.

During the last few years before date-based tickets came into being, Disney did not provide advance notice of price increases (although there were usually rumors flying around that gave people a clue). Now that tickets are date-based, Disney doesn't have to notify anyone that prices have increased. They can quietly increase the price for this date or that date and leave other dates unchanged, and only people who have been watching those specific dates will realize the price changed.

 

[mickeymom629]

During the last few years before date-based tickets came into being, Disney did not provide advance notice of price increases (although there were usually rumors flying around that gave people a clue). Now that tickets are date-based, Disney doesn't have to notify anyone that prices have increased. They can quietly increase the price for this date or that date and leave other dates unchanged, and only people who have been watching those specific dates will realize the price changed.

Thanks for posting this. I have let my kids know that they should probably not wait much longer if they are sure they are joining us.

 

[cccory]

I would buy sooner than later. Prices always seem to go up, and you know that there is no chance of them coming down. If you have a trip planned, buy ticket and reserve parks as soon as possible.