How far in "advance" must you buy Park Hoppers?

[Zippa D Doodah]

I definitely want to purchase our 5-day PHs in advance for our upcoming November trip. However, with possibility of sickness etc., there seems to be a higher likelihood than usual that we would postpone a trip this time around. Our budget is not too tight, but I don't think it would be a good idea for us to have $1000 tied up in PHs for several months. There are other things I could do with that $.

My question: can I plan to stop at a Disney Store somewhere along the way to WDW and purchase the PHs we plan to use for park admission starting the very next day.

If so, next question: Does anyone know of a Disney Store where I could make that purchase somewhere along I-95 in GA or FL, or perhaps even in O-town?

 

[Ted and Holly]

You can always wait and buy them at the ticket booth out front of whatever park you wish to visit on the first day. There is no real reason , besides time saving, to buy them in advance.

Ted

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by Zippa D Doodah
...My question: can I plan to stop at a Disney Store somewhere along the way to WDW and purchase the PHs we plan to use for park admission starting the very next day.

Yes you can. You could also order them from Disney by phone or online nad choose to have the "will call" option where you get the advance purchase price for the tickets but actually pick them up from Guest Relations when you arrive at WDW.

If so, next question: Does anyone know of a Disney Store where I could make that purchase somewhere along I-95 in GA or FL, or perhaps even in O-town?

You definitely do not want to get them at a FL TDS as FL law will require you to pay the gate price for the PH ticket.

 

[disneywithdrawal]

I thought they're cheaper if you buy them in advance online or over the phone?

 

[Ted and Holly]

True, you will save approximately $20 per pass with advance purchase.

I'd second the suggestion of calling them in and picking them up at "Will Call".

Ted

 

[tjkraz]

Just to add another element to your decisions, make sure you at least compare prices on the Park Hopper vs. Park Hopper Plus passes.

Park Hoppers (no Plus) can only be purchased direct from Disney. Park Hopper Plus passes can be purchased from a number of third-party ticket dealers. Once you add in tax, shipping and handling from Disney, you can usually find PHPs that are priced within a couple dollars of the price Disney charges for the PHs.

I don't mean to plug one dealer over another, but Ticketmania seems to have pretty good prices. Shipping is free. If you can pick the tickets up in their office, they typically throw in a few freebies. I'm sure that they also offer delivery to WDW resorts, but am not certain if there is an additional charge.

I bought a couple of DisneyQuest passes from Ticketmania. Got a great price (almost half of the "gate" prices for single day admission), free shipping and fast turnaround.

 

[CarolinaBlue]

Park Hoppers (no plus) can be purchased from AAA. We bought ours in June. I noticed that you are from North Carolina. Do you have a AAA membership? If so, AAA Carolinas sells 4 day park hoppers for $209 for adults and 5 day park hoppers for $232 for adults. These prices include tax.

 

[luvsTink]

also, my aaa didn't even ask to see my card so I am not sure they require membership to buy them there. Check their procedure now....I went in today to buy two of our 4 passes and I won't actually get them until next week They are sent to our office from a larger one.

Anne

 

[Ilovestitch]

I work at a AAA office in MD- you have to be a AAA member to get the discount price (we have the 4 and 5 day in stock at all times and can special order 6 and 7 day plus). If we don't scan a AAA card into the computer, it will just charge you the gate price. So, you can buy them at AAA if you aren't a member, it just won't be at any discount. -Steph

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Thanks everyone. I have purchased PHs at Disney Stores before, but I forgot if the price there includes tax. I know it is DEFINITELY cheaper to buy them in advance. Thx for all the tips