Planning for a trip 4 years in advance

[PlazaInnChicken]

I haven't been to Disney World since 2009 and itching to visit again. My boys are 18 months and 6 weeks so obviously taking them now is a no go. We do take them to Disneyland since my wife and I have annual passes. With ticket prices going up every year, I'd like to save some money. Is it a dumb idea to buy tickets now and save them until we visit in 2019? The only concerns I have is if something happens to me or if Disney changes its ticket policy around.

 

[Disney Khaleesi]

I'm not even sure if you can purchase tickets this far in advance.

 

[PlazaInnChicken]

I'm not even sure if you can purchase tickets this far in advance.

I was on their website and clicked on the chat button and they said it was fine. Unless they missread my question. I actually have a commemorative ticket from the opening of DCA back when it opened and it's not used. I'm Sure I'd get some weird looks if I decided to use it today.

 

[EPCOTgrl1]

I don't think it is dumb at all. You are going to be saving money this way. If Disney changes their policy my guess is they will also have a grace period, like they do with the no expeditions. I know a lot of people that buy their tickets like this. My sister still have a 5 day park hopper no expectation that I bought for her while I was still a cast meme berthas she hasn't used yet, so it is 3 years old at this point.

 

[Mousemommy1]

You can purchase tickets now and they won't be activated until 1st use. You would definitely save money versus buying them when you actually plan on going.

 

[PlazaInnChicken]

That's for the responses. I might have to do this for Universal as well.

 

[Allison]

My concern would be any deals that come out for that time period that require the purchase of tickets as part of the package.

 

[ErinInCT]

I have an unexpired ticket from our 2004 trip when my sis couldn't get in on time due to a hurricane!! I was told it would still be accepted! I say BUY NOW!

 

[unrequited23]

I bought my tickets in December 2014 for a trip planned for May 2017. I took a picture of the back of each ticket and put them with our important documents.

With ticket prices going up about 5% each year, I get a better return buying early than keeping the money in my savings account.

 

[newestkg06]

I know people take their kids at all ages, but I would suggest (since it sounds like you don't go every year anyway) that you wait until youngest is over 40 inches (which is usually 4 years old, depending on parent's height). That will allow him/her to ride just about everything and cut down on the waiting/upset that they can't ride. It is hard to explain to a 3 year old why their older brother gets to ride everything.

 

[PlazaInnChicken]

I know people take their kids at all ages, but I would suggest (since it sounds like you don't go every year anyway) that you wait until youngest is over 40 inches (which is usually 4 years old, depending on parent's height). That will allow him/her to ride just about everything and cut down on the waiting/upset that they can't ride. It is hard to explain to a 3 year old why their older brother gets to ride everything.

I wanted to take my kids when they were 3 and 2 but my wife was right, can't really go on many rides at that age so I decided 5 and 4 when they would supposedly all be over 40 inches. Luckily from now until then, they get to go to Disneyland since we have annual passes.

 

[PlazaInnChicken]

I bought my tickets in December 2014 for a trip planned for May 2017. I took a picture of the back of each ticket and put them with our important documents.

With ticket prices going up about 5% each year, I get a better return buying early than keeping the money in my savings account.

That's a great idea about taking a picture of the back of your tickets. I have enough now for 2 adult tickets for 5 days with no park hopper. We did park hoppers last time and for my wife and I it wasn't worth it. I'll have enough saved for 2 child tickets next year.