what tickets to buy?

[Brendal]

my family and I - husband, daughter 17 y/o, son 13 y/o - will be visiting disney for the second time (1st time 2000) we have park hopper passes with one theme park day and one water park left over (although my sons was a child admission - can we still use it?)
we're arriving 12/25 staying at CBR and leaving early on 1/1
we might want to visit universal as well and im trying to decide what theme park tickets to buy (and for how many days) and where to buy them for the least expensive price.
Also any special attractions we should see? (we went to HDD review and BY BBQ last time)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated - Thanks!!!!

 

[AJKMOM]

I hate to tell you this, but the time you are visiting is one of the most crowded times of the year (equal to or greater than the crowds at Easter). You need to plan carefully, because sometimes the parks close early to new guests if there are too many people.

I think you may need to upgrade the ticket to an adult, which will cost money, but you can still use the ticket. Guest Services at your resort can answer that question. As far as new tickets, you can get them online at the official Disney site, ; www.ticketmania.com and www.maplel...ay parades are supposed to be wonderful, too.

 

[seashoreCM]

The child ticket can be upgraded to adult at no charge. If your child is just 10 oor even 11, or is small for his age, you might get away with letting him use the ticket as-is.

If you need to buy new tickets, you should buy them to cover the entire vacation (except for short weekend visits) and set aside the old tickets for further off in the future.

Staying at a Disney resort, you are guaranteed entrance to a theme park on the busiest days, although it might be Animal Kingdom only.

You're there for 7 days. Maybe 6 Disney theme park days if you go to Universal one day. Maybe 5 Disney park days if you set aside a complete day for Disney Quest or Blizzard Beach and (with two or more minor park visits) buy the Water Park Fun & More (plus pack) option. An exact length expiring pass or a 10 day non-expiring pass look like the best bets.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/dispass.htm

 

[Brendal]

are we making a mistake going this week? I heard it's so beautiful and it is the kids vacation - we don't have other options during the holidy season

 

[Demon Llama]

It won't be a mistake - it'll just be REALLY busy. One of the reasons it's so busy is because like you, this is one of the only times that kids are out of school. But it will still be great and beautiful for sure! Plus, it won't be sweltering hot and humid like it is during the summer months. Just make sure you really plan your days. Decide what you definitely want to see/do/ride and do that first. Get to the parks early, fast pass when you can and you'll be fine!