Before entering the debate, however, we first need to define what is considered a ride. Disney World has 171 attractions, and Disneyland has 91. In Disney terms, attractions do not easily translate to rides.

For example, in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, each animal exhibit counts as an individual attraction. All shows also are counted as attractions.

For the sake of this post, we will consider a ride anything that moves you, the guest. So, Carousel of Progress will be considered a ride, because it moves you, the audience. But Mickey’s Philarmagic is a show, not a ride, because the guests are not moved by the attraction.

Transportation systems that transport you outside of the park such as the monorails, skyliner and boats will also not be counted as rides.

Comparing the Scale: Disneyland vs Disney World

As discussed in our Disney World vs Disneyland article, the parks cover vastly different amounts of acreage. Disneyland comes in at around 500 acres total, while Disney World is about 27,000 acres.

When Walt built Disneyland and proved its popularity, land around the resort began selling quickly to those hoping to make a profit off of the people drawn into the area by the park. As a result, before building Disney World, Walt was adamant he have space to grow his ideas.

Friends of Walt began discreetly buying large chunks of conjoining land in Florida to make Disney World happen. But despite this large size difference, when comparing Disney World vs Disneyland rides, the original park has almost as many rides as its newer counterpart.

Key Differences Between Disneyland and Disney World Rides

When it comes to comparing Disneyland and Disney World, many people tend to think they are the same park. For one thing, the Magic Kingdom park in Disney World was designed off of the original Disneyland. Both parks open onto Main Street and into a central hub, highlighted by the 77-foot tall Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland or the 189-foot tall Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom. (To explore all of the differences, read our Disney World vs Disneyland Castle blog).

However, what most people don’t understand is that Disney World offers far more than the Magic Kingdom. In fact, Disney World is comprised of 4 different and uniquely themed parks. Listed in order of age they are: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. Disney World also boasts a shopping center called Disney Springs and over 25 onsite resorts that range from Value to Deluxe and large villas.

Disneyland is located in Anaheim California and is the original theme park created by Walt Disney. It began as one park, simply called Disneyland. After some time, a second theme park called California Adventure was open, right across from Disneyland. Disneyland has three onsite resorts as well.

In California, to get from one park to another, you simply walk from the exit of one, across to the entrance of the other. At Walt Disney World, park hopping requires a bus, train, boat, monorail, or car service due to the number of parks and the extensive size of the resort as a whole.

To learn more about getting around at Disney World, read our complete guide to the Disney World complimentary transportation service or our comparison between Disney World transportation and ride sharing.

Since the Magic Kingdom Park inside Disney World is based off of the original Disneyland park, many rides overlap between the two. And, when we get back to the topic of Disney World vs Disneyland rides, you will see that many of the rides overlap from Disneyland and the other parks at Disney World.

How Many Rides at Disneyland vs Disney World

Despite having half the number of parks, Disneyland is still able to hold its own with the park 54 times its size, offering nearly as many rides (as defined above). Disney World has slightly more rides, but many more shows and other attractions.

Our breakdown for the number of rides in each park, and the resort totals is below. (Remember a ride is considered something that moves you, the guest.)

Shared Rides at Disney World and Disneyland: A Closer Look

To help us narrow down the question of Disney World vs Disneyland, which rides are better, we should weed out the ride copies. Disneyland and Disney World share many rides with each other.

In total, there are 15 rides that can be found in both the Disney World resort and Disneyland resort

These rides and which parks they are found in are listed below.

Not only do these 15 rides share a name, they are essentially copies of each other. While some may offer a few unique features, these are usually slight.  For example, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland is taller, and Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom has a smaller drop.

When comparing Disney World vs Disneyland rides, these 15 rides can be taken out of the running for best experiences as both parks have them.

Exclusive Attractions at Disneyland vs Disney World

Once we take out the 15 rides that overlap, we can compare the leftover 34 rides inside Disneyland resort, and the 36 unique rides in Disney World.

The Disneyland resort has 6 unique thrill rides that cannot be found in any of the Florida parks. These include the Incredicoaster, The Matterhorn, Indiana Jones, Grizzly River Run, Radiator Springs, and Guardian’s of the Galaxy Mission Breakout.

Disney World has 9 unique thrill rides to call its own. These are 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, Test Track, Expedition Everest, Flight of Passage, Tower of Terror, Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Mission Space.

When comparing rides at Disney World vs Disneyland, Disney World does have more thrill rides. But, Disneyland does have more rides in fewer parks. This means you can experience more ride experiences in a shorter amount of time, with less hassle.

Disney World does have more parks though, allowing for more cohesive theming with their rides. Rides are not shoehorned into areas they do not necessarily fit into just to be able to add them to the guest experience.

For example, when you enter Pandora Land at Disney World Animal Kingdom, extensively themed pathways take you out of the main area of the park, thoroughly immersing you into the sights and sounds of Pandora long before you even encounter a ride queue. Having the extensive land for additional theming really transports the guest into the experience, adding to the thrill of the ride.

Top Thrills: Most Popular Rides at Disney World and Disneyland

In the end, Disney World has 12 total thrill rides out of 52 total rides. Disneyland has 54 total rides with 13 total thrill rides.

With that being said, when it comes to considering which park to visit in the future, it’s important to consider the new and unique rides. Disney World has the new Guardian’s of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Tron.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a unique roller coaster experience where guests rotate to become part of the story. The Tron rollercoaster adds some extra excitement to Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland.

In Disneyland, the two new rides are Mickey and Minnie’s runaway Railway, which is also located in Hollywood Studios in EPCOT, and WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. The Spider Man ride is a unique take on a shooter game, like Midway Mania, but with web shooting instead. Specialty technology reads where your arms are, so instead of a blaster, you use your arms.

Despite all the numbers and research, we think the debate of Disney World vs Disneyland rides comes down to opinion. All die-hard fans of one park will always prefer the rides where they’ve made memories. In our opinion, however, it’s pretty easy to put the debate to rest. With all the fun and unique experiences that Disney has to offer, why not experience both parks?

Future Rides Coming to Disneyland and Disney World

Currently, as of April 2024, we are all excitedly awaiting the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in both Disney World and Disneyland. While we do not have an exact opening date yet, official statements have declared it will open sometime in 2024, we hope soon!

If you have been to either park recently, you have seen that the exteriors of what used to be Splash Mountain have entirely transformed, and look ready to go. Work continues on the inside of the mountain, and guests have reported seeing the ride undergoing testing.

Additionally, over in EPCOT, Test Track will be closing in mid June for a lengthy refurbishment. This is not just a routine maintenance refurb though. Test Track 2.0 will be becoming Test Track 3.0 with a retheme that brings it back to the buildings roots: World of Motion. For now, that is all the information that has been released.

Lastly, rumors and discussions are flying about Pandora coming to Disneyland, a retheme of DinoLand USA in Animal Kingdom, and a new land beyond Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom. We hope we will have more details soon.

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If you haven’t traveled Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway, then a short history lesson is in order. The Columbia River Highway is an historic marvel, built around the turn of the last century as travel by car was just beginning to strike the American fancy.

The scenic byway wound its course from Portland to The Dalles, traversing some of the most stunning vistas in the state while making its way along the river. While the roadway was an engineering wonder for its time, it proved no match for modern automobiles and was later replaced by Interstate 84. However, portions of the historic highway remain, revealing some of Oregon’s most out-in-the-open secrets.

Known for a series of cascades and the proximity of many adventures to Portland, the regional highlights do see a lot of visitors. However, it would be a mistake to let the popularity of the area keep you away. We found the historic portion of the Columbia River Highway to be fairly lightly traveled, and with a little planning, you can enjoy some of the best sights in relative solitude.

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Is Horsetail Falls Oregon Open?

Due to recent wildfires and the resulting impacts, one of the most common questions is whether Horsetail Falls is open. In a word, yes. More importantly, of the two falls, it is the one most likely to remain open. While really not considered an Oregon hiking trail, a stop at Horsetail Falls can be combined with a jaunt up to Ponytail Falls to create a trek taking in two plunges.

How Long is the Oregon Horsetail Falls Hike?

If you’re the type of traveler who prefers to view the scenic wonders of the world without the effort of a long and strenuous hike, then Horsetail Falls in Oregon is for you. The 176-foot plunge over a basalt cliff offers a geological glimpse into the state’s evolutionary history spruced up with some stunning scenery. Best of all, you’ll only need to walk a matter of feet to reach the viewing area.

If you’re traveling east on the historic highway, you’ll find parking on the left. Leave your car here and cross the road. Step onto a paved walk and follow it a short distance to the stone semicircle. At this point, you’re at the Horsetail Falls viewpoint.

From this vantage, you’ll get a sidelong view of the falls and the plunge pool below. During our late evening visit, most people found this inadequate and had walked down the stairway to reach the water’s edge. Many were wading into the plunge pool for cooling relief from the heat.

While we didn’t do much wading, we did step down to the water’s edge for a better view of the falls. However, if you’re content with what you see from the upper viewpoint, there is no need to walk farther.

Many of the stone walls here were built in 1940 as construction of the historic highway ploughed eastward. The viewpoint makes it easy to see Horsetail Falls, so most people are content to stay there. If you’re like us and always wondering what’s around the next bend, you won’t be satisfied until you’ve made your way up to Ponytail Falls or Oregon’s Upper Horsetail Falls as some have been known to call it.

Horsetail Falls Oregon and Beyond

While a visit to Horsetail Falls Oregon should be a definite stop when exploring the Historic Columbia River Highway, you can reach the more private Ponytail Falls with a little effort. The interpretive sign near the viewpoint for Horsetail Falls indicates that the uphill trek is only a half mile long. Don’t be fooled by metrics. If you’re in less than average physical condition, you’ll feel every stretch of the first quarter mile.

From the interpretive sign, the trail heads up a steep incline. During our visit, a fallen tree across the early part of the trail made for a precarious intersection as we navigated the wobbling protuberance on a narrow two-foot path directly at the cliff’s edge.

Surviving what was undoubtedly the most harrowing part of the experience, we continued onward and upward. Reaching a switchback where the junction with Gorge Trail #400 heads east, we immediately turned west and were temporarily blinded by the setting sun as we continued heading skyward on a steep and narrow trail.

While you’re fighting your way upward, take some time to look around. The Columbia River is a stunning sight to behold from this elevation and the views only get better as the path continues to rise.

It’s also a wise idea to take a break or two for your own physical health as the continuous upward path of the trail can be quite a grind. Just don’t pause for too long. We passed some young men who stopped for a rest and never saw them again. Presumably, they didn’t make it to Ponytail Falls.

We had trekked probably less than quarter of a mile when the woodland intervened, surrounding us with curious trees all bowing downward to offer shade to the newest interlopers. It was a welcome relief from the heat of the day, providing a cooling guidance that propelled us on our way, always moving upward.

Just as we were beginning to question whether the length of the trail as indicated on the sign could be correct, the path began to level out. For some reason, upward trails always seem longer than they should, and the journey to Ponytail Falls was no exception.

Reveling in cliffside vistas of the gorge, we made the rest of the hike to Ponytail in shaded splendor, catching the sound now and again of water rushing over rock.

Eventually, we caught sight of Ponytail Falls. From the first glimpse, you don’t realize how close to the falls the trail will travel, so you’ll probably be inclined to spend a bit of time snapping photos.

As the trail continues, you’ll quickly realize that this hike is one that gets you up close and personal with the star of the show. In this case, the trail leads directly behind the Ponytail Falls cascade into a cavern-like alcove that offers not just a view of the falls from the back, but a view of the gorge through the trees surrounding the downside stream.

For the most part, we had the Ponytail Falls cavern to ourselves, so we made the most of it, exploring the base of the falls, before making the momentous decision to travel onward. We’d heard that a rockslide had closed the trail beyond the falls but being the always curious travelers, we had to see for ourselves.

Even though the light was beginning to fade on the day, we still felt we could make the tour with time to spare. If this sounds brave for two hikers alone on the trail, keep reading to see just how brave or foolhardy we really are.

Horsetail Falls Oregon Loop Hike

From the base of Ponytail Falls, the trail strikes out through the remains of the Eagle Creek Wildfire. Charred trees and wounded stumps surround the trail, opening up the skyline and the vista to the Gorge below.

While wildfires are never a good thing and are certainly not events we’d welcome, the results on the ridge beyond Ponytail are pretty spectacular. As regrowth emerges, the green of Oregon combines with the fading blacks and browns of the fire’s devastation as a sign of rebirth following nature’s fury.

We didn’t travel far without a view of the river beyond. It also wasn’t long before we hit a switchback, taking us higher in elevation and to the remains of the 2021 spring rockslide. It had been cleaned up nicely, but the trail remained rocky and a bit treacherous, prone to sliding.

We made it through and came out to a flat plateau, creating a treelined vista of the gorge below. A single marker lies in memorial to a fallen hiker and acts as a reminder to the rest of us not to get too close to the ridge. Remember that rockslide we just traversed? Thanks to the previous wildfire, terrain here is delicate and easily disturbed, so it’s best to stay on the trail.

Our goal was to follow the remains of the Ponytail Falls Trail to the intersection with the Oneonta Trail and seek out Lower Oneonta Falls. A couple coming toward us confirmed that the trail was indeed open that far.

Rumor has it that the path continues to an area that offers a glimpse into the narrow slot of the Oneonta Gorge. Since this Columbia River marvel has been closed since the Eagle Creek Wildfire in 2017, we were anxious to see what we could.

However, the closure of the 2021 spring rockslide had created something unexpected. Without foot traffic on this part of the trail, weeds and small trees or shrubs had grown in proliferous fashion, nearly blocking the trail in spots and creating a winding forest with little visibility. With no way to see what was coming ahead, no visibility behind and a trail hardy dog that was growing increasingly nervous about something we couldn’t see, we made the choice to turn around.

I feel it’s always wise to trust your instincts in situations like these, especially when they’re backed up by canine senses, but was disappointed to miss the remaining falls on the trail. Had we continued, we could have met up with Lower Oneonta Falls and returned the way we came or picked up the Oneonta Trail to create a loop back out to the Columbia River Highway. A short jaunt down the road would have led back to the parking area.

Back to the Base of Horsetail Falls

From the point of turnaround, we made our way back to Ponytail Falls and enjoyed the views coming from the opposite direction. We marveled again at how much quicker a hike seems on the return and were quickly back at the base of Horsetail Falls.

By this point it was around 7:00 pm on a late July day, and much of the crowds had thinned out. We took advantage of the moment to cool our feet at the base of Horsetail Falls and enjoy the sound of falling water.

If you’re traveling the Columbia River Highway, stopping at Horsetail Falls in Oregon is a must, but for the true adventurer and those wanting a more solitary experience, take the Horsetail Falls loop trail. We plan to do it again in the near future, maybe extending our time to pick up some of the other nearby falls.

Nearby Attractions

Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery, Can’t Miss Gem in the Columbia River Gorge

Visit Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge, But Don’t Make Our Mistake

Latourell Falls Hike, One of the Hottest Trails in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge

The post Horsetail Falls Oregon to Ponytail Falls, Mother and Daughter on the Trail appeared first on Seconds to Go.

Exploring Extended Evening Theme Park Hours at Disney World

In a new Disney era where added perks require more vacation dollars, the Extended Evening Theme Park Hours won’t be met with enthusiasm by every traveler. The cost for a single night at a deluxe resort can come in at more than double other on-property hotels, adding up to a hefty bill for the after-hours privilege.

However, it’s important to distinguish between Disney World Extended Evening Hours and other after hours events. The following after-hours openings require a separate ticket purchse:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
• Disney After Hours

On the other hand, Disney Extended Evening Hours puts guests at deluxe resorts in the parks up to 2 hours after official park closing. Guests are issued a wrist band either upon entry or after scanning their MagicBand or MagicMobile pass at one of the distribution stations throughout the parks. You will be asked to show this wristband upon entering rides to prove you are eiligible to attend extended evening hours.

At present, Disney extended evening hours are only available at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom and only for select nights. However, there are times when Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom may offer extended evening hours, mainly when Magic Kingdom is hosting a number of ticketed after hours events. Such times usually include Christmas and Halloween.

When utilizing Disney extended evening hours, guests have the opportunity to experience the parks for two hours post closing. When we have taken advantage of the opportunity, we’ve found low or quite manageable wait times on popular attractions, such as Test Track or Frozen, particularly when we reserved these rides for later in the night.

Disney World Resorts Eligible for Extended Evening Theme Park Hours and Other Added Perks of a Disney Deluxe Stay

Disney resorts come in 3 flavors: value, moderate and deluxe. Deluxe resorts grace the upper tier, offering a true hotel experience with a few added perks, such as bigger rooms and more upscale furnishings. Some even offer added amenities such as the chance to view your own African Savannah from your balcony or the chance to watch Magic Kingdom Fireworks from your hotel balcony or pool.

Admittance to Disney extended evening hours is also now included in the cost of your deluxe resort stay. You’ll gain the incredible opportunity to experience the parks with drastically fewer crowds, without having to purchase separate tickets for your party. If you planned to book a Disney deluxe resort for your trip, this is an obvious perk. However, for guests who have 5 or more their party, booking a deluxe resort could have some less evident advantages.

For one thing, few of Disney’s moderate or value resorts can accommodate 5 people in a single room. To circumvent this, some guests have opted to book 2 separate rooms. However, by the time you pay for 2 rooms at a moderate resort, you may be paying more than you would to book a deluxe stay.

Beyond cost advantages, deluxe resorts offer a better array of amenities, including;

• Proximity to parks: Many of Disney’s deluxe resorts are located near a theme park. Disney’s Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn, for instance, are within walking distance to EPCOT.
• Larger Room Sizes: Rooms at Deluxe Resorts are typically larger and more luxurious than those at other resort levels, offering additional comfort and amenities.Room views: Several of Disney’s deluxe resorts boast theme park views and fireworks viewing right from your hotel
• Transportation options: Enhanced transportation options including monorail service and watercraft are typically more readily available at Deluxe Resorts, offering easier access to various destinations across Walt Disney World.
• Health and Wellness Options: Deluxe Resorts are some of the only hotels on Disney property to include fitness centers, spas, and wellness services, providing plenty of options to relax and rejuvenate.
• Exceptional Service: The level of personal service at Deluxe Resorts is generally higher, with amenities such as concierge services to help with dining reservations, tour bookings, and more.

Here is the complete list of resorts eligible for Disney extended evening hours.

Disney Deluxe Resorts

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts

• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Beach Club Villas
• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
• Disney’s Riviera Resort
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort – A Disney Vaction Club Resort
• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Other Select Hotels

• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
• Walt Disney World Swan Reserve
• Shades of Green® on Walt Disney World®

If you’re thinking about staying at one of the resorts listed above, you now have another reason to add to your list of pros.

And if you think a deluxe resort stay is out of your budget, be sure to look for resort room discounts, consider our money saving tips and learn how you can cut dollars off the cost of a Disney World vacation. We’re on a mission to simplify your vacation planning and help you have a more enjoyable trip to Disney World.

Let us help you find the deluxe resort of your Disney dreams. Kathleen Hesketh, mom of the mother daughter travel team, is a travel agent with Mickey World Travel. I can help you find hotel discounts and the resort that fits your need, while also offering a host of Disney World vacation planning tips, guidance and advice.

To receive a no obligation Disney World quote, clear here to be taken to our quote form. Be sure to put “deluxe resorts” in the notes section.

Guide to Attractions Open During Disney’s Extended Evening Hours

Here is another important thing to know about Extended Evening Theme Park Hours. Not every attraction will be open during the event, but the most popular are. Select merchandise and food establishments will also remain open during Extended Evening Theme Park Hours.

Here are the attractions you can currently expect to experience:

Magic Kingdom Park

• “it’s a small world”
• Astro Orbiter
• Barnstormer
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
• Country Bear Jamboree
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant
• Haunted Mansion
• Mad Tea Party
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic
• Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
• Peter Pan’s Flight
• Pirates of the Caribbean
• Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Space Mountain
• Swiss Family Treehouse
• The Barnstormer
• The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland Speedway
• Tron: Lightcycle Run
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
• Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Epcot

• Frozen Ever After
• Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (subject to virtual queue)
• Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana
• Mission: SPACE
• Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
• Soarin’ Around the World
• Spaceship Earth
• Test Track
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends

In addition, guests who attend Disney World extended evening hours are eligible to book a spot in the virtual queue for both Tron: Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom) and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind (EPCOT).

Simply open your My Disney Experience app around 5:58 pm. At 6:00, tap on virtual queue, select your party, and keep your fingers crossed. If you make it into the virtual queue, you’ll be given a boarding position and approximate time to ride. When your boarding position opens, you’ll receive a push notification to your phone via the app. From there, you’ll have an hour to tap into the queue for the ride.

Disney, of course, wants you to realize that the list of available attractions is subject to change as weather-related or other closures might impact the list above.

Comparing Extended Evening Hours to Early Theme Park Entry

In addition to extended evening hours, Disney World also offers Early Theme Park Entry. While both offer extended time in the parks, there are some key distinctions to note.

First, extended evening hours are exclusively available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Deluxe Villas, offering an opportunity to enjoy the parks for up to two hours after the regular closing times. This perk is especially valuable for visitors who prefer exploring the parks in a less crowded, more relaxed environment during the later hours of the day. In contrast, Early Theme Park Entry is available to all Disney Resort guests, including those staying at Value and Moderate Resorts, allowing them entry 30 minutes before the parks open to the general public.

Disney World Extended Evening Hours provide a more exclusive experience, typically with shorter wait times for attractions, as fewer guests are eligible to attend. However, Early Theme Park Entry can be beneficial for those who prefer to start their day early and enjoy cooler morning temperatures. This program is particularly advantageous for tackling popular attractions before the parks become more crowded, although it offers a shorter extra time compared to Extended Evening Hours.

Both options enhance the guest experience by providing more convenient access to attractions, but the choice between them may depend on your personal schedule preferences, the type of resort you’ choose, and how you plan to manage your park time. Extended Evening Hours might be the better option for night owls or those seeking a more laid-back park experience, while Early Theme Park Entry could appeal more to early risers and families looking to maximize their day from start to finish.

More Disney World Planning Information

Disney Rider Switch: The Ultimate Parent Hack for Theme Park Fun!

Are You Asking the RIGHT Disney World Questions? Critical Things to Know When Planning a Trip

What is Rope Dropping at Disney World?

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If you’re planning to visit Multnomah Falls in Oregon, it’s best to go prepared. Due to the sheer number of visitors, there may be entrance restrictions in place and highway exit closures to navigate.

Here is what you need to know about visiting Multnomah Falls and some tips for realizing the most enjoyable experience, particularly if you’re bent on photographing this Oregon wonder.

Where Is Multnomah Falls and Why Is It So Special?

Multnomah Falls Oregon is located in the Columbia River Gorge. You’ll find it right off the historic Columbia River Highway, a scenic byway filled with waterfall hikes and breathtaking views of the Mighty Columbia.

The jewel in the crown of the gorge is the 2-tiered 635 foot tall Multonmah Falls, deeded to the town of Portland by lumber baron, Simon Benson in the early 1900s.

Visitors flock to Multnomah Falls for its Instagram worthy beauty and for the chance to ascend to the Benson Bridge, placed strategically in the middle of the falls, allowing you to view both the upper and lower cascades.

What Is the Multnomah Falls Bridge?

The view of the Multnomah Falls bridge with the two-tiered plunge behind it is probably one of the most famous in Oregon history, reproduced across countless social media accounts (including ours), as well as myriad travel magazines, brochures and posters. It’s only fair. After all, the bridge has a long and storied history.

Officially known as the Benson Bridge, this historic structure was nothing more than a fanciful daydream at the start. Samuel Lancaster, lead engineer of the Columbia River Highway remarked how nice it would be to have a viewing structure to the falls. Overhearing the remarks, lumber baron Simon Benson asked how much it would cost to build.

Lancaster quickly ran the calculations on the back of a napkin and Benson committed the funds to build the 45-foot reinforced-concrete deck poised 105 feet above the lower Multnomah Falls. Benson later purchased 1,000 acres in the Columbia River Gorge and donated the 140 acres surrounding Multnomah Falls to the city of Portland as a park.

What Is There to Do at Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge?

Beyond viewing the falls and snapping some Instagram-worthy shots, the area surrounding the falls is home to the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Multnomah Lodge is constructed using every type of stone found within the Columbia River Gorge.

It houses a restaurant, offering both take out and fine dining, and features a visitor center exploring the history of the Gorge. If you plan to dine in the lodge, reservations are highly recommended.

We’ve enjoyed both take out and dine in service, and found the food to be delicious, but the real key to dining at the lodge is the chance to view the falls. The best views are provided with carryout service, since a shaded stone patio directly in front of the falls offers a prime viewing locations. However, dining inside the lodge offers a chance to experience this architectural wonder. Some tables will provide a glimpse of the falls, particularly if outdoor seating is available.

Multnomah Falls is also the trailhead for an interesting climb to the top of the falls with a continuing trail to a less populated site you won’t want to miss.

Where We Missed the Boat, So to Speak, On Our Visit to Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is the starting point for one of the most strenuous climbs in the Columbia River Gorge, but if you’re up to the challenge, you’ll experience incredible river views and a chance to look down the length of the plunge from the top of the falls.

The excursion sets off as soon as you cross Benson Bridge. While most people travel only a few steps beyond the falls, we decided to take the challenge and set out on the uphill climb.

We were rewarded soon enough with a view of the sun breaking out over the Columbian River, set apart by the contrasting somber hues of the tree trunks surrounding the trail. From there, the paved path continued upward, shaded by ancient timber that recently survived the 2017 Eagle Creek Wildfire. You’ll see the evidence throughout the climb as the charred trunks are constant companions during the first few switchbacks.

In all, there are eleven switchbacks to the top of the falls. As you approach the third switchback, you’ll round a bend to a new vantage point of the upper tier of Multnomah falls as well as a nice view out over the Columbia. Someone has thoughtfully placed a bench here, giving you a chance to sit and enjoy nature while recovering your breath.

Once you leave the viewpoint, it’s uphill almost all the way. Traversing the remainder of the switchbacks reveals increasingly higher views of the river gorge. It’s nice encouragement as you continue to climb as are the numbered plaques at most turning points, indicating which switchback you’re currently entering.

Eventually, the trail levels out and you round a bend. Soon after, the trail looks to continue straight, but to reach the top of the falls, you’ll need to take a right, stepping down a large stone drop and heading east.

From here, the trail meanders for a bit before hitting another downward stride. As you sink with the trail, it’s hard not to wonder why you just endured so many grueling upward switchbacks only to descend again.

Right before you step onto the viewpoint at the top of the falls, you’ll make your way down a stone stairwell. Watch your step here as it’s easy to get distracted by the view out over the Columbia. In fact, it’s the Columbia that’s the star here as the view of the top of the falls provides little more than a glimpse of disappearing water over the ledge of the upper plunge.  There is a nice small cascade that you won’t see without making the climb, but all in all it’s the outward views that dominate.

It’s at this juncture that we made our fatal mistake. Our itinerary called for a continued trek back to the point where the trail to the upper falls broke off from the main trail. From there, we were to trek the Larch Mountain Trail upcreek past the old junction with the Perdition Trail.

This journey would have rewarded us with a relatively quiet jaunt to the Lower, Middle and Upper Dutchman Falls, an overhang called Dutchman Tunnel and onto Wiesendanger Falls. (A plaque honoring Albert Wiesendanger, a Forest Service ranger, can be found in Dutchman Tunnel.

A bit longer, and we would have reached 4 more switchbacks. Continuing the climb, we would have risen above Wiesendanger Falls, and past the rim  of Ecola Falls. Unfortunately, we failed to view our itinerary and returned back to Multnomah Falls Lodge. Don’t make our mistake as the journey across the multiple falls listed above is rumored to be one of the best Oregon hiking trails and certainly one of the most scenic in the gorge.

We’ll have to take the word of others for now until we make our way back to visit Multnomah Falls again.

Tips for Visiting Multnomah Falls Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge is the most visited site in the Northwest. That means you’ll be joining throngs of other visitors during the peak summer months and may even encounter crowds during other times of the year, particularly on weekends.

If you plan to take pictures of the falls, it’s best to arrive early. We hit the parking lot across from the lodge at 7:15 am on a Saturday, and at least 15 cars were already in the lot. By the time we made our way up to the lower viewing point, there were a few people on the bridge.

We took probably 5 minutes snapping pictures and then started our way up the trail toward Benson Bridge. By this time, there was a couple ahead of us on the trail and another that went racing by us. When we reached the bridge, we were sharing photo ops with a family of 4 and three other couples.

It wasn’t bad compared to what we experienced as we returned ninety minutes later from our hike to the top, but it wasn’t ideal for snapping that winning photo. If you plan to take pictures free of other visitors, try to arrive as the sun rises, come late in the evening or visit during the off season – either before May or after October.

Early mornings are also prime for hiking the trails. We had the switchbacks up to the top of the falls almost to ourselves on the way up. We let one group pass us and met with another couple at the viewpoint rounding the third switchback.

On the way down, however, we passed multiple groups all heading upward. Considering that the viewing platform above the falls has enough room for around ten people, your best bet is to hit this trail early in the morning or later in the evening.

We had a nice early start and then ordered take out from the Multnomah Falls restaurant. We were able to enjoy a hearty meal in full view of the falls by using the tables on the viewing platform across from the coffee kiosk.

All in all, a visit to Multnomah Falls is a must-do when visiting the Columbia River Gorge, but timing is key if you want the chance to enjoy the area with some sense of solitude.

Parking at Multnomah Falls

There are two parking lots for Multnomah Falls. The first is located directly across from the entrance point on the Historic portion of the Columbia River Highway. However, this parking lot is small, has a limited number of spaces and fills quickly during peak visitation seasons.

To ensure you find a place to park, it’s best to use the lot located directly off of Interstate 84 off exit 31. There is ample parking here, and a clever path leading under the highway and railroad tracks will take you directly to the falls without the hassle of fighting for a spot in the closer lot.

Directions to Multnomah Falls

Visitors traveling from Portland should hop on Interstate 84 east and take exit 31 and follow signs for Multnomah Falls Parking. From the parking lot, follow the footpath that leads beneath the interstate to reach Multnomah Falls.

Visitors traveling from points east of the falls should take Interstate 84 eastbound and leave the freeway at Exit 31. However, reaching the parking area from this direction is not always guaranteed. The exit may be closed during some summer months and weekends due to extreme congestion. If this happens to you, continue traveling eastbound and take exit 25.

Before reaching the toll booth to Rooster Rock State park, make a U turn toward Interstate 84 eastbound as shown in the map below. Once on I-84 eastbound, continue to Exit 31. Once you have found parking, take the footpath beneath the highway to reach the falls.

Avoiding the Parking Hassles, Shuttles to Multnomah Falls

Parking at Multnomah Falls can be a nightmare during high traffic seasons. To help guests reach the falls without fighting throngs of fellow drivers or jockeying for a parking space, a number of shuttle services have emerged. Transporation is easily accessible and offers a carefree ride into the gorge, with multiple pick up and drop off points along the way.

• Columbia Gorge Express (provided by Columbia Area Transit): Bus service picking up and dropping off in Portland, Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, Hood River. This is a great option if you only plan to visit Multnomah Falls.
• Gray Line Tours: offers a narrated half day excursion to Multnomah Falls on a luxury motorcoach, with stops at the Vista House and Crown point, as well as a hop-on and off trolley, allowing you to visit all of the stops along the Historic Columbia River Highway at your leisure.
• Sasquatch Shuttle offers a number of routes, including direct access to Multnomah Falls via the Multnomah Falls Experess, leaving every 30 minutes from the Sasquatch parking lot in Corbett.

Visit Multnomah Falls – the Timed Entry System

If you plan to visit Multnomah falls, it’s important to note that a timed-entry system will be in place during the summer of 2024. Guests will need to pay $2.00 per vehicle to access the falls and lodge area.

Tickets will be required from May 24, 2024 through September 2, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 am and 6:00 pm.

While this is a generous amount of time to view the falls and check out the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge, it’s not nearly long enough if you plan to hike much beyond the falls themselves. Fortunately, guests are free to stay longer if they are hiking the trail to the top of the falls and beyond or dining in the restaurant. However, guests that leave will not be permitted to re-enter.

Booking your timed entry is fairly easy, as long as you have internet access. Simply visit the Recreation.gov website and select Multnomah Falls (I-84) Timed Use Permit. Or you can click here to reach the website booking page directly. You may also use the Recreation.gov mobile app.

Some travelers may get lucky and find a limited number of tickets available without a fee at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale, Oregon and at the Cascade Locks Historical Museum in Cascade Locks, Oregon. However, availability is not guaranteed, so you could easily miss your chance to see this Oregon wonder if you bank on scoring the free tickets. If you are determined to visit Multnomah Falls, it’s best to pay the $2 to schedule your timed entry ahead of your visit.

If you want guaranteed entry with no fee, consider utilizing one of the shuttles that service the Columbia River Gorge and stop at Multnomah Falls. Guests who choose to ride the Columbia Gorge Express Transit, Gray Line Open-Air Waterfall Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley or Sasquatch Shuttle can visit Multnomah Falls without a fee and do not have to worry about finding parking. This can offer quite a benefit during busy summer months and weekends. Cyclists are also permitted to enter the Falls without a timed entry permit.

When can I book my timed entry reservation to Multnomah Falls?

Reservations open on a rolling basis and are available 14 days in advance of arrival. The booking window opens at 7 a.m. Pacific Time, and if you’re visiting at the height of the summer months, it’s advisable to hop on the system as soon as your booking window opens. However, if you miss your chance to obtain a ticket during this time, a secondary window will reopen 2 days prior to your arrival.

Can I modify or cancel my time entry reservation to Multnomah Falls?

Reservations can be cancelled, and guests who change their plans to visit Multnomah Falls are requested to do so. Ticket dates and times may also be modified up until midnight of the day prior to the original arrival.

You can check the Recreation.gov website for more information on reservations to Multnomah Falls.

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You’ll find a variety of dining choices across the four theme parks to meet a range of food preferences. Some are better than others, so keep reading for our top picks.

Best Place to Eat in Disney World: Table Service Restaurants

Animal Kingdom’s Asia Is Home to One of the Best Dining Experiences at Disney World

At Animal Kingdom, Tiffin’s might have the fame and recognition, but Yak and Yeti Restaurant isn’t letting that stand in its way when it comes to serving up mammoth-sized proportions in a lively Napalese-themed eatery. Stepping through the doors surrounded by Asian artifacts, it’s easy to imagine that you’ve just disembarked from a week-long journey through the mountains, lived through the yeti encounter on the famed Expedition Everest, and are now enjoying a well-earned meal. If that doesn’t count as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, I don’t know what would.

We were fortunate enough to be seated on the upstairs veranda with open air access overlooking the main waterway through the park. We found the ambiance just right and the food well worth the cost of a table service meal at Disney.

The menu features a number of Asian-inspired meals. The lo mein chicken is hearty enough for two, and the seared tuna appetizer is worthy of a family coming off a seven-day trek. We found the wait staff more than attentive for our needs and were happy to add Yak and Yeti to our list of the best places to eat in Disney World.

If you decide to try it for yourself, keep in mind that there are two Yak and Yeti named eateries at Animal Kingdom. Yak and Yeti café offers Asian inspired short order food and used to be one of the few places where you could grab breakfast in the park. To enjoy the Pan Asian culinary delights and Napalese ambiance, look for Yak and Yeti Restaurant.

What Our Reviewers Said About Yak & Yeti

Yak and Yeti Restaurant receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World parks, according to our testers.

A Trip to Germany Reveals One of the Best Dining Experiences at Disney World EPCOT

EPCOT park, as home to the world showcase, offers some of the tastiest and most unique fare in all of Disney World. And serving up some of the best culinary delights is the Biergarten Restaurant, located in the Germany pavilion.

For years, we avoided this restaurant thinking German cuisine wouldn’t be to our liking. Several visits ago, we broke protocol and stopped for lunch. We were astounded by the breadth of the buffet selections and by how much our party of six enjoyed the meal.

Biergarten hosts guests buffet style at communal tables serving 8, and serves up some of the best German dishes for the asking, including traditional German sausages, schnitzel and other native side dishes. The restaurant also offers a fair selection of German beers for the adventurous to try.

Taking a meal at Biergarten is like stepping into Oktoberfest, with performances by a lively polka-inspired band with shows occurring regularly. Since this is one of the few restaurants in EPCOT that offers entertainment, it is well worth a visit if you’re taking a trip to Disney World this year.

What Our Reviewers Said About Biergarten

Biergarten receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Take a Visit to the Beast’s Castle

If your family is home to some hardcore Belle fans or you just want to see the inside of the Beast’s magnificent castle, one of the best places to eat in Disney World right now  is in the Magic Kingdom. We’re talking about Be Our Guest, a restaurant that remains one of the most difficult advanced dining reservations to book.

Upon entering the castle, you might find the menu a little unorthodox for a theme park, but even Disney foodies will enjoy the taste and quality of the meal. We had the Center-cut Filet Mignon which was tender and perfectly cooked, accompanied by a smattering of roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.

If the portions appear small at first glance, each meal, including appetizer and dessert, offered plenty of substance to quench our appetites. However, most families joining us for the hour were more interested in the regular appearances of the very regal and accommodating host than in the food itself. Beast makes periodic turns around the various rooms of his castle.

The Beast was certainly at his solicitous best during his regularly scheduled walk-throughs. He made a point of waving to all of his guests and taking the time to offer a courtly bow to those young belles eagerly seeking his attention.

Offering great food and a gracious host, the only drawback to Be Our Guest is the price tag. Lunch for a party of 4 can easily set you back more than a couple hundred dollars, but if you’re looking to splurge while on vacation, we have one more little tidbit that might tip the scales in favor of the Beast. A stop at Be Our Guest is the only chance you’ll have to try the gray stuff and see that it really is delicious.

What Our Reviewers Said About Be Our Guest

Be Our Guest receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Leaving Earth to Find the Best Dining Experiences at Disney World

Normally, you don’t have to go far to find unique or fanciful dining experiences at Disney World, but EPCOT park has always been a little different. From the cultural shores of distant lands to local farm fresh goodness, restaurants within the park have a healthy obsession with serving up the unusual. In 2020, they took that mission to space, and now liftoff daily to a space station miles above the ground.

You’ll board your space lift at a fitting location-next to the Mission Space ride. Once you’re onboard, you’ll rapidly rise the distance into space, watching as the earth disappears below your feet and the space station comes into view above your head.

Once your lift locks into place and the doors open, you’re onboard. Large windows display the curve of the earth below against the black emptiness of space.

As you dine on familiar earthbound fare, you’ll notice that space is actually quite active. Shuttle craft circle your location regularly and astronauts are always at work, keeping the space station in safe working repair. If you keep your eyes open, you might even see an astrodog.

Space 220 serves some interesting options, but tasters reported mixed reviews. Chicken, steak and calamari received high marks while other dishes didn’t rank as high.

What Our Reviewers Said About Space 220

Overall, our tasters gave Space 220 the following marks, while still recommending it as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World.

Say Aloha to the Polynesian Islands: O’hana Restaurant Lunch and Dinner

If space is a little too far to travel for lunch or dinner, the Polynesian Village Resort Hotel offers an extraordinary dining experience a little closer to home. Say Aloha to O’hana, a word that means family in central Pacific communities, and that’s just how you’ll be treated at this all-you-care to eat, family style buffet.

Casual crooners seranade guests with a string of Hawaiian favorites, while attentive hosts servce courses from Signature O’hana bread topped with honey butter to the restaurant’s sought after bread pudding, served a la mode with homemade caramel sauce. In between, dishes of wood-fired meat are served, accompanied by pork fired dumplints, ‘Ohana Noodles, and stir-fry vegetables. It’s a feast for the senses and the soul as you let the island vibes wash away your cares. The restaurant also offers a nice view of Cinderella’s castle, a real boon if you happen to be dining when one of the nightly fireworks shows is displaying.

What Our Reviewers Said About Space 220

Overall, our tasters gave O’hana the following marks, out of 5 possible stars, while recommending it as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World.

Best Places to Eat in Disney World: Counter Service Restaurants

While Disney table service restaurants offer some of the best dining experiences at Disney World, with immersive theming and delightful elements, some of Disney’s quicker food options also double down on the experience factor. Here are our picks for best counter service dining experiences found at Disney World.

Have a Snack with the Beast’s Nemesis

It’s hard to believe that a man who uses antlers in all of his decorating could have a flair for serving up tasty treats, but the dastardly Gaston is full of surprises. A stop at his tavern in the Magic Kingdom reveals some delightful eats, one of them unique within the Disney culinary realm.

La Fou’s brew, named for Gaston’s foolhardy sidekick, is a frozen, slush drink topped with marshmallow mango foam. At first thought, these tastes shouldn’t go together, and yet they do, providing a refreshingly cool way to take a break from the Florida heat.

Gaston’s is also known for larger than life cinnamin rolls, the kind we used to buy and share from the Main Street Bakery. We do the same at Gaston’s. Divvying up one or two of these sweet treats is a great way to rest your weary feet and settle a score with your stomach at the same time.

You’ll also have the chance to view Gaston’s decorating taste in action and catch a glimpse of his fireside chair. One sight of this and you’ll believe he really is the size of a barge.

What Our Reviewers Said About Gaston’s Tavern

Gaston’s receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Plan Your Disney World Vacation the Easy Way! Request a Quote Today

Disney World vacation planners and travel agent. Fill out the form to the right for your free, no obligation quote or contact kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com. You’ll never pay more booking your Disney vacation with a travel agent, but the planning help and service is invaluable.

Just Past Flight of Passage is Satu’li Canteen

While most guests entering Animal Kingdom make a fast and determined beeline toward the Flight of Passage ride, we’ve learned that the land of Avatar is also serving up some of the best food in the park at Sa’tuli Canteen.

Satu’li Canteen is a counter service restaurant featuring the art and culture of the Na’vi people. You’ll enjoy your meal inside a former RDA mess hall, amidst eclectic art adorning a sterile food service environment.

While the theming may be spot on for the Na’vi, we prefer to enjoy our meals on the covered outdoor patio. There is always a quiet cool corner to hide away from the crowds and noise.

As Disney quick-service dining menus go, Sa’tuli Canteen is one of the more unique choices. Dishes here feature several meat options served over your selection of base. When the restaurant first opened, our favorite meal here was the sampler platter, providing a taste of each type of base, including red and sweet potato hash, noodles, rice and beans, and salad. These days, you’ll have to select your brand of protein from the available grilled beef, chicken or shrimp atop a single base option.   

To guide your choices, beef and chicken were most popular with our group over rice or noodles. During our last visit, the potato hash was undercooked though pleasantly flavored.

If you’re wondering what makes this one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, we rank it high for outdoor seating. When you’re escaping the winter chill, it’s nice to sit outside and soak up the warmer temps. We also appreciate the immersive theming and the chance to watch your food spinning on the rotisserie.

What Our Reviewers Said About Satu’li Canteen

Satu’li Canteen receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Smoking up Barbecue in the Animal Kingdom Wilderness

Just around the corner from It’s a Bug’s Life inside the Animal Kingdom theme park, is the sprawling grounds of Flame Tree Barbecue. Flame Tree offers smoked meats and typical sides overlooking the Asian landscape and the rising majesty of Expedition Everest. What the food lacks in cohesion to its atmosphere is more than made up for by the taste.

The cost of a meal at Flame Tree is another definite advantage to eating here. Plating up a half a chicken with two sides isn’t much more expensive than eating at one of the local barbecue restaurants here at home in Connecticut.

Similar to Satu’li Canteen, there is always a quiet corner you can tuck into here and enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. Just be advised that some of those sites will be eager to join you. We are usually approached by several ducks, ibis and other birds scrounging for dropped scraps.

This is one of the reasons we’ve deemed this restaurant one of the best dining experiences at Disney World. Sure, you can walk through animal enclosures and even take an African safari at this park, but there’s nowhere else you can commune with the nature in quite the same way.

Flame Tree Barbecue receives the following rankings as one of the best dining experiences at Disney World, according to our testers.

Restaurantosaurus and Cosmic Ray’s, Your Stop for Burgers and Such

When nothing will do but a burger and fries, you’ll find more than a few options across the 4 theme parks. We’ve tried most of them, and since the change over of Pecos Bill to southwestern cuisine, have settled on two.

Cosmic Ray’s, located in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, is by far not one of the best places to eat at Disney World, but as burgers go, it has a few things going for it. One is the toppings bar. Toppings these days are limited to prepackaged tubs and items, but kids find the animatronic performance of the Alf-like Sonny Eclipse oddly mesmerizing.

With kids tucked into a steaming wrapper of comfort food and lulled into silence by Sonny’s antics, parents have a nice moment to kick back and relax. During our visit, that seemed to mean checking emails from work and catching up with friends via social media. You’ll be free to do whatever it takes to make a temporary escape from the endless walking, sites and sounds of a Disney World vacation.

As dining experiences go, it’s easy to miss out on what makes this restaurant special. All you have to do is sit in the wrong area. To revel in all the campy fun, be sure to sit in Sunny’s Lounge.

Though quite similar in menu, Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom received higher marks from our test group. The burgers and fries, while appearing identical to those served at Cosmic Ray’s, seemed more palatable. Food was hotter and fries were fresher. The dino-themed ambiance, was also more agreeable though far less engaging for little ones.

One standout menu item was the cobb salad. Ingredients offered just-picked freshness in an agreeably-sized package for the price.

If we’re evaluating experience, this one is a fun find. Ride the Dinosaur ride just across the way and then visit Restaurantosaurus to extend your adventure. You’ll find plenty of dinosaur memorabilia, making it easy to believe you’ve stepped into the paleontologists’ commisary for a bite to eat.

What Our Reviewers Said About Cosmic Ray’s and Restaurantosaurus

When it comes to evaluating food choices, Restaurantosaurus and Cosmic Ray’s received similar markings, but were considered some of the best places to eat in Disney World for grabbing a burger and fries.

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While service dogs are always welcome at Disney World resorts, on Disney complimentary transportation and at Disney World parks, you’ll need to keep reading to find out whether traveling with your dog to Disney World now is permissable and right for you and your fur kid.

Are Dogs Allowed at Disney World?

To answer the all-important question, dogs are allowed at some Disney World Resorts. In 2017, Disney began welcoming canines at four resorts across the property as part of a pilot program.

• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
• Disney Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• The Cabins at Fort Wilderness Resort

Why were these resorts chosen? For one thing, they represent a sampling of all resort categories. Yacht Club is one of Disney’s Deluxe resorts, while Port Orleans and The Cabins at Fort Wilderness are priced as moderates and the Art Of Animation is a Value resort. By covering all of the three resort categories, Disney is making it possible for travelers to bring Fido along no matter what their vacation budget is.

Just as importantly, these four resorts also offer easy access to outside locations, including grassy dog-relief areas, as well as walkways where owners can exercise their dogs.

If you’re thinking that traveling with your dog to Disney World will help you save money and stretch your Disney budget, you should know that there is an additional $50 nightly fee for keeping your pet in the room with you at Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney Port Orleans Resort Riverside and the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. Guests staying at Disney’s Yacht Club shouild expect to pay a $75 nightly fee.

Essential Tips for Bringing Your Dog to Disney World

Mickey and his pals are really rolling out the welcome mat for your dog at Disney World. As proof, your furry friend will receive Pluto’s Welcome Kit, complete with all of the amenities Fido will need to make a stay complete:

• Pet Identification Tag
• Food Mat
• Food bowl
• Water bowl
• Bandana
• Map to walking paths
• List of dog friendly areas

It’s exciting news for Disney World lovers who also love their pets, but before we set off the fireworks and release the balloons in celebration, there are some caveats to consider. First, guests are restricted to two dogs per room, and Disney expects all friends of Pluto to mind their manners.

While no penalties for non-compliant canines have been mentioned, it’s worth considering how your dog behaves in public before you book your reservation and head out on your trip. If your dog is prone to barking or lunging at other guests, you and your fur kid may not have the best experience at Disney World.

Second, Disney has some pretty strict guidelines governing where dogs can and cannot go when staying at the resorts. Dogs are not allowed in public areas, such as pools, hotel restaurants or indoor walkways.

These restrictions are partly due to local health ordinances but are also designed to respect other guests. Believe it or not, there are people who don’t like smelling a wet dog that has just come out of the lazy river at Stormalong Bay. Others aren’t comfortable eating in restaurants where dogs are present. Others may have allergies to consider.

Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners on internal buses at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. This is great news since these resorts cover a lot of ground, making it a far walk for some guests to reach amenties such as dining areas. Keep in mind, however, that dogs are not permitted in restaurants or stores at your resort.

Dogs are also permitted to accompany owners when traveling by Minnie Vans, but only service animals are allowed on Disney World buses, watercraft, Skyliner or monorail.

Last, dogs are never allowed in any of the theme parks or water parks, which raises the next question? What do you do with your furry pal while you’re out enjoying the rest of Disney World?

Special Amenities for Dogs at Disney World

While you’re out enjoying all of the magic of a Disney World vacation, its only fair that Fido have his day. That’s why you may want to consider sending your canine friend to the Best Friends Pet Care for the day.

At Best Friends, your dog will enjoy an air-conditioned run when not out for play time with Pluto and his pals. As part of the service, Disney has employed 75 highly trained dog lovers to not only ensure that your dog has a good time but is safe and protected while doing so.

Overall, Best Friends Pet Care receives rave reviews from dog owners. Reviewers say the resort is extremely clean and that workers are caring and honest people who truly love dogs.  One person even considers Best Friends more of a spa than a kennel.

Best Friends offers a variety of services, but the day care option allows you to leave your dog in the company of other humans and canines as opposed to staying in the room alone. Play times are included as part of a package deal, ensuring that your dog will have plenty of socialization.

Day camp takes place in one of two air-conditioned rooms. Each is over 1,000 square feet and opens out into an attached yard for days when the temperatures are cooler.

Best Friends Pet Care even goes out of their way to accommodate dogs who might not care for the company of others. Another reviewer said that their dog was walked alone to make him feel secure while still providing plenty of exercise.

Pick up and drop off is convenient as well. Best Friends Pet Care has staff on hand for pick-up and drop-offs beginning one-hour before the parks open and an hour after the last resort closes.

Options for Dog Boarding at Disney World

If you’re considering a vacation with your dog at Disney World but can’t or don’t want to book a dog-friendly room at one of Disney’s pet-friendly resorts, consider boarding your dog at Disney World’s Best Friends Pet Care. You can visit him or her when you aren’t at the parks and Disney staff provides the care and love in between.

Again, Best Friends Pet Care has received rave reviews from guests who have boarded their dog, most citing a caring and attentive staff, the cleanliness of the facility and the overall relaxed state of their pet upon pick up.

There are four packages available, offering a number of options:

Indoor/outdoor suites

• 36 to 48-square-foot suites
• Indoor bedroom – pet cot included
• Outdoor patio for soaking in the sun
• Includes one walk daily

Indoor only suites

• 32-square foot climate-controlled suite
• Pet cot included
• 2 walks/day

Vacation Villa

• 72-square foot tiled main room
• Raised platform bed
• Private outdoor patio for soaking in the sun (28-square feet)
• Flat panel TV that plays Animal Planet and Disney Channel or your dog’s favorite video from home
• 1 walk per day
• 1 play group session with Pluto’s pals
• Turn-down service each day

VIP Suites (4 available):

• 226-square foot VIP suites
• Tiled main room with glass doors
• Raised platform bed
• Flat panel TV that plays Animal Planet and Disney Channel or your dog’s favorite video from home
• Personal pet concierge to take care of your dog
• Private, covered outdoor play yard
• 2 walks per day
• 2 play group sessions per day
• Ice cream treat
• Bedtime story
• Go-home fresh bath included in a 3-night stay)
• Webcam for owners to check in

You can add ala carte services to all packages above, including play times or walks. You can also add special snacks and individual playtimes.

Avoiding Pet-Friendly Rooms at Disney World: Tips for Allergy Sufferers

While Disney’s pet friendly policy is welcome news to dog owners and all of Pluto’s friends, Mickey hasn’t forgotten those guests who may not be able to count canines on their best friends list. Since only 250 rooms out of Disney’s total hotel inventory of around 28,000 are pet friendly, there is plenty of space for guests who suffer from allergies or those who would prefer not to stay in a room where pets have trod. All you need to do is make sure your preference is noted on your reservation. A quick call to Disney may be necessary to ensure your request is duly recorded.

IS YOUR DOG READY FOR A TRIP TO DISNEY WORLD?

We can help you book a magical trip to Disney for both you and your furry friend. Just email kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com or fill out the form to the right. Be sure to mention the name of your dog and let me know that he or she will be traveling with you.

Should I Bring My Dog to Disney World?

When deciding whether to travel with your dog to Disney World, there are a lot of factors to consider. If you choose not to take advantage of boarding or daycare at the Best Friends Pet Center and opt to leave you dog in your hotel room while out at the parks, the first question to think about is how your furry friend will do without you in a strange location.  If you regularly travel with your pet, and he or she has no trouble staying in an unfamiliar environment without you, bringing your dog to Disney World should be no problem. However, you should be advised that your dog will need to be crated while you are out of the room.

Another thing to consider is how comfortable your dog is around other people. No matter where you go at a Disney resort, you are likely to run into individuals and families. If this is a stressor for your dog, or your dog tends to be aggressive around strangers, it probably isn’t the best idea to have your dog at Disney World.

On the other hand, if you have a well-trained pet who is comfortable around people in unfamiliar environments, who is also used to being crated when you are away, you should have no trouble traveling with Fido to Disney World. Just remember to allot time in your schedule for regular walks and bathroom breaks or consider day care or boarding at Best Friends Pet Care.

Either way, know that Pluto is enthusiastically waiting to see you.

More Disney Tips and Tricks

An Insider’s Guide to the Best Time to Visit Disney World: What the Experts Say

12 Perks of Staying at a Disney Resort

6 Reasons You’d Want to Book a Split Stay at Disney World and How to Make It Simple

The post Are Dogs Allowed at Disney World? The Answer May Surprise You appeared first on Seconds to Go.

Disney World park hopper tickets offer a magical way to visit Mickey’s world, allowing you to “hop” from one park to another, all within a single day. Park hopping privileges, however, do not come without a cost.

So, what is a Disney World park hopper ticket and how do they compare to other types of park tickets? A standard non-discounted base ticket starts at $109 for a single day and tops out at $164 in 2024. A Disney World Park Hopper Ticket adds anywhere from $79 up to $90 to the cost of each base ticket when visiting a theme park for a single day. To decide if a Disney World Park Hopper ticket is really worth the extra cost, let’s take a look at the advantages as well as some scenarios where a hopper ticket makes sense.

What Is Disney World Park Hopper and How Does It Work?

Disney World theme park tickets come in two basic varieties. The single day ticket allows you to visit one park per day for each day of your trip. If you start your morning at Magic Kingdom and then decide you’d like to ride Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom in the afternoon, you are out of luck. You will not be permitted to enter Animal Kingdom on the same day that you have attended Magic Kingdom.

So what is a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket? Disney World’s Park Hopper pass does just what the name suggests. It allows you to hop from park to park during each day of your vacation. If you start your morning at Hollywood Studios, ride Tower of Terror and Rise of the Resistance, and then decide you want to keep the excitement going with Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT, you’re welcome to do so.

If visiting multiple theme parks a day during your trip isn’t enough, Disney has a third ticket option. The Park Hopper Plus allows you to visit multiple theme parks in a single day as well as a limited number of visits to Disney water parks and sporting venues.

How Much Does a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket Cost?

Before delving into the Disney World Park Hopper Ticket cost structure, it’s necessary to explain how Disney prices theme park tickets:

• Single day one park ticket: Allows you to visit one park for one day.
• Single day park hopper ticket: Allows you to visit any number of parks during a single day.
• Multi-day one park ticket: The ticket may be used for multiple days. Guests may visit only one park each day of their trip.
• Multi-day park hopper ticket: This ticket may be used for multiple days, and guests may visit as many of the 4 main theme parks each day as they desire.

So, how much does a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket cost? The additional cost for a Disney Park Hopper ticket varies depending on the dates you will use the ticket and how many days. For instances, the park hopper ticket adds a total of $80 to aa 2 day single park per day ticket for use starting on August 15. That tallies out to $40 per day for the park hopper option.

On the other hand, a the cost to add the park hopper option to a 6-day ticket comes out to a total of $85, meaning you’re actuall paying only $14.16 per day for all of the park hopping fun.

If you’re looking to trim costs on your Disney World budget, it might not be worth the extra expense to purchase a park hopper ticket. Likewise, if you have small children and know that it will take you a solid day to move through each of the theme parks, you could probably dispense with the added park hopper option.

However, there are many instances when purchasing a Disney World park hopper ticket just makes sense despite the added cost.

Is a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket Worth It: When Park Hopping Makes Sense

Despite the added cost of a Park Hopper ticket, we have always purchased the Disney World Park Hopper for our vacations, because we enjoy the spontaneity it provides. Here are some situations that may make a park hopper ticket a worthwhile proposition for you.

You find yourself visiting a park on the day of an after-hours event

Disney offers several special ticketed events, including Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Christmas Party. These events are closed to the public at large and only available to guests who have paid the extra purchase price for a separate ticket, so the parks close early.

Disney has also been known to close certain parks early for private events. Here, entities such as businesses and schools rent out the park for the use of the people associated with the organization. Doors close early to vacationers and regular day guests.

While guests who buy a single day ticket can easily avoid the park that is closing early, you will find that in the case of specially ticketed parties, these events often take place at least four days a week. That leaves you only 3 days to visit that park without worrying about being asked to leave early. If you have a park hopper ticket, on the other hand, you can simply move to another park when the first one closes.

You are a night owl or you’re traveling at a time of year when the parks close early

During less busy times of year, some parks may close as early as 7:00 or 8:00, leaving you with nothing to do in the evening, if you’ve purchased a single day ticket. With a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket, you can jump to a park that’s open later when the first one closes.

Similarly, during the summer and at other more popular times to visit, the parks may remain open late. If you’re a night owl with a park hopper ticket, you can experience all of the attractions at one park, hop to another, and keep going late into the night.

Need Help Selecting the Right Disney World Tickets?

As a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations, I can help. Simply email kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com or click here to submit a quote request.

• Find the right resort and ticket combination for your trip
• Securely book reservations and receive help linking your My Disney Experience account
• Learn the ins and outs of Disney dining and leave the Advanced Dining Reservations to someone else
• I’ll even book your first Genie+ reservation for each day of your trip.

Contact me today for a free no obligation quote.

You’re taking a shorter trip

Let’s face it, if you’re new to Disney, seeing everything over the course of 3 to 4 days can be difficult, but some of the parks take more time than others to experience everything there is to see. For example, many people breeze through Animal Kingdom and are done by mid-day or late afternoon.

With a Disney World Park Hopper ticket, you’re free to move to one of the other parks, allowing you to spend more time at some than at others. This is very useful during a shorter trip where you are trying to maximize the use of your time. Without the park hopper pass, if you leave a park early, you’ll have to find other things to do outside of the theme parks.

You like to maximize your planning

We’ve found that a Disney World Park Hopper ticket allows us to plan more efficiently. For example, if we want to visit the Magic Kingdom on a day that a special ticketed event is taking place, we can leave that park when it closes early and hop over to Disney Studios to see Fantasmic. Likewise, if a certain park gets too crowded in the afternoon, we can always hop to a different park where the waits look to be shorter. A quick check of the My Disney Experience app lets us view line times for rides and even book new Genie+ passes for the parks.

You like to avoid crowds

We’ve found that certain parks are less crowded at different times of the day. Magic Kingdom, for example, is almost always less crowded in the morning than it is in the afternoon. Animal Kingdom, on the other hand, gets less crowded as the day goes on. For that reason, we will often plan to split our days across different parks, something that’s possible with a Disney Park Hopper ticket.

You plan to enjoy character meals or other in-park restaurants

When planning to eat at some in-park restaurants, such as Be Our Guest or some of the character experiences, you may find that you aren’t able to book the reservation on the day you actually planned to attend that park. With a single day ticket, you’ll be forced to change your itinerary to attend the park on the day of your reservation.

With a Disney Park Hopper ticket, you can simply jump to the park of your choice after your meal or start there and move to the new park before it’s time to eat.

So, Is a Disney Park Hopper Ticket Worth It?

A Disney Park Hopper Ticket is definitely worth the cost if you are a stickler for planning, want to attend certain parks on certain days, are planning a shorter stay and want to split some of your days between different parks or like the ability to spontaneously move from park to park.

If you know that you can fill an entire day at a single park or don’t feel the need to hop from park to park in a single day, you will probably do just fine with a single-day ticket. Additionally, if you’re traveling with little ones and know you will spend your afternoons resting at your hotel, you might easily forego the park hopper pass. Before deciding, take some time to read the scenarios above to make sure that your plan won’t be better suited to a Disney World Park Hopper ticket.

Disney World Discounts: Score Hotel Deals and Ticket Savings

15 Essential Tips for Your First Time at Disney World: Harness the Magic Now

Saving Money on a Disney Vacation: Is It Cheaper to Book with a Travel Agent?

The post What Is a Disney World Park Hopper Ticket and Is It Worth the Cost? appeared first on Seconds to Go.

4 Simple Steps for Finding the Best Walt Disney World Tickets in 2024:

1. Understand your ticket options

   There are three types of Disney World tickets, so understanding your options is the first place to start.

2. Select the ticket option that is right for you

   Now that you understand your options, learn how to determine the best ticket type for your trip and traveling party.

3. Decide when to go

   Disney World tickets are priced differently depending on when you travel. Learn how to find and select the best dates for your vacation or how to price tickets if you are already locked in on travel dates.
4. Decide how you plan to buy

   Disney World tickets can be purchased individually or as part of a vacation package that allows you to bundle your ticket costs with your Disney World resort and even dining.

Understanding Disney World Park Tickets in 2024

Varied pricing for different dates, tiered rates depending upon your length of stay, and multiple ticket types make booking your Walt Disney World vacation tickets a confusing part of planning for an upcoming trip. The first step is to narrow in on one of the 3 ticket choices:

1 Park Per Day Ticket

This is Walt Disney World’s standard theme park ticket, often referred to in the travel industry as a base ticket. It provides admission into one of the 4 theme parks each day for the length of your stay.

• Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• Animal Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You may not visit more than one park in a day, though you may leave and revisit the same park during a single day. You may also add admission to water parks, mini golf and golf courses by adding on the Water Park and Sports option.

With the Water Park and Sports, you will still be able to visit any one of Disney’s theme parks on a single day, but you may also visit a certain number of the following parks or locations:

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park
• ESPN Wide World of Sports (when it is open)
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – Foot Golf
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course
• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course

Each guest can visit one of the locations listed above for each day of their vacation.

Disney World Park Hopper Ticket

The Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket expands upon the standard ticket by adding flexibility for travelers. Admission includes multiple visits to any one of 4 theme parks on the same day for the length of your ticket.

• Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• Animal Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You may visit as many of the 4 main theme parks as many times as you wish during a single day for the duration of your ticket.

Park Hopper Plus Ticket

In 2024, the Walt Disney World Park Hopper Plus ticket includes multiple visits to any of the 4 theme parks on the same day for the length of your ticket.

• Magic Kingdom
• EPCOT
• Animal Kingdom
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Your Disney World Park Hopper ticket will also include one visit for each day of your ticket to one of the locations listed below.

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course foot golf
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course (1 round per
  trip)
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course
  (1 round per day)
• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
  (1 round per day)
• You may visit as many of the 4 main theme parks as many times as you wish
  during a single day for the duration of your ticket

As demonstrated above, the differences in Disney World tickets revolve around the number of parks you may visit and how often. Whether you plan to visit water parks or golf courses is another thing to think about.

Disney World Ticket Prices Vary by Date

In 2018, Disney revamped its ticket pricing structure to encourage more even travel throughout the year. With this new pricing system, the cost of your Disney World ticket in 2024 will vary depending on the dates you travel.

In some cases, weekends or other days are priced higher. To see this in action, we can look at the cost of a single one-park ticket in August. According to Disney World’s ticketing website at the time of this writing, the cost for a ticket on August 20th starts at $109. However, if you visit at the beginning of the month, you could see ticket costs as high as $144. Late August is a less popular time for vacationers to visit the World, so the costs are lower.

The Longer You Stay, the Less You Pay

Walt Disney World tickets in 2024 are set up on a sliding scale. This works in 2 ways.

First, if you are visiting a single park for just one day, your ticket will be priced according to the park you visit. At present, Disney World single day tickets start at $100.00 and may go up, depending on the date you plan to visit.

The sliding scale also works when purchasing multi-day tickets. In fact, the per-day ticket price generally drops the longer you stay.

To see this in action, consider the price of a two-day ticket begining August 13, 2024. According to Disney’s website, the price rings it at $258.06 if you’ve opted to visit just one park per day, totalling out to $129.03 per ticket per day. If you plan to visit for four days, the price for the same ticket totals out to $501.92 for a per day price of $125.48.

Making the Most of Disney’s Ticket Expiration Policy

It’s also important to note that your ticket expiration will extend beyond the number of days on your ticket. Disney offers some added flexibility by allowing you to utilze your tickets within a window of time from your declared start date as shown in the table below.

To see Disney’s ticket expiration policy in action, let’s say you plan to arrive at Disney World on August 20th and visit the parks for 5 days. To do so, you have purchased a 5-day ticket. You now have the flexibility to attend the parks any time from August 20th through August 28th, allowing you time to visit other Orlando attractions during your stay should you wish to do so.

Disney World Ticket Price Saving Tip

There is a tip to heed when purchasing Disney World tickets a la carte, meaning outside of a vacation package. Since Disney allows you to utilize the ticket over a course of days, you can use this to your advantage when purchasing.

Say you want to begin your trip on August 23rd and visit the parks for 6 days. Looking at the ticket pricing for the month on the calendar below, we see that a multi-day ticket beginning on the 23rd costs $92 per day.

However, if we select a start date of August 21st for our tickets, the price drops to $86 per day. As long as we plan to use the 6 days on our ticket by August 29th, we can save money by selecting an earlier start date.

Which Disney World Ticket Is Right for Me?

Walt Disney World single day tickets allow you to visit a single park for one day. For example, if you’ve scheduled a three-day trip, and plan to go to the Magic Kingdom on day one, EPCOT on day two and Animal Kingdom on day three, this is the ticket for you.

On the other hand, the park hopper option provides much greater flexibility, allowing you to visit multiple parks in a day. By way of example, this ticket is great if you plan to attend one of the four main theme parks during the day and then switch to a different park for a night time show or dining option.

When deciding on which ticket to buy, you’ll want to consider how you plan to vacation. To make sure you select the right ticket, take a look at each park and make note of the attractions, shows and rides you plan to enjoy. That should provide you with enough information to determine whether you will need to park hop or spend each day in a single park.

The key question to ask is this: will I be experiencing enough attractions to fill an entire day in one park or will I need extra time in one or two parks? For instance, if you utilize early entry at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you could experience all of the amazing sights by late afternoon. With a single day base ticket, you’d need to hang around with nothing to do or head back to your hotel. With a Park Hopper Ticket, you could easily switch to another park and hit up any missed attractions from the previous days. This strategy is particularly advantagous on a trip where you are staying for 5 days or less.

On the other hand, if you know you will be attending a water park and would like to take advantage of mini golf or other activities included in the park hopper plus option, you’ll want to compare the cost of this ticket to purchasing a base single day ticket or park hopper ticket and buying the added experiences separately.

Where Should I Buy My Disney World Tickets in 2024?

Now that you understand your options, you might be wondering where you should buy your Disney World Tickets. Disney sells tickets to all of its Florida theme parks, water parks and special ticketed events, right through the park’s website, the My Disney Experience app or through travel agents. If you’re looking to understand ticket costs and your options, and you aren’t working with a travel agent, the Disney World website should be your first stop as Disney makes it easiest to find the least expensive dates.

Simply hover over the Parks & Tickets option in the main navigation at the top of the page. In the drop down menu, select theme park tickets. Then select the type of ticket you want to purchase. You will then be given the chance to check availability within the Disney Park reservation system before purchasing a ticket.

Ensuring you know the dates you plan to travel is a critical first step. Once you purchase your Walt Disney World theme park tickets, they will only be good for a week or so from the first date of travel, and they are not refundable. If you a make a purchase and then discover that there is no availability in the parks, you will be out those funds.

Once you have checked availability for your dates of travel, you can scroll down to see the various ticket options.

From here, you could select your ticket type, scroll down to select your dates and then complete your purchase right from the Disney World website.

A better option for purchasing Disney World tickets is to include them in a Disney World vacation package. A vacation package rolls the cost of an onsite Disney World resort hotel and your tickets together. You will pay a deposit at the time of booking, but the final package cost won’t be due until 30 days before you travel. You may cancel your reservation at any time before then and receive a full refund. When purchasing tickets separately, they are non-refundable. You can learn more about this by visiting our page on Disney World vacation packages.

At times, Disney World does offer discounts on ticket purchases. More common discounts include the booking of a Disney World resort hotel. You can always view the current discounts on our Disney World discounts page.

Simplifying the Disney World Ticket Buying Process

When you’re looking to save time and simplifying the purchasing process, work with a Disney travel agent on your ticket purchase. You’ll pay the same price for the tickets, but will have the added benefit of experience to guide you.

Disney travel agents working with an authorized Disney travel agency, such as Mickey World Travel, will discuss your trip with you and help you pick the right ticket option for your vacation and budget. They will then initiate the transaction for you and can even help you link tickets to your My Disney Experience account if necessary.

What is a Magic Band and Do I Need One?

For many people, Disney World tickets and MagicBands go hand-in-hand. These wrist-worn devices can be purchased for an additional charge. They act as a room key as well as your ticket to the park. Magic Bands even hold Genie+ reservations allowing you to simply tap your wrist to enter the Lightning Lane.

One thing to note, Magic Bands were formally included in the cost of your Disney World Resort stay. So, if you previously stayed at a Disney World onsite property, you can reuse the Magic Bands provided to you at that time.

Looking for a Travel Agent to Help You Decide on Ticket Options? We Can Help

As a Connecticut-based travel agent with Mickey World Travel, Kathleen Hesketh can help you plan and book your Disney World vacation no matter where you live within the U.S.

Plan your vacation your way and receive as much or as little help as you want.

• Booking dining reservations, saving you the 6:00 am wake up call
• Custom itinerary suggestions
• Convenient payment plans
• Help with Genie+
• and more

Fill out the form to the right (below on mobile) for a no-obligation quote.

Purchasing Disney World Tickets – What Will they Give Me?

The form of your ticket differs depending on where you purchase and your preferences. When purchasing online through Disney’s website or the My Disney Experience app, you can easily have the tickets assigned to your Magic Band if you’re staying at a Disney resort. Just make sure you are signed into your My Disney Experience Account when you buy. Otherwise you will need to link them using the number given as confirmation of your purchase.

If you purchase a Disney World vacation package, you can use your package reservation code to link your tickets to your My Disney Experience account. Once linked, they are available through your MagicBand or Disney MagicMobile.

If you don’t plan to use either MagicBand or MagicMobile, you will need a plastic ticket card to scan at park entry points. Be sure you opt to have tickets mailed to you during the purchase process if this is the case. If you want to skip the mailing fee, you may also opt to pick your tickets up at any of Disney’s theme parks.

The card has each individual’s name and a special number as well as a magnetic strip on the back. These are valid for admission for the length of your stay and easily fit in a pocket or wallet. You may also opt to pick up your tickets at the park on the day of your arrival.

When purchasing tickets anywhere else, you will probably be given some options. Travel agents, for example, may provide you with hard plastic ticket or email you electronic tickets without any additional charge.

These can then be linked to your My Disney Experience account and assigned to to the individuals in your party. When this process is complete, they will be automatically loaded to the Magic Band for each person in your travel party if you are using them.

When it comes to purchasing Walt Disney World tickets in 2024, you have many options to find the magical combination that is right for you.

Looking for More Information to Plan Your Disney World Trip?

The Ultimate Guide: How Many Days Should You Spend at Disney World?

15 Essential Tips for Your First Time at Disney World: Harness the Magic Now

Is Disney World’s Park Hopper Ticket Worth the Cost?

How to Link Theme Park Tickets to My Disney Experience

Using Disney World Genie Plus

How Does the Magic Band Work & Do You Need One?

The post Guide to Walt Disney World Tickets in 2024 appeared first on Seconds to Go.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the ticket options, look no further, because we’re here to compare two popular Disney World theme park tickets: Disney Park Hopper vs Park Hopper Plus, providing the details and insights you need to find the perfect ticket for your vacation needs.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker who wants to conquer all the rides or a leisurely traveler looking to cool off at the water parks, we’ll break down the differences between these two ticket options and help you find the one that suits your Disney dreams.

Understanding the Differences Between Disney Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Tickets

When it comes to exploring the wonders of Walt Disney World, having the right ticket can make all the difference.

The Disney Park Hopper ticket allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day. When compared to the standard base ticket, a park hopper ticket provides astounding flexibility. You can start your day at one park, hop over to another for lunch, and end the day with a dazzling fireworks show at a different park.

Park hopper tickets can be purchased for a single day or multiple days up to 10. While tickets do expire, guests do not have to use multi-day park hopper tickets on consecutive days, providing you with greater flexibility to explore the Orlando area. How many days your ticket will cover before expiring depends on the length of your ticket as shown in the chart below:

On the other hand, the Park Hopper Plus ticket provides guests with all of the privileges associated with the Park Hopper pass but amps up the excitement on your Disney vacation by opening doors to the water parks, golf courses, mini-golf courses, and other exciting activities within the Walt Disney World Resort.

Benefits of the Disney Park Hopper Plus Ticket

Since the Park Hopper Plus offers the freedom to create your own itinerary and maximize your time at the parks, it is ideal for travelers who plan to spend a week or more at Disney World or those who want only a limited time enjoying rides and attractions. This premier ticket offers a host of activities in addition to admission to Disney parks, including entrance to:

• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park
• Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course – FootGolf
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (prior to 4:00 PM)
• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (prior to 4:00 PM)

The length of your ticket determines how many times you will be able to visit any of the experiences offered through the Park Hopper Plus ticket. Guests will be able to select one experience from the list for each day of their park hopper ticket. For example, if you purchase a 6-day Park Hopper Plus ticket, you will be able to enjoy one attraction from the list above each of the 6 days.

You may select any experience as many times as you’d like. If you’re a water parks type of person, you can easily spend every day of your trip visiting either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon in addition to Disney’s theme parks. On the other hand, if you’re a golf enthusiast, it’s simple to combine a morning tee-time with park visits.

Sample Itineraries Utilizing the Disney World Park Hopper Plus Ticket

To shine a clearer light on the Park Hopper Plus ticket and its world of possibilities, let’s take a look at some sample itineraries.

2-Day Disney World Park Itinerary Using Park Hopper Plus

Day One

• Morning: Visit Hollywood Studios
• Hop to EPCOT for lunch at Space 220
• Afternoon: Spend a few hours playing mini golf at Winter Summerland
• Spend the evening watching fireworks at Magic Kingdom and riding popular rides.

Day Two

• Morning: Visit EPCOT
• After Lunch hop to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park

6-Day Disney World Park Itinerary Using Park Hopper Plus

Day One

• Morning: Visit Hollywood Studios
• Hop to EPCOT for lunch at Space 220
• Afternoon and evening: Explore the World Showcase and stay for Luminous The Symphony of Us

Day Two

• Spend the day at Hollywood Studios Park

Day Three

• Spend the Day at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

Day Four

• Enjoy Early Theme Park Entry at Magic Kingdom
• Enjoy an Afternoon T-time at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• Revisit Magic Kingdom for Happily Ever nighttime show and other attractions

Day 5

• Use Early Theme Park Entry, Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes to experience EPCOT’s most popular attractions with little wait
• Visit Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park in the afternoon
• Spend the evening Watching Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Day 6

• Visit a few parks, schedule a t-time, catch an even at ESPN Wide World of Sports or anything else you have time for before you depart for home.

The Park Hopper Plus ticket provides a wide array of recreational activities for those who want to take a break from the theme parks and try something different. It’s the perfect ticket for those looking to add some variety to their Disney vacation and create memories that go beyond the traditional park experience.

Which Ticket Is Right For Families With Young Children?

Since the Disney Park Hopper ticket allows you to visit multiple parks in a day, it can offer a lot of fun for kids who are eager to explore different attractions. However, don’t forget the sheer enthusiasm most young children have for the parks when planning your activities.

For many young children, visiting Minnie and Mickey and exploring the sights and theming of a Disney park can take all day, leaving you little time for water parks or other fun unless you’re planning a trip of a week or more.

On the other hand, if your child is too short to enjoy many of the attractions that tend to exhibit long lines, you might find yourself ready to exit a park earlier in the day. Younger children may also need a break from the excitement, making mini golf or a relaxing wade into the shores of Typhoon Lagoon’s wave pool a welcome change.This can be especially beneficial during hot summer months when youngsters and adults alike may need a refreshing escape from the heat.

When deciding on whether you should purchase the Park Hopper Ticket or the Park Hopper Plus, keep in mind the personality of your children and how they’re most likely to enjoy Disney World the most.

Which Ticket Is Right for Thrill-Seekers and Adventure Enthusiasts?

If you’re an adrenaline junkie who loves thrilling rides and immersive experiences, the Disney Park Hopper ticket could be the best option for you, since you can hop from park to park to take in the most thrilling attractions, multiple times.

However, if you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, the Park Hopper Plus ticket offers the opportunity to try out some of Disney’s water-based thrills, such as Summit Plummet at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, a near-vertical, freefall waterslide. Since thrill seekers also covet a ride on Typhoon Lagoon’s Humunga Kowabunga—offering a near vertical 5-story drop in the dark—a Park Hopper Plus ticket could extend your options to Disney’s watery thrills.

Which Ticket Is Right for Those Who Want to Experience Water Parks and Other Recreational Activities?

If your idea of a perfect Disney vacation involves splashing around in water parks, playing mini-golf with your family, or trying your hand at golf, then the Park Hopper Plus ticket is the way to go. With this ticket, you have the flexibility to explore not only the four main theme parks but also the water parks, golf courses, and mini-golf courses. It allows you to create a well-rounded vacation experience that includes both the excitement of the theme parks and the leisurely enjoyment of many additional recreational activities.

Comparing the Costs of Disney Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Tickets

When planning your Disney vacation, it’s important to consider the costs associated with each ticket option. The prices of the Disney Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets may vary depending on factors such as the time of year, the length of your visit, and any promotions or discounts that may be available.

Typically, the Park Hopper Plus ticket is priced slightly higher than the regular Park Hopper ticket, since it includes access to the water parks, golf courses, and other recreational activities. This should be automatically seen as a deal breaker. Instead, weigh the additional cost against the value you will receive from the extra experiences. If you and your family are avid water park enthusiasts or enjoy playing golf, the Park Hopper Plus ticket may provide excellent value for the money.

Before making your decision, compare the costs of both ticket options and consider your budget, the length of your stay, and the activities that interest you the most. Also, keep in mind that both the Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets can be combined in a Disney World package reservation including one of Disney’s resort hotels. By staying onsite, you’ll have easy access to Disney’s resort transportation, making it quick and easy to travel from your hotel to the theme parks and water parks.

With decades of experience in hand, we provide customized guidance, cutting through the confusion with clear explanations and actionable tips. We’ll help you create the best experience, with recommendations and travel planning advice based on the trip you want to have and the memories you want to make.

As travel agents with Mickey World Travel, we at Seconds to Go can take the fuss out of a Disney World vacation. Request your free Disney World vacation quote today or email kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com!

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision for Your Disney Vacation

With a choice between the Disney Park Hopper ticket and the Park Hopper Plus ticket, we always purchase the Park Hopper ticket. We enjoy the added flexibility of park hopping but rarely visit water parks or enjoy golfing.

When making your own decision, consider factors such as the ages and interests of your travel companions and your appetite for the experiences included with the Park Hopper Plus ticket. However, 2 factors will play the biggest part in helping you make the right decision: the length of your trip and your budget.

It’s difficult enough to visit the 4 main theme parks and see all of the attractions in less than 5 days, particularly if you’re visiting Disney World for the first time. With limited time, it’s also unlikely that you will have the hours necessary to fit water parks and golf into your schedule. Save the Park Hopper Plus ticket for another time when you can add more days to your schedule.

On the other hand, a Park Hopper ticket can provide more flexibility to fit in the many attractions you’ll want to see in the limited time that you have. This is especially true when visiting for the first time.

We highly advise a Park Hopper ticket purchase for any Disney World first timers embarking on a limited stay. We also advise this type of ticket for returning guests who intend to only ride certain attractions during the time that they have.

With a Disney World base ticket, you’ll need to spend an entire day at each park, even if you’ve experienced every attraction you want to visit. However, by park hopping, you can easily schedule your itinerary to include only the rides you plan to experience.

By selecting the right ticket, you can ensure that your Disney vacation is everything you dreamed of and more.

More Disney Planning Insights

Master the art of the My Disney Experience App with this Step-by-Step Guide

4 Reasons You Need a Walt Disney World Travel Agent and How to Find One

What Is the New Disney World Genie Service and Can it Simplify Your Vacation?

The post Disney Park Hopper vs Park Hopper Plus: Which Ticket is Right for You? appeared first on Seconds to Go.

If you’re ready to book one of these magical offers, click here or email kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com.

First, Let’s Understand What a Disney World Discount in 2024 Entails

Booking a Disney World discount offer in 2024 will always offer savings over standard pricing, but to take advantage of the money-saving opportunities, you need to understand how the promotions work.

Typically, there are 3 types of Disney World promotions offered: room only, ticket only or package promotions. The first is just what the name suggests – a discount on the cost of your hotel room.

However, there are some things to know about room-only discounts.

1.  Discounts are based on occupancy levels at Disney World resorts, so all hotels may not be available for the discount.

2.  Disney World Discounts are offered seasonally to cover certain dates of travel.

3.  Not all offers are available to the general public. Some will have certain eligibility standards, such as being a Disney+ subscriber.

In simplified terms, if the powers that be see that there is a surplus of rooms in a certain date range, they will issue a room only discount to entice travelers to book a reservation. Since discounts are meant to fill resorts where there are vacancies, a room-only resort discount may not be offered for all resorts during every offer.

Discounts are also applied differently across the three resort categories—Value, Moderate and Deluxe.  You’ll usually see the biggest discounts at Deluxe resorts and Deluxe Villas with the lowest discounts at Value resorts. Again, the best Disney World deals in 2024 are based on supply and demand, so where the demand is highest, you’ll see lower discounts.

To put this in perspective, a Disney World discount may drop the price of some deluxe resort stays by 20 percent. However, the same offer may only snip 10 percent off the cost of your value resort accommodations. With a stay at a moderate resort, you might save 15%.

It’s also important to note that only a certain number of rooms will be set aside for booking with any given Disney World deal. Under some circumstances, you may still be required to book a room at a resort by paying standard rates, if all room set aside for the discount have been booked. To get the discount, you may need to be flexible about where you stay. If you’re set on a particular resort, be sure to move fast and book within a day or two of the offer being released.

When it comes to Disney World discount packages, there are times when Disney will offer reduced rates on a combination of hotel accommodations and theme park tickets. Purchasing a package deal is usually the best way to book a Disney World vacation. For one thing, the deposit is usually less, but you can also take advantage of payment plans and flexible cancellation policies. Read our blog on Disney vacation packages to learn all of the ins and outs of package bookings at Disney World.

Trying to decide on a resort? Our detailed and informative Disney World Resorts list will provide you with the details you need to select the resort that’s right for you and your party.

Disney World Discount Rooms and Other Offers Available for 2024

Disney currently has several fabulous offers available to all members of the public, in addition to special rates for Florida residents and annual passholders. Keep reading for all of the details.

Florida Residents Save up to 30% off Room Rates This Summer

Florida residents can book Disney World resort hotels at up to 30% off this summer. This offer covers most nights from March 25, 2024 through July 7, 2024. Guests are eligible for discounts when booking a 1-14 night stay. Discounts vary by resort booked. See the chart below for more information:

Disney® Visa® Cardmembers: Save Up to 35% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Through Early June

Disney Visa Cardholders can save up to 35% on Disney World hotel rooms during select dates of travel 2024 – now extended through early summer. Don’t have a Disney Visa Card? It’s not too late to apply and may be worth it. This is one of the biggest discounts on room rates we’ve seen in a long time. Plus, new card members can get a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months. That’s akin to receiving an extra $300 discount on the cost of your trip.

Book now and and travel most nights March 25, 2024 through June 29, 2024 to receive up to 35% off the cost of a Disney World resort stay.

You’ll enjoy card-member exclusive savings at select resorts on select nights, including:

• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – $129 per night, plus tax for a Standard Room, for stays most nights from March 25 through April 27, 2024
• Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – $229 per night, plus tax for a Standard View Room (accommodates up to 5 Guests), for stays most nights from March 25 through June 29, 2024
• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn – $419 per night, plus tax for a Resort View Room, for stays most nights from March 25 through June 29, 2024

This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below.

• The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
• Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort – Preferred Room
• Disney’s All-Star Music Resort – Preferred Room and Family Suites
• Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Standard View and Savanna View Rooms)
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
• Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Cars Family Suites)
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Disney’s Pop Century Resort
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
• Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited, so contact us today to secure these rates. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Length of stay requirements may apply. Must use a valid Disney® Visa® Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card to pay the deposit, and the cardholder must stay in the room.

Valid Travel Dates

• Stays select nights March 25, 2024 through June 29, 2024

Length of Stay Requirements

• Minimum – 1 night
• Maximum – 14 nights

Free Dining Offer Returns for Disney Visa Cardholders Select Months This Year

With the return of Disney dining plans in 2024 comes a fabulous free dining offer for Disney Visa Card holders. Simply book a minimum non-discounted 4-night stay at a Disney World Resort hotel, with a minimum 4-day park hopper ticket, and you’ll receive a free dining plan for everyone booked in your room. This Disney World discount offer is available for booking during the following dates:

• July 1 to July 31, 2024
• September 1 to September 7, 2024
• December 9 to December 21, 2024

Why is this such a great offer? Well, for one thing, you’ll get 2 meals, a snack and a resort refillabel mug included in your regular package price. It’s a great way to visit Disney without having to worry about budgeting extra money for food.

Included in a value or moderate resort booking is the Disney Quick Service dining plan. This option provides 2 quick service meals a day, allowing you to order, eat and get back to the parks. Packages that include a stay at a deluxe resort or one of Disney’s deluxe villas will include the Disney Dining Plan. This plan provides you with the same 2 meals a day, but one may be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace at one of Disney’s table service restaurants. If you need more information on Disney’s dining plans, you can read our dining plan guide.

When booking this offer, you will need to use your Disney Visa Card to pay for your deposit and package final payment, but with 0% financing for 6 months, it’s a great way to visit Disney in 2024 while paying over time, even after your vacation ends. Just knot that some resorts may not be included in this offer.

Save Up to 30% on Rooms at Select Disney Resorts Summer into Early Fall 2024.

Guests visiting Disney World this summer into early October are in for a special treat by saving up to 30% on select resort hotels when booking a stay of 5 nights or longer. Discounts are available at select hotels for stays most nights July 8 through October 3, 2024.

This offer is valid for the Disney Resort hotels listed below. View the chart to explore savings.

This Disney World discount offer is valid for stays of 1-14 nights and cannot be combined with other Disney World discounts or promotions. It also excludes certain room types, such as 3-bedroom villas.

One thing to note: this is a room only offer and does not include theme park tickets.

Need help deciding which offer is right for you? Let us help! Mickey World Travel, Platinum Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

We’re now Disney vacation planners with Mickey World Travel!

• Let us provide a free no obligation quote (fill out quote form here or contact ·  kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com for more information)
• Get help selecting your resort and the right ticket options, make advanced dining reservations and more.

Book now and receive ongoing support with your Disney World vacation. We’ll even monitor Disney World pricing for special offers and discounts and rebook you if a better deal becomes available for your hotel and travel dates.

Learn more about working with a Disney travel planner or contact us today to start planning your magical Disney adventure. Our services are offered at no cost to you.

Florida Residents Score up to 30% off on Disney World Resort Hotel Rooms Summer and Early Fall

Similar to the offer open to the general public, Florida residents are being offered discounts up to 30% off a Disney World resort hotel stay this summer through early fall. Unlike the offer open to the general public, Florida residents do not need to book a minimum number of nights. Discounts are available most nights from Juy 8 to October 3, 2024.

This Disney World discount offer is also valid for stays of 1-14 nights and cannot be combined with other Disney World discounts or promotions. It also excludes certain room types, such as 3-bedroom villas.

Special Disney World Discount Park Tickets Available through September

Guests who may be staying at a non-Disney hotel or enjoying other Florida accommodations will appreciate these Disney World discount park tickets. Select either a special 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket or the Special 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket and receive a discount on theme park admission.

Unlock four days of enchantment and excitement with a 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket, an invitation to explore the wonders of Walt Disney World’s theme parks at a special starting price of just $99 per day, plus tax. For a total starting price of $396 per person plus tax, you’ll receive one admission to each of Disney’s four iconic parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, spread over four magical days—one park per day.

If you’re planning a shorter stay, discover a trio of delights with our 3-Day, 3-Park Ticket, offering an exclusive chance to embark on unforgettable adventures across Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Starting at just $89 per day, plus tax, for a total starting from $267 per person plus tax, this specially priced ticket ushers you into a world of fun and excitement, one park per day, over three distinct days.

Tickets are available for travel dates starting April 2 through September 24, 2024.

If you’re looking for Disney World discount packages or Disney World hotel deals with tickets, you can book any of the previously mentioned hotel discounts and combine them with the discounted 3- or 4-day ticket.

Disney World Discounts in 2024 for U.S. Military Members

Both active and retired military members, (including personnel of the National Guard, reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service, and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) as well as their spouses, can take advantage of discounted theme park tickets in 2024.

Choose between a 4-day, 5-day or 6-day Disney World Ticket.

The promotional tickets below are available for purchase:

6-Day Military Salute Tickets
Purchase now through December 15, 2024

• With the Park Hopper Option: $409 plus tax
• With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $439 plus tax

5-Day Military Salute Tickets
Purchase now through December 16, 2024

• With the Park Hopper Option: $389 plus tax
• With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $419 plus tax

4-Day Military Salute Tickets
Purchase now through December 17, 2024

• With the Park Hopper Option: $369 plus tax
• With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $399 plus tax

Receive admission for 4 or 5 days when you visit during the period from January 1, 2024 through December 20, 2024, subject to the following blackout dates:

• March 24, 2024 through April 6, 2024
• November 24, 2023 through November 30, 2023

Remember that a valid theme park reservation is required in addition to a ticket to gain entry to the parks for each person in your party ages 3 and up. You can also purchase the Memory Maker product for a special price of $98 through December 20, 2024.

U.S. Military Member Disney Resort Hotel Discount

Eligible Service Members can enjoy great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights January 1, 2023 through December 20, 2024 when booked by December 20, 2024. To book this offer or receive a quote, contact a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. Valid military ID will be required upon check-in and the military member (or spouse) must stay in the room.

This offer is available tor active or retired US military personnel, including active or retired members of the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Spouses of Military Service Members also qualify if they are able to present valid and active US Military IDs in the absence of active or retired Military Personnel or Commissioned Corps Members.

What to Do if You Can’t Find a Disney World deal for Your Travel Range and Preferred Accommodations

If you find that the selected Disney World discount is not available during your travel dates, and you have flexibility in your travel plans, try running a search for different dates.

If you can’t find full availability at a single resort using a discounted rate, you may be able to book a split stay. That means booking the same resort using two or three separate reservations to get the bulk of your travel covered by the discount.

For example, you can make one reservation using the discount for the first part of your stay, and book a separate using the discount for the last part of your stay.

Of course, this gets trickier when booking a package reservation, since ticket prices become less expensive per day the longer you stay. You’ll need to run multiple scenarios to see which option provides you with the best pricing.

If a split stay sounds like a lot of hassle, Disney does a great job of simplifying split bookings. If you notify the desk when you check in that you have more than one reservation, they will often make it possible for you to stay in the same room for both reservations.

In addition, by asking for online checkin on the subsequent reservations, you won’t have to go to the desk to check in again when the new reservation starts.

You can also consider splitting your stay across two or more different resorts. This is a great way to experience the magic of Disney in all its realms as each resort offers its own vibe and amenites.

Disney makes split stays across multiple resorts easy as well, by transfering your bags for you while you are out enjoying your daily activities. Simply drop them off at baggage check on your way to the parks. When you get to your new resort later that day, a quick call down to baggage check from your in-room phone will have them quickly delivered to your room.

Last, and most importantly, consider getting a quote from a Disney World travel professional. A travel agent who specializes in Disney travel can run different scenarios to find you the best options for your stay. Keep reading for more information on working with a travel agent on your Disney vacation planning.

Disney World Discounts the Easy Way – Let Someone Else Look for Discounts

For simplified booking, consider using a travel agent who specializes in Disney travel. You’ll get the same discounts offered through Disney online without the hassle of searching for available hotels or the best travel dates. Disney travel agents can look up pricing, provide you with a quote, and you’ll never pay more than you would booking directly through Disney.

Often, people fear that they will be required to pay a commission when working with a travel agent. This is simply not the case. Disney pays the commission to travel agencies on your hotel booking, allowing agents to book the same discounted rates you would find on the Disney website or by calling directly.

This provides travel agents who specialize in Disney with some added flexibility to combine discount reservations with concierge service. For example, we at Mickey World Travel, will go above and beyond making your hotel, ticket or package booking by also making dining reservations on your behalf. By working with a Disney World travel agent, you don’t have to get up at 5:30 am on the 60 day mark to make your ADRs, because someone else will do it for you.

Travel agents will also help you plan your days in the park, make better use of My Disney Experience and will be on call to answer any questions you might have. Best of all, they’ll continuously monitor Disney discounts as they are released and snag any newly released offers on your behalf.

If you’d like a quote on Disney travel, click here to fill out our handy quote form or email kathleen@mickeyworldtravel.com.

Additional information you might enjoy

July in Disney World, Should You Go or Stay Home?

4 Reasons You Need a Walt Disney World Travel Agent and How to Find One

Returning 2024: Disney Dining Plan: Eat, Drink, and Save Big at the Happiest Place on Earth!-Updated for 2023 and 2024!

The post Disney World Discounts in 2024: Score Hotel Deals and Savings appeared first on Seconds to Go.