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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide

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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back in 2023! The party as we know and love it finally returned in 2022 and of course it’s back for 2023 ( updated May 16, 2023 ).

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) is a hard ticket event held at Magic Kingdom every fall. And I use the term “Fall” loosely because the party seems to start earlier and earlier every year.

This is a comprehensive guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party to help plan your MNSSHP experience. The end of the post will include some tips on how to approach the party for the greatest success.

Table of Contents

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2023 Dates

This year the party starts on August 11. Because nothing says Halloween like the sweltering Florida humidity in the middle of summer!

Disney has gradually been inching this party earlier and earlier every year. However, this seems to be the basic part of August that they’ll stick with for the start date.

Here are all the MNSSHP dates for 2023:

• August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29 
• September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 
• October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31
• November: 1

Historically Sold Out Dates

Each year, there are certain dates which always sell out. The basic rule of thumb is that the closer the party is to October 31, the faster it sells out.

If you want to go on Halloween itself, make sure to buy your tickets as soon as you can.

Another date that always sells out is opening day of the party. Because it is the first day, the party attracts bloggers and vloggers who want to give their followers party details as soon as possible.

Again, if this is the day you plan to attend, make sure you buy your tickets in advance.

MNSSHP Tickets

As with all things Disney, the party isn’t exactly cheap. Each year the prices seem to go up, like everything else associated with Disney World.

Disney hasn’t released the pricing to expect in 2023, but I would expect it to be at least the same price as last year, if not more.

In 2022, the MNSSHP ticket prices ranged from $109-$199, and surprisingly, the price range hasn’t increased for 2023! However, most of the dates, with the exception of the first several dates, have increased by $10 per ticket within that range.

Here’s the list of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween price for 2023. The first amount is the price for adult tickets (ages 10 and up) and the second number is the child ticket (ages 3-9):

• Friday, August 11, 2023 – $149/$139
• Tuesday, August 15, 2023 – $109/$99
• Friday, August 18, 2023 – $109/$99
• Tuesday August 22, 2023 – $109/$99
• Friday August 25, 2023 – $109/$99
• Tuesday August 29, 2023 – $109/$99
• Friday September 1, 2023 – $119/$109
• Monday September 4, 2023 – $119/$109
• Friday September 8, 2023 – $119/$109
• Sunday September 10, 2023 – $119/$109
• Tuesday September 12, 2023 – $119/$109
• Friday September 15, 2023 – $119/$109
• Sunday September 17, 2023 – $119/$109
• Tuesday September 19, 2023 – $149/$139
• Friday September 22, 2023 – $149/$139
• Sunday, September 24, 2023 – $149/$139
• Tuesday September 26, 2023 – $149/$139
• Thursday, September 28, 2023 – $149/$139
• Friday September 29, 2023 – $149/$139
• Sunday October 1, 2023 – $149/$139
• Tuesday October 3, 2023 – $169/$159
• Thursday October 5, 2023 – $169/$159
• Friday October 6, 2023 – $189/$179
• Monday October 9, 2023 – $169/$159
• Tuesday October 10, 2023 – $169/$159
• Thursday October 12, 2023 – $169/$159
• Friday October 13, 2023 – $189/$179
• Sunday October 15, 2023 – $169/$159
• Tuesday October 17, 2023 – $169/$159
• Thursday October 19, 2023 – $169/$159
• Friday October 20, 2023 – $189/$179
• Sunday October 22, 2023 – $169/$179
• Tuesday October 24, 2023 – $169/$159
• Thursday October 26, 2023 – $169/$159
• Friday October 27, 2023 – $189/$179
• Sunday October 29, 2023 – $199/$189
• Tuesday October 31, 2023 – $199/$189
• Wednesday November 1, 2023 – $199/$189

As a frame of reference, back in 2020, the prices ranged from $85 to $149 for adults. This shows you just how much of a price increase there’s been.

As the dates get to October the price continues to increase across the board. You will also notice that the frequency of party dates increases in October.

If you are a Disney Vacation Club member or an Annual Passholder, you qualify for discounted tickets on specified dates. The discount is typically $10 off per ticket.

Expect that the dates that qualify are all of the less popular days. Most dates in August and September, Sundays, Tuesday, and Thursdays are the likely choices.

Those discount dates dry up as you get closer to Halloween.

When do Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets Go On Sale?

You can buy your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets NOW!

General public ticket sales for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party started on May 2, 2023 . You can purchase the tickets online or by calling 407-939-4240.

Guests at Disney World Resorts and other select hotels could buy their Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets starting April 27, 2023.

The qualifying resorts are any Disney World Resort, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green.

If at all possible, I recommend buying them online. Disney has done an atrocious job at handling call volume for years. Wait times are often multiple hours.

It’s best to try to avoid that game.

Discounted MNSSHP Tickets

Without being a DVC member or Annual Passholder, the only way to get a discount on MNSSHP tickets is through an authorized ticket seller.

Historically, Undercover Tourist offers Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets at a discount. The discount ranges from $1 to $11, depending on the date. Not a huge savings, but if you have a date with better savings, that will add up across your whole party.

MNSSHP Hours

The official hours of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are from 7:00pm-12:00am. Only party guests are allowed to remain during official party hours. However, your party ticket gets you more than just those 5 hours.

Anyone with a party ticket is allowed to enter Magic Kingdom at 4:00pm. There is a separate tapstile section for party ticket holders to go through at that time. Cast members are there at the ready to put on your party wristband.

Just like that, your party ticket gets you 8 hours of Magic Kingdom fun instead of just five.

It is important to note that guests entering on a MNSSHP ticket are not required to have a separate park ticket, nor are they required to have a Park Pass reservation .

A couple of years ago Disney made some slight changes in how they structure the party hours and park closure. Magic Kingdom closes for day guests at 6:00pm . At that time, Cast Members funnel the day guests in the direction of Main Street.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Events

MNSSHP is chock full of party exclusive experiences. There are so many possible experiences that you will not be able to do them all.

All of the times listed in each section are based on when those events happened in previous years. They’ll be updated with official times closer to the event.

P.S. – There will definitely be more exclusive experiences announced over the past few months. I’ll keep adding more as Disney releases the information.

Treat Stations

Treat stations are scattered around Magic Kingdom during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Upon entrance into the party, Cast Members hand you a treat bag already filled with some treats.

The exact treats on offer may vary from year to year, but the bottom line is this: if you like candy, there is plenty of opportunity to stock up.

Lines for the treat stations tend to look long, but they move quite fast. Do not be intimidated if you see a line wrapping outside of the treat station. You will be in and out in no time.

Allergy Friendly Treats

In true Disney fashion, there are treat options for party guests with food allergies. You can get a teal treat bag that indicates to Cast Members that you need allergy friendly offerings.

In addition to that, there are official allergy-friendly treat centers on Main Street and in Liberty Square.

At the allergy-friendly centers, guests can get all treats that are certified allergy friendly.

Access to Attractions

One of the major benefits of going to any of the special ticketed events is access to your favorite rides with significantly shorter lines.

Most of the Magic Kingdom attractions are up and running at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Because there are so many things going on throughout the party, it’s possible to get on a ton of rides with a much shorter than normal wait.

In big news, the new Tron Lightcycle Run roller coaster is included in the list of rides which will be available during MNSSHP. They will use a virtual queue and plan to announce more details closer to the parties.

With this in mind, make sure you understand how to use Disney’s virtual queue system so you can grab your boarding pass.

Or if you’re wondering what on earth Tron Lightcycle Run is, check out my guide .

Ride Overlays

Starting in 2018, Disney introduced the idea of ride overlays to three rides. These overlays are only available during the party time, making them an exclusive experience.

Previously, the ride overlays were on Space Mountain, Mad Tea Party, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor.

Below, you’ll find a summary of what the ride overlays looked like in past years. I expect them to be fairly similar this year.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Lighting and music changes alter the Tea Cups, providing guests with an extra, nighttime experience

Pirates of the Caribbean

Live pirates invade the attraction, enlisting your help in finding “Gunpowder Pete”, who is hiding somewhere within the ride.

Space Mountain

The typical lighting and music are removed to create a whole new experience. A different soundtrack plays during the ride and the lights are out, giving the ride a very different feel.

Monster’s Inc. Laugh Floor

The monsters in the Monster World will interact with guests in an all new way during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. They are trying to understand that strange human holiday known as Halloween.

The Cadaver Dans Barbershop Quartet

The always popular Dapper Dans are transformed in the Cadaver Dans during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

You can find them in Frontierland at various points of the night. They’ll sing and “slay” you with their comedic stylings.

Shows, Parties, and a Parade

Much of the draw of the parties, other than the considerably lower crowds, are the party exclusive shows and events.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltactular (Castle Stage at 8:30p, 10:45p, 12:00a)

This is a very popular show, hosted by none other than the Sanderson Sisters of Hocus Pocus fame. Villains galore will show up for the party in a fun and entertaining stage show.

Tip: If avoiding the crowd is important to you, consider watching the stage show from the perimeter of the hub. The walled planters on the right and left side of the Hub give a decent view, a place to sit, and an easy escape back to the rides when the show is over.

Disney’s Not So Spooky Spectacular Fireworks (10:15p)

As with everything else at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the fireworks show is an exclusive offering.

In a move that thrills many “Nightmare Before Christmas” fans, the host of the fireworks show is none other than Jack Skellington and his dog, Zero.

The show follows the original Fab Four (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy), guided by Zero, as they go on a trick or treating adventure that proves anything can happen on Halloween night.

There are fun adventures inside a haunted house that takes them from room to room. Inside each room they will encounter ghosts, skeletons, and of course, the famous Disney villains!

This nighttime spectacular includes projections, special effects, and lighting mixed with fireworks, music, and Disney characters.

Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds in front of Cinderella’s Castle, consider watching the fireworks from Fantasyland. The view in front of The Beast’s Castle puts you in the middle of all the action, with fireworks all around you.

Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade (9:15p & 11:15p)

Everyone loves a parade! Mickey and his friends join the costumed fun in a “spooky” parade. Even the villains join in on the fun. The soundtrack will be stuck in your head for the rest of the night and The Gravediggers will strike your fancy.

Of all the Disney World parades, I have to say, I think Boo To You is my favorite!

Tip: Watch the parade in Frontierland for smaller crowds. You won’t need to stake out a spot quite so early. However, make sure you are there at least 15-20 minutes before start time. You don’t want to miss the Headless Horseman!

MNSSHP Characters

Character interactions are perhaps one of the most popular aspects of party events. This is often an opportunity to see characters who are not accessible elsewhere, such as Moana.

The exact list of characters is not officially released by Disney. That information is reported by party-goers after the first few parties of the year.

The more sought after characters will have tremendously long lines throughout most of the party. Some of them will even start meeting party guests before 7:00p.

Tip: If you want to meet the really popular characters, start lining up well before the party is scheduled to start. Think no later than 5:00p.

The list of characters remains similar each year. The list below is based on the characters available during previous parties. It will be updated with new information once it is available.

There is a possibility that there will be fewer characters available in 2022. After all, character meet and greets have just returned to Disney World.

Main Street, U.S.A.

• Mickey Mouse at Town Square Theater 
• Jack Skellington and Sally at Town Square Theater (meeting approximately @ 4:30p)

Adventureland

• Aladdin with Abu, Princess Jasmine, Jafar, Genie
• Tarzan, Jane and Terk
• Captain Jack Sparrow
• Moana (Enchanted Tiki Room, beginning around 5:45p)

Liberty Square

• The Gravediggers

Fontierland

• Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit (roaming)

Fantasyland

• Belle and Gaston
• Alice & The Mad Hatter
• Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum and the Queen of Hearts
• Ariel & Prince Eric
• Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet
• Cinderella & Princess Elena, Rapunzel & Tiana
• Anastasia and Drizella

Storybook Circus

• The Seven Dwarfs (Pete’s Silly Side Show @ 6:15p)
• Donald and Daisy
• Minnie Mouse in Witch Costume
• Cruella De Vil (roaming)
• Fancy Nancy and Vampirina

Tomorrowland

• Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear 
• Elvis Stitch
• Friends from Monster’s Inc

Disney Junior Jam

Located in Storybook Circus, this is a dance party featuring characters from beloved Disney Junior shows. This is designed for younger children.

A large percentage of party goers opt to dress in costume for the party. I highly recommend that you do too! How often are you able to dress up in costume as an adult? It’s just a fun thing to do.

People watching at MNSSHP is pretty epic for just this reason. While I am completely lacking in creativity when it comes to designing costumes, the same can’t be said for many others. A lot of people have truly awesome costumes.

MNSSHP Costume Rules

While Disney does encourage party guests to come in costume, they do have some limitations placed on those costumes.

Before you start planning your costume, I highly recommend that you check out Disney’s official costume guidelines . It would be a shame to come up with an awesome costume, only to have a Cast Member ask you to remove it.

Costume Tips

There are a few things you should keep in mind when deciding on your costume for MNSSHP. These tips are mainly geared towards comfort.

First, remember that you are in Florida, the land of sun and humidity. I saw quite a few people walking around in very thick, bulky costumes.

Many of the party dates are still in the summer, a time when Florida weather is at it’s hottest. A full on Sculley costume might not be the best idea.

Also, keep in mind that you will be in costume for several hours. Make sure that it is an outfit comfortable enough for you to not only walk around in, but also get on and off the rides.

Disneybounding might be a good compromise in between an elaborate costume and nothing at all. That allows for the feel of a costume, but the comfort the heat and walking requires.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tips

Now that you know the important details of the party, how can you make your party experience a success? A lot of that does depend on what your goals are for the party, so the first step is to figure that out.

Do you want to experience mainly rides? Are character experiences your priority? Do you want to rock an awesome costume for those PhotoPass pictures? There are a number of things to consider.

Once you have made up your mind, check out some of the tips below:

If Characters are the Priority

• Make a list of your top priority characters and rank them
• Many of the really popular characters begin meeting well before 7:00p. Once that information is released after the first few parties, make sure you pick one to line up for very early
• Consider getting in line for a popular character during the parade or fireworks
• Jump into a character line at the very end of the night

If Minimizing Crowds/Wait times is the Priority

• Avoid Main Street and The Hub like the plague, especially between 4-7p
• In particular, look for spots that allow you to slide in shortly before the show starts, and slide out just as quickly when the show is over
• Prioritize the time between after the fireworks and the end of the part for some of the most popular rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Hop in line for Mine Train during the parade
• Use your My Disney Experience App to monitor ride wait times
• If done well, you should not have to wait more than 20-30 minutes for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and everything else will be even less

Final Thoughts on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

I can’t even begin to describe how excited I am that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is back. It is such a fun time, and signals that things are slowly but surely returning a bit closer to “normal” at Disney World.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a great time and I highly recommend it for everyone! It might be a little difficult for younger kids, but the excitement of the whole experience will help a lot of them power through a very late night.

For all of the latest details, go directly to Disney World’s official Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party page .

Your Thoughts

Do you have any questions about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? How about any additional tips to add? Please add your tips and questions to the comments below.

Don’t forget to follow The Disney Journey on Pinterest and Facebook to stay up to date with all the latest news and updates.

4 thoughts on “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Guide”

What time do tickets typically go on sale?

That’s a really good question that I’m not sure the answer to. It’s not a completely mad rush like some other events. Hopefully I can find out more, but so far, my research is giving me nothing about the time. It should be in the morning, by 8a or 9a at the latest I would think. But might be at midnight.

DVC members and Passholders aren’t the only discounts. If you are active duty or retired military, you can also get a discount for the MNSSHP. Tickets can’t be purchased at the base IT office, but can’t be purchased through Shades of Green (the military resort located on the WDW property) or at the ticket office at the park. You can purchase through Shades of Green by contacting them, filling out their form, and emailing it back to them. They’ll call for payment information. The tickets can then be either shipped to your home via FedEx (a $10 fee applies) or picked up at the resort. You’ll have the information before you go, though, so you can link the tickets to your MyDisney app before ever getting to WDW.

Like with Disney, the price is different for different nights & dates. In 2019, it averaged about $15/ticket discount in August & September, with the discount going down to $2 close to the actual date of Halloween. While this may not sound like a big discount, military tickets are tax free, so there’s a sizable discount right there, especially if you’re buying multiple tickets. The military member or spouse can purchase up to six at the discounted price.

You are right! I knew about this because my friend got MVMCP tickets with her military discount and I completely forgot about it. However, I did not realize it was a little more complicated to get them. But definitely worth it for the savings. I will add this discount to the post and the MVMCP post. Thank you so much for the information.

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Privacy Overview

Disney World and Disneyland Halloween party tickets now on sale

Even though Halloween is months away, this is the time of year when theme parks release information on their fall spooky season offerings — and even put tickets on sale.

After returning in full and frightening swing last year, Disney World just announced that Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will once again take over the Magic Kingdom this fall.

During the nighttime event, you'll get special access to Disney villain meet-and-greets, exclusive Halloween-themed entertainment and photo-ops, ride overlays and treats. You can also enjoy nightly viewings of the spellbinding Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, led by the Headless Horseman and featuring the infamous Haunted Mansion graveyard gravediggers.

At Disney California Adventure Park, the very popular and enjoyable Oogie Boogie Bash will also return this fall.

On both coasts, tickets sell out faster than a kid can polish off a Halloween candy bucket. If you want to ensure you get a ticket to one of these events, we recommend you plan now.

Related: How to save money on Disney by renting Disney Vacation Club points

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket information

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Walt Disney World special after-hours event that requires a party ticket beyond your regular Disney theme park admission.

You could get one regular theme park ticket for the daytime hours and then a ticket to this party for the evening. However, it is usually in your (and your wallet's) best interest to rest during the day and then enter the park using only the party ticket as early as it allows — typically 4 p.m.

The party runs from 7 p.m. to midnight on 38 different nights from Aug. 11 to Nov. 1. Ticket prices vary based on the date you select but usually start at $99 per person (discounted tickets are available for Disney World annual pass holders and Disney Vacation Club members ).

Related: The best credit cards for your Disney vacation

Tickets are on sale now and as of the time of writing, all dates are still available. The least expensive dates are in August, starting at only $99 per person, and the most expensive are in October and Nov. 1, with prices up to $199 per person.

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dates:

• August: 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29.
• September: 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29.
• October: 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31.
• November: 1.

You can purchase your tickets directly from Disney or via a third-party site such as Undercover Tourist . You may want your ticket-only purchase to code as travel so you can earn extra points in that category on your credit card or use up an annual credit card travel credit. In that case, Undercover Tourist is the way to go since ticket purchases directly from Disney typically don't code as travel.

FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Oogie Boogie Bash ticket information

Last year, Oogie Boogie Bash sold out well before the parties even started, and we won't be surprised to see high demand again this year, given the event's popularity.

Oogie Boogie Bash will take place on 25 different nights in September and October 2023. Ticket prices range between $134 and $189 and vary based on date. The party officially runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., but you can enter California Adventure as early as 3 p.m. with your party ticket.

Tickets went on sale June 29, 2023, but due to a technical error, sales were paused. According to a statement from Disneyland, an update will be provided on July 6, 2023 at 9 a.m. PT regarding when ticket sales will resume. Because of the event's popularity, you need to get your tickets when they go back on sale if you plan to attend.

Oogie Boogie Bash dates:

• September : 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26, 28.
• October : 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31.

This year, Mickey and Minnie will don all-new, frightfully festive costumes emblazoned with bats and spiders for this year's event, and you can also expect top-notch villain appearances, themed treats, a trick-or-treat trail, special parades, spooky decor and more. Your ticket also includes unlimited digital photo downloads from the party.

Related: Where to stay when visiting Disneyland

If you want to stay at a hotel with a special entrance directly into California Adventure, consider Disney's Grand Californian . It's quite literally connected to the park, which makes attending the evening parties a breeze.

Bottom line

If you love everything slightly spooky at Disney, start making those Halloween season travel plans now. The party tickets generally don't all sell out the very first day they go on sale, but availability does historically dwindle and ultimately become unavailable, especially at Disneyland.

So, get your Disney World and Disneyland Halloween party tickets now.

Related reading:

• New tower opening at Disneyland Hotel in fall 2023
• Tips for saving money on a trip to Disney World
• How to use points for tickets to Disney
• What it's like to tour Walt's apartment at Disneyland

Theme Parks for Grown-Ups

5 Legitimate Disney World Discount Ticket & Package Companies (That Won’t Scam You!)

Disney World · Travel Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Theme Park Discount Tickets!

• Which Discount Theme Park Ticket Companies are Legitimate
• Using Disney Gift Cards to Save on Your Vacation 
• Other Money-Saving Disney World Hacks & Free Gift for You!

It’s a little scary purchasing Disney discount tickets online. Are the tickets legitimate? Are the discounts really that good? Will they take my money and run away to Canada leaving me with nothing but a pair of Mickey ears and lost hope?

I totally get it. You don’t want to get scammed and there are hundreds of conflicting reviews on every website and Facebook group. This leaves you feeling unsure whether you’re choosing the best company and getting the best deal.

The thing is, Disney vacations will never be “cheap” by most people’s standards, but there are a few ways to shave off a few dollars here and there. And with ticket prices increasing about every few months, every dollar helps when it comes to saving for a theme park vacation.

You can stay at a Disney World Value Resort , keep your snacks under a budget, or purchase tickets through an authorized third party ticket seller.  

The good news is, there are a handful of reliable discount ticket companies that many Disney experts will confidently endorse. As someone who plans magical vacations for a living, I’m confident in this selection as well. 

This is a curated list of all the legitimate and authorized discount ticket sellers that you can fully trust and won’t scam you.

Rather watch a video about it instead of reading? Check out my YouTube video about my two favorite discount ticket companies below!

Are discount Disney tickets legitimate?

Yes, they can be, but you have to be careful. There are a ton of companies online and in the Orlando area that claims to have cheap Disney World tickets. Don’t be fooled by the tempting prices! DO NOT buy tickets from anyone on Craigslist, eBay, or anywhere else. You will be scammed. The discount companies I’m listing below are authorized Disney ticket sellers.

What kinds of tickets do wholesale ticket companies sell?

Most companies start at 2 or 3-day discount tickets. It’s rare to find tickets that sell discounted 1-day tickets. From there, most companies will allow you to purchase discount Park Hoppers, MaxPass (Disneyland), and special event passes for the Halloween and Christmas parties. The companies I’m listing below also offer discounted tickets for Universal Studios, Legoland, and other theme parks or attractions.

5 Companies You Can Trust Buying Discount Disney Tickets and Packages

It was until a few years ago did I realize AAA sold anything other than auto insurance. AAA Travel is an extremely reliable way to get discounts on Disney tickets. They also offer deals on other Disney products like cruises and the Aulani resort in Hawaii. The only problem with AAA is that you need membership in order to enjoy the discounts. This is a great option if you’re already a AAA member or considering becoming one!

Discount Ticket Comparison: AAA vs. Disney World

3-Day Base Ticket for September 2nd, 2019 (Price As of August 2019)

One note about these comparisons: The prices are definitely subject to change from the discount company or Disney. It’s just to give you an approximate savings amount.

Here’s the thing, Costco used to offer discount tickets, but they’ve transitioned into discount packages. You can no longer buy tickets without a hotel stay. If you want to buy a package that includes a hotel stay, Costco is a good place to search for deals. 

The only downside is that their packages are very specific. They might have something like “5 days at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort with Tickets Included.” The dates may have to be between a certain time and you can’t customize the resort. 

This doesn’t mean you won’t get a good deal! You just won’t have the same flexibility you have when booking through Disney. 

Much like AAA, you need a membership to purchase any products or deals at Costco. Although, it’s more likely that you or someone you know has a Costco membership. 

And, since it’s Costco, you can feel confident you won’t be sold fraudulent tickets and packages. Who doesn’t love Costco?

Discount Ticket Comparison: Costco vs. Disney World

5 Night Stay at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and 3-Day Base Ticket (Price as of August 2019)

#3 Park Savers

Park Savers is a lesser-known discount company and they have glowing reviews from experts like Disney Tourist Blog and Touring Plans .

Some people claim that they run better discounts compared to Undercover Tourist at certain times throughout the year, so be sure to shop around before purchasing! 

Two other companies that Disney Tourist Blog and Touring Plans recommend are Official Ticket Center and Maple Leaf Tickets. These two and Park Savers are about equal in savings and reputation. I have no reason to believe that Park Savers, Official Ticket Center, and Maple Leaf Tickets are better or worse than each other. 

Discount Ticket Comparison: Park Savers vs. Disney World Website

#2 Get Away Today

Get Away Today is my personal favorite if I’m traveling to Disneyland in California. They have fantastic deals on Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels and great Customer Service. Periodically, they will run crazy good flash sales. (The Black Friday deal in 2018 was unbeatable.) 

They do super fun Disneyland live shows on Facebook too! 

As for Disney World, they offer great deals on packages (that includes hotel stay) or tickets for 4 days or longer. (They don’t offer Disney World tickets less than 3 days.)

They also have Layaway Plans, which gives you the option to pay off your package throughout the year and Peace of Mind insurance, which allows you to make changes to your purchases.

They don’t stick to just Disney either. They run killer deals on Universal Studios Orlando and Hollywood tickets, Legoland, Southern California attractions, and a plethora of U.S. destinations!

Discount Ticket Comparison: Get Away Today vs. Disney World

4-Day Base Ticket for September 2nd, 2019 (Price as of August 2019)

#1 Undercover Tourist

I like to call Undercover Tourist Ye Olde Standby. The deals are great and their reputation is even better.

Travel Agents everywhere cringe when their clients mention Undercover Tourist. They know they’re about to lose some serious commission when the name comes up.

Get Away Today wins for discount Disneyland tickets, but when it comes to Disney World in Orlando, you can’t go wrong with Undercover Tourist. 

They’ve been in the discount biz for a long time and they know what they’re doing. Since they have such a good reputation, Cast Members are well aware of this company and can help you if you have questions or problems with the tickets. This can be a life-saver. 

The most popular deal is the Buy 4 Days Get 1 Day Free which is offered frequently throughout the year.

Discount Ticket Comparison: Undercover Tourist vs. Disney World

3-Day Base Ticket for September 2nd, 2019 (Price as of August 2019)

Three Additional Discount Options (Only Available to Some!)

Ticketsatwork.

Tickets at Work is a corporate employee benefit offered at some companies. They offer discounted stage shows, park tickets, sports events, and more to employees. Check your work benefits to see if they offer employee discounts through this program!

Military Discount (Official Disney Discount)

Active or retired members of the Military may have the option to purchase discounted Disney World tickets and hotel rates. Generally, you can only purchase 4 or 5 Park Hopper/Park Hopper Plus Disney World tickets through this discount. You also have the option of staying at the military-exclusive resort, Shades of Green! 

To check if you are qualified for the discount head over to Military Disney Tips. The author details the requirements and all the different deals members of the military can get. 

P.S. You have to call the Disney World Reservation hotline to check for rates on all military discounts.

Florida Resident (Official Disney Discount)

Florida Resident? Well, lucky you! I long for the day that I can purchase a Florida resident discounted ticket because those deals are good. As a Floridian, you get discounts on Annual Passes, 1-day tickets, and various ticket and package deals.

Side Note: DVC Members also receive discounts on Annual Passes, but usually not day passes. Thought it was worth mentioning if you’re thinking of renting some Disney property!

Money-Saving Hack: Paying for Your Vacation with Disney Gift Cards (Sam’s Club vs. Target RED Card )

I can’t talk about Disney discount tickets without mentioning this age-old hack. 

Disney gift cards can be used to pay for your tickets, hotels, food, merchandise, and pretty much everything else at Disney World. Buying gift cards ahead of time is a good way to stay within a set budget. 

Spend your gift cards and you’ll know exactly how much you’ve spent on churros! 

Gift cards can also be a good way to save money on your vacation. If you buy gift cards from Target or Sam’s Club, you’ll get a percentage off the gift card amount. That discounted price goes back into your pocket. Then you can pay off your vacation package with the gift cards. Just make sure that you spend every penny of your gift cards so it doesn’t go to waste.

Sam’s Club

You must be a Sam’s Club member to use the discount. These memberships start at $45 a year. Buying Disney gift cards through Sam’s Club will give you about 3-4% off your total purchase so the discount is a little less than Target. I would advise opting for Sam’s Club if you are already a member or plan to be.

Members are also offered discounts on Disney World tickets and special event tickets like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Sam’s Club was doing a good discount for Annual Passes, but they’re now discontinued.

Like I said, I would only go through Sam’s Club if you’re a frequent visitor to the grocery store.

Target RED Card

Target offers 5% back when you purchase gift cards (or anything else) with the RED card. 

This means if you buy $5000 worth of gift cards and paid for your whole vacation this way, you saved $250!

The downside is that you have to sign up for their credit card to get the discount. For those of you who are wary of signing up for a credit card, this might not be the best option. 

For those of you who use trips to Target as a form of therapy (like me!), this card may work to your advantage. You’ll save money on your Disney vacation package and other essentials like swimsuits and sunscreen.

The Downside of Buying Discount Theme Park Tickets

Disney Travel Planners won’t have the ability to help you plan your vacation.

Discount hacking is great for Disney DIYers who love to plan their own vacations. Some people get a real thrill out of saving a dollar here and there. If that’s you, go for it! 

Chances are you don’t need a Travel Agent if you’re a theme park expert and don’t mind getting up early to book your dining reservations.

However, if you want the help of a Disney Travel Planner to map out your vacation, you won’t be able to purchase discount tickets. 

Why’s that? Disney Travel Planners are only paid if you book directly through them and they make the reservation through Disney at Disney’s prices. Going through a 3rd party vendor like Undercover Tourist or a travel booking website like Expedia means they don’t get paid for all the help and research they did for you.

Bottom Line: Which Disney World discount ticket company is the most trustworthy and has the best deals?

Each company runs deals throughout the year and this is where you will have to do some comparison shopping. Once in a while, a company will have a flash sale with unbeatable prices. 

The most popular choice for Disney World discount tickets is Undercover Tourist. They are trustworthy, have great deals, and are well-known throughout the Disney community. You can feel confident about purchasing their products. 

If you want to keep informed on discount ticket sales, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter. I notify my subscribers when Undercover Tourist or Get Away Today are having ticket and package flash sales. You’ll also get my free printable: 15 Insider Tips to Save at Disney when you sign up! And who doesn’t love free things really? Fill out the form below to get your freebie!

Related Articles

• Best & Worst Disney World Value Resorts Ranked: Onsite vs. Offsite
• 14 Vacation Essentials You Must Buy Before Leaving for Your Disney Vacation
• How to Budget and Save for Your Disney Dream Vacation

Don’t lose these tips!

The Best Companies to Buy Discount Theme Park Tickets and Price Comparisons

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Disney World Special Events, Festivals and Parties

LAST UPDATE: 4/5/24

This page covers Walt Disney World special events and annual festivals in the theme parks, Disney Resort Hotels and Disney Springs.

• This is an UNOFFICIAL listing of Walt Disney World special events and activities, and while we make our best effort to keep it updated, complete and accurate, Disney changes things constantly. Be sure to call ahead before making any major plans based on the information below!
• For recurring Disney World special events (e.g., Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) we update new information as it becomes available, but we do not remove the previous year’s information until the new year’s information becomes available . We do this so that you can get a general idea of what has been offered in the past, and the range of dates when it was offered.
• Information on events that have already happened are colored gray. Once we get details about the next occurrence of that event, we update our information and change the text to black again.

Walt Disney World Special Events, Festivals & Parties

January-may events, new year’s day, chinese new year, walt disney world marathon weekend, epcot international festival of the arts, disney on broadway concert series, valentine’s day, disney princess half marathon weekend, epcot international flower and garden festival, garden rocks concerts, earth month celebration at animal kingdom, rundisney springtime surprise weekend, cinco de mayo, mother’s day, disney h20 glow after hours at typhoon lagoon, june-august events, independence day (july 4), bastille day, epcot international food and wine festival, eat to the beat concerts, mickey’s not so scary halloween party, september-december events, halloween at walt disney world (overview).

• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon

ESPN Events Invitational

Thanksgiving, christmas at walt disney world (overview), christmas at magic kingdom, christmas at animal kingdom, christmas at hollywood studios, epcot international festival of the holidays, holidays at disney springs, mickey’s very merry christmas party, disney jollywood nights, candlelight processional, holiday sleigh rides, christmas eve & christmas day, new year’s eve.

Christmas decorations remain up throughout Walt Disney World through New Year, and generally several days past the first of the year.

There are special meals available at certain restaurants on New Year’s Day. You can reserve holiday meals up to 60 days in advance online or by using the MyDisneyExperience app on your phone.

Note that “holiday pricing” (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) from mid-December through the first few days of January (holiday season). Other restaurants may charge a premium on New Year’s Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.

Each year in January or February the China Pavilion in Epcot has a Chinese New Year celebration. Usually there are Chinese acrobats and special activities for kids.

In 2025, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will be held January 8-12. Registration will open April 9, 2024 at 10 am ET.

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is an entire running weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. Other highlights include a Half Marathon, Goofy’s Race-and-a-Half Challenge, a Family Fun Run 5K and kids’ races. There may be a virtual race option for some race events.

Walt Disney World annual passholders, Disneyland Magic Key holders, DVC members and Club runDisney members are able to register ahead of the general public for some runDisney events. Check the annual passholder or DVC member website for details closer to the public registration date.

• For more information or to register, go to the  Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend page . Don’t wait too long to register; the races reach full capacity very quickly!

In 2024, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts was held January 12 – February 19.

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts celebrates the visual, culinary and performing arts. There are over 15 food studios serving culinary art all around World Showcase; performances by Epcot musical artists Mariachi Cobre and the JAMMitors; art by Disney and other invited artists on display in marketplaces encircling World Showcase Lagoon. Learn to draw a Disney character at Animation Academy, held daily at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm in America Gardens Theatre.

Purchase any 5 menu items from the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine locations and collect a stamp in your Festival Passport. Once you have all five, bring your stamped Festival Passport back to Decadent Delights in Epcot for a complimentary surprise.

Along with the visual arts, Disney Theatrical brings a showcase of music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre stage. Disney on Broadway concerts take place daily and are included with admission to Epcot. You can book a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package that includes lunch or dinner and a guaranteed priority seating at one of 3 concerts held the same day. 

For kids, there is Figment’s Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt; maps and stickers are available for $10.64, tax included, at various retail locations in Epcot. Kids search for artwork with Figment in the picture and add the location sticker to their map. Turn in the map to a Cast Member at a retail location to pick up a surprise.

• Go on a weekday (Monday through Thursday) for the lowest crowds. Friday nights, all day/evening Saturday and all day Sunday are the busiest times, because locals come when they are off work.
• Arrive right at opening (11:00 am) and eat your way “around the world” at the marketplace booths for lunch. It’s cooler, the crowds are much lighter than in the evenings.
• If you are on a dining plan, you can use your snack credits for the food items (but not alcoholic beverages) at the Festival of the Arts marketplace booths. This is a great deal because normally snack credits are good only for individual snack items priced under $6, but some of the booth items cost $9 or more. Qualifying items are marked on the marketplace booth menus with a Dining Plan logo.
• For more information, visit the Epcot International Festival of the Arts page .

Disney on Broadway concerts brings music and Broadway talent to the America Gardens Theatre every night from January 12 – February 19, 2024 as part of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts . Disney on Broadway concerts take place daily and are included with admission to Epcot. Performances are at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. 

You can book a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package at select restaurants that includes lunch or dinner and a guaranteed priority seating at one of 3 concerts held the same day. 

2024 Disney on Broadway Concert Series (schedule subject to change):

• January 12: Caissie Levy and Patti Murin ( Frozen )
• January 13: Heidi Blickenstaff ( Freaky Friday and The Little Mermaid ) and Gavin Lee ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast )
• January 14: Caissie Levy and Patti Murin ( Frozen )
• January 15: Caissie Levy and Patti Murin ( Frozen )
• January 16: Heidi Blickenstaff ( Freaky Friday and The Little Mermaid ) and Gavin Lee ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast )
• January 17: Heidi Blickenstaff ( Freaky Friday and The Little Mermaid ) and Gavin Lee ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast )
• January 18: Caissie Levy and Patti Murin ( Frozen )
• January 19: Heidi Blickenstaff ( Freaky Friday and The Little Mermaid ) and Gavin Lee ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast )
• January 20: Caissie Levy and Patti Murin ( Frozen )
• January 21: Heidi Blickenstaff ( Freaky Friday and The Little Mermaid ) and Gavin Lee ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast )
• January 22: Caissie Levy and Patti Murin ( Frozen )
• January 23: Caissie Levy and Patti Murin ( Frozen )
• January 24: Heidi Blickenstaff ( Freaky Friday and The Little Mermaid ) and Gavin Lee ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast )
• January 25: Heidi Blickenstaff ( Freaky Friday and The Little Mermaid ) and Gavin Lee ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast )
• January 26: Ashley Brown ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast ) and L. Steven Taylor ( The Lion King )
• January 27: Kissy Simmons ( The Lion King ) and Josh Strickland ( Tarzan )
• January 28: Ashley Brown ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast ) and L. Steven Taylor ( The Lion King )
• January 29: Ashley Brown ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast ) and L. Steven Taylor ( The Lion King )
• January 30: Kissy Simmons ( The Lion King ) and Josh Strickland ( Tarzan )
• January 31: Kissy Simmons ( The Lion King ) and Josh Strickland ( Tarzan )
• February 1: Ashley Brown ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast ) and L. Steven Taylor ( The Lion King )
• February 2: Kissy Simmons ( The Lion King ) and Josh Strickland ( Tarzan )
• February 3: Ashley Brown ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast ) and L. Steven Taylor ( The Lion King )
• February 4: Kissy Simmons ( The Lion King ) and Josh Strickland ( Tarzan )
• February 5: Ashley Brown ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast ) and L. Steven Taylor ( The Lion King )
• February 6: Ashley Brown ( Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast ) and L. Steven Taylor ( The Lion King )
• February 7: Kissy Simmons ( The Lion King ) and Josh Strickland ( Tarzan )
• February 8: Kissy Simmons ( The Lion King ) and Josh Strickland ( Tarzan )
• February 9: Mandy Gonzalez ( Aida ) and Michael James Scott ( Aladdin and Tarzan )
• February 10: Bradley Gibson ( Hercules and The Lion King ) and Shoba Narayan ( Aladdin )
• February 11: Mandy Gonzalez ( Aida ) and Michael James Scott ( Aladdin and Tarzan )
• February 12: Mandy Gonzalez ( Aida ) and Michael James Scott ( Aladdin and Tarzan )
• February 13: Bradley Gibson ( Hercules and The Lion King ) and Shoba Narayan ( Aladdin )
• February 14: Bradley Gibson ( Hercules and The Lion King ) and Shoba Narayan ( Aladdin )
• February 15: Mandy Gonzalez ( Aida ) and Michael James Scott ( Aladdin and Tarzan )
• February 16: Bradley Gibson ( Hercules and The Lion King ) and Shoba Narayan ( Aladdin )
• February 17: Bradley Gibson ( Hercules and The Lion King ) and Shoba Narayan ( Aladdin )
• February 18: Mandy Gonzalez ( Aida ) and Michael James Scott ( Aladdin and Tarzan )
• February 19: Special finale performance with Mandy Gonzalez, Michael James Scott, Bradley Gibson and Shoba Narayan

Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package is available at participating Epcot restaurants, as part of the Disney on Broadway Concert Series at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts . Cost will vary depending on restaurant and mealtime selected. Dining packages include an appetizer, entrée and dessert—or one full buffet or family-style dining, where applicable—along with a non-alcoholic beverage and a guaranteed seat to the Eat to the Beat Concert held on the same day. At Spice Road Table the dining package includes 2 small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter, a nonalcoholic beverage and a guaranteed seat to the Eat to the Beat Concert held on the same day. 

Dining Packages can be booked in advance at Akershus Royal Banquet, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Rose and Crown Dining Room and Spice Road Table.

Same-day dining packages will be available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse. To book a same-day dining package, visit the restaurant in person that day.

• 2024 Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package reservations became available to book on December 19, 2023.  For more information or to make a reservation, go to the Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package page . Please note: Valid admission to Epcot is required and not included in the price. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Valentine’s Day is February 14 every year. Walt Disney World does not generally have any special events or activities for Valentine’s Day. But many of the restaurants and food stands in the theme parks, Disney hotels and Disney Springs will have specially themed items on their menus for some or all of February. 

For more Valentine’s Day suggestions, take a look at our tips and ideas for adding some romance to a Walt Disney World trip .

In 2025, the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend will be held February 20-24. Registration will open July 30, 2024 at 10 am ET.

This annual event includes the Princess Half Marathon, Princess 5K, Enchanted 10K, kids’ races and other events. There will also be a sunrise yoga event in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park to kick off the weekend. There may be a virtual race option for some race events.

• For more information or to register, go to the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend page . Don’t wait too long to register; the races reach full capacity very quickly!

In 2025, Mardi Gras will be March 4.

A little-known event on Mardi Gras is the mini-parade through Disney’s Port Orleans Resort. Several departments of the resort build floats on golf carts. The floats are judged and then parade through the grounds. During the parade they throw New Orleans-style trinkets (beads, candy, doubloons) to the guests who line up to watch. If you will be at Port Orleans Resort on Mardi Gras, be sure to ask at the front desk when this event will take place.

Several Disney Springs eateries, such as House of Blues and Maria & Enzo’s, celebrate Mardi Gras (or Carnevale, the Venice version of Mardi Gras) with special meals or menu items. Usually these special meals and menus are offered for several weeks.

In 2024, the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival will be held February 28 – May 27.

During the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Disney punches up their landscaping at Epcot with additional topiaries, display gardens, wildlife habitats (including a butterfly garden) as well as offering some special tours. Outdoor Kitchens feature foods & beverages from the garden and grill.

Purchase any 5 menu items from the Garden Graze list in your Festival Passport and get a stamp. Once you have five stamps, bring your Festival Passport back to Pineapple Promenade Outdoor Kitchen in Epcot for an exclusive prize.

Garden Rocks concerts  take place at the open-air America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 pm and are included with admission to Epcot. Internationally recognized artists perform Fridays-Mondays and local Orlando bands perform Tuesdays-Thursdays. Garden Rocks Dining Packages are available Fridays through Mondays at select Epcot restaurants.

For kids, there is Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration a springtime scavenger hunt. In each garden, search for the plant Spike has pollinated, identifiable by Spike himself and a Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration plant stake. Once you find him, add the corresponding sticker to your map. Maps and stickers are available for $10.64, tax included. After your search is complete, return your map to Disney Traders or World Traveler pick up a surprise.

Annual passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa cardholders get 15% off the Behind the Seeds and Garden of World tours.

• If you are on a dining plan, you can use your snack credits for the food items (but not alcoholic beverages) at the Flower & Garden marketplace booths. This is a great deal because normally snack credits are good only for individual snack items priced under $6, but some of the booth items cost $9 or more. Qualifying items are marked on the marketplace booth menus with a Dining Plan logo.
• MouseSavers.com reader Carrie B offers this tip: “ Festival merchandise usually gets marked down 50% off one full week before the end of the Flower & Garden Festival.”
• More information is on  Disney’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival page . The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission.

Garden Rocks concerts rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre as part of the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and are included with admission to Epcot. Performances are at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm.

You can book a Garden Rocks Dining Package on Fridays through Mondays at select Epcot restaurants that includes lunch or dinner and a guaranteed seat at one of the Garden Rocks concerts held on the same day.

2024 Garden Rocks Concert Series (schedule subject to change):

• February 28-29: The Vybe
• March 1-2: Jason Scheff
• March 3-4: Richard Marx
• March 5-7: Evolution Motown
• March 8-9: Berlin
• March 10-11: Rick Springfield
• March 12-14: Dian Diaz
• March 15-16: Modern English
• March 17-18: Commodores
• March 19-21: Foreigners Journey
• March 22-25: The Orchestra
• March 26-28: Funkafied
• March 29-30: Mike DelGuidice
• March 31 – April 1: Pointer Sisters
• April 2-4: The Female Collective
• April 5-6: Blue October
• April 7-8: Crowder
• April 9-11: Hooligans
• April 12-13: Jo Dee Messina
• April 14-15: A Flock of Seagulls
• April 16-18: M-80’s
• April 19-22: Plain White T’s
• April 23-25: Champagne Orchestra
• April 26-27: Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas
• April 28-29: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
• April 30 – May 2: Southbound
• May 3: Monsieur Periné
• May 4: Raul Acosta & Oro Solido with Luisito Ayala and The Puerto Rican Power Band
• May 5: Raul Acosta & Oro Solido with Magic Juan
• May 6: Fonseca
• May 7-9: Gilly & The Girl Band
• May 10-13: Simple Plan
• May 14-16: Element
• May 17-18: The Spinners
• May 19-20: Sister Hazel
• May 21-23: Epic
• May 24-25: Lit
• May 26-27: Casting Crowns

Garden Rocks Dining Package

The Garden Rocks Dining Package, available for lunch or dinner on Fridays through Mondays, is offered during the Garden Rocks Concert Series . Dining packages are available at select Epcot restaurants. Cost will vary depending on restaurant and mealtime selected. Dining packages include an appetizer, entrée and dessert—or one full buffet or family-style dining, where applicable—along with a non-alcoholic beverage and a guaranteed seat at one of the Garden Rocks concert performances later that day.

• 2024 Garden Rocks Dining Packages went on sale on February 6, 2024.  For more information or to make a reservation, go to the Garden Rocks Dining Package page . Please note: valid admission to Epcot is required and not included in the price. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

In 2025, Easter Sunday will be April 20.

In Epcot there is an Easter Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt. Maps and stickers cost $10.64, tax included, and are available at the select merchandise locations in Epcot. Return the map to pick up a surprise.

Hotel Events

Some of the Disney hotels offer egg hunts, egg decorating, characters in Easter costumes, etc. to their guests on Easter morning. If you are staying at a Disney hotel, inquire at the front desk when you arrive.

Pastry chefs display elaborate edible Easter Eggs in several Disney Hotels. In the Grand Floridian there is usually a temporary store in the lobby, the Grand Cottage, selling Easter treats.   

Special Meals & Meal Pricing

There are special meals available at certain restaurants on Easter Sunday. An Easter Brunch is usually held each year at the Epcot World ShowPlace located between Canada and the United Kingdom pavilions. Regular Epcot admission is required. You can reserve holiday meals up to 60 days in advance online or by using the MyDisneyExperience app on your phone.

Note that “holiday pricing” (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) for the two weeks on either side of Easter. Other restaurants may charge a premium on Easter Sunday, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.

Religious Services

Religious services are usually held on Easter Sunday only in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. Catholic Mass is at 8:00 am and 10:30 am. A Protestant service is at 9:15 am. If you plan to attend, it is best confirm the time and location with the front desk or concierge.

You may not park at the Contemporary for these services, so to get there, you must do one of the following:

• take the Monorail to the Contemporary
• take a boat to the Contemporary
• take resort transportation (monorail, boat or bus) to the Magic Kingdom and transfer to a shuttle bus serving the Contemporary resort

Each year, Earth Month Celebration is held April 1-30 in Animal Kingdom Park.

During the Earth Month Celebration, Animal Kingdom hosts limited-time experiences, unique character appearances and learning opportunities, as well as specialty food, beverage and merchandise items. Earn a special Wilderness Explorer Earth Day Nature badge by completing a series of self-guided, nature-themed challenges.

At the Animation Experience at Conservation Station, learn how Disney animators bring favorite characters to life using real life animals as inspiration. There are special Disney characters featured for the Earth Month Celebration.

In 2025, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will be held April 3-6. Registration will open August 27, 2024 at 10 am ET.

In 2024, the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend will be held April 18-21. Registration opened August 22, 2023 at 10 am ET.

The 2024 Springtime Surprise Weekend theme will be a celebration of Stitch. One of the events will be Stitch’s ‘Ohana Challenge: those who complete the 5K, 10K and 10-Miler will receive a special medal.

There may be a virtual race option for some race events.

• For more information or to register, go to the runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend page . Don’t wait too long to register; the races reach full capacity very quickly!

Cinco de Mayo (5th of May) is a celebration of Mexican heritage and commemorates a Mexican victory in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. There is a relatively low-key Cinco de Mayo celebration centered on the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot, tied in with the  International Flower & Garden Festival . It usually features some sort of special activity for families.

In 2024, Mother’s Day will be May 12.

On Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May, some Walt Disney World Resort restaurants offer a special brunch menu.

• You can make a reservation for any special Mother’s Day meals up to 60 days in advance online or by using the MyDisneyExperience app on your phone.

In 2024, Disney H20 Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon will be held on select nights from May 25 through August 31, from 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm.

On select nights, special lighting effects transform Typhoon Lagoon Water Park into an evening dance party. Admission includes complimentary snacks, including ice cream, popcorn and select beverages, plus all attractions will be open. H2O Glow ticketholders can enter Typhoon Lagoon as early as 6:00 pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance and there are a limited number of tickets for each date.

Tickets cost $79.88 or $90.53 per person, depending on the date, tax included.

Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can purchase discounted tickets for $63.90 or $74.55 per person, depending on the date, tax included.

Tickets must be purchased in advance and there are a limited number of tickets for each date. Please note: Disney H20 Glow After Hours is a separately ticketed event and the party is not included in daytime admission.

• 2024 tickets for Disney H20 Glow After Hours went on sale for guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, the Swan & Dolphin and Shades of Green on March 19 and for everyone else on March 22. Tickets will be available through Undercover Tourist at a small discount, or at full price direct from Disney via the Disney H2O Glow After Hours page . Please note: this ticket does not include daytime admission to Typhoon Lagoon.

Magic Kingdom offers a special Independence Day fireworks show on July 3 & 4 in the Magic Kingdom above Cinderella Castle. There are also dance parties in Tomorrowland and Frontierland during the fireworks show. These activities are included in regular park admission. 

At Epcot on July 4, Disney characters are dressed in patriotic attire throughout the day at the American Adventure Pavilion. Voices of Liberty, the eight-part a cappella group, has a special performances at the American Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. These activities are included in regular park admission.

On July 4 there is a special Independence Day version of the Epcot evening spectacular.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom does not offer fireworks since they would disturb the animals.

If you plan to visit one of the theme parks on July 4 (particularly if it falls on a weekend), be aware that it is one of the most popular days of the year . The parks may reach full capacity at some point during the day, and you may not be admitted (or re-admitted) to the parks until the crowds die down again, usually around dinner time. (This can happen even if you have a ticket, even if you’re staying at a Disney resort and even if you have dining reservations in the park. If the park is full, it’s full — Disney has to follow fire codes!) For that reason it’s best to arrive first thing in the morning and stay in the same park all day, or if you plan to leave, don’t plan anything (like dinner reservations) that would require you to re-enter in the afternoon. Bring any items you may need later and stow them in a locker when you arrive (the lockers will also sell out). Get Genie+ and buy paid Individual Lightning Lane reservations right away, because the lines will be very long by noon and reservations will be gone quickly.

On July 14 the France Pavilion in Epcot celebrates Bastille Day, which commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution. This is a low-key event, but there are special activities for kids and adults.

In 2024, Gay Days will be held May 30 – June 3.

While this is not a Disney-sponsored event, it is a very well-attended one.

Gay Days originally began in 1991. At the time it was “Gay Day in the Magic Kingdom,” a single day when the gay and gay supportive community was encouraged to “Wear Red and Be Seen” while visiting the world’s most popular theme park. Over the years it has grown to a week-long event. Visit GayDays.com for more info.

The 2023 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival was held July 27 through November 18.

Each fall, Epcot hosts the International Food and Wine Festival, Epcot guests can enjoy the flavors of more than 25 international marketplaces dotting the World Showcase promenade. Tapas-sized portions of regional specialties run $5 to $11 each; recommended wines and/or beers pairings are available at each kiosk as well. 

New for 2023, four new Global Marketplaces were added in the fall as part of the Disney100 celebration: Char & Chop, Wine & Wedge, Bubbles & Brine and Swirled Showcase. Also new for 2023, the Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey will offer snacks and beverages, created by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker of Muppet Labs, such as the Unnecessarily Spicy, Yet Extremely Tasty Scotch Bonnet Pepper-Curry Wings and the Pickle Milkshake.

Eat to the Beat Concerts take place on select nights and are included with admission to Epcot. Internationally recognized artists and local Orlando bands will perform. Eat to the Beat Dining Packages were available to book for lunch or dinner on Fridays through Mondays at select Epcot restaurants.

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend takes place towards the end of the Food and Wine Festival.

For kids, there is Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, a search throughout the World Showcase for Remy statuettes and the ingredients he needs to make his signature ratatouille. Maps and stickers were available for $9.95 plus tax at the following locations in Epcot: Mouse Gear, Port of Entry and World Traveler (International Gateway). Return your map toDisney Traders by the last day of the Food & Wine Festival to pick up a surprise.

Families can also participate in Emile’s Fromage Montage. Purchase any 5 cheese dishes from select Global Marketplaces listed in the Festival Passport and collect a stamp for each one. Bring the stamped Festival Passport to Shimmering Sips for a special prize.

• For more information, go to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival page .
• If you are on a dining plan, you can use your snack credits for the food items (but not alcoholic beverages) at the Food & Wine marketplace booths. This is a great deal because normally snack credits are good only for individual snack items priced under $6, but some of the booth items cost $9 or more. Qualifying items are marked on the marketplace booth menus with a Dining Plan logo.
• The Disney Food Blog Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival   e-Book can help you get the most out of this fantastic annual event. It offers 160 pages of tips, information, and advice to help you enjoy every minute of your time, including a full schedule of daily events, menus and photos from every World Showcase booth and customized touring strategies.
• MouseSavers.com reader Carrie B offers this tip: “ Festival merchandise usually gets marked down 50% off one full week before the end of the Food & Wine Festival.”

Enjoy musical evenings during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival with Eat to the Beat Concerts scheduled July 27 – November 18, 2023 on the America Gardens Theatre stage. Concerts take place select nights and are included with admission to Epcot. Performances are at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 pm. Local Orlando bands will perform on Tuesday through Thursdays.

You can book an Eat to the Beat Dining Package on Fridays through Mondays at select Epcot restaurants that includes lunch or dinner and a guaranteed seat at the Eat to the Beat concert held on the same day.

2023 Eat to the Beat Concert Lineup (schedule subject to change):

• July 27: Funkafied
• July 28-29: Orianthi
• July 30-31: For King & Country
• August 1-3: Funkafied
• August 4-5: Southern Avenue
• August 6-7: Tiffany
• August 8-10: Champagne
• August 11-12: Ruben Studdard with Haley Reinhart
• August 13-14: The Bacon Brothers
• August 15-17: M-80’s
• August 18-21: Joey Fatone & Friends
• August 22-24: The Female Collective
• August 25-26: Ayron Jones
• August 27-28:Phillip Phillips
• August 29-31: Element
• September 1-2: Baha Men
• September 3-4: MercyMe
• September 5-7: Foreigners Journey
• September 8-9: Ray Parker Jr.
• September 10-11: TobyMac
• September 12-14: Hooligans
• September 15: Monsieur Periné
• September 16-17: Raul Acosta & Oro Solido
• September 18: TBD
• September 19-21: Audio Exchange
• September 22-24: Los Amigos Invisibles
• September 25-26: 98°
• September 27-28: Latin Ambition
• September 29 – October 2: Boyz II Men
• October 3-5: Wish Radio
• October 6-7: Mark Wills
• October 8-9: Sugar Ray
• October 10-12: Icon Party Band
• October 13-14: Hoobastank
• October 15-16: Air Supply
• October 17-19: Evolution Motown
• October 20-21: Taylor Dayne
• October 22-23: Billy Ocean
• October 24-26: Sound Up
• October 27-30: Hanson
• October 31 – November 2: Rexine
• November 3-4: We The Kings
• November 5-6: Sheila E.
• November 7-9: Epic Live
• November 10-11: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
• November 12-13: 38 Special

Eat to the Beat Dining Package

In 2023, Eat to the Beat Dining Packages are available for breakfast, lunch or dinner Fridays though Mondays during the Eat to the Beat Concert Series . Dining packages are available at 8 Epcot restaurants. Cost will vary depending on restaurant and mealtime selected. Dining packages include an appetizer, entrée and dessert—or one full buffet or family-style dining, where applicable—along with a non-alcoholic beverage and a guaranteed seat to the Eat to the Beat Concert held on the same day. At Spice Road Table the dining package includes 2 small plates, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage and a guaranteed seat to the Eat to the Beat Concert held on the same day. 

• 2023 Eat to the Beat Dining Packages went on sale July 6. For more information or to make a reservation, go to the Eat to the Beat Dining Package page . Please note: admission to Epcot and a theme park reservation are required and not included in the price. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Halloween decorations start going up in the Magic Kingdom in August and are complete in time for the first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party .

There is a Halloween-themed cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A. with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and pals wearing their favorite Halloween costumes and on select days there will be a cavalcade of Disney Villains. 

In 2023, in Epcot, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a Halloween-themed pumpkin hunt, was offered September 29 – October 31. Search for different hidden pumpkins in Epcot, each inspired by a different Disney character. Once you find a pumpkin, place the corresponding sticker on your game board. Game boards and stickers are available for purchase at select locations in Epcot, including: Creations Shop, Port of Entry and World Traveler (International Gateway). Return your map to Disney Traders by October 31 to pick up a surprise.

If you are staying at one of Disney’s resorts over Halloween, ask the front desk concierge whether any special events are planned. Frequently the resorts do offer some kind of festivities.

Disney Springs offers live entertainment such as music, storytelling, a dance party, stilt walkers and/or magicians on Halloween.

In 2023, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party was offered on August 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29; September 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29; October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31 and November 1.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is held on select nights in August, September and October each year from 7:00 pm to midnight, after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom, and requires separate admission. (You don’t have to have a theme park reservations or paid admission on the same day to the Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) Guests with Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets are admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins.

Admission to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party includes trick-or-treating for adults and kids, character meet-and-greets, a Disney Junior Jam dance party at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween parade and a fireworks show: Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular . Plus, most of the major attractions are open. 

In 2023, Tron Lightcycle / Run was open during the party and used a virtual queue . 

Attendees can wear costumes (subject to a few rules based on safety and appropriateness), but guests ages 14 and older are strongly discouraged from wearing layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body. They may be subject to additional security screening. Check Walt Disney World’s costuming guidelines for more details.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, performed on the Castle Forecourt Stage, features the mischievous Sanderson Sisters from Disney’s Hocus Pocus. With the help of the Disney villains, Winifred, Mary and Sarah gather together sinister shadows, nefarious nightmares and the power of their frightful friends to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion and cast a spell on everyone in the Magic Kingdom Park.

Several attractions are transformed just for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Is Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party worth the money?

Depends on how much you are “into” Halloween. Some of the experiences available during the party are not offered at any other time, so it allows you to enjoy Magic Kingdom in a unique way.

Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party can feel quite crowded , particularly on weekend nights and the last couple of nights it’s offered. The rides will be less busy than they would be at that time on a regular park night, but the headliners can still build up some decent wait times, and the special character meetings will often have quite long lines. Don’t necessarily expect to walk onto every ride. The party is more about the parades and Halloween “atmosphere.”

It’s fun to have dinner at one of the in-park restaurants like Jungle Skipper Canteen, Tony’s Town Square, Liberty Tree Tavern or Be Our Guest just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The in-park restaurants book up quickly, so make reservations as early as possible (60 days in advance).

In the past, Friday nights in October and the final week leading up to Halloween have sold out in advance.

Disney Vacation Club members and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can save $10 per ticket on select nights.

2023 Regular prices for all guests (tax included):

• $116.09 (age 10+), $105.44 (age 3-9) for August 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
• $126.74 (age 10+), $116.09 (age 3-9) for September 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17
• $158.69 (age 10+), $148.04 (age 3-9) for August 11; September 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29; October 1
• $179.99 (age 10+), $169.34 (age 3-9) for October 3, 5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26
• $201.29 (age 10+), $190.64 (age 3-9) for October 6, 13, 20, 27
• $211.94 (age 10+), $201.29 (age 3-9) for October 29, 31; November 1

In the past, Active Duty, Retired, and Permanently Disabled US Military (with current military ID) have been able to purchase discounted tickets for themselves and up to 5 family/friends for select dates. The tickets may be purchased at any theme park ticket window or Guest Relations Office. They may also be available at Shades of Green or MWR/ITT locations, which do not charge tax. Tax is added if purchased at the theme parks.

• 2023 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets went on sale May 2, 2023. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green could purchase tickets starting April 27, 2023. Tickets are available through Undercover Tourist at a small discount, or at full price direct from Disney via Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party page . These tickets do not require a theme park reservation. 

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

In 2024, the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend will be held October 31 – November 3. Registration will open March 12, 2024 at 10 am ET.

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend includes a 5K, Half Marathon and the Disney Wine & Dine 10K, kids’ races and other events. There may be a virtual race option for some race events.

• For more information or to register, go to the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend page . Don’t wait too long to register; the races reach full capacity very quickly

The 2023 Events Invitational was held November 23, 24 & 26 at the HP Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Each year ESPN cooks up a Thanksgiving weekend basketball feast so big that even if a match-up or two turns out to be a proverbial “turkey,” the event still will provide roundball junkies with a memorable holiday treat.

• For more information or to purchase tickets, visit  ESPN Events Invitational page .

In 2024, Thanksgiving will be November 28. Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November.

Walt Disney World does not offer a Thanksgiving parade or decorations in the parks. (However, the Christmas decorations are normally in place by Thanksgiving weekend.)

There are special meals available at many Disney World restaurants on Thanksgiving. Reservations for holiday meals can be booked up to 60 days in advance online or by using the MyDisneyExperience app on your phone.

Note that “holiday pricing” (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) from the weekend prior to Thanksgiving through the weekend after Thanksgiving. Other restaurants may charge a premium on Thanksgiving Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.

First, be sure to read our survival guide to visiting Walt Disney World at Christmas !

Christmas decorations at the Walt Disney World Resort usually begin going up in early November. The decorations are gradually added at night and are substantially complete at Magic Kingdom by the time of the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (in 2023, that will be November 9), with the resorts and other parks completed by the day after Thanksgiving. Each theme park will have an enormous decorated Christmas tree at the park entrance and are a popular place to take a photo. The decorations usually start coming down about January 3.

Each of the theme parks and Disney Springs have their own themed decorations, as well as special holiday entertainment and activities. Some activities are included with general admission, such as Frozen Holiday Surprise in Magic Kingdom and the Candlelight Processional in Epcot. 

Santa Claus makes appearances at each park, as well as Disney Springs.

The Disney Resort Hotels are also decorated for the holidays, and each of the Deluxe resorts have a decorated Christmas tree in their lobby. The Deluxe resorts also have fantastic edible displays. Beach Club  has a fully detailed, life-sized gingerbread carousel in the lobby. The Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House lobby has a life-size gingerbread baby giraffe and baby zebra. The Contemporary Resort has a Mary Blair-inspired Cinderella Gingerbread Castle.

New for 2023, the Yacht Club will have a gingerbread version of the lighthouse just outside the resort. BoardWalk Inn will have a gingerbread version the boardwalk and some of the shops.

The biggest edible production is a gingerbread house at Grand Floridian Resort that is large enough that it doubles as a real bake shop. Featuring gingerbread using a classic Austrian recipe, the bake shop offers freshly baked items such as cookies, ornaments and miniature gingerbread houses. Other homemade items for sale may include Stollen Bread, chocolate peppermint bark, lollipops and special Grand Floridian logo boxes filled with truffles. Demonstrations of how to decorate a gingerbread house take place in front of the bake shop. The gingerbread house usually opens in mid-November.

• The Disney Food Blog Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays  e-Book has great coverage of the edible holiday displays, restaurants offering special meals or menu items, information on new or special time-limited shows, and lots more.

For 2023, Magic Kingdom had holiday entertainment and décor November 11 through December 31.

Seasonal characters – including gingerbread men and elves – join Disney characters in cavalcades through the park. On Main Street, U.S.A., toy soldiers will march with the Main Street Philharmonic. The Dapper Dans perform while riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.

Santa will have individual time with guests to take photos and share their Christmas wishes.

In 2023, on select evenings, Cinderella Castle was transformed during Frozen Holiday Surprise , a new Frozen -inspired show, featuring Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and the Snowgies. 

Each year during the holiday season, Jungle Cruise transforms into the Jingle Cruise. As you make your way through attraction queue, check out all the merry décor that’s been mailed to the skippers, or that they’ve created themselves. They even add a few holiday jokes to their tours to help everyone get in the spirit. 

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate admission.

• For more information, go to the Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort page .

For 2023, Animal Kingdom had holiday entertainment and décor November 11 through December 31.

On Discovery Island, there is a celebration of winter, with sparkling white holiday decorations, animal-inspired luminaries and wireframe lanterns in the shape of birds. There is also the Merry Menagerie, featuring life-size puppets of winter animals. These reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins and more interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians. At night, the Tree of Life awakens with a series of wintry tales, complemented by holiday-inspired music. There are a variety of character appearances and musical performances on festive flotillas on Discovery River, including Santa Claus, Donald Duck & Friends and the Discovery Island Drummers. 

In Asia, the residents of Anandapur decorate in celebration of Diwali, the holiday festival of lights in India. Glowing flowers, lanterns and more illuminate the square between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage.

The village of Harambe in Africa blends the inspiration and style of western traditions with the colors and textiles of African celebrations. The performers in Harambe add holiday-inspired enhancements to their performances.

The holiday spirit even reaches Pandora – The World of Avatar, where the ex-pats living and working on the moon of Pandora bring a little Christmastime fun to their alien home, with a display at Pongu Pongu of kitschy holiday décor, combining vintage pieces from Earth with items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora.

For 2023, Disney’s Hollywood Studios had holiday entertainment and décor November 11 – December 31.

Toy Story Land is decorated for the holidays with oversized cranberry-and-popcorn garland, a 10-foot-tall Hamm sugar cookie and more. Guests can hear sleigh bells ringing on Slinky Dog Dash, while Alien Swirling Saucers offers two holiday tunes with themed lighting. Characters dress up as well; Woody and Jessie sport special holiday vests and sprigs of holly on their hats, while Buzz Lightyear wears a snazzy Santa hat. There is a Santa Claus Merry Motorcade, where an entourage of Elves lead Santa up Hollywood Blvd. in his candy-apple red convertible. 

Each night during Sunset Seasons Greetings, billboards on Sunset Boulevard come to life and tell a tale, courtesy of iconic characters sharing their love for the season. All the while, the Hollywood Tower Hotel — a.k.a. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror — magically transforms into a Muppets gingerbread masterpiece, a Toy Story toy hotel, a snowy corner of Arendelle and a Dickensian village from Mickey’s Christmas Carol . This experience runs continuously throughout the night.

Just for the holidays, Olaf joins the cast of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at the Hyperion Theater. The holiday version of the show includes a seasonal finale featuring Olaf and three songs from Olaf’s Frozen Adventure .

New for 2023, Disney Jollywood Nights was held after the regular closing of Hollywood Studios and required separate admission.

For 2023, Epcot International Festival of the the Holidays was held November 24 – December 30.

For Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, each pavilion’s holiday celebration comes to life with music, storytelling and other traditions. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is included with regular Epcot admission. There are live musical performances, including the Candlelight Processional, and multiple Holiday Kitchens, serving up holiday cookies and other sweet seasonal treats from around the world. Use the Festival Passport to track your purchases of five select holiday cookies, then, stop by Holiday Sweets and Treats to receive a specialty cookie! The American Adventure Rotunda will have gingerbread versions of the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, The American Adventure building and other monuments on display. 

Joyful! A Celebration of the Season, a performance of Gospel, R&B and holiday songs, takes place daily in the World Showcase Plaza at 1:15 pm, 2:20 pm, 3:25 pm and 4:30 pm.

In 2023, Santa Claus was at The Odyssey from November 24 through December 24, for photos and individual visits. 

The greenhouse portions of Living with the Land have a special overlay for the holidays, becoming Living with the Land – Glimmering Greenhouses, with special decorations, lights and displays. The narration focused on foods and flavors associated with Christmas, such as oranges, hot cocoa and cinnamon. The special lighting is even more noticeable if you ride it after dark. 

Kids can be on the lookout for Olaf in each World Showcase pavilion. Once you spot him, match the tradition on his sleigh to the location on your sticker map. The Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition map and stickers can be purchased for $10.64, tax included, at select merchandise locations (while supplies last). Return the completed map to the designated location and exchange it for a gift.

• If you are on a dining plan, you can use your snack credits for the food items (but not alcoholic beverages) at the Festival of the Holidays marketplace booths. This is a great deal because normally snack credits are good only for individual snack items priced under $6, but some of the booth items cost $9 or more. Qualifying items are marked on the marketplace booth menus with a Dining Plan logo.
• For more information, go to the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays page .

For 2023, Holidays at Disney Springs was held November 11 – December 31.

Holidays at Disney Springs includes a variety of holiday entertainment, specialty foods and festive décor. Enjoy Toy Soldier stilt walkers, Snowflake Skaters, pop carolers and a cappella groups. There are special performances celebrating Kwanzaa, songs and stories in honor of Hanukkah as well as a magical snowfall each evening. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar transforms into Jock Lindsey’s Holiday Bar with seasonal décor and a special limited-time menu.

Santa is at the Once Upon a Toy store and you can get individual time with him and take photos with your own camera or use PhotoPass. Use MyDisneyExperience to join the virtual queue to meet Santa. Santa greets guests daily through December 24. Some Disney Springs restaurants offer breakfast with Santa, a reservation is usually required, cost varies. 

For kids, there is Stitch’s Holiday Gift Hunt – use the clues to find Stitch’s gifts for his family. Pick up a Holiday Gift Hunt booklet containing a map, clues and stickers at any participating location. Visit each gift hunt site, spot the hidden Stitch holding up one of his presents and then match the correct gift sticker to its corresponding location on the map. Then go to a redemption center to collect a festive surprise.

As part of the Christmas Tree Stroll, there are elaborately decorated Disney Christmas trees throughout Disney Springs. Each one has been designed to capture a popular Disney theme. Maps with the locations of all the trees are available at: City Works Eatery & Pour House, Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, Planet Hollywood, The Boathouse and Uniqlo. You can return your complete map to one of those locations and receive a surprise. 

Some Disney Springs restaurants offer a fixed price breakfast with Santa on select dates, cost varies and a reservation is usually required. In the past, Maria & Enzo’s , T-Rex Cafe and Rainforest Cafe have had a Breakfast with Santa. 

There are over-sized toy sculptures throughout Disney Springs, the perfect place to pose for family photos.

Scrooge McDuck by Sam Howzit ( CC )

In 2023, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party was offered from 7:00 pm to midnight on November 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30; December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 22.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held after the regular closing of Magic Kingdom and requires separate admission. (You don’t have to have paid admission or a theme park reservation to Magic Kingdom in order to attend the special after-hours event.) The event is held from 7:00 pm to midnight on select nights, usually running from about the second week of November through approximately a week prior to Christmas. Guests with Very Merry Christmas Party tickets are admitted to the park as early as 4:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins.

Admission to the event includes complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, “snow” on Main Street, holiday stage shows, carolers, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime parade and the Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime fireworks show. Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration is presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage. Mickey and his pals invite some of their friends for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun. Plus, most of the major attractions will be open. In Tomorrowland, there is the Club Tinsel dance party and the Totally Tomorrowland Christmas , an intergalactic musical revue where Buzz Lightyear, Mike Wazowski and Stich perform holidays songs with a modern twist. Over in Storybook Circus there is the Disney Junior Jingle Jam, a dance party with characters from Disney Junior shows.

Select Magic Kingdom attractions receive holiday enhancements just for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. On Tomorrowland Speedway, you cruise a festive freeway filled with thousands of lights and stylized décor. The crew at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor have a special holiday-themed show just for the party. Space Mountain has special lighting and high-energy holiday tunes, and at the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, the teacups spin to one of four holiday combos of lights and music.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime fireworks show celebrates the magic of Christmas with medleys of holiday songs, from “Joy to the World” and “Deck the Halls” to “Up on the House Top” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” 

Is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party worth the money? Depends on your plans. Be aware that the same parades, shows, “snow” experience and fireworks (but not the hot chocolate and cookies) are offered as part of regular admission if you visit Magic Kingdom starting the day after Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party ends, through New Year’s Eve. So if you will be visiting Magic Kingdom between the day after the party and New Year’s Eve, it might not be worth the extra money to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party earlier in the month. The special ride enhancements, special character meet and greets, some special decorations, and some commemorative merchandise are only available at the party.

Although the number of people admitted each night is limited, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can feel quite crowded, particularly on weekend nights and the last couple of nights it’s offered. The rides will be less busy than they would be at that time on a regular park night, but the headliners can still build up some decent wait times, and the special character meetings will often have quite long lines. To give you some idea, on the final sold-out night of 2013, before the party started the wait time for Space Mountain was hovering between 40-45 minutes. After the party started, the wait went down to 15-25 minutes. On the other hand, the Haunted Mansion didn’t change; it was 10-15 minutes before the party started and 10-15 minutes after the party started. It can be a lot of fun to attend if you want to get into the Christmas spirit in late November or early December, but don’t necessarily expect to walk onto every ride. The party is more about the parades and Christmas “atmosphere.”

It’s fun to have dinner at Tony’s Town Square or Liberty Tree Tavern just before the party. This allows you to be in the park right when the festivities begin. The two restaurants book up quickly, so make reservations as early as possible (60 days in advance).

Typically, ticket prices are least expensive for early November, a bit more for mid-November and early December and most expensive for the last few dates in December. In the past, the last party before Christmas has sold out well in advance.

Ticket prices start at $169.34, tax included, per adult. There are a limited number of tickets for each date. The last party before Christmas is likely to sell out well in advance.

2023 Regular prices for all guests (tax included) :

• $169.34 (age 10+), $158.69 (age 3-9) for November 13, 14, 16
• $179.99 (age 10+), $169.34 (age 3-9) for November 9, 10, 17
• $190.64 (age 10+), $179.99 (age 3-9) for November 26, 28, 30; December 1, 3, 5, 7
• $201.29 (age 10+), $190.64 (age 3-9) for November 19, 21, 22; December 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17
• $211.94 (age 10+), $201.29 (age 3-9) for December 19, 21, 22

Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Annual Passholders can save $10 per ticket on select nights.

• 2023 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets went on sale July 6, 2023. Guests of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green could purchase tickets starting June 29, 2023. Tickets will be available from Undercover Tourist (at a small discount for select dates), or directly from Disney via Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party page . These tickets do not require a theme park reservation.

New for 2023, Disney Jollywood Nights was held November 11, 18, 20, 27, 29; December: 4, 6, 16, 18 and 20.

Disney Jollywood Nights will be held after the regular closing of Hollywood Studios and requires separate admission. (You don’t have to have paid admission or a theme park reservation to Hollywood Studios in order to attend the special after-hours event.) The event is held from 8:30 pm to 12:30 am on select nights, from about the second week of November through approximately a week prior to Christmas. Guests with Disney Jollywood Nights tickets are admitted to the park as early as 7:00 pm. You will need to get a wristband that allows you to stay in the park after the party begins.

Admission to the event includes:

• Disney Holidays in Hollywood at Theater of the Stars, a variety show with singers, dancer and live jazz musicians, along with appearances by Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Tiana, Belle, Mickey and Minnie. 
• What’s This? Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along in The Hyperion Theater, hosted by Jack Skellington.
• The nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
• Holiday Fiesta en la Calle in Commissary Lane, with Latin holiday music, and food and drinks inspired by Latin holiday traditions

Mickey, Minnie and the rest of the gang will appear in special holiday outfits with a vintage vibe for meet and greets in Animation Courtyard. Special holiday treats and beverages will be available for purchase. Plus, most of the major attractions will be open. During this event, a virtual queue will be used for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

There will be two limited-capacity events. Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby transforms the restaurant into a smooth jazz joint. There will be cocktails and light bites  available for purchase along with holiday tunes and sparkling décor. You can request to join the walk-up waitlist on the My Disney Experience app. There will also be a Twilight Soirée at The Tip-Top Club in the The Hollywood Tower Hotel courtyard. A live band will play holiday tunes in jukebox style and cocktails will be available for purchase.

Dressing up in your holiday best with an old Hollywood flair is encouraged, just be sure to check Walt Disney World’s dress code .

Ticket prices start at $169.34, tax included, per person (ages 3 and up). There will be a limited number of tickets for each date.

• $169.34 (age 3 and up) for November 11, 18, 27, 29
• $179.99 (age 3 and up) for December 4, 6, 16, 18, 20
• $190.64 (age 3 and up) for November 20
• 2023 Disney Jollywood Nights tickets went on sale July 6, 2023. Guests of Walt Disney World Resort Hotels, Swan and Dolphin Hotels and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting June 29, 2023. Tickets are available from Undercover Tourist (at a small discount for select dates), or directly from Disney via the Disney Jollywood Nights page . These tickets do not require a theme park reservation.

In 2023, the Candlelight Processional was held November 24 – December 30.

There are three performances each night, at 5:15, 7:00 and 8:30 pm. 

The Candlelight Processional is an annual event at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase at Epcot. It consists of a celebrity narrator presenting the Biblical Christmas story, plus a large choir and an orchestra performing traditional religious Christmas carols. The Processional is an explicitly Christian religious presentation with a “church service” feel to it. Each show runs about 40 minutes. You’ll need to line up at LEAST 45 minutes prior to the show if you want to have any hope of getting in (or buy the Candlelight Processional Dining Package for guaranteed entry).

There is no additional charge for the performance over and above your Epcot admission.

2023 Candlelight Processional Narrators (schedule subject to change):

• November 24-25: Chrissy Metz
• November 26-27: Luis Fonsi
• November 28: Ann-Margret
• November 29: Ashley Eckstein
• November 30 – December 2: Bart Millard
• December 3-5: John Stamos
• December 6-8: Neil Patrick Harris
• December 9-11: Marlee Matlin
• December 12-14: Brendan Fraser
• December 15-16: Eva Longoria
• December 17-18: Joey McIntyre
• December 19-20: Sterling K. Brown
• December 21-23: Jordan Fisher
• December 24-26: Steven Curtis Chapman
• December 27-28: Audra McDonald
• December 29-30: Lisa Ling

Candlelight Processional Dining Package

You can purchase a special Candlelight Processional Dining Package. With this special package you pay a flat rate for a sit-down meal or full buffet at an Epcot restaurant and you receive “preferred seating” for the Candlelight Processional. Admission to Epcot is not included in the dining package price.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner packages are available at select Epcot restaurants: Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion, Biergarten in the Germany Pavilion, Coral Reef in The Living Seas Pavilion, Garden Grill in The Land Pavilion, Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada Pavilion, Rose & Crown Dining Room in the UK Pavilion and Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion. Cost will vary depending on which restaurant and meal you pick. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance of your visit.

Same day Candlelight Processional dining packages may be available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse in the American Adventure Pavilion. No reservation is needed; check with the restaurant in person to see if a dining package is available for later that day. The same day dining package is subject to availability.

Based on our experience, getting the package may be the only way you’ll get a seat at all, particularly on weekend nights. Expect to wait in a significant line to enter the show, even if you have the package.

• Candlelight Processional Dining Packages went on sale October 17, 2023. To make a reservation, go to the Candlelight Processional Dining Package page . Please note: admission to Epcot and a theme park reservation are required and are not included in the dining package.  

During the month of December, Disney offers 25-minute “sleigh” rides through the woods from the Ft. Wilderness Campground. (The horse-drawn vehicle is wheeled but made to look like a red sleigh, complete with sleigh bells!) Each person receives a special limited-edition pin. After your ride you can stroll through the barn to check out where the horses live and learn more about them.

You can book Holiday Sleigh Rides up to 60 days in advance online or by using the MyDisneyExperience app on your phone.

There are special meals available at certain restaurants on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can reserve holiday meals up to 60 days in advance online or by using the MyDisneyExperience app on your phone.

Note that “holiday pricing” (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) from mid-December through the first few days of January (holiday season). Other restaurants may charge a premium on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.

Religious services have been held on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the Fantasia Ballroom at the Contemporary Resort. On Christmas Eve (December 24) there is a Christmas Eve Vigil at 6:00 pm and a Midnight Mass at midnight. On Christmas Day (December 25) Catholic Mass is held at 8:00 am and 10:30 am and a Protestant service will be held at 9:15 am. If you plan to attend, it is best confirm the time and location with the front desk or concierge.

• take the monorail to the Contemporary

First, be sure to read our survival guide to visiting Walt Disney World at Christmas ! (The advice also applies to New Year’s Eve.)

Disney Springs is also a VERY popular place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. If you are planning to take a taxi or ride-share back to your hotel after midnight, be prepared for long lines and/or wait times! Wait times for the Disney buses may be longer than usual too. 

Theme Parks

In the past, Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios all stayed open late on New Year’s Eve and offered extra entertainment, usually including live performances, extra parades and fireworks. These festivities were included in regular park admission. 

Special Meals

There are special meals available at certain restaurants on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. You can reserve holiday meals up to 60 days in advance online or by using the MyDisneyExperience app on your phone.

Note that “holiday pricing” (i.e. higher prices) will be in effect for some restaurants (particularly the buffets and character meals) from mid-December through the first few days of January (holiday season). Other restaurants may charge a premium on New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.

Is Undercover Tourist legit? – Finding Reliable Ticket Deals

Are you looking for Undercover Tourist reviews for your next family trip? Maybe you’re considering purchasing theme park tickets or a hotel stay through Undercover Tourist, but you’re wondering if the prices are too good to be true. Rest assured that Undercover Tourist is a trusted company used by tons of families each year, including my own family.

They offer amazing customer service and great deals on everything you need for your next vacation. So, if you are searching for a way to save money on theme park tickets, then Undercover Tourist is the place to go! My family and I have used this reputable company on multiple Disney trips as they offer deep discounts on tickets to theme parks in both California and Florida.

You can use Undercover Tourist to purchase tickets for parks like Disney World, Universal, Disneyland, Sea World, and Lego Land. They also offer great deals on hotel room prices (including Walt Disney World resort hotels) and on rental cars. To make planning your family vacation easier, Undercover Tourist even provides special features like Disney World crowd calendars along with other helpful online tools.

So, if you’re considering using this super helpful website for your next trip, continue reading our full Undercover Tourist review below. We will discuss just how easy it is to use Undercover Tourist to help plan your next theme park vacation AND get a great deal on tickets!

How It Works

Before planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World (or other theme parks), you may be wondering if you can get a discount on the official (aka pricey) ticket prices. Over the years, I have found the Undercover Tourist website to be the easiest way to score the best deals on park tickets. It’s my family’s go-to website for planning any Disney World vacation because it helps make trip planning a breeze.

No matter what you’re needing for your trip, Undercover Tourist will have a great deal to help make your trip a little more budget friendly. They offer the best deals on tickets to SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios, and other theme parks and attractions. You can even score big ticket discounts on Walt Disney World park tickets, including park hopper tickets, sports tickets, and water park ticket options.

As you shop on the official Undercover Tourist website, you will notice that these discounts get bigger and bigger with the number of days you add on to your ticket package. In other words, you won’t see a huge price difference in Disney tickets if you are just purchasing one day passes. However, you will find deep discounts the more days you add on to your package. All in all, you can save over $80 per ticket at Walt Disney World, which really adds up if you are traveling with multiple family members!

Just use the ticket calendar to determine if the Disney park passes are available. If your desired dates and parks are available, follow the prompts to choose the ticket options you want. After purchasing your Disney park passes, you can easily link them in your My Disney Experience account . Once you link your discounted tickets, they’ll show up in your account just as if you had bought them from Disney’s official site. It’s that easy!

Why We Use Undercover Tourist

In addition to the incredible savings that Undercover Tourist provides, my family and I also use them for their customer service. Not only is Undercover Tourist a legit website, but they are also a trusted name in the theme park industry. Did you know that the Undercover Tourist brand is officially an authorized Walt Disney World ticket seller ?

This means they are recognized for their honest dependability. When going through wholesale ticket providers for the first time, it can sometimes feel intimidating. But, Undercover Tourist is a discount ticket seller that provides real tickets with no hidden fees. Plus, shipping and tax are included in the price you pay.

At the time of this post, Undercover Tourist is even offering a full refund policy for Disney World tickets! Since I personally do not have experience requesting a refund on tickets from Undercover Tourist, I cannot speak about this process. However, my family and I did have to cancel hotel reservations with Undercover Tourist a few trips ago.

The process of requesting a refund was so easy, and they provided great customer service. I just called the Undercover Tourist contact number and immediately spoke with a customer service agent who handled my cancellation. During the phone call, I spoke with a super friendly and knowledgeable representative without having to wait through the automated calling you so often have to sit through when contacting companies.

Booking Hotels through Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist has many different tools and features that make it easy to plan your next Disney trip. This website can be very helpful when trying to save money on tickets, car rentals, and hotel rooms. If you are planning a hotel stay at Disney, we recommend comparing the prices on the official WDW website with those on the Undercover Tourist site.

Although Undercover Tourist does not always have the cheaper rate, they often do! Plus, you can sometimes find availability for rooms you want that are sold out on the official Disney website. We always make sure to price out the rooms on both websites before booking since you can often save money going through Undercover Tourist.

On a side note, if you’re looking to stay at a deluxe hotel, we recommend looking into renting DVC points first. This is often the way to save the most money on a hotel room at Disney. However, if you aren’t able to secure a DVC room OR if you’re looking for a value/moderate resort, Undercover Tourist is often the way to go!

Final Review of Undercover Tourist

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can often feel daunting and expensive. But, with all of the amazing resources and discounts available through Undercover Tourist, there is no need to worry. You can snag some awesome deals on WDW tickets, hotels, AND car rentals all while keeping peace of mind in knowing that you are using a legitimate authorized Disney ticket seller.

We highly recommend giving Undercover Tourist a try before your next family vacation! You can find deep discounts on a hotel stay and theme park tickets for the whole family. Also, if you are looking for tips on choosing the right Disney World hotel, join our Facebook group- Mom’s Guide to Disney Resorts – for personalized help on finding the best resort for your family! Do you have a review of Undercover Tourist? Comment below to share your experience!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

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Hi Shari! I am thinking of using Undercover Tourist for our next Disney vacation. Do they mail you a physical ticket? If the ticket is emailed, how do you use it to enter the parks? Do you have to print it out or do you go somewhere at Disney to convert the printed page to an actual ticket? Just wondering about the logistics now that you need a reservation for the parks…Thanks for the help!

Thanks so much for reaching out. I believe that Undercover Tourist will mail you physical tickets if you want them, but I usually choose the email option. Either way, your physical or digital tickets will have a code on them. You just log into your WDW account and link the Undercover Tourist tickets using the code. This is a similar process to reserving a Disney hotel through Undercover Tourist. They will give you a confirmation number/code that you type into your Disney account, and it links your reservation.

Once you are at Disney, your linked tickets and reservations are connected to your Magic Bands and the My Disney Experience App. So, to enter a theme park, you will swipe your Magic Band or the Disney App to get in.

Just make sure that you make your park reservation after you link your Undercover Tourist tickets into your Disney account. I hope I explained that okay. It’s actually REALLY easy to do. When you log into your Disney account, it basically prompts you each step of the way. Hope you have a great time at Disney!!

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Get Away Today vs. Undercover Tourist- Finding Legit Cheap Disneyland Tickets

Get Away Today and Undercover Tourist are both legit travel companies that sell discounted Disneyland tickets. These two travel companies have worked with Disneyland for a considerable amount of years and are both well-known for vacation planning. They are often ranked against each other when it comes to the best price on discount Disneyland tickets and the services they provide. Here is our full breakdown of Get Away Today vs. Undercover Tourist.

Keep reading for our analysis of these two companies, the services they offer, and whether Get Away Today vs Undercover Tourist offers the best discount Disney tickets. We have booked with both Undercover Tourist and Get Away Today and provide our fair comparison of both below.

What you need to know: When you book your Disneyland tickets with Get Away Today via our private Mickey Visit link , they are less or the same price as Undercover Tourist Disneyland ticket prices and you benefit from the far superior Get Away Today customer service.

Get exclusive access to prices on hotel & tickets just for Mickey Visit subscribers. Don't miss our travel hacks newsletter!

In this planning guide:

Get Away Today vs. Undercover Tourist: Best Customer Service?

Get Away Today has been working with Disneyland since 1990 and are the oldest ticket reseller. This long relationship, not just with Disneyland but the Anaheim area, provides a level of insight into vacation planning in Southern California that many other companies can't beat.

This close relationship with the Anaheim area is demonstrated by Get Away Today employee knowledge of the resort. Each year Get Away Today takes its employees on a trip around the Disneyland Resort area, staying at multiple hotels. This yearly “fam” trip gives everyone working in their call centers a first-hand experience with the theme parks and personal knowledge of the hotels. This close relationship Get Away Today has with its employees enhances its customer service on so many levels. When you call to book a Disneyland vacation, you are talking to experts that frequently visit the area and the Disneyland Resort which is an essential firsthand experience.

Get Away Today is not just an online provider of Disneyland tickets but is a full-service travel agency that is committed to supporting you during your vacation. When you purchase discount tickets from Get Away Today, you will also receive the award-winning customer service from Get Away Today which is dedicated to assisting you through each step of your vacation. The employees at Get Away Today will devote their time to helping guests plan from the first phone call to assisting with potential emergencies when you arrive at your destination.

Undercover Tourist operates more in the genre of an online retailer and has a large call center. The size of this call center isn't necessarily an advantage because the employees answering the phone don't receive the same individual commitment you see over at Get Away Today. You might be talking to someone who has never even been to Disneyland and can only provide you with limited insight into your vacation based on the bullet points on the screen in front of them. They also tend to specialize more in Orlando travel which is another limitation they have when it comes to purchasing discount Disneyland tickets and planning a Southern Californian vacation. Another con against the customer service at Undercover Tourist is that the company was recently acquired by a larger e-commerce player which may lead to even further degradation of service.

I have first-hand experience using both of these companies although my relationship with Get Away Today is much stronger. I have consistently been impressed with how helpful, friendly, and accommodating all the employees are at Get Away Today. I have had many trips where I needed to make adjustments, switch hotels, switch ticket dates- you name it. And the folks at Get Away Today have helped me each time with no complaints when I have used their Peace of Mind plan (details on the ticket insurance plans below). Everyone I work with there is always kind. In this area of Get Away Today vs. Undercover Tourist, Get Away Today wins.

Does Get Away Today or Undercover Tourist Have Better Disneyland Prices?

If you are NOT using our discount Disneyland ticket link which loads exclusively lower prices for our readers, Undercover Tourist's prices for Disneyland tickets may be cheaper than Get Away Today's Disneyland ticket prices by a few dollars.

However, we negotiated a deal with Get Away Today to price beat or match the prices Undercover Tourist offers . These are exclusive to Mickey Visit. This is just another reason why we love working with Get Away Today, we were able to secure the lowest possible rates for Disneyland tickets just for our readers.

So while their prices might be the same, you are getting a far more personal experience booking with Get Away Today with their high-standing customer service.

Buy Discount Disneyland Tickets >

Remember: the only way to get these prices for Disneyland tickets is to use our link, without it you will see the higher price of tickets.  Make sure to click through one of our private links for access to the private lower prices.

Booking Discount Disneyland Hotel Packages

Get Away Today's long-standing partnership with the Good Neighbor hotels in Anaheim also allow them to provide the best discounts on hotel rates and perks in the Disneyland area.

Many of the hotels that partner with Get Away Today will offer perks like free breakfast, free nights, free parking, waived resort fees, and more. When you're on the Get Away Today website, look at the hotel description to see what perks are offered as the offerings vary by hotel. They also offer discount night stays at Disney-owned property hotels which can be a great way to save money and be close to the magic. Their rates for the Disneyland on-site hotels are consistently cheaper than what you will see on the Disneyland website and they can also apply any existing Disney promotions to those rates too.

Another perk of Get Away Today's relationship with local Anaheim hotels results in the hotels setting aside their best quality rooms for Get Away Today customers. You will more likely have your room requests honored if you are a Get Away Today customer and may even get an upgraded room at no charge. This has happened to me in the past when we were upgraded to a larger room just because we booked with Get Away Today.

If you plan on booking a full Disneyland ticket and hotel package, using Get Away Today will consistently get you the best prices. I am a budget traveler and I price-match every Disneyland travel package I use. I have never found a deal (AAA members, Costco , etc.) to beat out the prices Get Away Today offers. That is an impressive claim to fame.

In comparison, another mark against Undercover Tourist in this category is they only provide booking for the on-property Disneyland Hotels ( Grand Californian , Disneyland Hotel , Paradise Pier- soon to be Pixar Place ) and do not provide discount rates for any of the Anaheim area hotels. In this scenario, Get Away Today easily wins this comparison.

Get Away Today vs. Undercover Tourist: Longest Disney Partner?

Get Away Today is one of the longest-standing partners of Disneyland and has worked to help guests plan vacations to Disneyland since 1990. They are one of the most well-known companies in the Southern California area and one of the leading providers of Disneyland vacations.

Undercover Tourist has been operating since 2002 and is a reputable company for providing discount theme park vacations. They are a legitimate company with numerous offerings for discount theme park tickets including Disneyland. Undercover Tourist operates more as an online retailer with much less of an emphasis on customer service and support than Get Away Today.

In this category of Get Away Today vs Undercover Tourist, Get Away Today easily wins due to its long-standing history as a company since the 90s and its history with Disneyland.

Who Has the Best Ticket Insurance Options?

Get Away Today offers its own version of travel insurance called the Peace of Mind plan. For a $75 fee, you get the flexibility to make any reservation changes (excluding airfare) up to 72 hours before your check-in date without any penalties. The Peace of Mind Plan will waive any change, reschedule, or cancellation fees. It must be purchased at the time of booking to qualify.

The Peace of Mind Plan can also be added for a ticket-only purchase if you are worried about needing to make any changes to your tickets. This plan is extremely helpful if you are booking far in advance but may not always be necessary if you are certain about your travel dates. However, you can change your ticket dates without having the Peace of Mind plan if you need to change your arrival day. If you need a refund and you didn't add the Peace of Mind Plan, then it's a $50 fee.

Get Away Today also offers a layaway plan. If you want to utilize the layaway plan, you just need to put $175 down on your trip with $99 of that being the nonrefundable layaway fee. Once your vacation is put on layaway, you can make payments of any amount and how often you like until your vacation. As long as your trip is paid in full five days before your departure date, you will be good to go. This makes saving for a Disney vacation much more accessible for families so you have your dates locked in and then you can make payments as you can.

The Get Away Today Layaway Plan is available for all Get Away Today vacations at Disneyland Resort, San Diego, Carlsbad, and Universal Studios Hollywood destinations

Over at Undercover Tourist, they have their own set of policies that apply to their Disneyland tickets. E-Tickets are refundable for 365 days from the date of purchase as long as they haven't been used, expired, modified, or exchanged. For this return policy, only 95% of the items total will be refunded. Undercover Tourist keeps the remaining 5% fee to cover the inconvenience.

They also state that they are unable to make changes to e-tickets. This is probably the biggest downside of Undercover Tourist's policy. As we all know, plans can change and not having the ability to make a change is a big inconvenience. The only option is to refund your tickets and rebook.

My experience with Undercover Tourist was much less impressive when I purchased tickets to Universal Orlando in the past. I needed to modify my dates and it took a long time of sitting on hold (not usually an issue with Get Away Today) before I could get in touch with anyone. I was not able to modify the dates for my ticket or make any changes because of this policy. I tried to reach out to Universal Orlando individually to change my ticket date but Universal was not able to make changes to tickets bought through a reseller, only the reseller has that ability. It was a disappointing experience but more so in the way the customer service handled the situation. It wasn't the most friendly conversation and the only option for me was a refund for only 95% of my ticket cost which I did end up utilizing so I could purchase a ticket for the date we needed to switch to.

You can easily see the difference between the two call centers when posed with a problem like this. The handling of any problems at Undercover Tourist is treated like a corporate playbook while my experiences at Get Away Today have consistently been more personal. While the vacation package protections at Get Away Today come at an additional cost, it has been worth it in my experience to have that flexibility and peace of mind (hence the name of the travel protection!) when planning such a costly trip.

Get Away Today vs. Undercover Tourist: Best Freebies?

Get Away Today offers all their customers that book Disneyland packages up to $300 worth of printable coupons, lanyards, and vacation printables. Once you confirm your booking with Get Away Today, you will receive an email filled with coupons for local Anaheim restaurants in Downtown Disney, near the Disneyland Resort, entertainment venues, and more. One of our favorite coupons has always been the 10% off dinner at Naples in Downtown Disney! There's a huge variety of coupons for restaurants and entertainment in Anaheim, LA, and San Diego.

Once you arrive at the hotel, you just present your Get Away Today voucher (you will receive this in the email after your booking) to receive a complimentary Get Away Today lanyard for every person in your party.

The vacation printables include countdown calendars and activities, packing lists, and other fun ideas to get your family stoked about your upcoming vacation.

Undercover Tourist does not offer any freebies or coupons upon purchasing tickets that we could find. Their website does offer planning resources that tend to be a bit more extensive than Get Away Today but this is also the reason Get Away Today partners with Disney travel planning websites (like Mickey Visit!) to direct their guests to the best Disney vacation planning. You can read our full guide to starting your Disneyland trip planning to see the wide range of topics we cover to prepare guests.

Overall, in our comparison of Get Away Today vs Undercover Tourist- it is pretty easy to see that Get Away Today comes out on top when planning a Disneyland Resort vacation, especially when you add in the additional Mickey Visit ticket discount . They have the best discounts on Disney hotels, longer experience planning in the Anaheim area, and great customer service.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Disneyland?

Keep reading our blog to keep you updated on everything you need to know to prepare for a Disney Parks vacation! We have a team of writers working hard to keep you updated weekly on events in the parks and tips for navigating the magic. Subscribe to our free deals newsletter to receive helpful planning information, exclusive Disney deals, and access to the lowest-priced Disney tickets anywhere. You can find more information on planning your vacation here:

• Discount Disneyland Ticket Guide
• Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Guide
• Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
• Guide to Parades at Disneyland

Disclosure: We have used all the products recommended on Mickey Visit. We may receive compensation when you click on links to some products featured.

About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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