10 things to know about the new Disney World date-based tickets

Walt Disney World instituted a new date-based ticket system on Oct. 16 that changes the prices in an effort to distribute attendance throughout the year and revamped its online interface at DisneyWorld.com.

Don’t worry. The world did not end. Some dates cost more (remember, ticket prices rise every year anyway) and there are actually a good many dates that are now cheaper. This is just a different pricing model, similar to hotel room pricing where rooms are more expensive when there is high demand and cheaper when there no demand.

If it doesn’t matter when you can travel and you want to get the best bang for your buck, this will be a good thing. Oh, and on top of the ticket price increase, parking fees at the theme parks increased as well.

Here are some things to know about the ticket prices:

1. Why the change in the ticket structure?
Disney is trying to spread its audience more evenly throughout the year. Right now there are a few times of year when visiting the theme parks is crazy. Disney is attempting to make the slower times more financially convenient for people. Will this work? That’s a big question. Many people with children are locked into certain dates to visit because of school. With the expansion of the days for special “seasons” and festivals there are now more opportunities for people to visit during these times.

2. Are tickets purchased prior to Oct. 16 still good?
Unused, unexpired tickets are valid with no additional costs. According to Disney, tickets maintain the same terms and conditions, including expiration dates, as it was the time of the purchase.

3. Where can I purchase the tickets? 
You can purchase through Disney at DisneyWorld.com.

4. What if I need to change dates after I purchase a ticket?
According to Disney, this will be the first time most tickets will be able to be modified up until the ticket start date. However, if the ticket is changed to a higher-price ticket you will be responsible for paying the difference. But, you will not receive any refunds if the ticket is changed to a lower-priced ticket.

5. What is a flexible date ticket?
These tickets allow people to first use your ticket any day on or before Dec. 31, 2019 and they expire after first use.

6. How far in advance can I purchase tickets?
Disney as the calendar up through the end of 2019.

7. When can I use the theme park ticket? What if I want to take a pool day between visiting parks?
According to Disney’s FAQ, the answer is a bit complicated:

Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets purchased after October 15, 2018, are valid for admission beginning on the selected start date and must be used within the validity window provided at the time of purchase. Here are the details:

• 1-day – The ticket expires on the selected start date.
• 2-day – The ticket expires 4 days after the selected start date.
• 3-day – The ticket expires 5 days after the selected start date.
• 4-day – The ticket expires 7 days after the selected start date.
• 5-day – The ticket expires 8 days after the selected start date.
• 6-day – The ticket expires 9 days after the selected start date.
• 7-day – The ticket expires 10 days after the selected start date.
• 8-day – The ticket expires 12 days after the selected start date.
• 9-day – The ticket expires 13 days after the selected start date.
• 10-day – The ticket expires 14 days after the selected start date.

For example, a 6-day base ticket with a start date of November 1 is valid any 6 days from November 1 to November 9.

The Park Hopper Option for same-day admission to more than one theme park is subject to the validity windows listed above.

The Park Hopper Plus Option to include visits to Disney water parks and other attractions—along with same-day admission to more than one theme park— adds another day to your valid use period. For example, a 6-day Park Hopper Plus Option ticket with a start date of November 1 is valid any 6 days from November 1 to November 10.

8. What if I purchased tickets with a travel package, when can I use them?
Tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package are valid for admissions beginning on the date of check-in and must be used by the date of check-out, or in accordance with the validity windows listed above—whichever period is longer.

9. Will Florida residents continue to receive discounted rates on multi-day tickets?
Yes, Florida residents will still receive discounts.

10. Did Annual Pass prices increase?
Yes, the annual pass prices for the general public, Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club members increased on Oct. 16. Prices increased anywhere from $20 to $45, depending on the pass. Here is the complete list of Annual Pass prices.