Hi Pat!
Your
theme park tickets are one of the most important choices you will make as you are planning your Walt Disney World Resort vacation, so I'm glad you are asking this great question! My family has traveled to the "Most Magical Place on Earth" both with and without the Park Hopper Option on our tickets and we've had magical trips both ways! In my experience, you really can't go wrong with either ticket option.
While ticket prices are always subject to change, generally adding the Park Hopper Option to your 4-day ticket would be slightly more than adding a fifth day to your ticket. However, there are a few additional things besides ticket cost to keep in mind when making your decision. If you add a fifth theme park day, then you may incur additional expenses, such as additional theme park meals or additional hotel costs, that may offset the difference in cost between your additional day and the Park Hopper Option. Otherwise, if you choose to add the Park Hopper Option to your 4-day tickets, you will be able to enjoy park hopping benefits during your entire trip, as you will be able to hop to multiple theme parks on all four of your vacation days.
I recommend that you make your ticket choice based on the itinerary that suits your vacation style. If you enjoy visiting the theme parks from rope drop until closing time, then adding the Park Hopper Option to your tickets may work best for you because you'll be able to pack each one of your days full of magic. However, if you prefer to pace yourself during your vacation or you want to reduce the time you spend traveling between theme parks, then an additional day in the theme parks may be perfect for your itinerary so you don't feel rushed during your trip.
Pat, don't forget that you will need
theme park reservations, in addition to your tickets, for each of your theme park days. Since availability is limited, if you will be adding a fifth day to your tickets, I recommend that you complete your upgrade and make your reservations as soon as possible! Be sure to follow the
Disney Parks Blog as you continue planning and come back to see us if you have any more questions. T-T-F-N, ta ta for now!
~Crystal