Hi Lori,
Welcome to planDisney! I am so excited to learn that you are planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!
Although you could potentially buy tickets at the gate, I would strongly discourage you from taking that risk. If there are no
Disney Park Pass system reservations available on the day you arrive, you would not be able to enter a theme park. Check the
theme park reservation availability calendar for the date(s) of your visit and then purchase
theme park tickets. Also keep an eye on the
operational updates since policies and procedures could change.
Once you purchase those theme park tickets,
link them in your My Disney Experience account so that you can make park pass reservations. Since we are traveling from North Carolina, we always purchase our tickets in advance. I cannot imagine what we would do if we had taken the time to travel to the Walt Disney World Resort and then could not actually visit a theme park. So, we plan in advance, always.
Keep in mind that The World's Most Magical Celebration starts on October 1, plus there are plenty of folks who will visit to attend
Disney After Hours Boo Bash, so I anticipate crowds at that time of year. I also firmly believe time is money. Instead of standing in line at the gate, you could purchase those tickets beforehand and then enter right at park opening to enjoy the fullest experience possible.
Lori, if you have not done so already, create a My Disney Experience account. We also make
advanced dining reservations and those are linked in
My Disney Experience along with our park pass reservations. In the past, I have seen disappointed Guests unable to dine at certain restaurants because they did not have dining reservations and there was no
Walk-up Dine Availability. So, I highly recommend dining reservations as well. I am sending you lots of extra pixie dust trusting that you will get those tickets and make park pass reservations in advance!
Magic and memories,
Donyell