Welcome to
planDisney, Paul!
Planning ahead for a visit to
Walt Disney World is a wonderful idea, as there are so many perks you'll enjoy because you did so. Great start!
I like to purchase our
Theme Park Tickets as early as possible for several reasons. First, once you've bought them you don't have to worry about any possible future price increases: you've already locked in your keys to the magic. Next, linking a valid theme park ticket will enable you to secure your park reservations in the
Disney Park Pass system. Should your touring plans change, you can cancel those Disney Park Pass system reservations and secure different ones, so obtaining them as soon as possible is also a great plan. Finally, building your Family & Friends list in your My Disney Experience account, then assigning tickets to each member of your party will enable everyone to take part in the planning (if you choose) and allow all to see the pixie-dusted plans for your upcoming vacation. So fun!
Should anyone be unable to join you, their ticket is not refundable, but the purchase price of that ticket can be applied toward the purchase of a ticket in the future. For my family, we know we'll return to our Happy Place again, so a credit in our account will surely be used at some point. Keep in mind that a wholly unused ticket can also be reassigned to someone else, so if one person is unable to join you, but another person has decided they can go, simply reassign that ticket to the new lucky traveler. You can do so very easily in your
My Disney Experience account--I've done it several times, and it only takes a few minutes.
Be sure to have everyone download the super-handy
My Disney Experience mobile app, too, so that you'll all have access to your plans right in the palm of your hands. Everyone will be in the loop regarding
Advanced Dining Reservations, your
Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservations, Disney Park Pass system reservations, and any
Disney PhotoPass Service pics taken throughout your vacation. It really is the best vacation tool ever!
Have so much fun planning your visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth, Paul! As you think of additional questions, be sure to send them our way. We love to help!
Andrea