Hiya Joe!
Welcome to planDisney! So many ticket questions! Are you trying to figure out what are the best options for your upcoming trip? Did you know that during the time you visit, there are two new deals? The 4-Park Magic Ticket and the 3-Day 3-Park Ticket are great options that do not require
theme park reservations!
Now, a
standard theme park ticket with the
Park Hopper Option does not require theme park reservations. You won't need it for the first park the second park or even the third park you visit! If you do not have a standard theme park ticket where you have to select a date range for when you want to use it then you will have to make a theme park reservation for the first park you wish to visit. Theme park reservations are never needed for the park you want to hop to. Remember, any date-based standard ticket does not require a theme park reservation, regardless if it has the park hopper option or not. If you arrive any day and you wish to buy a ticket from the ticket booths in front of the Parks then it will be a date-based 1-day ticket which will also
not require a theme park reservation.
As for "extended hour tickets" there are two possible answers to your question.
Extended Evening Theme Park hours are a benefit for guests who are staying at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Disney Deluxe Villa. You will need a valid ticket for the Park for the day but no further extra ticket needs to be purchased. The extended evening theme park hours benefit is on select nights and for select Parks. Check the
Hours & Events Calendar to see if one of those dates appears during your trip! Disney After Hours Events are specially ticketed events where guests can enjoy 3 extra hours of fun in the Park! Only guests who purchase this special ticket can access this event and everyone else will be kindly escorted out of the Park. A regular park ticket that lets you in during the day will not give you access to this event.
I hope this helps and you find your perfect ticket!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy