Hi Alyssa,
Welcome to planDisney! It's exciting to hear from someone who's coming all the way from Alaska to visit the Walt Disney World resort.
Each of the four theme parks has ticket windows just outside the entrance, so it is totally possible to purchase your tickets at the gate. Your only issue might be whether or not that park is already at capacity that day, which can happen during the holidays and in certain peak periods. I would hate for you to get all the way to the entrance (after paying the parking fee) and be disappointed.
To be safe, and to expedite your entry, I would go to the
Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs a day or two before and purchase the tickets there. That way, the Guest Relations cast members can help you secure a park reservation, if one is necessary, and get you all set up. Once you link your tickets to your
My Disney Experience profiles, you can use a
MagicBand+, your
MagicMobile Pass on your phone, or a physical ticket card to enter the park and access any Lightning Lane passes.
MagicBands are fun and convenient, but they are not necessary.
A visit to the ticket center at
Disney Springs has another benefit: it's a great place to eat and shop and take in free entertainment. Plus the parking is free!
Thanks for your question, Alyssa. Your visit is still a few months away, so feel free to stop in at planDisney any time you have more planning questions between now and then.
Enjoy,
Wilma