Family AA Taking Photo with Mickey and Minnie Mouse
  • On Jul 11, 2026
    Alexandra from CA Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello! I recently lost my job and, due to financial hardship, my family is unable to use our four Disneyland tickets before they expire. My daughter turns 6 in September and is on the autism spectrum, so celebrating her birthday at Disneyland

    Hi Alexandra! Thanks for bringing your question to planDisney.

    I'm sorry to hear that you've been experiencing a financial setback. It's always hard when our dreamed-of plans are impacted by finances, illness, or health. I hope you're back on your feet soon.

    The good news is that Disneyland Resort standard admission tickets have a very generous expiration date, typically extending beyond the year you purchased them, and you should be able to modify your theme park reservation or make a new one so long as your tickets are wholly unused and haven't expired. Even if your tickets have expired, you can apply the value of a standard unused ticket to the purchase of a new ticket by calling the Tickets phone line. Prices and terms may change.

    If you've purchased a special ticket offer with a shorter expiration, such as the Kids' Summer Ticket Offer, which can only be used through September 7, 2026, there are ways to make your visit more affordable. I'm happy to pass along some of my tips on getting the most value out of your upcoming visit.

    First, you can pack your own food and beverages for your day in the park as a great way to save. Just be sure to check the current Park Rules about what can safely enter the parks. Loose ice can't come in, so ice packs are best. Make sure you bring your refillable water bottles too! If you're booking a hotel stay, check the Good Neighbor Hotels for good deals, and walk to the park to avoid parking fees. You can also bring your own stroller, avoiding stroller rental fees. While your daughter might not typically use one anymore, we found that our boys tired out and needed one on our Disneyland Resort vacations long after they'd given up a stroller outside the parks. Again, check the Park Rules on stroller dimensions. A little umbrella stroller works great if you already have one!

    Since it's your daughter's birthday, grab a Complimentary Birthday Button as a great free souvenir. Plus, everyone will know you're celebrating as a group. If your tickets included Lightning Lane Multi Pass when you purchased them, your Disney PhotoPass photo downloads will also be complimentary, and those photos are the best souvenir, in my opinion.

    Since your daughter might have unique challenges, I suggest checking out this page for Guests who are neurodivergent. It includes lots of useful information intended to make Disneyland Resort accessible and accommodating for all its Guests. She might also qualify for Disability Access Service. To determine if she does, please set up an online chat or visit the Accessibility Services Kiosk between the parks to speak with a helpful Cast Member. Even if she doesn't, they'll have useful tips for enjoying the parks.

    I hope this helps!

    Elizabeth
thumbnail image for Elizabeth

Meet the Panelist: Elizabeth, Missouri

Hello from St. Louis! I'm Elizabeth, a professor, wife, and mother to two boys. We love to travel as a family, and Disneyland Resort is the place where we laugh more and make the happiest memories. We've done everything from solo to big multi-generational trips, and I've got the tips and tricks for traveling with little ones to help ensure your experience is truly magical. Learn More About Elizabeth

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