Hiya Christi!
Welcome to planDisney, and thank you for sending this magical question! I love that you are planning to visit the theme parks with your mom, as I believe there is no better place to get your family together and make magical memories that will last a lifetime. I have the most magical memories from visiting the theme parks with family, so let's talk about how you can make this visit unforgettable!
While it is possible to buy a theme park ticket at a Vacation Planning window at the main entrance of any of the theme parks, it is not an option I would recommend. Indeed, valid theme park admission requires a valid
theme park ticket and
a reservation for each day you visit the theme parks. These park reservations are subject to availability and may sell out, especially during busier times such as the holiday season. Currently,
all theme parks are available for reservation on December 1st, 2022, but you do run the risk of not being to enter the theme park on the day of your visit if you do not purchase your ticket in advance.
Now, there are some options you may consider. First, if you do not end up using your theme park ticket, the value of that ticket will not be lost. Indeed,
unused, expired theme park tickets can be used as a credit and put toward your purchase of a new theme park ticket on another day. However, only Cast Members can issue that credit, so you would need to buy your ticket in person or reach out to a Cast Member via
chat,
email or
phone. Second, suppose you purchase your theme park ticket on the day of your visit, but no theme park reservations are available for EPCOT. In this case, you could buy a ticket with the
Park Hopper Option and head over to EPCOT after 2 P.M. EST. This option also has its own risks, however, as Park Hopper availability is subject to change, so it would not guarantee that you would be able to park hop to EPCOT.
I hope this was helpful, Christi, and that you and your mother will have the best day ever on your next visit to the Walt Disney World Resort! If you have any other questions in the time leading up to your trip, please don't hesitate to
reach back out. You've got a friend in me!
Have a magical day,
Ariane