Disneyland Hopper Tickets vs One Park Per Day

What’s the difference between a regular Disneyland ticket and a hopper ticket? Is a Disneyland Park Hopper ticket worth it? Before you head to The Happiest Place on Earth, you’ll need to choose between Park Hopper tickets and One Park Per Day tickets.

You can get all the information right here including ticket option details, the differences between the two.

What’s the Difference? Disneyland Tickets

The first question you’ll likely be faced with is Park Hoppers or One Park Per Day, so let’s explore each one to determine which one fits your budget and vacation style.

 

Several factors should influence your ticket choice:

1. Vacation length: Longer stays may benefit from the savings of One Park Per Day tickets, while shorter trips might justify the flexibility of Park Hoppers.
2. Crowd levels: During peak times, Park Hoppers can help you navigate busy areas by switching parks.
3. Family preferences: Consider your group’s stamina, interests, and touring style.
4. Budget constraints: Weigh the cost difference against the potential benefits of Park Hopper option

I have an Annual Pass (Disneyland’s Magic Key) which allows me to hop any day I have a reservation. I love being able to explore one park and the other on the same day. I also enjoy how it opens up food and dining options and nighttime entertainment. 

When our large family visits as a reunion every summer, we stick to one park per day, not only for budget friendly options but because it’s much easier to keep a large group together without hopping back and forth. Consider all these things when determining which is best for you.

Park Hopper Tickets

Park Hopper tickets offer more flexibility at Disneyland Resort. With a Park Hopper ticket you can visit both theme parks at Disneyland Resort on the same day. That’s right, there are two theme parks just across from one another which makes it super easy to “hop” back and forth. 

• Disneyland Park – the original Disney theme park, opened in 1955 and home to favorites like Peter Pan’s Flight, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Space Mountain and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
• Disney California Adventure Park – right next door to Disneyland this park is home to Pixar Pier’s Incredicoaster, the original Avengers Campus and many new expansions coming in the next several years like Coco!

Park hopping currently begins at 11:00 am so be sure to select your starting park during the reservations process. After that, you’re free to roam back and forth as time permits. Note this is different from Walt Disney World Resort, where hopping restrictions are no longer in place.

 

Park Hopper tickets come in various options, including single-day and multi-day passes. And as long as you’re coming for 2 days or more, you can get either type of ticket at a discount from my partners at Get Away Today. Just be sure to mention you heard about their ticket deals from The Happiest Blog on Earth.

Another thing to note is you cannot add a Hopper option to just one day of your ticket—it applies to all days or none at all. So keep that in mind. We’ll dive further into the benefits and who Parks Hoppers are best for below.

One Park Per Day Tickets

One Park Per Day tickets limit guests to visiting a single park each day of their visit. For example, if you have a 3 day, 1 park per day ticket you could spend 1 day at Disneyland Park, 1 day at California Adventure Park and your last day at Disneyland Park again.

Keep reading for more benefits on One Park Per Day tickets below.  

Disneyland Ticket Types Cost Comparison

When it comes to pricing, One Park Per Day tickets are generally less expensive than their Park Hopper counterparts. The exact price difference varies depending on the season and length of stay, but families can expect to save around $50-$60 per ticket by opting for One Park Per Day Disneyland tickets.

For the most up-to-date pricing information, it’s always best to check with my partners at Get Away Today for discounts. The tickets will come right to your email and you can take those directly to the gate for entry (after you’ve made a theme park reservation).

When to Choose Park Hopper Tickets

The primary allure of Park Hopper tickets has to be flexibility. Guests who Prefer Park Hopper Tickets enjoy these benefits:

• Spontaneity, moving from park to park, ride to ride
• Maximized time, navigating to shorter lines by hopping between parks
• Dining variety with meals and snacks from both parks on the same day
• More parade and show options, especially when fireworks only show on select nights
• Ideal if you have limited time in the parks and want a go, go, go experience

Additionally, these type of travelers might appreciate having the Park Hopper feature with their tickets:

1. If you’re visiting for just a day or two, Park Hoppers allow you to experience both parks with limited time
2. Newbies to Disneyland can get a taste of everything without committing to full days in each park
3. During holidays or festivals, Park Hoppers let you enjoy themed offerings across both parks or switch parks when After Dark events happen

When to Choose One Park Per Day Tickets

While Park Hoppers offer flexibility, One Park Per Day tickets have their own set of benefits:

• Cost savings, lower price point is ideal for families and friends on a budget
• Without the pressure to switch parks, families can explore at a more leisurely pace
• Spending a single day in one park allows for a deeper appreciation of its unique atmosphere and hidden gems
• One Park Per Day tickets can make itinerary planning more straightforward and of course our Park Plans can help with that too

Tips for Park Hopper Ticket Holders

To make the most of your Park Hopper tickets:

• Plan your park transitions around meal times or parade schedules.
• Use the Disneyland app to check wait times and make informed decisions about which park to visit.
• Consider purchasing Lightning Lane to maximize ride experiences across both parks.

 

 

I  recommend using Park Hopper tickets in conjunction with my Rope Drop strategies for the ultimate Disneyland experience. By arriving early and utilizing Park Hoppers, you can experience popular attractions with minimal wait times and still have the flexibility to enjoy both parks throughout the day.

Making the Most of One Park Per Day Tickets

If you opt for One Park Per Day tickets:

• Plan your days carefully, prioritizing must-do attractions for each park.
• Take advantage of early entry options if available to maximize your time.
• Alternate parks on multi-day visits to experience everything without feeling rushed.

I recommend using a Park Plan from a variety of themes.

Choosing between Disneyland Park Hopper and One Park Per Day tickets ultimately depends on your family’s unique needs, budget, and vacation style. 

 

Whichever ticket type you choose, remember that the most important aspect of your Disneyland vacation is creating magical memories with your loved ones. By considering your family’s preferences and planning accordingly, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at the Happiest Place on Earth.

So, grab your tickets, pack your pixie dust, and get ready for a Disneyland adventure tailored perfectly to your family’s style. Remember to mention The Happiest Blog on Earth when you call 855 GET AWAY for your Disneyland savings.