Park Hopper vs. Park Hopper Plus: What’s the Difference?

A handful of Disney theme parks are scattered around the world, including locations in Paris and Japan.

However, nothing quite beats the immensity of the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida. This sprawling complex comprises four theme parks, a shopping and dining district, two water parks and more.

Whether this is your first or 10th visit, you’re probably wondering whether a Park Hopper ticket or the more expensive Park Hopper Plus ticket is worth investing in.

Let’s look at Park Hopper vs. Park Hopper Plus, what each ticket type includes and their costs.

The main difference between Park Hopper vs. Park Hopper Plus

Though Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus tickets both give you access to all four of Walt Disney World’s theme parks, the Park Hopper Plus option also includes admission to Disney’s water parks, its ESPN sports complex, its golf course and its mini golf courses.

The standard Park Hopper ticket does not include those options.

» Learn more: Is the Disney Park Hopper worth it?

Park Hopper

For those who are unfamiliar with Park Hopper tickets, they work like this: You buy the ticket and make park reservations for every day of your visit. Then, after 2 p.m. on the day of your visit, you’re free to leave your original park for another, no reservation required.

In essence, this means you can start your morning at Magic Kingdom, ride a few rides, then monorail over to Epcot to enjoy its many food and drink options. There is no limit to park hopping after 2 p.m., so theoretically, you can visit all four parks in one day.

» Learn more: How to find cheap flights to Disney World

Theme parks

Access to all four of Walt Disney World’s theme parks is included in the Park Hopper option. Each park has its own theming and attractions, so it’s well worth visiting each.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is the lookalike of Disneyland Park in California. It features all the classic Disney rides, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been undergoing a revamp over the past few years. New additions include the debut of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, both of which are very popular.

You’ll find more thrilling rides at Hollywood Studios than at Magic Kingdom, including the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Epcot

Epcot is well known for the variety of festivals it hosts throughout the year, such as the International Food and Wine Festival and the International Festival of the Arts.

Along with these limited-time events, you’ll find the World Showcase at Epcot. These 11 pavilions highlight the food and culture of featured countries.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World’s newest theme park opened in 1998 to great fanfare. The park focuses on real and imagined animals and includes rides such as Kilimanjaro Safaris and Expedition Everest. Animal Kingdom is also home to Pandora — The World of Avatar.

» Learn more: Which Disney World park has the most rides?

Price

The price of a Park Hopper ticket will vary based on when you’re visiting and how many days you’re staying. You’ll receive a significant discount the more days you add to your ticket.

One-day Park Hopper tickets start at $183 ($151.50 if you're a Florida resident), while a six-day Park Hopper ticket starts at $598.94. Florida residents can buy up to four-day tickets only.

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Park Hopper Plus

The Park Hopper Plus ticket works similarly to theme parks' standard Park Hopper ticket. However, the Plus portion includes the ability to visit many of Disney's other attractions, including its water parks and golf courses.

With the Park Hopper Plus ticket, you have all the same access rules and restrictions as the Park Hopper tickets at theme parks. You can also visit additional attractions each day, but your "plus options" are capped at the number of days you bought on your ticket.

For example, if you have a four-day ticket, you can visit four other attractions. If you have a two-day ticket, you can visit two additional attractions. Note you can repeat attractions as long as you don't exceed the number of entries allowed for your ticket type.

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Theme parks

As mentioned, the Park Hopper Plus ticket comes with access to all four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Water parks

Disney has two water parks available to guests: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park includes a lazy river and a wave pool, while Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park features one of the world’s fastest free-falling waterslides.

Other attractions

Those who aren’t in love with all things Disney will be glad to know there are other things to do besides theme parks.

The Park Hopper Plus ticket provides entrance to attractions such as:

• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.

• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course.

• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course.

• FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course.

» Learn more: Free or cheap things to do at Disney World

Price

The Park Hopper Plus ticket isn’t much more expensive than the standard Park Hopper ticket. As always, your price will depend on when you’re visiting and how long you’re staying.

Busier days will cost more, but a one-day Park Hopper Plus ticket starts at $203 ($160.50 if you're a Florida resident). A six-day ticket, in contrast, will cost you $618.94. Again, Florida residents can buy up to four-day tickets only.

» Learn more: How to save on your Disney vacation

Park Hopper vs. Park Hopper Plus recapped

Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort is an expansive experience, especially if you aim to stay for multiple days.

If you’re interested in exploring everything Walt Disney World offers, consider the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus tickets, which offer you greater flexibility during your visit than other ticket types.

Although more expensive, Park Hopper Plus tickets grant you access to additional attractions, while the cheaper Park Hopper tickets still allow you to move throughout Walt Disney World’s four theme parks with ease.

(Top photo courtesy of Walt Disney World)