A family trip to Disney World creates magical memories to last a lifetime. It is also a significant investment. The best time to buy Disney World tickets depends on a number of different factors, including the packages you’re interested in, the time of year you plan to visit, and any available promotions. Here are some handy tips to help you navigate when to buy Disney World tickets for the most enchanting family vacation.

To ensure you get the tickets you want at the best possible price, buy Disney tickets as soon as you know the dates you would like to visit. You should purchase Disney World tickets and packages around six months before your vacation, and some bookings can even be made up to a year ahead of time.

Purchasing Disney World tickets and hotel packages, or packages that include lodging and tickets, can save your family a lot of money. Many Disney on-site hotels offer discounted rates when booked together with park tickets. It is also beneficial to purchase multi-day park pass tickets at once; this can be more cost-effective than buying admission tickets individually.

Travel services and agents, like Get Away Today, can offer insider planning tips and will be up to date on the best packages available. Agents focusing on Disney vacations will have extensive knowledge of bundle options and can help guide your family through the booking process.

An experienced agent will help significantly reduce the time you spend researching options and coordinating all the moving parts of park tickets, hotels, airfare, and transportation. Travel agents also often have access to exclusive promotional deals that you couldn’t find on your own. Once you’ve purchased a Disney package, your agent may also help you create a custom itinerary based on your family’s needs, preferences, and interests and assist with any issues or changes that need to be made.

It is probably no surprise that the busiest times to visit Disney World parks may also end up costing your family the most money. Consider a Walt Disney World adventure in the off-season if your vacation time allows it.

Summer and school holidays like spring break and Christmas draw the biggest crowds. Disney World is open 365 days a year, so there is plenty of opportunity to visit on other dates. January, February, and September tend to be the least expensive times to go. Smaller crowds also equal shorter lines and less wait time for your favorite rides and attractions.

Before booking your Disney World package, check for any limited-time promotions. You may be able to extend your family’s Disney adventure by staying longer for less with extra-day discounts.

Prices on Disney tickets or packages can also vary depending on your vacation start date. Once you decide which week you’d like to visit, compare the costs for different start dates. Weekend starts are typically priced higher than weekdays.

Whether you’re working with a travel agent or booking yourself, check whether your family qualifies for any extra discounts. Florida residents will save more on Disney World tickets than visitors from out of state. Disney World even offers seasonal promotions specifically for those who live in Florida.

Military families of active duty or veteran service members will often find special pricing available. You can also take advantage and plan Disney vacations when your children are small, as guests under three years of age visit for free, and those under ten attend at a discounted rate.

In addition to park tickets, hotel stays, and transportation, there are other special activities you will want to book in advance, such as special dining experiences. Whether you are looking forward to sit-down restaurant meals as a family or enjoying character dining, these must all be booked up to two months before your visit. Waiting until the last minute will only result in disappointment. So plan ahead if you have your heart set on Princess Storybook Dining or breakfast at Chef Mickey’s.

If your child dreams of being a real-life princess or a dashing pirate, a makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is another crucial experience to book in advance. You will also find exciting seasonal and holiday events and attractions at the parks, many of which require separate tickets, which you can purchase before your visit. Ticketed events include Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Epcot’s Candlelight Processional, and Disney After Hours.

With so many packages and options available, you may feel overwhelmed about when it is best to buy Disney World tickets. However, choosing to visit in the off-season, purchasing tickets ahead of time, working with a travel agent, and keeping an eye out for promotional deals can help make all your family’s Disney vacation dreams come true at less cost to you.