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I recently came across a lively discussion in one of the Disney Facebook groups about whether adding the park hopper option to your base tickets is worth it. Having experienced both sides of this decision, I thought I’d share my personal insights and offer some advice for anyone considering this option. Remember, what works for one group might not work for another, so take a moment to think about what will make your Disney adventure magical and memorable.

During one of our trips to Walt Disney World with my extended family (sisters, nieces, and nephews), we were a group of about nine with park hopper tickets. To top it off, my sister hired one of Disney’s private tour guides. Imagine having your own personal Lightning Lane (or FastPass) for every ride and attraction—that’s what it felt like! With the VIP access, hopping between 2-3 parks in a single day was a breeze. In that scenario, the park hopper option was absolutely worth it, making our days as magical as they were efficient.

On a different trip, just the four of us, we also had park hopper tickets. This time, however, the option didn’t prove as valuable. We spent entire days exploring Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, and by the time we were done, we were too exhausted to even think about hopping. While we felt fulfilled by our days, we still couldn’t shake the feeling that we should’ve utilized the park hopper, which wasn’t exactly magical for us. We did manage to hop from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT on our third day, but that was more about cramming in the last bits of magic before our trip ended.

For our upcoming June trip, we’ve opted for a single-day ticket to Animal Kingdom. This park often doesn’t get the love it deserves, but we’re huge fans of its unique charm. While it may not boast the most thrilling rides, we adore the safari and the Na’vi River Journey. Plus, my boys are obsessed with Kali River Rapids. I’m still working up the courage to tackle that one, given my motion sickness!

Looking ahead to our September trip, we’ve added the park hopper option once again. With three full days in the parks, we’ll spend one whole day at Animal Kingdom and focus on Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT. Since Hollywood Studios and EPCOT don’t fill a full day for us (though they might for others), the flexibility to hop will let us make the most of our time if we’re still up for more magic.

Ultimately, the key is figuring out what’s important to YOU for your trip. If a park’s attractions make it feel like a full-day adventure, plan accordingly. If there’s only one must-see attraction, weigh whether it’s worth hopping for that experience. Disney trips are highly personal and what works for one person might not work for another. Do your research, consider your family dynamics, and tailor your plan to your needs.

And above all, relax and have fun! Disney World is a place where magic happens—just let yourself enjoy the adventure!

Featured image courtesy of Deposit Photos artist: vijay.fang@outlook.com.