Many people planning a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World are always on the lookout for ways to save money on the ever-popular theme park tickets. One question that often arises is whether you can buy Disney tickets at Costco. With Costco being well known for offering discounts on travel, packages, and exclusive deals, it’s natural for savvy consumers to turn to them before finalizing any Disney travel plans. This article explores everything you need to know about buying Disney tickets at Costco, how it works, and whether it’s a good option in 2024.
TL;DR
Yes, you can occasionally buy Disney tickets at Costco, but the offerings are limited. Costco Travel sometimes bundles park tickets into vacation packages, especially for Disneyland and Disney World. Rarely are standalone tickets available, and access may vary depending on whether you’re a Costco member. Booking through Costco Travel can be a great way to save, especially if you’re planning a full vacation with hotels and extras.
Can You Really Buy Disney Tickets at Costco?
The short answer is: sometimes. Costco doesn’t offer a consistent inventory of individual theme park tickets like the Disney website or other ticket resellers. However, they do provide vacation packages that include Disney tickets, especially through Costco Travel, their dedicated travel service available to members.
If you’re hoping to walk into a warehouse and pick up a stack of single-day Disney tickets off the shelf, you’re likely to be disappointed. Costco brick-and-mortar stores generally don’t carry Disney tickets as physical products. Instead, you’ll usually need to explore options online via CostcoTravel.com.
How to Buy Disney Tickets Through Costco Travel
Here’s how it typically works if you want to purchase Disney-related travel via Costco:
- Visit CostcoTravel.com.
- Log in with your Costco membership credentials.
- Search for Disney vacation packages – both Disneyland and Walt Disney World vacation deals are often available.
- Choose your travel dates, number of guests, and preferred hotel accommodations.
- The package will often include theme park tickets (usually for multiple days), lodging, and may include extras such as free parking, a Costco gift card, or resort credits.
These packages are generally flexible and allow you to customize the length of your stay, ticket days, and hotel tier. The added bonuses, like extra savings or gift cards when booking a hotel and ticket combo, are part of why many travelers choose this option.
What Types of Disney Tickets Are Offered?
Costco generally doesn’t sell single-day Disney tickets. Most offerings include tickets for multi-day visits, bundled as part of a hotel and resort package. Typically, here’s what you’ll find:
- Disneyland Resort Vacation Packages – Includes hotel stay and 2 to 5-day park hopper or single-day tickets.
- Walt Disney World Resort Packages – Includes accommodations at on-site or off-site hotels and multi-day park tickets.
- Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Vacation packages for the Hawaiian resort, with optional flights and rental cars.
Standalone ticket sales, when available, are typically limited-time promotions and not always advertised broadly. It’s best to check the website frequently or subscribe to Costco Travel’s email alerts for updates on deals.
Costco Membership Requirement
Yes, you need to be a Costco member to access Costco Travel services. Memberships start at around $60 per year, and for frequent travelers or large families, the savings can easily outweigh the membership cost after a single vacation. Added benefits like exclusive members-only discounts and bonus Costco Shop Cards (sometimes valued up to $200) can increase the overall value.
Pros and Cons of Buying Disney Tickets from Costco
Let’s break down the advantages and possible drawbacks of purchasing your Disney vacation through Costco.
Pros
- Cost Savings: Vacation packages can be cheaper compared to booking everything separately.
- Added Perks: Gift cards, merchandise vouchers, and resort credits often included.
- Easy Booking: One-stop shopping for hotel, tickets, car rental, and even airfare.
- Trusted Company: Costco has a reputation for excellent customer service and refunds.
Cons
- Limited Options: Standalone tickets aren’t commonly offered.
- Membership Requirement: You must be a paid Costco member to book.
- Less Flexibility: Bundled packages may limit certain add-ons or offers available through Disney directly.
Is It Really Cheaper?
While you won’t always find rock-bottom prices, Costco tends to bundle value-added perks that enhance the vacation experience. For example, even if hotel and ticket prices match what’s on Disney’s website, you may still receive a Costco Shop Card worth up to several hundred dollars upon completion of your trip, effectively reducing your net cost.
Comparison shopping is always a smart move. Sites like Get Away Today or Undercover Tourist might offer better rates for individual tickets, but for vacation packages, Costco is typically quite competitive.
Best Time to Book Through Costco
Costco Travel promotions are available all year long, but the best deals are typically seen:
- Early in the year – January and February often offer winter getaway sales.
- End of summer – Back-to-School promotion events sometimes include Disney packages.
- During holidays – Costco occasionally includes holiday-themed promotions with extra freebies for Disney vacations.
Since Disneyland and Disney World prices fluctuate by demand, booking during off-peak seasons can also save you significantly, regardless of where you purchase your tickets.
Final Thoughts
So, can you buy Disney tickets at Costco? The answer is mostly yes—but not in the way you might expect. Rather than selling tickets at the checkout or as standalone products, Costco bundles them as part of vacation packages that typically offer pretty solid value. For those planning a full Disney vacation with hotel and possibly airfare, Costco can be a strong contender worth considering. Just remember to compare packages, read the fine print, and take full advantage of membership perks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I buy individual Disney tickets at a Costco warehouse?
No, individual Disney tickets are not usually sold in physical Costco stores. Packages are typically offered online via Costco Travel.
2. Do I need a Costco membership to access Disney vacation deals?
Yes, you must be a paid Costco member to access and purchase travel-related deals, including Disney vacation packages.
3. Are Disney vacation packages through Costco refundable?
Yes, many packages are refundable or allow changes, but terms vary. Always read the cancellation policy during the booking process.
4. Can I customize my Disney package on Costco Travel?
Yes, travelers can usually select travel dates, hotel options, number of days, and add extras like rental cars or insurance.
5. Are Costco’s Disney vacation packages available for international destinations like Paris or Tokyo?
Currently, Costco Travel focuses primarily on U.S.-based Disney resorts (Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Aulani). International Disney parks are not generally featured.
6. Are there any hidden fees when booking through Costco Travel?
No, Costco is transparent with pricing. What you see is what you pay, and taxes and fees are included in the quoted price.
7. How do I know if I’m getting the best deal?
It’s always wise to compare Costco’s price with Disney’s official site and other authorized sellers before booking. Keep in mind added perks like gift cards when comparing value.
