AARP members can buy discounted tickets to Disney's U.S. theme parks through a partnership with Disney, though the discount is modest and the tickets come with restrictions
AARP offers a discount on single-day and multi-day tickets to Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. The discount is typically 10 percent off the gate price, though the exact amount varies by ticket type and season. You must be an AARP member (age 50 or older) to purchase, and you buy the tickets directly from AARP, not at the park.
The main catch is that AARP Disney tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person. If your plans change, you lose the money. The tickets also do not include add-ons like Lightning Lane or Memory Maker photo packages—you buy those separately at the park if you want them.
For many people, the 10 percent savings is real but not dramatic. On a $109 single-day ticket, you save roughly $11. On a $159 multi-day ticket, you save around $16. Whether that matters depends on how many tickets you need and whether you have other ways to save, such as Florida resident discounts or Disney+ subscriber offers.
Key Takeaways
- AARP members age 50 and older receive approximately 10 percent off single-day and multi-day Disney theme park tickets for Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
- You purchase tickets through AARP's website or by phone; they are mailed to you or held for will-call pickup and cannot be refunded or transferred.
- The discount does not cover add-ons like Lightning Lane, Memory Maker, or parking; you pay full price for those at the park.
- Other discounts may save you more money, including Florida resident rates, Disney+ subscriber offers, or tickets purchased through AAA if you are a member of both organizations.
How to find and purchase AARP Disney tickets
Go to the AARP website and search for "Disney tickets" or navigate to the travel section. You will see options for Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) and Disneyland (Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure). Select the park, the number of days, and your travel dates.
The website shows you the discounted price before you check out. You will need your AARP membership number to complete the purchase. Tickets are typically mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days, though some orders can be held for will-call pickup at the park entrance if you need them faster.
You can also call AARP's travel line to purchase by phone. A representative can answer questions about blackout dates, seasonal pricing, and whether the discount applies to the specific dates you want to visit. Phone orders sometimes process faster than online orders if you are traveling soon.
What the discount covers and what it does not
The 10 percent discount applies to the base ticket price only. It covers admission to one Disney theme park per day for the number of days you purchase. If you want to visit multiple parks in one day (park hopper), that add-on costs extra and is not discounted.
Parking, dining plans, resort stays, and special events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are not discounted through AARP. Lightning Lane (the paid skip-the-line service), Memory Maker (digital photo package), and other in-park purchases are full price. If you plan to use these services, factor the full cost into your budget.
Blackout dates vary by season. Peak travel periods like summer, winter holidays, and spring break may have limited or no discount availability. Check the AARP website for your specific travel dates before you commit to a purchase date.
Comparing AARP discounts to other ways to save on Disney tickets
AARP's 10 percent discount is one option among several. If you live in Florida, Disney resident tickets cost significantly less than gate price and often beat the AARP rate. If you subscribe to Disney+, Disney sometimes offers bundle deals that include discounted park tickets. AAA members may also receive discounts comparable to or better than AARP's, depending on your AAA membership level.
Military members, teachers, and annual passholders have their own discount pathways. Some employers offer Disney tickets at a discount through their benefits programs. Before you buy through AARP, check whether you may have access to for any of these alternatives—the savings could be larger.
The AARP discount is most valuable if you are not may be able to access for other programs and you are already an AARP member. If you are considering joining AARP solely for the Disney discount, calculate whether the membership fee (currently $16 per year for new members) plus the ticket savings adds up to a real gain for your trip.
What happens if your travel plans change
AARP Disney tickets are non-refundable. If you cancel your trip, get sick, or need to reschedule, you cannot get your money back. You also cannot transfer the tickets to a family member or friend—they are tied to your AARP membership and valid ID.
Some travel insurance policies cover trip cancellation and may reimburse you for non-refundable tickets if you have a covered reason (illness, death in the family, certain weather events). Check your policy before you travel. Travel insurance must usually be purchased at the time you buy the tickets, not after.
If you need to change your travel dates, contact AARP to see whether you can exchange your tickets for a different date. Policies vary, and exchanges may be subject to availability and seasonal pricing differences. Call before you assume an exchange is possible.
AARP membership and may be able to access
You must be an AARP member age 50 or older to purchase Disney tickets through AARP. Membership is open to anyone who meets the age requirement; you do not need to be retired or have any particular employment status. A spouse or partner under 50 can be included on your membership at no additional cost.
AARP membership costs $16 for the first year (as of 2024) and $24 per year after that. You can join online, by phone, or by mail. Membership is active when ready upon payment if you join online, so you can purchase Disney tickets right away.
If you are already an AARP member, you have access to the Disney discount without any additional step. Log in to your AARP account and navigate to the travel section to see current ticket prices and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy AARP Disney tickets for someone else as a gift?
No. AARP tickets are non-transferable and require the AARP member's valid ID at park entry. You cannot purchase tickets for a family member or friend using your membership. However, you can give an AARP member a gift card to cover the cost of their own ticket purchase.
Do AARP Disney tickets work for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland?
Yes. AARP offers discounted tickets for both Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. Prices and availability may differ between the two resorts, so check the AARP website for the specific park and dates you plan to visit.
What if I lose my AARP Disney tickets before I get to the park?
Contact AARP when ready. If your tickets were mailed, AARP may be able to issue replacements, though policies vary. If you picked them up at will-call, you will need to work with AARP and Disney Guest Services. Keep your order confirmation and receipt in a safe place until you use the tickets.
Is the AARP discount better than buying tickets directly from Disney?
The AARP discount is typically 10 percent off gate price, which is a modest savings. Disney frequently offers promotions and bundle deals that may equal or exceed the AARP rate, especially during slower travel seasons. Compare current offers on the Disney website and through other discount programs before you decide.
Can I use AARP Disney tickets with a Disney vacation package?
AARP tickets are sold separately and are not part of Disney vacation packages. If you book a package through Disney or a travel agent, the ticket price is usually bundled with the resort stay. You would need to compare the package price against the cost of buying an AARP ticket and a hotel separately to see which is cheaper.