If you have already purchased tickets to Disneyland but want to upgrade them to Park Hoppers to allow easy access between Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure, there are a few easy ways to do it. Park Hopper tickets allow guests to visit both theme parks on the same day, jumping back and forth as much as they want during normal operating hours. Upgrading to these flexible tickets can make for a less rushed, more enjoyable visit to the Disneyland Resort. This article will explain the different options for adding Park Hopper access to existing Walt Disneyland tickets.
When to Add Park Hoppers
BeforeYour Visit
The easiest time to upgrade your ticket is before you arrive at Disneyland. If you have purchased multi-day tickets but haven’t activated them yet, you can add the Park Hopper option by calling Disney ticketing services or visiting the Disneyland website. There is no price difference to upgrade in advance rather than waiting. Adding the Park Hoppers ahead of time also allows you to take full advantage of the flexible access on each day of your visit.
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Once Your Visit Begins
You can still upgrade to Park Hopper tickets after your visit begins, either online, by phone or at park ticket booths. But it gets a little more complicated. You will have to pay the difference between what you originally paid and the current Park Hopper price. Disneyland’s dynamic ticket pricing means this cost varies day to day. Upgrading later in your trip also means you lose Park Hopper access on days that have already started. Still, adding the option once you’re at Disneyland lets you enjoy Park Hopper flexibility for the remainder of your visit.
After You’veUsed Up Some Ticket Days
What if you’ve already used up the first couple days on your ticket but still have more left on it? Not to worry – you can still upgrade, even after visiting the parks. You’ll need to pay the difference between your original ticket price and what a Park Hopper ticket would cost for the number of days you have left. So if you have a 4-day ticket but have used up 2 days already, you would pay to upgrade only the remaining 2 days to Park Hopper tickets. The sooner in your trip you upgrade, the less it will cost.
Pricing And Payment
Disneyland has a dynamic ticket pricing system with significant cost differences between low, moderate and peak demand days. You can check the Disneyland website to see a park ticket availability calendar showing prices for each day. Since Park Hoppers provide more flexibility and access, they are priced higher than regular park tickets for any given day.
To calculate the cost of upgrading to Park Hoppers, you’ll need to know two prices:
- What you originally paid for your ticket
- What a Park Hopper ticket would cost for the number of days you have left on your ticket
You’ll pay the difference between those two prices. This can be done online, over the phone by calling (714) 781-7290 or (800) 892-6065, or at park ticket booths. Payment methods include all major credit cards, Disney gift cards, or debit cards. You can also use cash to upgrade at ticket booths.
Doing the Upgrade Online
One of the simplest ways to add Park Hoppers is by using the Disneyland website. Just log into your Disney account and access your active tickets. There you should see an option to upgrade your ticket. Click through and you’ll see exactly what it will cost to upgrade your specific ticket. The site will clearly display pricing details including any discounts on multipark tickets.
Complete your transaction right on the website by paying with a credit card or Disney gift card. The Park Hopper feature will automatically be linked to your ticket, and you’ll be all set to hop between parks each day! When entering the first park each day, just go to the main entrance touchpoints and scan like normal. The system will now grant you access to both Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure in the same day.
Upgrading by Phone
You can also call the Disneyland ticketing phone number at (714) 781-7290 or (800) 892-6065 to upgrade your tickets. This can be a good option if you need help calculating costs or have any questions about the upgrade process. Often the phone agents can apply discounts not available online as well.
When you call, they will first need to access your existing ticket using your name and contact information. Have your original ticket confirmation/receipt handy as that makes the process faster. Let the agent know you want to upgrade the ticket to add the Park Hopper option. They will then calculate the price difference you would owe and complete the charge to upgrade.
Once the transaction is processed, your ticket will automatically be upgraded to include Park Hopper access at both theme parks. You’ll just need to head to the front gates and scan in as usual to enjoy full flexibility in bouncing between parks all day!
Using Ticket Booth Kiosks
For those already at Disneyland, the most convenient way to upgrade is by using the self-serve kiosks located outside the park gates. Kiosks can be found to the far left of the Disneyland Park main entrance or to the far right of the California Adventure entrance.
These kiosks are very user-friendly. Click the “Ticket Upgrades” button on the screen and scan your existing ticket barcode. Select the upgrade option to “Add Park Hopper” and the price for adding this will be displayed. The kiosks accept credit/debit payments right on site. They also allow you to apply any applicable discounts – be sure to ask a cast member if you think you may qualify!
Once payment is completed, the kiosk will print out an updated ticket with Park Hopper included. Then you’ll be set to come and go between both theme parks for the rest of your ticket duration!
Going In-Person to Ticket Booths
Finally, you can upgrade to Park Hoppers by visiting the main ticket booths located outside the Esplanade park entrances. Early or late in the day usually sees shorter lines. Let the cast member know you have an existing ticket you’d like to upgrade to add the Park Hopper option. They will calculate the price and take any payment necessary to cover the cost difference.
One advantage to handling upgrades in-person rather than online/by phone is that the ticket booth staff can apply certain discounts which may help lower the upgrade fee. Things like Southern California resident deals or other promotions may be available at their discretion.
After paying, they print out a fresh ticket now enabled with Park Hopping access. You’ll immediately be able to enter both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure as you please!
Using Your Upgraded Tickets
Once upgraded, using your Park Hopper enabled tickets is simple. Just head straight to the turnstiles of either Disneyland Park or Disney’s California Adventure – whichever one you want to visit first that day! Scan your ticket and walk right in just like normal.
Now when you are ready to hop to that second park, just head out the exit and walk or take the short shuttle trip over to the other gate. Scan your ticket again and you’ll be granted access with no issues! The system will know your ticket is valid for park hopping between both lands.
Continue bouncing back and forth all day. There is no limit to how often you can hop. Take advantage of shorter ride lines as you easily walk between lands in the late evening hours. See Fantasmic! at Disneyland Park before jumping back to California Adventure to end the night with World of Color! The parks are your playground with Park Hoppers.
Planning Tips To Maximise Park Hoppers
Here are some trip planning tips to make the most of your Park Hopper tickets:
- Use Disney Genie+ to score hard-to-get ride reservations at both parks each day
- Plan parades, shows and dining using both lands’ schedules
- Knock out Disneyland rides in morning and evening when lines are shorter
- Spend afternoons at California Adventure enjoying Cars Land and Pixar Pier
- Watch Fantasmic! then hop straight over for the later World of Color show
- Request ride times when you might normally wait standby using app
- See Character interactions in less crowded California Adventure
- Mobile order meals ahead while in line using app to save time hopping
- Always check Entertainment schedules to plan your hopping route
Get the most magic and value out of your Park Hoppers by strategically divvying up each day between lands. Mix up ride priorities, dining and entertainment without losing time walking back to hotel or paying for park re-entry!
FAQs
How much does it cost to improve to a Park Hopper?
The cost depends on 1) what your original ticket cost and 2) the current Park Hopper price. You pay the difference between these prices. So if you originally paid $100 per day for a 4-day ticket ($400 total) and Park Hopper tickets now cost $150/day, you would pay $200 total for the upgrade ($150x 4 days minus your original $400 payment).
Can I upgrade a ticket to Park Hopper after visiting a park?
Yes, you can upgrade to Park Hoppers even after already using some days on your original ticket. You simply pay the difference between what you originally paid and what a Park Hopper ticket would cost for the number of days left on your ticket.
Do Park Hoppers allow me to visit both parks per day?
Yes! Park Hopper tickets allow you to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure as much as you want on the same day. You can go back and forth, re-entering as often as you want with no restrictions.
When should I upgrade my tickets to Park Hoppers?
The sooner the better, as this allows you to access the full benefits on all of your ticket days. However, you can still add Park Hoppers later in your trip – you’ll just enjoy the perks for your remaining visit. Even after entering the parks the first few days, you can come out ahead upgrading for longer trips.
How do I scan a Park Hopper at park entrances?
Just scan your upgraded Park Hopper ticket normally at the touchpoints. The system will automatically grant you access to both Disneyland and California Adventure all day every day for the duration of your ticket length. No need to scan out or get hand stamps – simply show up and scan in anytime at either park!
Do Park Hoppers cost more?
Yes, Park Hopper tickets are more expensive because they include unlimited same-day access to both Disneyland theme parks instead of just one. The flexibility and added benefits mean Disney charges more for this elevated ticket option. But for many guests, the privilege of hopping between lands is well worth the upgrade cost to enhance their overall experience.
Can I go between parks more than once per day with a Park Hopper?
Absolutely! There is no limit to how often you can hop from park to park. You could realistically bounce back and forth all day, entering and re-entering as much as you want with no penalty. Take full advantage of riding attractions, catching shows and dining without losing time walking or paying re-entry fees.
Conclusion
Adding Park Hoppers is a wise investment to maximize your time on a Disneyland vacation. While pricier, the unlimited flexibility to experience attractions in both lands in a single day without losing valuable hours makes them a smart upgrade. Whether you choose to hop randomly, target lower crowds at specific times, coordinate entertainment schedules or simply split each day between parks, getting a Park Hopper gives you the power to tour Disneyland Resort your way.