Disney World introduced a new Florida resident ticket option this week alongside several other promotions. The 2-Day, 2-Park ticket comes with specific restrictions and pricing that may not represent the best value for local guests.
The New Florida Resident Ticket Details
The ticket costs $190 plus tax for two days, which breaks down to $95 per day. Valid from January 12 through April 18, 2026, the ticket provides access only to EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are not included with this ticket type. Guests must make advance park reservations for each visit day. The ticket allows visits on consecutive or nonconsecutive days.
Park Hopper can be added for $40 per ticket, but hopping is still limited to EPCOT and Animal Kingdom only.
Comparing to Other Current Options
The Discover Disney ticket offers a notable contrast. This publicly available promotion costs $64 per day for a four-day ticket with access to all four Disney World parks. A three-day version costs $79 per day, also with full park access.
For residents considering just two days of park visits, purchasing a four-day Discover Disney ticket costs $256 total compared to $190 for the resident ticket. The difference is $66, but the Discover Disney option provides two additional park days plus access to all four parks instead of being restricted to two.
The three-day Discover Disney ticket totals $237, only $47 more than the two-day resident option, while providing an extra day and unrestricted park access.
Historical Florida Resident Pricing
Previous Florida resident promotions offered different value propositions. The 2023 two-day, two-park resident ticket cost $80 per day with identical park restrictions to the current offer. That represents a $15 per day increase, or approximately 19% over three years.
The 2025 Summer Magic ticket priced at $105 per day for two days included access to all four parks without restrictions. While $10 per day more expensive than the current resident offer, it provided significantly more flexibility in park choice.
Who Benefits from This Ticket?
The target audience for this specific ticket appears narrow. It works best for Florida residents who:
- Want to visit only EPCOT and Animal Kingdom
- Can schedule visits between January 12 and April 18
- Prefer two days of park visits specifically
- Cannot or prefer not to purchase Discover Disney tickets
Residents seeking maximum value or flexibility to visit all parks will find better options in currently available alternatives.
Understanding the Restrictions
The park restrictions represent the most significant limitation. Florida residents visiting family might want Magic Kingdom access. Those interested in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or Tower of Terror need Hollywood Studios. This ticket eliminates both options entirely.
The validity window from mid-January through mid-April also limits scheduling flexibility compared to tickets with longer usage periods.
Park reservation requirements add another planning layer. Guests must secure reservations for their chosen dates, and availability isn’t guaranteed, particularly as the April 18 expiration approaches.
Add-On Options
Disney offers three add-on choices for this ticket:
Park Hopper ($40 per ticket): Visit both EPCOT and Animal Kingdom on the same day. Still cannot access Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.
Water Park and Sports ($35 per ticket): Keep one-park-per-day for EPCOT and Animal Kingdom, but add two visits to water parks or sports venues.
Park Hopper Plus ($53 per ticket): Combine hopping between EPCOT and Animal Kingdom with two water park or sports visits.
These add-ons increase the total ticket cost while maintaining the core park restrictions.
Making the Right Choice
Florida residents shopping for Disney tickets should compare all available options before purchasing. Despite “Florida Resident” branding, this specific ticket doesn’t necessarily offer better value than current public promotions.
Key considerations:
- Per-day cost compared to alternatives
- Park access restrictions versus flexibility needs
- Total ticket price versus overall value
- Validity dates matching planned visit schedule
The Discover Disney ticket currently provides lower per-day costs and access to all four parks. For many residents, this combination offers superior value, despite being available to the general public rather than being exclusive to locals.
Practical Recommendations
Before purchasing this Florida resident ticket, compare the actual cost with the Discover Disney options. Consider whether park restrictions align with your visit goals. Evaluate whether the validity window aligns with your available travel dates.
If you specifically want only EPCOT and Animal Kingdom during the January to April window, this ticket serves that purpose. For broader park access or better per-day pricing, alternative tickets currently available offer stronger value propositions.
Florida residents have multiple ticket options to choose from. The “resident special” label doesn’t automatically mean best deal. Compare carefully to ensure you’re selecting the option that best fits your needs and budget.
