From used tickets to suspicious discounts, ticket scams can ruin your vacation and leave you without recourse when something goes wrong. Here’s a list of common scams to avoid.
Walt Disney World® Ticket Scam #1: Selling fake or counterfeit tickets
Walt Disney World® tickets are regulated and tracked, but scammers will still try to print counterfeit tickets and sell them to unsuspecting visitors.
Some of the signs to watch out for include:
- The ticket looks faded, blurry, or low-quality.
- The expiration date or other information on the ticket has been altered or tampered with.
- The ticket was purchased from an unauthorized seller, particularly if bought online from a third-party website.
- The ticket does not match the description of the type of ticket that was purchased.
- The ticket is not from a recognized vendor, such as the Walt Disney World website or an authorized travel agent.
- The ticket contains spelling errors or other mistakes
- The seller claims the tickets are Cast Member tickets (more on that later!)
Scam #2: Selling used or “partially” used tickets
One of the most common types of used Disney World ticket scams is the sale of partially used tickets. These are tickets that have already been used for one or more days, and the seller attempts to pass them off at a discounted rate.
For example, let’s say someone bought a five-day ticket. Something came up, so they were only able to use two of those days. It can seem reasonable to sell the other three days and recoup some of that loss.
However, even if days are left on a used ticket, it’s important to remember that Walt Disney World® tickets have expiration dates and are only valid for 14 days after their initial use (unless it’s a No Expiration ticket).
Plus, if your fingerprint doesn’t match that of the original purchaser, you’ll be denied access at the entry point since their biometric scanning data is linked to the ticket. Check out Disney’s ticket transfer policies to learn more about transferring.
It’s far better to pay for a new ticket and save elsewhere rather than risk disappointment at the entrance gate.
Scam #3: Selling a Military Salute Ticket to someone without proper ID
Walt Disney World® offers legitimate military discounts for service members and their families.
However, scammers will attempt to pass off fake tickets as real military tickets with discounted prices.
In order to exchange the military passes for admission, a current, valid military identification proving that the ticket purchaser is either an active military member (or the spouse of a military member) is required.
So, if you have a family member or friend in the military, you can enter the park with them using a ticket they purchased – nothing wrong there!
However, you won’t be able to use Military Salute tickets purchased from a third party, especially not without a valid servicemember ID. Also keep in mind that military tickets are limited to six per member and tracked by Disney’s ticketing system.
Walt Disney World Ticket Scam #4: Selling Cast Member complimentary tickets
Like military discounts, Cast Member Complimentary Tickets are legitimate when used properly!
Walt Disney World® employees get several fantastic perks, and one of those is free tickets for themselves and a select number of friends and family.
However, these tickets are subject to specific rules and restrictions. One of the most important rules is that Cast Member tickets cannot be sold.
If they’re for sale, they’re a scam.
Cast Member tickets require the Cast Member to be present when their guests enter the park. You also have no way of knowing if a ticket has been used already, as Cast Members can print multiple tickets, but they can only be used once.
Keep in mind that Cast Member tickets have certain limitations like limited availability, blackout dates, and specific usage restrictions as well.
If you’re lucky enough to have a friend or family member working as a Cast Member, you can absolutely accept a free ticket if they offer one. You just can’t purchase a ticket, and Cast Members are prohibited from selling them.
Disney World Ticket Scam #5: Selling Florida Resident tickets to non-residents
Florida residents, you’re in luck! Walt Disney World® offers discounted tickets to residents of its home state.
Naturally, this discount is equally appealing to people who live anywhere else, and it’s tempting to try and score a deal.
You’ll need to show a valid ID to exchange your ticket for entry into the parks. A state-issued ID like a driver’s license, a Florida military ID, bills addressed to your Florida residence, or government correspondance are all acceptable forms of state ID – just keep in mind that non-photo proof of residency will also need to be accompanied by a photo ID.
The photo ID doesn’t need to be issued in Florida, though, so if you just moved to the state and haven’t had the chance to switch your license, you’re still in the clear.
Sadly, many Disney World ticket scams seem very legitimate, and some parkgoers even try to resell partially used tickets with good intentions. They just may not know the rules of admission or the details of ticket tracking and expiration.
The best way to avoid scams is by purchasing tickets directly from Walt Disney World® or contacting travel advisors like us at Key to the World® to arrange your vacation for you.