Canadians can now get up to 33% off Disney World tickets and hotels — just for being Canadian

Calling all Disney-loving Canadians! If you've been dreaming of heading state-side to hang out with the main mouse himself, there's good news on the horizon as Disney vacations from Canada just got a whole lot cheaper!

Thanks to a new Magic For Canadians offer, launched in September 2024, Canucks up and down the country can now get up to 33% off select Disney World park tickets, hotels and even cruises, which will have you saying "Hakuna Matata" to any budget concerns you might have had before.

So whether you're a Mickey fan, a Star Wars buff or you just need a reason to don some Minnie ears, you can now make your Disney dreams come true without your wallet begging you to "let it go!"

Here's everything you need to know about making your Disney World vacation as affordable (and magical!) as possible.

Discounted park tickets

Of course, visiting the Walt Disney World theme parks in Orlando, Florida, is on most travellers' Disney bucket list. There are four theme parks to visit — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom — in addition to two water parks — Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Visiting at least a few of these spots doesn't just cost a whole bunch of steps (prepare to smash that 10,000 steps per day goal); it costs a whole bunch of money. Fortunately, the new discount might be your ticket (literally!) to making it happen.

Here's how it works: The Magic For Canadians deal applies to four-day tickets only, so you'll need to plan accordingly. The tickets are date-based, meaning you'll have to choose your start date when booking, and they're only valid for the specific days you select.

The discount ranges from 25% to 33% off the regular price, depending on your travel dates. The offer covers visits from November 10 to December 14, 2024, and January 5 to September 27, 2025—perfect for a March break escape or a late-summer getaway.

When you arrive at Walt Disney World, you must show proof of Canadian residency to pick up your tickets. You don't have to be a Canadian citizen to qualify—international students and temporary residents can take advantage of the deal, too, as long as they have proof of a Canadian address.

There are several types of tickets included in the deal, including the standard one-park-per-day ticket. If a one-park-per-day ticket isn't exciting enough for you, here are some other options:

1. Park Hopper Option: This lets you visit more than one theme park per day. You could start your day riding Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, then hop over to Hollywood Studios for some galactic fun at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and finish up watching the sunset at EPCOT’s World Showcase. It’s a busy but super fun way to see a bit of everything.
2. Water Park and Sports Option: You get one park visit per day, plus a certain number of admissions to the water parks or sports options, like golf or mini-golf. This is a good choice if you want a bit of variety and maybe a day to cool off at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.
3. Park Hopper Plus Option: This is like the ultimate Disney ticket, combining the Park Hopper, Water Park, and Sports options. You can jump between parks and also visit the water parks, golf courses, and more. It’s perfect if you’re looking to pack a lot into your trip.

If you're trying to decide which parks to visit, here's a quick rundown of what's new and exciting at each one:

• Magic Kingdom: This is the park most people think of first. It's home to Cinderella's Castle, attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain, and all the classic Disney vibes.
• EPCOT: Known for its futuristic rides and the World Showcase, EPCOT has newer attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. Plus, it's got some of the best food and drink options around and is perfect for adults wanting a little less "Winnie the Pooh" and a little more "wine."
• Disney's Hollywood Studios: This park has all the action, from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge to Toy Story Land. You can pilot the Millennium Falcon or ride through Andy's backyard on Slinky Dog Dash. It's a must for thrill-seekers and movie buffs.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom: This one's a mix of theme park and zoo, with the incredible Avatar Flight of Passage ride and a safari that gets you up close and personal with giraffes and lions. It's got a more laid-back vibe, perfect for exploring at a slower pace.

Discounted Disney hotel stays

If you're looking to stay right in the heart of the magic, Disney is also offering up to 25% off rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for Canadian residents during specific dates. Even better, this deal can be combined with your reduced park tickets.

Staying on-site has its perks: you're just a short walk, monorail ride, or bus/boat trip away from the parks, and you can sometimes get access to early park entry and extended evening hours, meaning more time to experience your favourite rides with fewer crowds. Plus, there's something undeniably magical about being fully immersed in Disney from morning to night.

However, let's be real—staying at a Disney Resort isn't exactly the cheapest option, even with the discount. These hotels can still be pretty pricey compared to off-site options, especially if you're looking at some of the more luxurious Disney resorts.

But, if it fits your budget and you're keen to make the most of the experience, it might be worth the splurge.

Here are some of the most iconic Disney Resort options:

• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: This one's a splurge for sure, but it's the epitome of Disney luxury. Think Victorian elegance, opulent decor, and views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks right from the resort. It's perfect if you're looking for a special treat and want to feel like royalty during your stay.
• Disney's Polynesian Village Resort: For tropical island vibes just steps from Magic Kingdom, this resort is a favourite. You can even catch the monorail directly to the park. Imagine sipping a cocktail at the beachside bar while watching the nightly fireworks—magical!
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: If you love animals, this is the spot for you. Wake up to views of zebras and giraffes from your balcony, and enjoy the African-inspired decor and dining options. It's like going on safari without leaving your luxury hotel!

The discounted dates include stays from December 9 to December 29, 2024; February 23 to April 12, 2025; and April 25 to April 30, 2025.

If those don't fit your schedule, other savings are available for stays from December 1 to December 8, 2024; January 4 to February 22, 2025; and April 13 to April 24, 2025.

Just keep in mind that the number of discounted rooms is limited, so if there's a specific hotel or date you're aiming for, it's best to book early to snag the deal.

Disney cruises

If you prefer to set sail instead of hitting the parks, there's also up to 25% off for Canadians on select Disney Cruise Line sailings between December 2024 and March 2025. It's another way to get a little Disney magic without braving the theme park crowds.

Proof of Canadian residency will be required at check-in, so make sure to have your documents handy before boarding. As for which ship to choose, here's a quick look at the options:

• Disney Fantasy: This ship is all about the classic Disney experience. It's known for its short cruises (usually seven days or less) to the Caribbean, complete with Broadway-style shows, themed dining experiences, and the AquaDuck water coaster that wraps around the top deck.
• Disney Dream: If you're looking for cruises to warm climates, the Disney Dream could be perfect, with five-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale to Mexico discounted for Canadians. This ship is home to the immersive Beauty and the Beast musical, as well as countless delicious restaurants and an AquaDuck water coaster of its own.
• Disney Magic: This is the original Disney Cruise Line ship, but it's had plenty of upgrades over the years. It's smaller than the others, giving it a cozy, intimate feel. The Magic offers a range of itineraries, including sailings to Mexico that are up to 25% cheaper for Canadians.

So, whether you're a seasoned cruiser or it's your first time at sea, this discount makes it a good opportunity to explore the high seas—Disney-style.

Magic For Canadians

Regardless of whether you're dreaming of exploring all four theme parks, cooling off at a water park, or setting sail on a Disney cruise, this is a great time for Canadians thinking about a Disney vacation.

The discounts mean you can enjoy all the magic without the usual hefty price tag, and the variety of ticket options means there's something for everyone.

Just remember to book early, especially if you have your heart set on a specific hotel or date. Happy planning!