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Breaking: Park pass changes in place for Disney World

Breaking: Park pass changes in place for Disney World


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Disney has announced park pass changes almost three years of implementing the system. What do you think of this news?

Park passes

Credit: Maggie

Since the phased reopening of the theme parks, park reservations have been required for all four theme parks. Although Disney makes more park passes available at times, it’s a good idea to secure them as soon as you book your vacation. This is especially important during busier times of the year.

Holidays and school breaks increase the number of guests at Disney Parks. Park reservations fill up quickly for these times. Previously, the Disney Reservation Calendar allowed booking through the end of 2023. This has been extended through January 2024.

Credit: Susan

When Disney implemented park passes and park hopping restrictions, the original reasoning was that it would help manage attendance due to the pandemic. Despite Disney removing every other health and safety measure, park passes and hopping restrictions remain.

This led many to believe it was never about the pandemic, but instead controlling attendance and managing Cast Member schedules. Recently we shared park pass changes could be coming in 2023 HERE.

Change

Credit: KtP

Disney is now changing the park pass system for the better! This change involves annual passholders and the ability to avoid making a park pass altogether.

At Walt Disney World, Annual Passholders will be able to visit theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation. The only exception is Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom.

This will take place in the next few months, with no exact date given. Pass blockout dates will continue to apply. Disney recognizes that Passholders enjoy more spontaneous visits, so hopefully this will give them the chance to do that.

Credit: MDE app

Passholders will also receive access to Disney PhotoPass lenses and one complimentary Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories experience.

At Walt Disney World, Annual Passholders will be able to visit theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation. The only exception is Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom.

What do you think of this change? Do you think it indicates more park pass changes are on the horizon? Let us know in the comments below and share with a fellow Passholder!

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Bea

Saturday 18th of March 2023

They had said no passes for park hopping AP on April 18, now I guess that has changed?

Lyndsi

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

Right?! Yes Disney, we hate it!! Especially living in FL, with or without a pass, I can't just wake up in the morning and say "want to go to MK?"...no I have to research if there are any openings.

Lyndsi

Tuesday 17th of January 2023

I want to add, I'm tired of Disney using the Pandemic as an excuse to control crowds. It's to put the least amount of CM on as possible to save THEM money. We are friends with a lot of Cast Members. We live in FL. My husband and I have COVID at the moment but our kids tested negative. I called their schools today asking what the protocol is. Their school said "if they test negative, they can come back today". What about the incubation period? And they also said they don't have to wear a mask. We were smart and kept them home to make sure because it sounds irresponsible. That being said, living in FL and there is no longer any protocols, Disney shouldn't either. It's an excuse to make more money with their raised prices.

Kathy

Saturday 14th of January 2023

Everyone hates the park reservation system and they are the only ones doing it. The other parks do just fine without it

Geoff R

Thursday 12th of January 2023

As an out-of-towner, these changes are obviously useless. So far, Disney's efforts to fix its downhill decline seems like a lot of fluff, with NO real changes. Come on Bob Iger, be bold and make needed sweeping changes and pledges to resolve issues like overflowing trash, dirty parks and disrepair of attractions.

If they didn't depend so much on the parks bailing out the poorly executed streaming channels, the recent second rate animation films and the over priced acquisition purchases, then they would be able to reinvest park revenue back into the parks themselves. Just saying.

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