New Change for Disney World Park Reservations

With the news of great entertainment coming to Walt Disney World this summer, new changes have been made to park reservations. See what you need to know before your next trip.

Disney World Summer

Full Guide For Cool Kid Summer at Disney World — Credit: Disney

New entertainment debuts this summer at Walt Disney World. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both “Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After” and “The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure” opened yesterday, May 27, 2025.

Yesterday was also the official kickoff to “Cool Kid Summer”. See a full guide to all of the summer fun HERE.

“Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” will delight Magic Kingdom guests as the sun sets starting on July 20th. See full details of this nighttime parade HERE.

Park Reservation Changes

Opening Date Announced for 'Starlight: Dream the Night Away' Parade — Photo Credit: Disney

With the exciting announcement of the “Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away” parade, Walt Disney World made a change to park reservations. Annual Passholders still need to make park reservations, unless it’s a “Good to Go” day.

Disney is now making a change for Magic Kingdom Park Reservations starting on July 20, 2025. Annual Passholders visiting Magic Kingdom park at any time of day (including after 2:00 PM) must have a theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom.

Previously, Annual Passholders could enter any park after 2:00 pm without a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays.

What you need to know

minnie mouse annual passholder magnet — Photo Credit: Disney

Theme park reservations are no longer required for date-based tickets. For other admission types, theme park reservations may be required. Theme park reservations are limited and subject to availability. Act quickly to secure your Magic Kingdom park reservation!

Theme Park Reservations change for Magic Kingdom beginning July 20, 2025.

This new change only applies to the Magic Kingdom. Annual Passholders will continue to be able to enter EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park after 2:00 PM without a theme park reservation.

Update: The changes announced today will have no impact on Park Hopping.

What do you think of this change? Do you think this will help manage the crowds at Magic Kingdom? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.