Park Hopping at Walt Disney World
With the modified park hopper still being such a new experience to many for those heading to Walt Disney World soon, it can be helpful to hear some insight on the changes and the how-tos.
The return of the Park Hopper is HUGE because that shows that little-by-little, our beloved Disney World continues to return to "normal." And if you're feeling up to it, you can even visit all four parks in one day!
Bottom line: guests who purchased a ticket with the Park Hopper benefits (an additional charge) will be able to visit more than one park per day, with some new modifications as part of Disney's ongoing focus on health and safety. Park hoppers start at 2pm each day and end at the park's scheduled close time. At this moment, park hopping is unavailable before 2pm. For example, you can't book a dining reservation at Epcot and skip it, then head over to the Magic Kingdom. You have to enter through the turnstiles at Epcot, first!
Walt Disney World has noted that this is subject to change, and our expectation there is some parks might allow Park Hopping earlier in the day (not later).
There is one stipulation: park hopping is limited to capacity. If the park is at capacity, technically, park hopping isn't allowed. Though from my own experience and since park hopping has returned on January 1, 2021, there haven't been any instances of park hopping being unavailable.
How Does It Work?
A Park Pass reservation for the first park you plan to visit must be made, AND you will need to enter that first park prior to visiting another. A park reservation is not required after the first park, however reservation requirements are subject to change.
The Park Pass Reservation System will not be going away in 2021 as of now to ensure capacity restrictions - which Disney recently announced an increase to 35%.
* Please note that the ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations. Though none of my clients have had issues hopping to the parks even during some of the most busiest times, this is important to note in Disney's fine print (knock on wood!). In the event that the Park Hopper option is unavailable at a theme park, Guests will be notified in real time via a push notification from the My Disney Experience app.
There is no limits to how many parks you can visit in one day - you can visit all 4 if you want!
My Tips
For those staying at a Skyliner Resort, aka...
Disney's Riviera Resort
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Disney's BoardWalk Inn
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Disney's Art of Animation Resort
Get the Park Hopper! You can spend most of your time at a park like Hollywood Studios, then hop on the Skyliner and head to Epcot. The Skyliner travel is quick and easy, and even more convenient for folks staying at one of the above resorts.
Bus transportation is another alternative for those that are hesitant about the Skyliner.
Disney's Updated Park Closing Times
With the growing attendance of those visiting Disney, they are frequently extending park closing times. Though this isn't guaranteed during your trip, you may be able to last-minute squeeze in a couple extra hours with a park hopper pass when you otherwise would not have had the opportunity!
Want to head to Walt Disney World now?
Get TWO extra days added to your ticket when you buy a 4-night/3-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels. This offer is valid for arrivals most nights now through September 25, 2021!
Select resorts include (room type availability varies):
Contemporary Resort
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Yacht Club Resort
Riviera Resort Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
& MORE!
2021 will truly be a great year to visit, especially with Disney's 50th Anniversary Celebration right around the corner
The world's most magical celebration begins October 1 in honor of Walt Disney World Resort's 50th anniversary!
It’s an event five decades in the making! Starting October 1, Walt Disney World will throw "The World's Most Magical Celebration." As part of the celebration...
Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park will add to its royal makeover from last year! The castle will feature golden bunting and a 50th anniversary crest as part of its festive new look + pixie dust at night!
Tree of Life will come to life with magical fireflies
Special new touches also headed to the Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios
And at EPCOT, new lights will shine across the reflective panels of Spaceship Earth, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. This will become a permanent new lighting feature at EPCOT!
Thinking for the future?
2022 Walt Disney World Vacations Are Available for Booking!
2022 Walt Disney World Vacations Are Available for Booking!
I know how crazy it sounds to begin thinking about booking a trip to Walt Disney World in 2022, but for those looking to lock in a date for next year, your time is now!
Only $200 is needed to book your trip, and final payment is not due until 30 days before you arrive. Disney has been and continues to be flexible with changes and cancellations. And don't forget, (modified) park hopping is back!
Why book early?
✨ Better chances of getting preferred rooms (aka the room of your dreams!)
✨ More time to pay for vacation without stressing about costs
✨ More time to plan ahead
Changes for 2022:
✨ Park Pass Reservations still required
✨ Disney's Magical Express to end January 1, 2022
✨ Early theme park entry for Disney World resort guests
✨ No news on FastPasses or the Dining Plan yet
- we will keep you posted as official announcements are shared
I'd love the opportunity to help you and your family plan the ultimate family vacation for 2021 and beyond! 2022 will be here before you know it, so why not get something on the books? $200 is all you need to get your vacation on the calendar, and my services to help you make a stress-free getaway happen is completely free.
Lets make some magic happen!
xo,
