Close Banner
Buy a 2025 SeaWorld® Fun Card and get the rest of 2024 and all of 2025 FREE!
SAVE UP TO $117
GET MY TICKETS
Home / Blog / Theme Park Tips & Planning / Disney World Park Pass Reservations No Longer Required for Date-Based Tickets

Disney World Park Pass Reservations No Longer Required for Date-Based Tickets

by Mommy Frog on January 9, 2024
378 Orlando

Inside This Post Inside This Post

After a temporary closure in 2020 due to COVID-19, Walt Disney World Resort reopened its theme parks with new procedures in place, including a park reservation system to manage daily attendance. As of Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations are no longer required for date-based tickets (the most common admission type), plus park hopping is once again available all day! Certain types of admission may still require a park reservation. Here's everything you need to know about Disney Park Pass reservations, if you still need to make them.

Spaceship Earth at sunset

 

All of the Details on Disney World's Theme Park Reservation System

For select ticket types, you still need valid admission and a Disney Park Pass reservation for the same park on the same day. (Prior to Jan. 9, 2024, this was required for all guests). If you're looking to park hop, you'll only need to make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park you will be visiting. This post will walk you through all of the specifics so you can reserve your spot at Walt Disney World Resort!

Who Needs to Make Disney Park Pass Reservations?

Disney Park Pass Reservations

As of Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations are no longer required for date-based tickets. This is the standard ticket most people purchase that requires you to choose a start date. Reservations are still required for student group tickets, convention tickets and all other admission types, such as Annual Passes and Cast Members. So for most of you reading this, that means you don't have to make a park pass reservation anymore!

While Walt Disney World Annual Passholders must still make reservations, they do not need to book a theme park reservation to visit the parks after 2 p.m. There is one exception, though! Reservations will still need to be made for Magic Kingdom Park on Saturdays and Sundays (regardless of the time of day you visit). Pass blockout dates will continue to apply. This allows more flexibility for locals to make spontaneous evening visits. This year, passholders also have select "good-to-go days" where they will be able to visit the theme parks before 2 p.m. without a reservation.

Get excited park hoppers as all-day park hopping is back! Four parks in one day, here we come.

What to Know Before You Make Your Disney World Reservation

Disney Park Pass - Tree of Life

Before you make your Disney World reservation, there are a few important things to remember:

  • Reservations are not required for all date-based tickets, including 1-day tickets, multi-day tickets and vacation packages with date-based tickets.
  • If your ticket or pass requires park reservations, they must be made for each day of entry. If you have a multi-day ticket, you must make a park reservation for each day of your visit.
  • Reservations are limited and subject to availability, and not guaranteed until a reservation is finalized.
  • If your ticket or pass includes the Park Hopper option, you will only need a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park you wish to enter. Once you've entered the first park for the day, you can hop to another any time. More on this below!
  • If you have previously linked your theme park tickets or hotel information in My Disney Experience, we recommend that you log in and double-check that the information looks correct in the system.
  • If you have not already linked your hotel reservation or tickets in My Disney Experience, you'll want to make sure they are linked ASAP. They are required before you can make a reservation in the new system.
  • Annual passholders without a hotel reservation are limited to a set number of park passes at a time (depending on the level of their pass). Once you use a park pass, you may obtain a new one.
  • Guests ages 2 and under do not need a Park Pass.
  • You can view a Disney Park Pass Availability calendar here.
  • If you are looking to reserve in-park dining, you will also need a Disney Park Pass reservation for the same park, on the same day; a dining reservation does not guarantee you entry to the park. (If, for example, you'd like to dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney's Hollywood Studios, you'd also need a valid ticket and Disney Park Pass, all for the same day as your dining reservation.) Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance. If you're planning to park hop to your dining reservation, note that it still does not guarantee you entry into the park — and that you won't need a Disney Park Pass to enter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Disney Park Pass System

1. Register or Sign in to StartYourDisneyExperience.com and Link Your Admission

If you haven't already, you will need to register for an account at StartYourDisneyExperience.com and then link your park admission. (If you've already linked your tickets in My Disney Experience, you'll just need to log in to My Disney Experience, press the plus sign and navigate to Make or Modify Park Reservations.) Press "Make Theme Park Reservation." If you're using the app, you may be prompted to log in on a browser.

2. Create Your Party

Then, you'll be prompted to create your travel party based on eligible tickets. Check those in your group you'd like to make a reservation for.

3. Select a Date and Park

Choose the date and the theme park that you'd like to visit.

4. Review and Confirm Your Plans

That's it! You'll be able to see your Park Passes in My Plans in My Disney Experience at any time.

5. Need to Cancel a Reservation?

It's easy-peasy to cancel a reservation if your plans change. All you have to do is view the specific pass under My Plans in My Disney Experience and click on View Details. There will be an option that says Cancel This Reservation. What if you don't want to cancel the reservation for everyone? No problem! Before you confirm the cancellation, it will ask you to select the guests that you wish to remove from the Park Pass reservation.

How Does Park Hopping Work with the Disney Park Pass Reservation System?

All-day park hopping is back! As of Jan. 9, 2024, you may park hop as early as you want (for many years, park hopping began at 2 p.m.). If your ticket still requires park reservations, you must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park you plan to visit and enter that first park prior to visiting another. A park reservation is not required after the first park.

Well, there you have it, everything to know about the Disney Park Pass reservation system. Let us know any questions you may have in the comments below!

Related:  Best Times to Visit Disney World in 2024

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
View Comments

Comments

1–50 of 170 comments
Sep 16, 2024 at 8:55 p.m.
nacho Says...

Hi, I am planning on visiting WDW with the family during new years (Dec 30th to Jan 4th) with a 5 day ticket, no park hopping.

I have seen some comments that the park gets at capacity (MK) and you are not allowed to enter. Is this something common? Now that you dont reserve in advance which park you go I presume is more likeable to happen.

I dont plan on staying all day long but go in the AM, leave and return late for the fireworks.

What do you suggest and from what I understand now the Lighting Lane (single and muti pass) you can only purchase closer to the date and make reservations 3 days prior if not staying at a disney resort and only if you are in the US, is this correct? Not sure if it will be worth it if I wont be on US soil until a day before considering the crowds for those dates. Thank you

Reply
Sep 17, 2024 at 12:44 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Nacho!

It is possible for Magic Kingdom to hit capacity, especially around New Year's Eve (and near fireworks time on the week between Christmas and New Year). Our recommendation for visiting Magic Kingdom would be to stay in the park during this timeframe if fireworks are a must for you. Wait times can get long, so if it's in the budget and there is a big-ticket Single Pass ride you'd like to go on, this is the best time to opt in, as wait times can be pretty high. We'd also recommend Multi Pass for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Aug 22, 2024 at 11:56 a.m.
Karen Says...

Hi. We are booked to stay in a Disney hotel at the end of October so dining reservations open up shortly. However, I wanted to purchase my park tickets (& make park reservations) in September, when I next get paid. I understand I can make bookings for normal dining without the park reservations but I wanted to book an Enchanted Extra (dessert party at Magic Kingdom) and in the T&Cs it says a park reservation may be required to book. Can I book a dessert party at the 60 days mark with just a hotel booking or will I need a park reservation first? Thank you

Reply
Aug 22, 2024 at 10:11 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Karen!

We just tried going through the booking process for the dessert party, and we were able to go through all the steps up to the point of purchase. Our My Disney Experience account did not have a ticket, park reservation or hotel reservation linked.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 22, 2024 at 3:37 p.m.
Karen Says...

Thank you very much!

Reply
Apr 16, 2024 at 1:58 p.m.
Joanna Says...

As an annual passholder, I see that you need a reservation for magic kingdom on the weekend. Is there any exception to this? Can I make a reservation at a different park and then park hop to Magic kingdom? Or is it strictly, no reservation no entry on the weekend? Thanks!

Reply
Apr 16, 2024 at 9:19 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Joanna!

As an annual passholder, you can park hop any time (subject to availability and capacity limits). So to visit Magic Kingdom on the weekend, you would need either a theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom or you can hop after 2 p.m. (but you would need to visit the theme park you made a reservation for before you hop to Magic Kingdom).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 14, 2024 at 2:36 a.m.
Jon Says...

Can Cast Members with silver main entrance passes also get into parks after 2pm without reservations or is that only for annual pass holders? Thanks!

Reply
Feb 16, 2024 at 8:19 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jon!

We've asked one of our CM friends and were told that the After 2 p.m. rule is just for annual passholders at this time. Cast members still need a reservation for any time of day, unless it's a Good-to-Go Day. For the most up-to-date info, we'd recommend checking the Disney HUB.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 5, 2024 at 9:19 p.m.
Stephanie Says...

Now that there are no reservations required, why wouldn't you buy a ticket to the park for a cheaper day and use that ticket for when you want to go? Feel like I am missing something for it to be that easy.

Reply
Feb 5, 2024 at 5:20 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Stephanie!

Tickets are date-based. If you're purchasing a single-day ticket, you must visit on the date you select. For multi-day tickets, you must visit within the time window based on your selected start date before the ticket expires, so you must make sure that all of the days you wish to visit fall within that window. If you want to change your selected start date, you may need to pay the difference.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 15, 2023 at 9:47 p.m.
Jenn Says...

Hi is this the same for Disneyland in Anaheim??will they be getting rid of the reservations as well??

Please and thank you

Reply
Jan 3, 2024 at 3:57 a.m.
Charles Elias Disney II Says...

No, Disneyland is still doing research on traffic patterns and will not be ending anytime soon. I just checked and is still unchanged.

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/wdw-removing-park-reservations-effective-removing-park-551301/#:~:text=The%20Walt%20Disney%20World%20Resort%20and%20the%20Disneyland%20Resort%20are,Park%20on%20January%208th%202024.

Reply
Sep 18, 2023 at 12:36 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jenn!

At this time, we have not heard any official news about theme park reservations ending at Disneyland. But we will certainly be sure to update our Disneyland reservations post if we hear of such news!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 14, 2023 at 4:24 a.m.
Dana Says...

In 2024 will there be after hours in the parks to purchase separately? Jan 2024 to Feb 2024?

Reply
Jul 14, 2023 at 8:51 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dana!

Disney hasn't announced any additional After Hours dates yet, but we'll be sure to update if more are released! It's possible — there were After Hours events going on during that same time earlier this year, but not guaranteed until we hear official confirmation.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 14, 2023 at 4:22 a.m.
Dana Says...

Going to Disneyworld Jan 18th 2024 and are there through February 7th. What are the best tickets to purchase. Thinking 7 days. if we use our day on the 18th how long do we have to use the other 6 days? Will we need a park reservation?

Reply
Jul 14, 2023 at 8:58 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dana!

A 7-day ticket is valid for admission on any 7 days within a 10-day window, beginning on the start date selected and ending 9 days after the start date (which would be Jan. 27, if you start Jan. 18). You would not need park reservations with a date-based ticket.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 3, 2023 at 2:17 a.m.
Bin Says...

Just spent a week at WDW for kid's spring break. Would like to share a few tips for WDW park reservations.

1)

1) Make your park reservation immediately after your purchase of tickets regardless where you make the purchases. You can always modify the reservation at a late time point if the plan changes.

2) If you make reservation too late and find out that the park you want to go is sold out on the desired date. Make reservation for a different park for that date.

3) Now are real tricks. If the desired date for a specific park is sold out check the Disney park reservation system at around 8 am and 2 -3 pm 1 - 3 days before the desired date. My experience is Disney released additional openings due to cancelled reservations or lower than expected crowd. It is important to keep in mind that you have to keep refreshing and act fast if the park becomes available for the desired day!

Reply
Apr 3, 2023 at 8:37 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bin!

Thanks so much for hopping by and sharing your experience and tips. We hope you had a frogtastic trip!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 24, 2023 at 4:33 p.m.
Jenifer Says...

I bought our WDW tickets, made reservations for the park we are going to visit each day, the tickets are on my app...can I just go straight to the gate or do i have to go somewhere 1st to have the tickets activated?

Reply
Mar 24, 2023 at 4:54 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jenifer!

Tickets cannot be scanned directly from your phone, but you have a few options!

1) Purchase a MagicBand or MagicBand+ to link your tickets so you can easily scan the MagicBands at the park entrance touchpoints.

2) Set up MagicMobile on your smartphone or Apple Watch, which you can then scan at the park entrance touchpoints.

3) Stop by the Guest Relations window before entry to receive RFID park ticket cards that you'd scan at the entry touchpoints.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 13, 2023 at 12:54 p.m.
Hayley Says...

Hi we go on Sept 1st . When can we start to do this we have purchased tickets. Thought it was 60 days. I seen someone in Feb had booked days for October can someone help me out thanks x

Reply
Mar 13, 2023 at 8 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Hayley!

The theme park reservation system is currently available through January 2024. (Dining reservations can only be made 60 days in advance.)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 19, 2023 at 8:30 p.m.
Rachael Says...

Hi, we have a 14 day ticket for October 2023 and have booked our days however you don't book you water parks so I was wondering if we go to typhoon lagoon but then want to go to magic kingdom for fireworks at night time do we need to book magic kingdom that day or because we have been to typhoon lagoon that allows us to park hop to magic kingdom?

Reply
Mar 13, 2023 at 12:56 p.m.
Hayley Says...

Sorry for question how did you manage to book your days. We have purchased tickets. We go Sept 23

Reply
Feb 21, 2023 at 3 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Rachael!

Great question! You would still want to make a theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom as it's the first theme park you'll be visiting that day, despite visiting a water park earlier in the day (and yes, you're right — you don't need to book a reservation for water parks).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 16, 2023 at 7:35 a.m.
Linda Fiddler Says...

Hello! How do you do this if you don’t have phones/access to computers. Can you go to the desk at the Disney resort you are staying at when you arrive to make the reservations?

Reply
Feb 16, 2023 at 9:45 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Linda!

That's a tough one! Our best advice is to try to use a family member or friend's device (or even public access computers) to make a Disney account, purchase tickets and make theme park reservations in advance, especially if planning to go during a busy period. Fortunately, theme park reservations don't fill up as quickly as they have in the past since capacity has increased over time. However, it's still possible that you would have a slim choice of park reservations and run the risk of not getting in at all without park reservations (more likely during busier times) if you try purchasing tickets at the ticket window on the same day since it would be last minute.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 21, 2023 at 7:52 p.m.
Alison Says...

Hi there! I am headed to the parks for the first week of May 2023. I am doing 6 days of parks over a 9 day period. I've read a lot of posts about the need to reserve ASAP. Yet the Disney Parks website only publishes Park hours a little more than two months in advance. I want to wait until they post hours for my week of travel so that I can pick my park reservations based on what parks will be open longest on what days. Is it too late to wait until this time to reserve? Should I just reserve blind and hope for the best? Thanks!

Reply
Jan 24, 2023 at 4:21 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Allison!

Our best suggestion would be to go ahead and make reservations just so you have them confirmed, but once the park hours have been released, you can go back and modify the reservations as long as there's availability to do so!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 30, 2022 at 4:08 a.m.
Ameya Says...

Hello, I have booked the 1 day park hopper option from your website!

So while making the park reservation, I have reserved our spots for the Magic Kingdom. Now, what we plan to do is visit Animal kingdom early morning, explore the park until afternoon, and then hop onto Magic Kinngdom after that. Can we do this?

My main concern is that the park reservation is for Magic Kingdom, but we actually want to visit it after completing Magic Kingdom. Please let me know if it is possible or not. If not, then what can be done to see the parks in this order now.

Reply
Jan 3, 2023 at 8:46 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ameya!

If you're wanting to visit Animal Kingdom in the morning, you should modify the park reservation to Animal Kingdom. (The park reservation should be for the first park that you wish to visit because park hopping is not allowed until 2 p.m.) It's pretty easy to change! Just go to My Disney Experience — either online or through the app. If you're on the computer, go to MyDisneyExperience.com and once you're logged in, you should see your plans, along with the park reservation for Magic Kingdom, pop up. Hit "Manage reservation" which will take you to the "My Reservations" page and you'll have the option to modify or cancel the reservation. If you're on the app, look at the very bottom and you'll see a "+" within a circle. Click on "Make or Modify Park Reservations" and follow the instructions (it'll eventually take you to the same web page).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 11, 2022 at 12:02 a.m.
Karen Berry Says...

HELP! My grand-daughter will turn 5 December 22. We arrive in Orlando on the 17. What is the best way to proceed with planning our time in the parks?

Reply
Oct 12, 2022 at 1:46 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Karen!

Yay, so frogciting and now it's time to plan! The next step would be figuring out which parks you'll be going to on which dates, so you can make your Disney Park Pass reservations accordingly. Since it's a busy time, you'll want to make these sooner than later, if you haven't already! You should also be thinking about any dining reservations that you may want before your 60-day booking window opens, so you're ready to make them starting Oct. 18. Since you're going to be around for the holidays, check out our guide to the holidays at Disney World to learn more about all of the festivities. Hopefully, this is a good start — let us know if you have any more questions!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 13, 2022 at 4:34 p.m.
Lisa Says...

I am planning Magic Kingdom on Christmas weekend of this year, 2022. What is the latest that you recommend I reserve tickets before it's sold out?

Reply
Sep 13, 2022 at 12:07 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lisa!

Since it's a very popular time to visit, we would recommend booking as soon as possible.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 13, 2022 at 6:26 p.m.
Lisa Says...

Hi Mommy Frog,

Do you think one day is doable at Magic Kingdom on Christmas Eve? Or do you think I should do two days at Magic Kingdom, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Reply
Sep 14, 2022 at 9:29 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lisa!

Historically, Christmas week is one of the busiest weeks of the year, so we'd suggest two days to be safe and/or consider purchasing Genie+ to help reduce wait times. We don't usually suggest park hopping, but in your case, it may be a good option if you think you may want to leave Magic Kingdom on the second day to go to another park, as Magic Kingdom is typically the busiest of the parks.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 25, 2022 at 4:15 p.m.
Susan Says...

We always buy our Disney tickets from you. If we buy them now, how far in advance can we reserve our entry days ? November ? December. If we have a seven day pass can we reserve all seven entry days straight away ? How do we get the Genie+ facility ?

Thank you

Reply
Aug 26, 2022 at 9:18 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Susan!

For a trip this November or December, you'd be good to purchase tickets and book all of your park reservations now! As for Genie+, it is no longer available as a ticket add-on, so you will need to purchase it through the My Disney Experience app on each day of your visit.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 17, 2022 at 2:01 p.m.
Emma S Says...

With the Disney Pass Reservation are you able to change dates as my father is of a older age and will not know how he will feel on the initially booked date. Thank you Emma

Reply
Aug 17, 2022 at 9:59 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Emma!

As long as there's availability for the date/park that you're trying to switch to, you may change the Park Pass reservation!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 13, 2022 at 4:05 a.m.
Randi Says...

We have a Disney World package booked @ Caribbean Beach but we added just a hotel night @ Yacht Club to the beginning if our trip to see about taking advantage of the extended hours. We would like to move our 1st park day up a day with the Yacht Club reservation but not sure if we can since it was part of our Caribbean package.

Reply
Jun 8, 2022 at 11:45 a.m.
Cmatthew Says...

you may have answered this in a comment somewhere but I can't find it! I just booked my 2023 trip and am wondering when I can make my park reservations? Currently my tickets aren't "available" but I did book a package. Do i need to finish all of my payments before I can reserve? or is there a certain amount of time I have to wait?

Reply
Jun 22, 2022 at 1:56 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

Since you have booked a vacation package, a deposit is required to book the theme park reservations, and you'll be able to make your theme park tickets as soon as the reservations are linked in My Disney Experience. It does not need to be paid in full at the time of booking.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 23, 2022 at 4:01 a.m.
Jay Says...

Planning on going twice this year to DW. Only few days, then two months later, a few more (with grandchildren). Do I have to buy two sets of tickets? O can I buy a 10 day, use a few, then the rest later. Everything happening this year (2022).

Reply
May 23, 2022 at 8:16 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jay!

A 10-Day Ticket is valid for admission on any 10 days within a 14-day window, beginning on the start date selected and ending 13 days after the start date (at that time, it would expire). While these days don't need to be used consecutively, there would be too much time in between your visits, so you would need to purchase two sets.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 4, 2022 at 3:02 a.m.
Jack Says...

I bought tickets from Expedia. However I can't match the date from expedia with park reservation. Can I pick different dates?

Reply
Mar 24, 2022 at 3:05 p.m.
Toni Says...

We are planning a trip to Disney in Feb. 2023. Is it too early for us to purchase our tickets and make reservations? Thank you.

Reply
Mar 24, 2022 at 7:09 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Toni!

Yes, tickets for 2023 are not on sale just yet. Keep hopping back!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 19, 2022 at 3:34 a.m.
Sonja Says...

My travel agent said if we get the hopper pass we start at one park and when we hop over to another we have to stay there . We cannot hop from park to park .

Reply
Mar 21, 2022 at 8:36 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sonja!

Park hopping starts at 2 p.m. so you wouldn't be able to hop from your first park until then. But once it's park hopping hours, you can hop wherever and as many times as you'd like!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 17, 2022 at 4:46 p.m.
Will C Says...

I am planning a trip for Feb to March of 2023. When will tickets become available through March 2023? Would like to book ASAP.

Reply
Mar 18, 2022 at 10:46 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Will!

At this time, our best suggestion is to keep hopping back and checking the availability.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 14, 2022 at 4 a.m.
Kelsey Says...

Do you need to purchase a reservation on top of the tickets or is that just like picking your dates and without a separate charge?

Reply
Mar 14, 2022 at 8 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kelsey!

No, Disney Park Pass reservations are not a separate charge — it's just picking which park you want to go to (or start at, if park hopping) on each day of your trip.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 12, 2022 at 1:05 p.m.
Wendy Says...

Hi travelling from uk to AKL in Oct, out tickets for the trip will be available 12 weeks before travelling. Is 12 weeks prior to trip enough time to book park reservations? Oct 23 to Nov 3

Reply
Mar 14, 2022 at 4:32 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Wendy!

If you're booking reservations 12 weeks in advance, then there should be availability when you go to book.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 10, 2022 at 8:15 p.m.
Paula Says...

Hello!

We are planning to go to WDW in February 2023. We are making our DVC reservations next month. (11 months out) When would you suggest we buy our Park Hoppers and how soon should we make our Park Reservations?

Thank you!

Reply
Feb 24, 2022 at 8:35 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Paula!

When it comes to tickets and park reservations, the earlier, the better - booking early will give you the best availability when it comes to reservations, so we'd plan on booking as soon as you're able. Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 5, 2022 at 11:01 p.m.
Alison Says...

Hi

We are purchasing tickets for MK on Sunday 20th February. We are aware this is Presidents Day weekend so are presuming it will be very busy! If we park hop to Epcot at 2 will we be guaranteed re entry to the Magic Kingdom in time for the fireworks? As that is where we will have reservations?

Reply
Feb 7, 2022 at 9:53 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alison!

Yes, you should be able to re-enter Magic Kingdom without any issues since it was your original park reservation.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 2, 2022 at 10:15 p.m.
Stuart Walls Says...

I purchased a one day pass for Epcot for my wife and I for January 5, 2022 but we are unable to go. I would like to use the pass at another time when we are able. What do I do so I can use the passes at another time?

Reply
Jan 3, 2022 at 10:23 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Stuart!

There are a few ways to go about changing your date - no matter which you choose, be sure to take action before your ticket expires on the 5th! You can sometimes change your ticketed date directly in My Disney Experience under "My Tickets." If you purchased directly through Disney, they can also be reached by phone at (407) 934-7639. If you purchased through Undercover Tourist, please give us a call at 1 (800) 846-1302.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 5, 2021 at 1:44 p.m.
MARY A STOLTZ Says...

I live in Florida and bought the only annual pass available (Pixie Dust). I bought four day tickets for my grandchildren visiting in February and another four tickets for other grandchildren visiting in March. I can make the necessary park reservations for the grandchildren, but am limited to only three reservations on my pass. This isn't working out very well for me. Any suggestions? I don't want to have to stay on property with 8 of us just to get park reservations when we have a perfectly good house to stay in.

Reply
Dec 6, 2021 at 4:04 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mary!

Unfrogtunately, there aren't too many options we can suggest. 1) Go ahead and make the first three reservations in February. Once you use the first reservation, immediately make a reservation for your fourth day (since February usually has lower crowds, it's more likely that there will be some availability left — we'd suggest you'd plan to go to EPCOT or Animal Kingdom that day since those parks are more likely to have last-minute availability). Then, as you use the rest of the February reservations, make the first three March reservations immediately. Since March is during Spring Break season, last-minute availability isn't guaranteed — but if reservations are full, we'd encourage you to keep checking often as cancellations do happen! 2) Buy a separate ticket for the fourth day or upgrade your pass if there is availability. 3) As you mentioned, you could make a hotel reservation as well, but we toadally understand why you wouldn't want to!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 28, 2021 at 12:49 a.m.
VERONICA KOPEC Says...

Need some advice. Had to cancel our trip due to injury, and our tickets are only valid for a 6 day span that ends on 12/09/21.

Is there some way that we can get this reservation changed to another 6 days? (We will be heading down in September, 2022.)

If so, how do I do that? I already canceled our December 2021 reservations.

Thanks.

Reply
Dec 1, 2021 at 3:20 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Veronica!

Our best advice is to call Disney if you purchased directly through them, or call 1 (800) 846-1302 if you purchased through us. Unused Disney tickets don't lose their value so what typically happens is that the value of the old tickets can be applied to new tickets, and you'd pay the difference if needed.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 21, 2021 at 12:13 a.m.
Stacey Says...

If I leave Magic Kingdom for a dining reservation at the contemporary, would it be possible that I wouldn’t be able to get back in on the afternoon due to capacity, even though I have a park reservation for that day?

Reply
Nov 22, 2021 at 8:07 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Stacey!

While it's possible for any of the parks to reach capacity, the only time that a park hasn't allowed more guests in was on the first day of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Magic Kingdom. So it's a rare occurrence and you likely wouldn't need to worry about it, unless you're coming at a very busy peak time (such as the week between Christmas and New Years, particularly New Years Eve).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 10, 2021 at 10:02 a.m.
June Sutherland Says...

I purchased a 2 day pass yesterday how long does it take for my e-ticket to arrive so I can book my days

Reply
Nov 10, 2021 at 9:28 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi June!

Can you give us a call at 1 (800) 846-1302 so we can help?

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 at 3:50 p.m.
Esther Says...

Hi,

We are going in May '22 how far in advance do we need to book our park days? Do we need to book the waterparks in advance also?

Thanks

Reply
Oct 13, 2021 at 11:31 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Esther!

We'd recommend booking whenever you nail down your dates, as you get the best availability if you reserve early. Blizzard Beach does not require a reservation, and Typhoon Lagoon is still closed but we'd anticipate that it would similarly not require a reservation if it's open at the time of your trip.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Oct 3, 2021 at 8:03 p.m.
Sarah Says...

Hello!

We are going for ten days and I know some mornings we will just want to hang out at the pool and not go to a park until after 2. Do we still have to go the park we have a reservation for first before we Park Hop or can we go to any park after 2? We are going at the beginning of Feb, so I don't anticipate crowds.

Thanks.

Reply
Oct 3, 2021 at 3:20 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sarah!

You'll still need to enter the park that you have a reservation for first before you hop to another, even if it's after 2 p.m.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 15, 2021 at 7:05 p.m.
Eric Detloff Says...

When do anticipate hours for the parks will be published? We are planning on 2/1/22 trip and expect the park hours to be shorter (or less)

Reply
Sep 16, 2021 at 9 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Eric!

Park hours are usually released about a couple months at a time. We'd recommend to start checking for official hours around late November/early December for your trip in February! But generally, yes — park hours tend to be shorter during the off-season.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 30, 2021 at 1:19 p.m.
Dorothy Girmscheid Says...

I trying to make reservations for Epcot for November 14th 2021

Reply
Aug 17, 2021 at 1:38 p.m.
MrsJEC Says...

Hello,

There is a storm in the area. If I select a day but cannot go due to the weather can we change the day? When purchasing it only allows to select a specific day and not a range of days.

Reply
Aug 17, 2021 at 8:57 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mrs. JEC!

Generally, Disney does not give refunds or allow cancellations without fees based on weather, but unused expired tickets do not lose their value so you could apply the original price of your old ticket to a new ticket. The only exception is if there's a hurricane warning issued by the National Hurricane Center in the Orlando area or your place of residence within 7 days of the scheduled date.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 16, 2021 at 7:08 a.m.
Mark Says...

Hi, I hope you can help. I am purchasing a UK 14 day unlimited ticket so will need to make reservations for all 14 days in advance. Is this possible to reserve so many days? Thanks

Reply
Aug 16, 2021 at 12:51 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mark!

Yes, you should be able to make park reservations for the number of days that you have valid theme park admission.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Aug 3, 2021 at 6:42 a.m.
Sara Says...

If I buy park passes and make park reservations for an upcoming trip then decide to add park hopper does it affect the reservations for parks?

Reply
Aug 3, 2021 at 9:41 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sara!

We'd expect upgrading to Park Hopper tickets shouldn't cause any issues since you would still need a reservation for the first park you're visiting each day (but once Park Hopper hours start, you don't need reservations for the park(s) you're hopping to).

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 28, 2021 at 3:55 p.m.
Natalie Corn Says...

Does the park reservation's cost anything extra? For example if I buy my ticket and go to make my reservation for magic kingdom am I going to be charged additional money to make the reservation.

Reply
Jul 28, 2021 at 11:31 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Natalie!

No, the Disney Park Pass reservation system does not require any additional fees.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jul 12, 2021 at 7:21 p.m.
Steve N. Says...

What happens if I purchase tickets, make park reservations for all our dates, and, for some reason or another, we cannot go to WDW at all. Do the totally unused tickets expire, or can we use their value to purchase tickets for later dates?

Reply
Jul 12, 2021 at 2:40 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steve!

The tickets never lose value, so yes, you would be able to use the value of your unused tickets to purchase new tickets, if you needed to cancel.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 22, 2021 at 11:38 p.m.
Justin Says...

Hey folks,

If I have a park reservation for Epcot, and I hop to another park after 2, am I guaranteed entry back into Epcot, or does park hopping cancel out the original reservation? I’m planning on going to Epcot on july 1st, and I want to park hop for a short time but be back for the fireworks at Epcot that night. I’m just worried park hopping might lock me out. I would be so sad!

Reply
Jun 23, 2021 at 9:45 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Justin!

So far, we haven't had any issues with park hopping and capacity limits, so you should be toadally fine with hopping back to EPCOT. Currently, there are still Park Pass reservations available for EPCOT on the 1st, so we wouldn't expect any issues. However, if the park were to reach capacity before you're able to hop back, you would still be able to get in since you had an original Park Pass reservation for EPCOT. Enjoy the fireworks! :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 4, 2021 at 3:58 p.m.
Elizabeth V Says...

Hi there, we have a trip planned for April 2022. How far in advance can I make park reservations and buy tickets? We are DVC members and staying at a WDW resort.

Thank you

Reply
Jun 4, 2021 at 12:22 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Elizabeth,

You can purchase tickets and secure park reservations now! :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 4, 2021 at 2:55 a.m.
Donna Says...

Hi,

We will be staying at Saratoga Springs from June1 12th to June 19th and am SOOOO sad to say that there are NO tickets available during our stay!

The availability we once saw has quickly changed.

We cannot change the reservation for a variety of reasons.

Is it worth going to the ticket sales area each day to see if by some miraculous chance there might be availability? I only need 2 adult tickets and am flexible about which park we can visit.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

Reply
Jun 4, 2021 at 10:48 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Donna,

Unfortunately, with reservations being fully booked, there is no guarantee the ticket booths would be selling additional tickets. While you could try checking, you'd still need a reservation as only having a ticket does not guarantee admission.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 12, 2021 at 1:07 a.m.
Janie Says...

I have booked 8 tickets, however there is only one park available. Do I still have to reserve that park?

Reply
May 12, 2021 at 4:36 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Janie,

Park Pass reservations fill up quickly, so our best suggestion would be to book the park available for now to be sure you have a reservation for your dates. However, keep checking back leading up to your vacation, as reservations do often open up, at which point you can cancel your existing park pass and rebook. Keep in mind that if you have Park Hopper tickets, you will only need to reserve the park you're starting your day at; after 2 p.m., you can hop to additional parks without a Park Pass reservation. Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 4, 2021 at 6:26 p.m.
Izzy Says...

Question! So is it true that if the park you wish to attend does not have availability you can still go to it at 2pm if you have park hopper tickets? For instance, if I wanted to go to Hollywood Studios one day but there are no available reservations, could I make the park reservation for Epcot then go to Hollywood Studios with my park hopper ticket at 2pm? Thanks so much!

Izzy

Reply
May 4, 2021 at 1:40 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Izzy!

That's correct - if you have a park hopper, you only need to reserve the first park you'll be visiting that day. At 2 p.m., as long as the park you'd like to visit isn't at capacity, you can hop over. Have fun!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Sep 28, 2021 at 7:35 p.m.
Shannon Williams Says...

If only planning on going to a park after 2:00 pm (Annual Passholders), do I still need to make a park reservation?

Reply
Sep 28, 2021 at 3:53 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Shannon!

Yes, you would still need to make a Disney Park Pass reservation.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 28, 2021 at 10:17 p.m.
Coral Says...

So, we are coming in tomorrow and we have a park reservation. If we arrive to that park, for the first time that day, after 2, are we still guaranteed entry into that park?

Reply
Apr 28, 2021 at 5:22 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Coral!

Yes - your park reservation saves your spot, so you should be good to go!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply

Leave a comment

Search blog articles

About Undercover Tourist

Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get the inside scoop on theme park news, planning tips, concert and sports announcements, special offers and much more!

Park Plans

Our step-by-step guides will save you up to 4 hours a day.