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

Experience all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks this summer with the 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket! Valid for arrivals from May 26 to Sept. 26, 2026.

Inside This Post

Between 2020 and 2024, Walt Disney World Resort introduced 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). However, certain types of admission, such as annual passes and non-dated tickets, may still require a park reservation. Here's what you need to know about Disney Park Pass reservations, if you still need to make them.

Spaceship Earth at sunset

Who Still 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 (including vacation packages that include date-based tickets). This is the standard ticket most people purchase, and it requires you to choose a start date.

Reservations are still required for:

  • Student group tickets
  • Sports and Convention tickets
  • Disney Military Salute ticket
  • Annual Pass
  • Florida Resident Summer Magic ticket
  • Florida Resident Discover Disney ticket
  • All other non-dated tickets or admission types

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. 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.

What to Know Before You Go

Disney Park Pass - Tree of Life

If you have a ticket or pass that's listed above, here's a quick list of things you need to know before you go:

  • Reservations must be made for each day of entry. If you have a multi-day, non-dated ticket, you must make a park reservation for each day of your visit.
  • Reservations are subject to availability, and are 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 at any time.
  • Tickets or passes must be linked in My Disney Experience in order to make a reservation.
  • 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 reservation, you may obtain a new one.
  • You can view the Disney Park Pass Availability calendar here.
  • If you are looking to reserve in-park dining, a dining reservation alone does not guarantee you entry to the park. Dining reservations can be made 60 days in advance.

The Disney theme park reservation system is only required for select guests with non-dated admission. Let us know any questions you may have in the comments below!

Related:  Best Times to Visit Disney World in 2025

Hoppy planning!

Written and reviewed by the Undercover Tourist Content Team
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Comments

151–170 of 170 comments
Jun 19, 2020 at 9:39 p.m.
Becky Says...

So we have a hotel reservations but need to change the dates to the following weekend and also change the number of people (we have a couple people who no longer will be going). And we don’t have tickets but I have gotten emails about us having tickets....the only thing I can think is that old tickets are still linked but they are expired on our my Disney experience acct. I am just wondering how I can make this work....

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 9:24 p.m.
LongGone Says...

Do we know if tickets expire in the same manner as before ? Example - I have a 6 day ticket. Pre-Covid the ticket was good for 9 calendars days and I had to use my 6 days within that nine. The clock started as soon as I used it. With tickets being extended until 9/26/21, does the 9 day clock still happen? Or can I use 3 days in August and then the other 3 before 9/26/21?

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 9:16 p.m.
Joelle McNulty Sell Says...

is it possible to change the dates on the tickets I have starting on 9/1? We are thinking of coming a few days earlier

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 4:42 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Joelle!

You sure can! Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with usage window impacted by park closure, or date-specific theme park tickets purchased through June 6, 2020 with a valid use period beginning March 12, 2020 or later, will automatically be extended to use any date through September 26, 2021. If you are unable to visit by September 26, 2021, you may apply the value of a wholly unused ticket toward the purchase of a ticket for a future date.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 24, 2020 at 2:10 p.m.
Jenny Says...

So, if you need to rebook for say, November 2021, you would get credit for the purchase price of the unused ticket that expires Sept. 21? So basically, if prices increase you just need to pay the difference, and you would not lose the money, correct? How much notice must be given to exchange to the ticket dated after September 2021? Thanks!!

Reply
Jun 25, 2020 at 3:01 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jenny,

Yes, you are correct. You would not lose money and you don't need to give notice on exchanging it. Disney tickets do not lose value!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 8:37 p.m.
Lauren Says...

We purchased 3 day park hoppers from you several weeks ago, but it sounds like park hopping will not be an option by September. Is it possible to change this to a 4 day ticket?

Reply
Jun 23, 2020 at 12:38 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lauren!

Yes, you may contact us at [email protected] or you can modify your ticket in My Disney Experience.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 7:14 p.m.
Tanya Says...

We have resort hotel reservations for Aug 16 to 22 but didn't buy tickets because I wasn't sure what the situation would be. I don't see that covered anywhere. On disney site it says people with reservations for 2021 can upgrade to add tickets on June 24 but our reservation is Aug 2020.

Reply
Jun 21, 2020 at 4:14 p.m.
Renee K Says...

I am in the same situation with Disneyland. I have my on site hotel reservations without a ticket. I hope we are factored into the initial reservation plans somewhere.

Reply
Jun 20, 2020 at 8:25 p.m.
Missy Says...

I just called Disney - I am in the same boat. She basically told me that there was no information for people in our situation yet :(

Reply
Jun 23, 2020 at 8:54 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Thanks for updating us, Missy!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 10:11 p.m.
Mama Grizzly Says...

In the same boat as you, except our reservations are for September. You would think Disney would consider people staying on property who haven't bought tickets yet when factoring in the new reservation system. I would think we would get access to park tickets and reservations before the general public.

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 2:24 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tanya!

You are correct - we are waiting to see when ticket add-ons will be available for hotel guests in 2020!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 8:42 p.m.
GAIL Says...

Have Bay Lake Tower reservations for Oct 2020 and air for ten of us...was unable to buy tickets and now feel I'm out of luck.

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 4:43 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Oh no, Gail! Crossing our froggy fingers that there's ticket opportunities available before your visit!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 5:02 p.m.
Nicky Watson Says...

Do you know what they mean by ‘other select hotels’? Is Hilton bonnet creek included?

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 2:31 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Nicky!

We aren't sure just yet, but will be sure to update once we do!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 4:45 p.m.
Dustin Says...

What if I have a Disney hotel reservation but haven't booked tickets yet? I've been waiting to book the tickets until I found out more.

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 2:25 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dustin!

If your hotel reservation is for 2021, you can call Disney Guest Relations June 24 to add tickets onto your hotel reservation. We are still waiting on details for those with hotel reservations in 2020 who would like to add tickets onto their package.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 4:02 p.m.
Rayleen Says...

What if you have a party of 3 and one of those are under the age of 3 so they don’t require a ticket? Also we aren’t staying at a Disney property.

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 11:25 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Rayleen!

Guests under 3 don't require a ticket or a reservation, so you'd just need to make a reservation for the two over 3 in your party. If you are staying off-site but have valid tickets, you can begin making reservations June 28.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 3:49 p.m.
Melissa Jones Says...

Above you say AP cannot book reservations until June 26 WITH a park reservation. Disney website says this is the day AP can book WITHOUT a hotel reservation on the 26th and with a hotel reservation on the 22nd. (I was in panic mode when I read that b/c I'm AP)

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 11:10 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Melissa,

You are correct and thanks for the catch!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 3:33 p.m.
Colleen Says...

I went to Disney website, logged in & went to look at the site where it says to link passes, it's asking for ID#, where do I find this ID# on my eticket park pass? I see a reservations # & a ticket code but no ID#? Plus it says to register per person, I only have 1 eticket for 2 people?

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 11:23 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Colleen!

When you look at your Undercover Tourist e-tickets (either the ticket itself or your confirmation email), you'll use the Reservation # to link in My Disney Experience. You can find this at the top of your ticket or on either of the barcodes (you can also scan the barcode). Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 1:20 a.m.
Mike O'Donoghue Says...

my annual pass lapsed-can renew my pass before the reservation system opens and be able to make reservations right away? Thx.

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 10:56 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mike!

We'd suggest giving Guest Relations a call to see about renewing! They can be reached at (407) 560-7277.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 18, 2020 at 7:35 p.m.
John Says...

They really need to offer refunds on the tickets, even though it's not their current policy. I bought 8 day tickets I won't be able to fit in any time soon, especially having to wait for a reservation system made me miss any possible window.

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 4:46 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi John!

If you haven't already, we highly recommend contacting Guest Relations (if you purchased direct through Disney) or Customer Service (if you purchased through Undercover Tourist). These are unprecedented times, and while the use date for many tickets has been extended through the end of September 2021 and the value of tickets can be extended towards new tickets after that period, we are confident that they'll work with you to meet your needs if those options won't work for you. Let us know if there's anything we can do to help!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 18, 2020 at 2:05 p.m.
David Axford Says...

Hi. We purchased 3 day and 2 day passes for Disney World Florida and Universal (expiry was 4/5/20). Are these tickets valid indefinitely? If we decide that, because of restrictions continuing in 2021 we would like to defer going until 2022, will we be able to use our tickets (understanding that if ticket prices go up, we will need to pay the difference)? Thanks. David

Reply
Jun 23, 2020 at 1:07 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi David!

A Disney ticket with an original April start date has been extended for use through September 26, 2021. Universal Orlando ticket expiration dates may vary, depending on whether you have a promotional ticket. Your current Disney tickets may be applied to an upgraded 2022 ticket when these become available. If you cannot use your Universal Orlando ticket by the expiration date on your ticket, please contact us for a return.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 18, 2020 at 12:54 p.m.
Nina Says...

are People with 21 day consecutive use ticks going to be able to keep unreserveable days on the the account, I can’t imagine being allowed to make 21 consecutive reservations really stressing about paying thousands for useless tickets

Reply
Jun 18, 2020 at 6:01 a.m.
Cerys Fairchild Says...

is it true that the new system will go into 2021 and cause issues for guests travelling internationally

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 10:58 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cerys!

The new Park Pass Reservation System is expected to be in place through September 26, 2021.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 18, 2020 at 12:57 a.m.
Mary June Says...

When can I buy tickets for animal kingdom for September ninth 2020

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 10:54 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mary June!

That will depend on what reservations you already have (in terms of tickets and hotel). Here are the key dates for upcoming reservations:

Beginning June 22, 2020 - Guests with a Disney Resort Hotel reservation (and other select hotels) with valid theme park admission can make park reservations.

Beginning June 26, 2020 - Annual passholders with a resort hotel reservation can make park reservations.

Beginning June 28, 2020 - Existing ticket holders can make reservations.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 23, 2020 at 5:23 p.m.
Shannon Nutt Says...

What if we have hotel reservations but no tickets? Disney had completely ignored this group in their reservation plan.

Reply
Jun 23, 2020 at 12:45 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Shannon!

Beginning tomorrow, June 24, hotel guests visiting in 2021 can add tickets to their reservation; we have no word yet on tickets for 2020 hotel guests, but are hoping to know more soon!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 18, 2020 at 12:24 a.m.
Jessica Busch Says...

What if we have tickets but no hotel reservations ay Disney?

Reply
Jun 19, 2020 at 10:53 a.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jessica!

If you have tickets not but no hotel reservations just yet, you'll be able to make your Park Pass reservation June 28.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 17, 2020 at 8:52 p.m.
Elena Says...

Do you guys know when you predict the reservation system will be released?

Reply
Jun 17, 2020 at 4 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Elena!

We do not - we're on the edge of our seats! We'll be sure to update as soon as we know more :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 17, 2020 at 7:19 p.m.
KATHI BARTON Says...

How do I link a date to my purchased tickets?

Reply
Jun 17, 2020 at 3:50 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kathi!

No dates are available to link just yet. For now, just be sure that your tickets are linked and visible in My Disney Experience. Once we know more about the next step (making your theme park reservation for a specific date), we'll be sure to update so that you can hop to it!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jun 17, 2020 at 5:24 p.m.
mouselover Says...

do you know if people with park hopper passes will be able to make reservations for multiple parks on the same date.? (ie: spend the day at MK and then go to Epcot for dinner on that same day)

Reply
Jun 17, 2020 at 11 p.m.
FigmentofYourimagination Says...

After talking with Disney on the phone for a little while, it seemed apparent that Park Hopping may be suspended as well as traveling to resorts you are not staying at or without an active dining reservation. The water parks are also an unknown at this time. The Cast Member also indicated that you should be able to book for the duration of your ticket. Any unused or unavailable options ie Water Parks and More or Park Hopping Disney would "compensate" for that was her vernacular.

Reply
Jun 17, 2020 at 3:51 p.m.
FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mouselover!

We unfortunately don't know just yet - we've got our eyes and ears peeled, and will be updating this post as soon as we know more!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply

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