Hi Danielle!
Welcome to planDisney. I'm so glad you stopped by with this question today. I recently became an
Annual Passholder and have loved the ability to visit the parks for as long or as little as I like in a day. I'm mostly still a rope drop-to-closing type of guest, but it's been a treat to pop in for a few hours to refill my pixie dust and then head along my magical way, too.
Earlier this year,
Walt Disney World Resort announced some changes to the
theme park reservation system with more updates rolling out in 2024. Subject to blockout dates,
Annual Passholders now have the option to visit the theme park of their choosing
after 2 p.m. without needing to make a theme park reservation. The exception would be visiting
Magic Kingdom Park on Saturdays and Sundays, which still requires a theme park reservation to enter, regardless of entry time. This is a wonderful update, especially for local Passholders who might want to plan a spontaneous afternoon visit. I sure wish I lived close enough to stop in on a whim for a Jack-Jack's Num Num Cookie from
Neighborhood Bakery at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or a scenic ride on
Kilimanjaro Safaris as the sun begins to set over Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Now Danielle, don't worry if you want to soak up some weekend magic on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park. Annual Passholders are still welcome to frolic in Fantasyland, blast off into the future in Tomorrowland, and chart a new crusade in Adventureland. You'll just need to make a theme park reservation before your weekend visit.
I double-checked with a friendly Cast Member who confirmed that although Passholders are able to hop between the other parks without a weekend reservation after 2 p.m., entry into Magic Kingdom Park
will require a valid theme park reservation on Saturdays and Sundays regardless of entry time. If you're like me and want to end your day with
Happily Ever After, you'll need to ensure you have a valid theme park reservation for Magic Kingdom Park when visiting on the weekends. Your other option would be to make a theme park reservation for either Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, or Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park for Saturday and Sunday, which would then allow you to hop over to Magic Kingdom, subject to capacity, after 2 p.m. Keep in mind guests must visit their reserved park first before hopping to another park.
Policies are subject to change so I'd keep an eye on
Disney Parks Blog for any additional updates are you prepare for your October visit. I hope this clears up any confusion Danielle. If we can be of further assistance please don't hesitate to come right back and ask us additional planning questions.
Magic and memories,
Amy