Hi Deborah!
Welcome to planDisney! There is nothing quite like being an
Annual Passholder at the Walt Disney World Resort. Being able to visit the parks as often as your pass allows is the ultimate reward.
I'm happy to report that the
rules for park hopping have been relaxed over the past year. Even Guests who hold Annual Passes can hop to any park at any time once they visit their first park of the day. There is no need to wait until 2 PM to do so anymore. If you plan to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, you can make your way over to EPCOT when you are ready.
Theme Park Reservations are still required for Annual Passholders each day. There are a selected number of days that are now deemed Good-to-go days. On these days, theme park reservations are not required and you can start your day as you see fit. Reservations are also not required if you visit your first park after 2 PM, unless it is the Magic Kingdom on a weekend.
With this change to
park hopping rules, you will now have more flexibility when planning your day. With Animal Kingdom typically opening up earlier than the rest of the parks, you can head there for a couple of hours in the morning and then jump to EPCOT when most of the World Showcase opens around 11 AM. Maybe you want to experience an early morning on Main Street, U.S.A., and grab a picture in front of Cinderella Castle before heading over to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Your options are truly endless.
Depending on when you plan to visit, the
EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is set to open at the beginning of March. It's one of my favorite times to visit, with the beautiful flower displays and creative topiaries set up across the park. The Outdoor Kitchens feature fresh and vibrant menu items that you will find across the World Showcase and other areas of the park.
Deborah, I hope you have a magical time during your stay!
Stop back and see us again at planDisney!
See ya real soon!
Greg