Hiya Kim!
Welcome to planDisney, the most magical place on the internet! I am so glad you decided to stop by and ask us your question, and I am thrilled that I get to be a part of your planning journey. The Park Hopper Option is such a great addition to your Disney vacation, and I honestly cannot go without it. Disney vacations can be unpredictable, rides go down, and storms roll in, and the Park Hopper Option allows you to make quick adjustments to your itinerary!
There are two ways to check Park Hopping availability when on your trip. First, when leaving the first park you visited, you can stop by the Guest Relations windows at the main entrance of all four parks and ask if all parks allow park hopping at this time. Don't forget that
park hopping becomes available at two P.M. ET and that park-to-park buses start running at 1:30 PM currently! Second, make sure you download the
My Disney Experience mobile app, as Guests can be notified on the app if certain parks are unavailable for park hopping. Also, you can click on the home menu and "All Hours" in the park hours section. There, you will be able to see the park hopper availability for each theme park, as well as regular park hours and attractions currently unavailable.
If you are making dining reservations or have booked experiences part of the
Enchanting Extras Collection, I would recommend booking those on the days when you have theme park reservations for those parks. Indeed, dining reservations do not guarantee entry into the park if you are park hopping, so you would not be able to go to your reservation if it is in a park that is unavailable for park hopping. Also, although you only need to make a theme park reservation for the first park you intend to visit, you must visit this park first before you can park hop. If you follow these instructions, however, you will be all set to have the most magical trip!
I hope this was helpful, Kim, and that you and your Ohana will have the best day ever on your next Disney vacation. If you have any other questions in the time leading up to your trip, please don't hesitate to reach out. You're as welcome as can be!
Have a magical day,
Ariane