Hi Robyn, welcome to planDisney!
Over the last year or so, the
Walt Disney World Resort has made some exciting updates, one of which is the theme park reservation system's more streamlined approach. Now that date-based tickets no longer require reservations, it’s important to note that entrance to a park is still subject to availability.
Walt Disney World does a fantastic job managing park capacity, so most days, you should have no problem entering your chosen park with a valid ticket. That said, during peak times—like holidays or special events—arriving early to secure your spot is always a good idea, as parks
can reach capacity. Typically, this is only an issue around the Christmas and New Year's Eve timeframe, but other holidays have also reached capacity, albeit on rare occasions. One of the easiest ways to ensure your admittance is to stay in a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel to take advantage of the
Early Theme Park Entry, a 30-minute head start on your favorite rides before any other Guests. Even better, stay in one of the Deluxe Resorts. You can take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry and experience
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours, typically two hours of more fun with minimal crowds!
If you're a fan of flexibility (like me!), this change is definitely a welcome one. Just remember to keep an eye on the
My Disney Experience app, where you'll get real-time updates on park availability. This will help ensure that your magical day goes off without a hitch!
Let me know if you have any other questions about your upcoming Disney vacation. I’d be happy to help you choose between the various Disney resorts, recommend my favorite snack and dining spots, and help you plan your day using the new
Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
See you real soon,
Brent