Hi Isabella!
Thanks for visiting us at planDisney!
Park hopping is one of my favorite things about being an Annual Passholder, so let’s make sure you get the most out of it!
I’m happy to let you know that you can hop to another park any time after you scan into the park where you have a park reservation. You no longer need to wait until 2 PM to hop.
If you’ll be hopping from
Animal Kingdom to
Magic Kingdom, there’s a bus route that goes between the two parks. The last time I was there, that bus started running at 10 AM.
As far as the changes to park reservations with the debut of the
Disney Starlight parade go, that will not affect park hopping. So, if you plan to start your day at Animal Kingdom, go ahead and make your park reservation for that park. Then you’ll be free to hop over to Magic Kingdom whenever you’re ready. No park reservation will be needed for the second park of the day!
It’s good to note that park hopping is pending park capacity. So, make sure to give yourself enough time to make it over to Magic Kingdom well before the parade if you’re hoping to see it. While I’m not necessarily anticipating Magic Kingdom to be at capacity, I’m sure the new parade will draw more crowds. So, it will be good to be on the safe side when it comes to timing!
I hope that helps! Let us know if you have any other questions. We’ll see you real soon!
Jenn J.