Hi Amanda!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! How exciting that you have a
Walt Disney World Resort vacation coming up! Definitely keep up with the
Disney Parks Blog to learn about all of the new and now that's happening all around the 'World ... well, the Walt Disney World.
Unfortunately, yes, any time anything is to be done inside one of Disney's Theme or Water Parks, a valid park admission is required. Would it be possible to change up your plans to be in that park that day, or find another
dining reservation in the park where you plan to be that day?
You don't have to make this decision now. For dining reservations where you were required to pay in full at the time of making the reservation (
Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue,
Cinderella's Royal Table), you may cancel these plans within 72 hours for a full refund. All other dining reservations where a credit card was placed on file to guarantee the reservation are allowed to cancel with 24 hours notice. And if you're still not sure what to do, you can upgrade to a
Park Hopper ticket option the day of and use it immediately.
I am so terribly sorry for the confusion, Amanda, but no matter what the outcome I know that you'll have an amazing time at the Most Magical Place on Earth!
~Kristen