Hello William! That is a fantastic question! You are correct! Entering a Disney Park at the Walt Disney World Resort requires both a valid theme park ticket as well as a theme park reservation. I’ll explain the difference and purpose of both.
Your theme park ticket, which can be purchased on the
Walt Disney World Resort website, is your admittance ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort theme park. Disney Parks also use a reservation system, called the
Disney Park Pass system, to enhance a Guest’s experience by balancing attendance at their theme parks. Once you purchase your ticket, you can make your park reservation on the Disney Park Pass system. When you make your reservation, you will be prompted to enter the date of your visit, and which park you want to enjoy that day! You only need to make reservations for the four theme parks. It is not necessary to make a reservation for either of Disney’s water parks.
Now, sometimes plans change while vacationing. If that is the case, Guests can change their theme park reservation to a different park as long as there is park availability. The best tool to check park availability is the
theme park availability calendar on the Walt Disney World Resort website.
William, I hope this clarifies the difference between your park ticket and your park reservation. Come on back to planDisney if we can be of further assistance as you continue dreaming of your magical vacation!
Happy planning!
Jonathan