Hi there, Jessica. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question.
Park hopping is my favorite way to spend a Disney day, Jessica, and I think you will really enjoy it too on your upcoming Walt Disney World vacation. Park hopping does look a little bit different than it used to. Right now, to park hop, you'll need valid theme park admission with the park hopper option and a park pass reservation. Your park pass reservation should be made for the first theme park you plan on visiting that day. Then, on the day of, you'll need to scan in and enter the theme park with the park pass reservation before continuing on to others later in the day. Right now, park hopping hours now start at 2:00 p.m. and last until each park closes in the evening.
Because park hopping doesn't start until 2:00 p.m. now, Jessica, you actually won't be able to dine at another Walt Disney World Theme Park other than the one your
park pass reservation is at until 2:00 p.m. Right now, it is encouraged to make an advanced dining reservation at the theme park with your park pass reservation, a Disney Resort Hotel or at Disney Springs for the morning or early afternoon. Those are the only places where you'll be guaranteed entry. A safe bet would be to switch your lunch reservation to a dinner reservation, that way you'll be sure that you can get over to that park in time.
A great restaurant to sit down and have lunch at is
The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs. Disney Springs is free for anyone to go to and does not require any sort of park pass reservation. The BOATHOUSE is my current favorite spot to eat at Walt Disney World. There is something on the menu for everyone but I recommend the lobster roll served warm with butter and upgrading to the truffle fries. It's delicious.
I hope this helps you plan your day a little bit better, Jessica. If you have any other questions before your trip, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me. I'm happy to help.
Have fun and enjoy!