Giraffe at Kilimanjaro Safari; Animal Kingdom
  • On Dec 21, 2025
    Hyejeong from Gyeonggido Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I have purchased Magic Hopper tickets for December 31 and January 1. On the day of my visit, can I simply go to the first theme park of my choice and enter by showing my ticket? Is there no need to make a reservation for the first park in advance?

    Hello there Hyejeong,

    Welcome to planDisney! Oh, boy... you'll be arriving at Walt Disney World in just a few short days! Let's chat about a practically perfect plan so you can maximize the fun and pack in as much pixie-dust as possible in to your visit. 

    Because it sounds like you have purchased dated theme park tickets, you are not required to make any theme park reservations. Your tickets are valid for entry into any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks. You will just tap your theme park ticket at the park entrance, and you'll be allowed entry. You can also link your park tickets in the My Disney Experience app, which will allow you to utilize MagicMobile if you'd like. 

    However, although your tickets are valid for use at any Disney World Park... it's important to note that your entrance will be subject to the park's available capacity. And you are visiting during a very exciting and popular time at Walt Disney World Resort! Particularly on December 31, it is common for Magic Kingdom to reach the park's full capacity. When that occurs, Cast Members will no longer admit additional guests into the park. So if you've been wishing upon a star to spend New Years Eve at Magic Kingdom... I highly recommend that you arrive early that day. And once you secure your magical spot, I would not park hop to another location that day.

    January 1 should offer you a little more flexibility in utilizing your park hopper option on your tickets. Check the Park Operating calendar for exact open and close times at the parks, which may help you in making your plans. My family finds that arriving 30-60 minutes prior to the park opening time really helps maximize the number of attractions we get to experience! Then we like to grab a quick service lunch before hopping to our next Disney park.

    We recently tried this approach by starting in Disney's Animal Kingdom for the morning, and then enjoying a delicious lunch at Satu'li Canteen before catching a Disney bus and park hopping over to Hollywood Studios. If you are debating about parks to visit, please allow me to place a vote for Animal Kingdom! This lush and beautiful Disney Park is so unique and features multiple gems. My top recommendations include the thrilling Expedition Everest (pro tip: lines are short if you head here early in the day!), seeing the awesome live animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris, the impressive Festival of the Lion King show, and soaking in the immersive world of Pandora. It's not to be missed!

    Hyejeong, I'm sending pixie dust your way and hope you have an amazing time at Walt Disney World! Safe travels to you. And please visit us again at planDisney with any questions you may have, we love to help fellow guests.

    See ya' real soon!
    Tami


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Meet the Panelist: Tami, Colorado

Oh boy, I'm so happy you're here! I'm Tami from the beautiful Rocky Mountain state of Colorado, an Information Technology consultant, wife, and mom to two teenagers. My greatest passions include outdoor adventures and planning family vacations at Walt Disney World Resort. I understand how adding some key planning details (we call it pixie-dust!) can contribute to the best possible Disney vacation for your family. I'd love to help you make some magical memories! Learn More About Tami

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