Hi Lisa! Welcome to planDisney!
There is nothing quite like becoming a
Walt Disney World Annual Passholder! Being able to visit the parks as much as your pass allows is such an incredible feeling. Let's discuss your itinerary for your upcoming stay next year!
Some changes are coming to the
Walt Disney World Resort in the new year. This will include rules regarding the Disney Park Pass System and Park Hopping. Annual Passholders will still be required to make a theme park reservation for the first park they plan to visit unless they do not plan to arrive until 2 PM or later. After this time, reservations will not be required for entry. There is one exception to this and it has to do with the Magic Kingdom on the weekends. Theme park reservations will be required on these days no matter what time you arrive at the Magic Kingdom. Even if you plan to just pop in for the nighttime spectacular, you will need a reservation to do so.
Park Hopping rules will be different beginning on January 9th. You will no longer need to wait until 2 PM to hop to your next park. Once you visit the first park you have a reservation for, you can then hop to the next. If you wish to visit the
Magic Kingdom on the weekend after hopping from another park, you will not need a theme park reservation in order to do so. You'll just need to visit the park you made a reservation to first.
With these rule changes, it does add a bit of flexibility to your stay. You can make a reservation to EPCOT in the morning, ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and then hop on the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. It will truly allow you to maximize your day where you see fit!
Lisa, I hope you have a magical time during your vacation!
Stop back and see us again at planDisney!
Happy holidays!
Greg