Hi Bryan,
Thanks for bringing another question to planDisney! I love that you’re already planning to upgrade your tickets to an Annual Pass! I’m thinking you must have some great plans for your upcoming visit, and you’re already looking ahead to when you can return for another magical vacation.
I confirmed with a Cast Member that once you upgrade your ticket to an Annual Pass, you will follow the Annual Pass admission criteria. This means you would need to make a theme park reservation if required for the date of your visit. If you’re planning to Park Hop, you must make a theme park reservation for the first park you plan to visit and enter that park before visiting another park. Annual Passholders can also enter theme parks without a reservation after 2:00 PM, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom. Since you’re visiting in August, you should know that
starting July 20, 2025, Passholders visiting Magic Kingdom must make a theme park reservation, including if you’re visiting after 2:00 PM. EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom will not need a theme park reservation if you enter after 2:00 PM. I also confirmed with the Cast Member that you could use your 7-day Park Hopper tickets as you initially planned, then
upgrade them any time before your last day of use. The value of your 7-day Park Hopper ticket would still go towards your Annual Pass upgrade. Your Annual Pass would be valid for one year from the first date you used your original ticket. To upgrade your ticket while you’re in Walt Disney World, you can visit a Guest Relations location or the
Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs.
I hope this gave you some options to consider, Bryan! Will you visit Magic Kingdom for the newest nighttime parade,
Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away? Or will you be attending one of the first nights of
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party? If you upgrade to an Annual Pass, that makes this visit just the start of a magical year of Disney World visits! If you have any more questions, we’d love to help you again at
planDisney!
Kaitlin