Disney World Makes Long-awaited Update to Park Hopper Ticket by Ditching Its Time Restriction

The update will go into effect next year.

Starting next year, visitors to Walt Disney World will be able to "hop" from park to park with no time restrictions.

On Jan. 9, 2024, all-day park hopping access will return allowing any guest with a valid park hopping ticket or annual pass to freely visit any of its four theme parks at any time during normal operation hours. The current system, implemented when the theme parks reopened amid the COVID-19 pandemic, restricts guests from park hopping until after 2 p.m.

“Guests with Park Hopper benefits will now have more flexibility to explore the Disney World theme parks the way they want and enjoy even more during their visits,” Disney shared in a blog post on Wednesday. If a visit falls on a day when park reservations are required, the ticket holder must scan into the reserved park before freely park hopping.

The long-awaited return adds further flexibility and convenience to the vacation experience. Jan. 9, 2024 also marks other key operation changes that will positively impact park goers, including the removal of theme park reservations for date-based tickets. With this update, visitors can decide on a whim which park they’d like to visit without pre-planning. Fan favorite Disney dining plan will also return that day exclusive for guests staying on-site at a Walt Disney World hotel.

January will also welcome “good-to-go” days for its annual passholders where theme park reservations will not be required for a park visit. This new perk will be offered on an ongoing basis and vary by theme park on select days.

Along with this announcement, Walt Disney World has increased standard theme park parking from $25 to $30, effective Wednesday. Disney Resort Hotel parking remains complimentary for overnight guests and guests looking to take advantage of on-site dining, shopping, and entertainment. Additionally, all levels of Disney World’s annual pass have increased in price, between $30 an $50 depending on pass type.

Those planning a 2024 Walt Disney World vacation can take advantage of a bunch of new park deals, including dining discounts, half-off hotel and ticket packages, and more.

The announcement today comes along with changes at Disneyland Resort, including price increases for its annual passes, known as Magic Key, multi-day theme park tickets, 1-day theme park tickets, and Genie+.

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