During the COVID-19 pandemic, Walt Disney World Resort — along with every other Disney Resort — had to shut down. The Most Magical Place on Earth was closed for a record 116 days. However, it was the Disney Resort that was closed for the least amount of time. When the Disney World Parks reopened, many things were different. The Parks could only be at 25% capacity, masks were required at all times, and Cast Members enforced social distancing measures. Park Hopping was also not allowed, and theme park reservations were required to visit, in addition to a ticket.
It’s been nearly three years since the Parks reopened, and nearly all the COVID-era policies are gone. However, Guests are still required to make theme park reservations. Park Hopping is back, but Guests are not allowed to Park Hop until 2 p.m.
Recently, Disney announced some changes coming to their theme park reservation requirements. Beginning next January, Guests who purchase date-based tickets will not have to make theme park reservations. Annual Passholders will also have more “Good to Go” days when certain Parks will not have reservation requirements. APs are also allowed to visit the Parks during the week after 2 p.m. without needing a reservation.
Sadly, similar changes will not be coming to the Park Hopping restrictions. Even though reservations are heading out the door — albeit very slowly — Disney will be keeping its current Park Hopping rules. Disney recently reiterated that Guests will still not be able to Park Hop until 2 p.m. through 2024. Now, nothing is set in stone, so it’s possible that Disney could change its mind, but things aren’t looking good.
The biggest issue with Park Hopping affects those who want to join the virtual queues for either Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or TRON: Lightcycle/Run. The virtual queues open at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. For the first queue drop, Guests can be anywhere, but they must have a valid theme park reservation for the Park their ride is in if they want to ride it before 2 p.m.
However, Guests must be IN the required theme park for the 1 p.m. drop. That means that, on busier days, Guests might not be able to get into the virtual queue they want because they can’t get to the Park until 2 p.m.
