Disney is making a big change to how Annual Passholders access Magic Kingdom, and it goes into effect on July 20, 2025. As part of a broader shift to manage increasing crowd levels, Disney will now require park reservations at all times of the day—not just before 2 p.m.—for Passholders who wish to visit Magic Kingdom.
This update aligns with the upcoming launch of Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, a nighttime parade expected to become a massive year-round attraction. To prepare for the anticipated crowds, Disney is moving to a more structured reservation system for its most popular park.
While this marks the end of the more spontaneous visits Passholders have enjoyed for over a year, there’s a temporary benefit arriving just before the new rules hit. On June 21 and June 22, Passholders will be granted “Good to Go” access to all four parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom—without a reservation.
These two “Good to Go” days are notable not just because they provide reservation-free entry, but also because they fall on a weekend. Typically, even post-2 p.m. visits on weekends require reservations, especially at Magic Kingdom. The timing seems intentional—a final chance for guests to experience flexibility before the shift takes effect.
Disney has not specified how often “Good to Go” days will appear going forward, and they generally give little advance notice. However, once a day is labeled “Good to Go,” it is guaranteed to remain that way.
The balance between reservation requirements and guest freedom has been a point of tension ever since Disney first implemented its park reservation system. Though some leniency had returned, the new Magic Kingdom policy signals a move back toward structure.
As with most changes, reactions are mixed. But with new entertainment offerings drawing bigger crowds, Disney seems focused on keeping its experiences manageable. For Passholders, the message is clear: enjoy the spontaneity while you still can.
