
If you’ve been to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort in the past few years, then you know that things are not the same as they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. While the parks no longer require social distancing or masks at all times, guests are still required to make reservations at a chosen theme park. Guests also have restrictions on Park Hopping — they can’t Park Hop until 11 a.m. at Disneyland and 2 p.m. at Walt Disney World.
Over at Disneyland Resort, Annual Passholders are now called Magic Key Holders. They received the name change when Disney ended the Disneyland Annual Pass Program in 2020 and introduced the Magic Key Pass Program in August 2021.
Like Disney World Annual Passes, Magic Key Holders also have to make theme park reservations and must abide by Park Hopping rules. That did not sit well with one Magic Key Holder, who let Disney know how she felt.
*Warning: video contains harsh language
@lovely_evieann LIKE WTF AM I PAYING FOR?! This burrito is slapping tho …… #disneyland
Many commenters agreed with Evieann, stating how frustrating having to make a theme park reservation is. One common thread is that it takes away from the spontaneity of visiting The Happiest Place on Earth. And even though Park Hopping starts early, it is frustrating for those who want to rope drop and hit some of the biggest rides early.
Related: Disney Reveals More Details on 16 New Attractions For HUGE Expansion
Of course, it should be noted that Disney has always been clear about its Park Hopping restrictions. They have been in place for nearly three years, so it is important to make sure that your theme park reservation matches up with whatever breakfast reservation you wish to make at either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park.
Related: The WORST Part of Making Disney Dining Reservations
Since Disney has gotten rid of many of its COVID-era requirements, guests have become increasingly frustrated that they still have to make theme park reservations. At first, Disney could only let a certain number of people into the theme parks, so it made sense. However, numbers have shown that Disney World and Disneyland are nearly at their pre-COVID numbers.
Many guests are also angry that they can’t Park Hop when they want to. When the parks first opened on both coasts, there was no Park Hopping allowed, as a way to control park capacity. Now, there seems to be no reason not to allow guests to visit any park whenever they like.
Thankfully, Park Hopping restrictions will be ending at Walt Disney World on January 9, 2024. Guests will once again be able to jump from park to park as early as they like. Disney has not announced when park hopping restrictions will end at Disneyland.
Theme park reservations will also be ending on January 9 at Walt Disney World Resort, but only for select guests. According to Disney, guests with date-based tickets will no longer have to choose what park they would like to start at. Annual Passholders, on the other hand, will still have to choose from the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Do you think Disney should end Park Hopping restrictions and reservation requirements at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments!
Personally, I feel that person is just a tad bit entitled, when booking your trip maybe look at the restrictions and requirements first. Specially if you pay for one of those passes. Your ignorance isn’t an excuse or a reason for the complaint.
It’s time to stop having to make reservations. Time for us to park hop whenever we want
Absolutely! I think reservations should be dropped altogether! It’s mostly inconvenient for me as a person with disabilities and a service dog to make things happen at certain times and not be spontaneous! Needs to go back to being the “Happiest Place on Earth!”