What it’s like visiting Disney World in 2024

When Disney World reopened in July 2020 after a brief closure during the pandemic, the Central Florida resort implemented various procedures to control and monitor crowds for health and safety purposes. However, as of January 9, 2024, Disney World has made significant changes to its operations, giving guests more freedom and flexibility during their visits.

One major change is the elimination of theme park reservations for most guests. Previously, guests with date-based tickets had to choose which park they wanted to visit ahead of time and make a reservation for that park each day of their visit. Now, guests with date-based tickets only need to purchase their tickets and can visit any of Disney’s four theme parks without making a reservation.

However, annual pass holders still need to make a theme park reservation on most days. Disney has introduced “Good-to-Go” days on select days where annual pass holders can visit any of the four theme parks without a reservation. Additionally, on days requiring a reservation, annual pass holders can visit a park without making a reservation after 2 p.m. (except Magic Kingdom on Saturdays or Sundays). Theme park reservations will still be available for certain promotional ticket types.

Another significant change is the removal of park-hopping restrictions. Previously, guests with Park Hopper tickets or annual pass holders had to wait until 2 p.m. to visit a second park. Now, guests with Park Hopper tickets or annual pass holders can visit additional parks at any time throughout the day. This change allows guests to spend more time visiting different parks and makes Park Hopper tickets more valuable.

Furthermore, Disney World has brought back the Disney Dining Plan, a pre-pandemic perk that allows guests to prepay for a set number of meals and snacks during their visit. This gives guests the feeling of an all-inclusive vacation and adds convenience to their dining experiences.

These changes have improved the overall guest experience at Disney World. With the elimination of theme park reservations and park-hopping restrictions, guests have more freedom and flexibility in planning their days. There is less pressure to stick to a predetermined schedule, and guests can visit different parks based on their preferences and availability. Additionally, the removal of waiting restrictions allows guests to accomplish more and make the most of their time at the parks.

To make the most of these changes, it is still recommended to have a loose plan in mind. While guests now have more flexibility, having an idea of which park or parks to visit each day and a list of must-do attractions can help optimize their time at Disney World. It is also important to take advantage of early entry or extended evening hours, especially for guests staying at Disney World’s on-site hotels.

In conclusion, Disney World’s recent changes have given guests more freedom and flexibility during their visits. The elimination of theme park reservations, the removal of park-hopping restrictions, and the reintroduction of the Disney Dining Plan have enhanced the guest experience and allowed for a more relaxed and fulfilling vacation. With these changes, guests can make the most of their time at Disney World and create unforgettable memories.

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