What You Need To Know About Disney Park Passes

The Disney Park Pass system was implemented after the pandemic closures to track guest capacity. To visit one of the Disney theme parks, all guests must have a valid ticket and make a reservation for the park they'd like to visit. There has been some confusion about this new policy, so I want to clarify how the system works. Below, I discuss how the system works and answer some of your most common questions about it. 

How the Disney Park Reservation system works 
Park Reservations, also called the Disney Park Passes, can be accessed through My Disney Experience. After purchasing your park tickets, you can make a Park Reservation using the prompts under the “My Plans” section. You’ll need to select the members of your party, the date you want to visit, and the park you want to go to. If a reservation is available, you’ll be prompted to confirm it. If no reservations are available that day, you’ll be notified and prompted to choose a different park. You need to make a park reservation for every day you wish to visit the theme parks, even if you have a multi-day park ticket. 

What you need to make a Park Reservation
The most important thing you need to make a park reservation is valid admission. If you don’t have tickets linked for everyone in your party, you won't be able to make a reservation. No worries if you don't know what parks you'd like to visit each day. When you book with Just Add Magic Travel®, I use my experience and expertise to recommend the best itinerary for your family that fits your needs and works with current availability. If you haven't purchased your theme park tickets yet, check the park availability calendar to ensure your vacation dates are available before buying tickets. 

Common questions about the Park Reservation system
 Here are some of the most common questions I get about the park reservation system. Have more questions? Feel free to contact me. I’ll make these reservations for your Disney vacation, so you don’t need to stress about it! 

How long will the Park Pass system be in place? 
The Park Pass system was put in place after the park closures of 2020 to help manage crowds and park capacity. Initially, the reservation system was set to expire in September 2021. However, it was extended until January 14, 2022, then again until January 2024. All this to say, the park reservation system will be here for quite a while. 

When should I make my park reservations? 
Once your package is booked, or your tickets are purchased, you should log into your My Disney Experience account and secure your park reservations. Availability can change frequently. Certain dates do "sell out" in advance, so this is one step of the planning process that you shouldn't put off. Tickets may be unavailable on dates with no reservations, which can happen during peak times like spring break and the holidays. Reservations may open up from time to time, so you can always check back at a later date. 

My park tickets are valid on a particular day. Is that the same thing as making a reservation? 
No. Purchasing a valid park ticket on a particular day is not the same as making a theme park reservation. You must purchase park tickets and make a separate theme park reservation. 

How far in advance can I make a park reservation? 
Park reservations are available from now until January 2024. 

How do I show proof of my reservation to enter the park?
Your theme park reservation is automatically linked to your tickets. Once you get to the park, all you have to do is show your physical or electronic ticket or magic band to enter the park. 

How do I park hop? 
To park hop, you’ll need a valid Park Hopper® admission ticket. Make a reservation for the first park you’d like to visit that day. Once you enter that park, check My Disney Experience for park hopping availability times, which typically start around 2 pm each day. Once the park hopping window opens for that day, you can freely visit any park that has open park hopping hours. You don’t need to make a reservation at the second park. 

Disney travel planning with Just Add Magic Travel® 
There's no reason to be confused about the Disney Park Reservation System! Let Just Add Magic Travel take care of purchasing your park tickets and make your theme park reservations for you! My agency is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, so I know the ins and outs of navigating the park reservation system. Get a free quote to get started!  

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