The theme parks of Walt Disney World have been utilizing a reservation system since reopening back in June after closing due to pandemic concerns. As part of the resort’s park reservation system, guests were no longer able to “park hop” from one theme park to another during the day, instead relegated to only visit the park they reserved. Beginning January 1, 2021, guests with park hopper tickets and annual passes will be able to visit more than one park on the same day once again, but with some caveats.

According to Disney: “Starting Jan. 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with some new modifications as part of our ongoing focus on health and safety.”

With the updated Park Hopper option, guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND you must actually enter that first park prior to visiting another. Disney is not planning to require a park reservation for the additional park(s) you plan to visit, however they warn that requirements are subject to change.

The biggest change to Park Hopping is that Disney will set hours for when the option will be available. Park Hopper hours will start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests will soon be able to check the official website and the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date Park Hopper hours, as they could start earlier at a later date, depending on the day and park.

Disney says the modified Park Hopper option is designed to help them manage attendance in a way that fosters physical distancing. Additionally, they remind guests that other enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect, including face coverings required for all guests ages two and up.

It is not clear whether guests will be restricted on how many additional theme parks they will be able to visit after their initial reserved park—however, Disney does say that you can only enter an additional park if it is not at its current max capacity.

Beginning next year, tickets with the park hopping option and annual passes will have the ability to visit more than one park per day, however there is still no word on when guests will be able to purchase new annual passes. While existing Annual Passes can be renewed, new Annual Passes are not currently available for purchase.

Disney says you can visit the Know Before You Go page, call the Disney Reservation Center, or reach out to planDisney if you have any questions about Park Hopping. Photos: Disney

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