Walt Disney World has announced temporary changes to its Park Pass reservation system, specifically impacting Annual Passholders. These adjustments coincide with the debut of the highly anticipated Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom. In this article, we’ll break down the new restrictions, how they affect passholders, and what you need to know to plan your visit.
Notifications for Passholders
To ensure passholders are informed, Disney has implemented notifications across its platforms. These alerts appear on the Walt Disney World website, the My Disney Experience app, and within the Annual Passholder section of the app. Notifications include pop-ups and messages in the app’s notification center, providing clear details about the upcoming changes.
Key Communication Channels:
- Walt Disney World Website: Notifications are displayed on the Park Pass reservation page.
- My Disney Experience App: Alerts are sent via the notification center and pop-ups for passholders.
- Email Updates: Passholders may also receive email reminders about the changes.
New Park Pass Rules for Passholders
The new restrictions take effect on July 20, 2025, the same day as the debut of the Disney Starlight parade. These changes are designed to manage crowd levels at Magic Kingdom during this high-demand event.
Updated Rules:
- Before July 20, 2025: Passholders can visit any park without a reservation on “good-to-go” days or after 2:00 PM, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom.
- Starting July 20, 2025: Passholders must have a Park Pass reservation to enter Magic Kingdom at any time, including after 2:00 PM. This restriction does not apply to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Impact on Passholders
These temporary restrictions are expected to affect passholders planning to visit Magic Kingdom, particularly during the debut of the Disney Starlight parade. While the changes aim to ensure a smooth guest experience, they may require passholders to adjust their plans.
Tips for Passholders
- Check Availability: Regularly monitor the Park Pass reservation system for updates.
- Plan Ahead: Make reservations as early as possible for high-demand dates.
- Explore Other Parks: Consider visiting EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom if Magic Kingdom reservations are unavailable.
Conclusion
The new Park Pass restrictions for Disney World Annual Passholders reflect the high demand surrounding the debut of the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade. While these changes may require some adjustments, they are designed to enhance the overall guest experience during this special event.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
