Changes are coming to Walt Disney World’s park reservation policies that will coincide with the much-anticipated debut of the Disney Starlight nighttime parade. Below, we’ll break down what these new rules mean for Annual Passholders and provide an overview of the upcoming entertainment offering.
Introduction to the Updated Park Reservation Rules
Starting July 20th, 2025, additional restrictions will apply to Annual Passholders visiting Magic Kingdom. These changes are linked to the opening of the Disney Starlight parade, an exciting new nighttime offering expected to draw large crowds. While the adjustments are only temporary and limited to Magic Kingdom, it’s important for passholders to understand how the system will work during this period.
Key Changes for Annual Passholders
Reservation Requirements Before July 20th
Until July 20th, the current policy for Annual Passholders remains in place. Passholders can visit Walt Disney World parks without a reservation on “good-to-go” days or after 2:00 PM, with the exception of Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom.
New Rules Starting July 20th
With the launch of the Disney Starlight parade, Magic Kingdom will now require theme park reservations for all passholder visits, regardless of the day or time. This means even those planning to enter after 2:00 PM will need to secure a reservation in advance. However, no changes will be made to the rules for other parks like EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will continue to allow passholder entry after 2:00 PM without reservations.
Limited Reservation Availability
Walt Disney World has clarified that reservations will be limited and subject to availability. Blockout dates will also still apply, making it crucial for passholders to check availability and plan their visits accordingly. These temporary measures aim to manage crowd levels and enhance the guest experience during the high-demand period.
Disney Starlight Parade Brings Nighttime Magic
The Disney Starlight parade, subtitled “Dream the Night Away,” promises to be a magical addition to Walt Disney World’s entertainment lineup. Designed as an immersive evening experience, the parade will feature dazzling floats, stunning performances, and an original theme song. While specific details about the parade route and timing have yet to be released, anticipation is already building for what looks to be one of the year’s standout attractions.
Balancing Nostalgia and Practical Planning
Disney’s adjustments to reservation rules highlight the importance of balancing nostalgic experiences with practical crowd management strategies. Large-scale events like the Disney Starlight parade attract higher attendance, necessitating measures to ensure smooth operations for all guests. For Annual Passholders, this period underscores the need for careful planning to get the most out of their visits.
What This Means for You
For Disney fans holding an Annual Pass, the update requires some additional planning but also ensures that the Magic Kingdom remains accessible even during high-demand events. By securing a reservation in advance, passholders can guarantee their spot for the parade and enjoy a well-organized park experience. Outside of Magic Kingdom, unchanged reservation rules for other parks provide flexibility and spontaneity.
Summary and Final Thoughts
These temporary adjustments aim to enhance the visitor experience during a peak period while delivering an extremely popular new entertainment offering. For those planning to attend, staying informed and proactive will be key to making the most of this exciting time!
For more updates on the latest developments at Walt Disney World, stay tuned to the DVC Shop blog and subscribe to our newsletter to get our latest articles delivered to your inbox.
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.
