Walt Disney World has announced the end of temporary Park Pass restrictions that were implemented for Annual Passholders during the debut of the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade.
These restrictions, which were in place from July 20 to July 27, 2025, have now been lifted, allowing Passholders to return to the standard Park Pass policies. In this article, we’ll review the details of the restrictions, their impact, and what this change means for Annual Passholders moving forward.
Temporary Park Pass Restrictions Overview
Why Were Restrictions Implemented?
The restrictions were introduced to manage anticipated high demand for the debut of the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade at Magic Kingdom. During this period, Annual Passholders were required to make a Park Pass reservation to visit Magic Kingdom, even after 2:00 PM—a departure from the usual policy.
Key Details of the Restrictions
- Dates: July 20 to July 27, 2025.
- Affected Parks: Magic Kingdom required a Park Pass reservation for all Passholders, regardless of the time of day.
- Other Parks: EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom allowed Passholders to enter after 2:00 PM without a reservation.
Return to Standard Park Pass Policies
With the restrictions now lifted, Annual Passholders can once again enjoy the flexibility of the standard Park Pass policies. Here’s a summary of the current guidelines:
Standard Park Pass Rules for Passholders
- No Reservation Needed After 2:00 PM: Passholders can visit any park after 2:00 PM without a reservation, except Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Good to Go Days: On designated Good to Go days, Passholders can access the parks all day without a reservation.
- Reservation Requirement Before 2:00 PM: A Park Pass reservation is required for entry before 2:00 PM, except on Good to Go days.
Magic Kingdom Exceptions
- Passholders must make a Park Pass reservation to visit Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays, regardless of the time of day.
Impact on Annual Passholders
The temporary restrictions highlighted the importance of managing guest flow during high-demand events. While the return to standard policies restores flexibility for Passholders, it also underscores the need to stay informed about potential changes during special events or peak periods.
Conclusion
The end of the temporary Park Pass restrictions for Disney Starlight Annual Passholders marks a return to normalcy for Walt Disney World’s Annual Pass program. With the standard policies back in place, Passholders can once again enjoy the convenience and flexibility that come with their membership.
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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.
