Annual Passholders Refused Access to New Disney World Parade, Effective Immediately
Walt Disney World Resort has implemented a significant change to park access, leaving many Annual Passholders frustrated and without access to the highly anticipated Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade at the Magic Kingdom.
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Beginning on July 20, 2024, Annual Passholders will need to make Park Pass reservations to access Magic Kingdom, as the Central Florida resort’s new entry rules go into effect. This comes in response to expected high demand for the new year-round nighttime parade, which will be the first of its kind at the Magic Kingdom since the Main Street Electrical Parade ended in 2016.
This rule change marks a departure from recent, more relaxed park reservation policies for Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholders. In the past, they could visit Magic Kingdom without reservations on “good-to-go days” or simply show up after 2:00 p.m. without needing a Park Pass. However, with the debut of the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade, Disney has enforced stricter guidelines due to the expected crowd levels.
As of June 25, 2025, all reservations for Magic Kingdom on July 20 for Annual Passholders have already sold out, leaving many unable to experience the parade on its first night. Though other park reservations are still available for that date—such as EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom—Passholders will not be able to visit the Magic Kingdom until after 2:00 p.m., assuming the park hasn’t already reached capacity. If Magic Kingdom Park hits full capacity, guests without a reservation may be turned away at the gates, including park hoppers.
Annual Passholders hoping to see the Disney Starlight parade debut should regularly check the reservation system for any availability changes, including potential cancellations. Walt Disney World Resort has not yet confirmed whether any additional reservations will be released as the date approaches.
Which characters would you like to see in the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade? Share your ideas with Disney Dining in the comments!
I am so over Disney. If I have to make a reservation to go to any Disney Park they don’t need my business. I used to have an annual fee ass with no blackout dates or times. Ian smart enough to know what days and times to stay away. Prices are already too high. Disney is killing the golden goose.