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2024 is bringing many changes for guests heading to Walt Disney World. Some significant rule changes will be coming to Walt Disney World this week. These changes will impact guests’ experience as they visit Walt Disney World not just this month but throughout 2024.
Related: Disney World Confirms 7 Attractions Will Close in 2024
For those planning to visit Walt Disney World this year, make sure you know these new rules as you plan your vacation.
Credit: Walt Disney World
No Park Reservations
A huge change coming to Walt Disney World is the removal of park reservations for most guests. Following the shutdown in 2020, guests were required to have a valid theme park ticket and make a park reservation for one of the four Disney Parks.
Early on, this allowed Disney to manage capacity and staffing needs successfully. Almost four years later, guests who purchase date-based tickets will no longer need to make a reservation.
This means that guests can be more flexible with their plans during their vacation. Although most guests know which of the four parks they want to visit each day of their trip, removing park reservations will allow spontaneity for those looking for it.
Remember that guests with annual passes must still make reservations on most days. Disney is implementing “Good to Go” days for Annual Passholders, allowing them to enter a park without reservation.
It will be interesting to see how the adjustment to this rule impacts crowd levels in 2024.
Credit: Disney/Canva
Park Hopping Restrictions Lifted
A rule that we are thrilled is being adjusted in 2024 is around park hopping. When park hopping returned to Walt Disney World, it was with a significant restriction. Guests were only able to park hop after 2 p.m. This restriction made park hopping less appealing for many Walt Disney World guests.
Starting on January 9, 2024, anyone who adds a park hopper to their ticket can hop whenever they want. This adjustment will bring a lot more flexibility to guests and a tremendous value to park hopping.
We can’t wait to move between the four Disney parks whenever possible!
Credit: Disney
Virtual Queue Adjustments
Finally, with park reservations going away, a slight adjustment to virtual queues is also coming. Currently, guests need to have a theme park reservation made to book a virtual queue for either TRON: Lightcycle Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Once park reservations are removed, guests can make virtual queue bookings starting at 7 a.m. without a park reservation. Guests can only hold one virtual queue at a time, meaning that guests will be forced to choose between the two top rides at Walt Disney World.
Remember that guests can also purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for these two rides if they prefer to have more choice in their return time and a shorter wait time overall.
2024 looks to be an exciting year full of magic at Walt Disney World. If traveling in 2024, ensure you know these rule changes as you head into your vacation.
