Make sure you’re prepared before your next trip to Walt Disney World.
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Starting July 20, 2025, it will be mandatory for these passholders to have a valid theme park reservation prior to entering the Magic Kingdom. This change aims to manage the expected surge in visitors and ensure a smoother experience for everyone, particularly during peak seasons or special events.
The emphasis on having a valid reservation cannot be overstated. For passholders, it will add an additional layer of planning to their visits. They must navigate the reservation system to ensure they can access the Magic Kingdom. Such measures are intended to minimize overcrowding and offer a more controlled atmosphere, which could enhance the overall visitor experience.
While this policy is designed to improve crowd management, it may also create a more stressful planning process for passholders. Many who are accustomed to the flexibility of visiting the park without a reservation may need to adjust their routines. Thus, while the goal is to improve visitor experience, the reality might introduce inconveniences for those who enjoy spontaneity in their visit plans.
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Disney Starlight is set to make its grand debut on July 20, 2025. This highly anticipated event draws inspiration from the beloved Main Street Electrical Parade and promises to deliver a magical experience filled with shimmering lights and music, celebrating classic and modern Disney characters alike. It will take guests on a delightful journey from Main Street, U.S.A. to Frontierland.
With the debut of Disney Starlight, Disney anticipates a significant uptick in visitor numbers. The combination of the new nighttime show and the fact that many families will plan their visits around it suggests that crowd levels may soar, particularly during that opening period.
The parade experience itself promises to be nothing short of enchanting. With vibrant floats, beloved characters, and dazzling lights, the Disney Starlight show is expected to captivate audiences of all ages. Families, especially, are likely to flock to the Magic Kingdom during this time, eager to partake in the festive atmosphere the parade will undoubtedly create.
In the lead-up to the implementation of the new reservation policy, pass holders will still enjoy standard access to all four parks without reservations on regular good-to-go days. They will also continue to have the privilege of entering the park after 2:00 p.m. without needing a reservation. These familiar privileges will provide a comfortable transition as they prepare for the forthcoming changes.
Once the changes take effect on July 20, Magic Kingdom access will differ significantly for passholders. They will no longer have the freedom to enter the Magic Kingdom at any time without a reservation. However, they will maintain the ability to visit EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios without reservations after 2:00 p.m. This selective access may encourage passholders to explore other parks during their visits.
The new guidelines set the Magic Kingdom apart from the other parks. While passholders can relish late-afternoon visits to EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios without reservations, the Magic Kingdom will now require prior planning. This change can lead to a shift in how passholders decide their adventures, possibly favoring earlier visits to the other parks over last-minute trips to the Magic Kingdom.
On the upside, passholders now have a greater incentive to take advantage of the less crowded EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Exploring these parks might unearth new favorites and experiences that passholders have yet to enjoy. It might offer a refreshing perspective on their Disney adventures, thereby enhancing their overall enjoyment.
