Walt Disney World has quietly made a move that Annual Passholders are already buzzing about. For years, the biggest headache of holding a pass has been dealing with the reservation system. Now, thanks to the expansion of “Good to Go” days, passholders are getting a little more freedom back in their Disney experience.
What Are “Good to Go” Days?
These are special dates when passholders and some ticket holders can walk into the parks without making an advance reservation. Instead of stressing about whether a date is available on the calendar, guests can simply show up, scan in, and enjoy their day. It feels like a throwback to the pre-reservation era, when spontaneity was a big part of visiting Disney World.
Why the Change Matters
Recently, Disney added September 29, October 1, and October 2 to the growing list of these days. That means September alone had nearly half the month available with no reservation requirement. It’s an unmistakable signal that Disney is testing how far they can loosen the system while still keeping crowd levels manageable.
For passholders, this is more than a small perk. It means being able to decide last-minute to head into EPCOT for dinner at the Food & Wine Festival, or swing by Magic Kingdom after work, without the extra planning. It also eliminates that stressful moment of scrambling to secure a spot while already en route to Orlando.
Flexibility With Limits
It’s worth noting not all tickets qualify. Certain special passes—like convention tickets or military offers—may still require reservations. And on extremely busy days, such as New Year’s Eve, even passholders may run into limitations. Disney still relies on reservations to manage staffing, ride operation, and food service levels.
A Glimpse Into the Future?
Fans are split on what this shift means long term. Some are convinced the “Good to Go” system is the first step toward phasing out reservations completely. Others think it’s simply a balancing act—offering flexibility on average days while keeping restrictions for peak crowds.
For now, Annual Passholders can celebrate a win. More freedom, fewer hoops, and a taste of the old Disney spontaneity has returned. Whether or not this evolves into something bigger, it’s clear Disney is rethinking how it treats its most loyal fans.
