When Disney World originally reopened to guests this past summer, some experiences were halted for the time being as a health and safety precaution. One of these specific changes occurred with the the temporary suspension of Park Hopping. 

Originally, guests were required to make a Disney Park Pass reservation in order to enter one park per day. However, Disney World has recently began to switch around its hours as the parks increase capacity, also adding more availability back to the Disney Park Pass calendar. And, now the parks will be getting another huge change as Park Hopping will return at the beginning of 2021 in a modified way!

And, we’ve got a guide to everything you need to know about the return of Park Hopping, as well as the modifications you can expect to see!

When will park hopping start?

Disney World will be bringing the feature back at the beginning of next year on January 1st, 2021.

Will I be able to use my previously purchased Park Hopper tickets in the parks?

Disney has stated that guests who have purchased a ticket or Annual Pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day after 2 PM.

When will I be able to Park Hop?

Since capacity measures are still in place, Disney will be putting specific Park Hopper hours in place. The Disney World website will continue to update this hours “as they could start earlier at a later date” depending on the day and park. It’s also important to note that, if a park reaches capacity, additional guests will not be allowed inside as a health and safety measure.

Will I still need to make a Disney Park Pass reservation for both parks I visit?

Guests heading to the parks will need to secure a Park Pass with valid theme park admission for the first park that they plan to visit that day. They will need to enter that first park before they are able to visit another place on Disney property later on. 

Disney has stated that park reservations for the second park guests may visit are not required during this time. So, you’ll only need to make a Disney Park Pass booking for the first park, but you’ll need a valid Park Hopper ticket (or Park Hopper benefit to your Annual Pass) to visit the second one that day still.

How will the new Park Hopper system change existing experiences?

Although the modifications for the Park Hopper system aren’t majorly different all around, they will affect your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney has noted that guests who choose Disney’s Hollywood Studios as their second park of the day will not be able to join the virtual queue at Rise of the Resistance.

If you are heading to the park and want to be able to experience the hot ticket Star Wars attraction, you may want to play Disney’s Hollywood Studios as your first stop of the day. Besides, you can now join a Boarding Group outside the parks as early as 7AM to ensure that you have a great spot on the ride.

Will I be able to take transportation to different parks during Park Hopper hours?

At this time, park-to-park transportation will also return soon in 2021 for guests wanting to Park Hop. These operations will begin ahead of the start of Park Hopper hours each day to accommodate guests. Although we aren’t sure exactly which transportation methods will be returning, we’ll keep you updated!

As we find out more details about the return of Park Hopping, we’ll be sure to give you all the information you need to know before you return to Disney World! And, if you have any questions about how Park Hopping may affect your upcoming vacation, let us know so we can help you find the answers!

Take a look at the newly opened Grand Floridian Walkway leading to the Magic Kingdom here!

Are you going to Park Hop when the feature returns next year? Let us know in the comments below!

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