Disney Parks have announced some adjustments to park hopping, reservations, and more. Disney unveiled a few changes for both Disneyland California and Disney World Florida in efforts to improve guests’ experiences at the theme parks. The updates differ by park though, so check out the specific changes below.
Changes at Disneyland California
The following updates and changes will take effect at Disneyland California:
Earlier park hopping – Beginning February 4, 2023, guests with Magic Key passes or Park Hopper tickets will be able to switch between Disneyland and California Adventure parks starting at 11am. This is two hours earlier than previously, when Park Hopper privileges would begin at 1pm.
Free digital photos – You can stop not-so-sneakily trying to take a picture of your Space Mountain photo with your phone. Beginning February 4, 2023, all park guests will get access to complimentary digital photo downloads. So, you can download any pictures captured by Disney PhotoPass attractions during your visit with the Disneyland app.
More low-price dates – The park’s lowest single-day, single-park ticket price will now be available for nearly two months worth of dates in 2023. Snag a reservation on one of those days for $104.
Changes at Disney World Florida
Over at Disney World, expect the following updates and changes:
Reservation-free afternoon visits for passholders – The reservation process has been a huge point of contention for Disney passholders. But Annual Passholders wanting a spontaneous trip to the park are in luck. Soon, passholders will be able to visit Disney World parks after 2pm without a park reservation.
Note there are some exclusions to this one: pass blackout dates continue to apply, and park reservations for the Magic Kingdom Park will still be required on weekends.
However, don’t head out to the park this afternoon – this policy isn’t in place quite yet. Expect another announcement from Disney in the coming months about the official launch.
Digital photos included with Genie+ – Guests who purchase the Disney Genie+ service for their visit will receive free digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction pictures. This will go into effect at Disney World in the next few months.
Free parking for hotel guests – Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels will now once again receive complimentary overnight self-parking. This change went into effect January 10.
Will changes win over Disney guests?
So, do you think these changes can help keep Disney Parks the most magical places on Earth? The earlier park hopping for Disneyland and the reservation-free visits for passholders at Disney World seem promising to me. However, it seems a little unfair that Disneyland guests will automatically get their photos for free, while Disney World guests will have to pay for Genie+ to get them.
What do you think of these updates to Disney Parks? What changes do you want to see to improve the guest experience? Let us know in the comments below.
