The return of all-day park hopping and the other major changes coming to Disney World in 2024
Like so many other things, visiting Walt Disney World was made more complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to purchasing a ticket, guests of the Central Florida resort were required to make a reservation for the theme park they wished to visit each day. If you had a ticket with Park Hopper privileges, you could only visit a second park after 2 p.m.
These were necessary measures when they were introduced to control crowds and anticipate staffing needs. More than three years later, guests are reportedly pining for the days when Disney World visits required a little less planning.
That day has finally arrived. Beginning Jan. 9, 2024, your Disney World visits will look a lot more like they used to.
"We are constantly adding new, innovative attractions and entertainment to our parks and, with our broad array of pricing options, the value of a theme park visit is reflected in the unique experiences that only Disney can offer," a Disney spokesperson shared with TPG.
Several things at Disney will now be more expensive as well. Here's what you can expect from your next Disney World vacation.
The end of theme park reservations for most guests
As of Jan. 9, 2024, theme park reservations will officially be a thing of the past for guests with date-based tickets. You will still purchase variably priced, date-based tickets for the days you plan to visit Disney World, but you will no longer be required to make a theme park reservation for the park you wish to visit on a given day.
FOR NO-COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG’S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS.
When the change goes into effect, you don't have to decide ahead of time which park you want to visit. You can wake up and decide on a whim whether you are in the mood for a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom or a spin on the Mad Tea Party teacups at The Magic Kingdom.
This change applies to most ticket types, with the exclusion of annual passes and certain promotional tickets. These guests will still be required to make a theme park reservation to enter a Disney World park.
The return of all-day park hopping
Since reopening in July 2020 after its temporary coronavirus-related closure, Disney World has required guests with Park Hopper tickets to wait until 2 p.m. to visit a second (or third or fourth) park. If you wanted to "hop" to another park for lunch or try for an early afternoon virtual queue spot for popular rides, you were out of luck.
Related: 5 ways using an authorized Disney vacation planner will improve your trip
However, beginning Jan. 9, 2024, guests with Park Hopper tickets or annual passes can visit another park anytime. Because Jan. 9 also marks the end of theme park reservations for most ticket types, guests can come and go from Disney's four theme parks as they wish. This means you can visit The Magic Kingdom for a few early morning rides and head straight over to Epcot well before the virtual queue for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind opens at 1 p.m.
On days when theme park reservations are required for annual passholders and promotional ticket types, those guests will be able to visit another park anytime after their first park of the day.
The return of Disney Dining Plans
Disney shared earlier this year that the Disney Dining Plan would return in 2024, but it bears repeating here. When combined with the above changes, you can see just how much is changing at Disney beginning on Jan. 9.
The Disney Dining Plan allows you to essentially prepay for meals and snacks as part of your vacation package. You can get meals and snacks by redeeming dining credits at any point during your stay. How many credits you receive is based on the number of nights in your package.
There's no question that this popular add-on makes Disney vacations more convenient, but whether or not it can save you money depends on how you use it.
There are two versions of the dining plan to choose from: the Quick Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan.
The Quick Service Dining Plan costs $57 for adults ($24 for children ages 3 to 9) and includes:
- Two quick-service meals per night stayed
- A snack or nonalcoholic drink per night stayed
- One refillable drink mug with unlimited refills at your resort
The Disney Dining Plan costs $94 for adults ($30 for children ages 3 to 9) and includes:
- One table-service meal per night stayed
- One quick-service meal per night stayed
- A snack or nonalcoholic drink per night stayed
- One refillable drink mug with unlimited refills at your resort
These plans are bookable now with Disney World room and ticket packages. Beginning Nov. 14, guests can save up to 50% on kids theme park tickets and dining plans at select Disney World hotels on most nights between March 3 and June 30, 2024.
Parking price increase
Beginning today, the cost of standard parking at all of Disney's four theme parks is increasing from $25 to $30. Accepting price increases is always hard, but this increase puts Disney in alignment with parking prices at other Orlando-area theme parks. Parking at Universal Orlando starts at $27, while parking at SeaWorld Orlando will set you back at least $30.
Guests at any Disney Resort hotel still receive complimentary parking both at their hotel and at Disney's theme parks. If you aren't staying on-site, you only have to pay for parking once per day. Just hang on to your parking receipt and show it at the toll plaza of any other park you visit that day; you will not be required to pay for parking a second time.
Annual pass price increase and perks
Disney World annual passholders will now have to pony up a bit more each year for the privilege of unlimited annual theme park visits. Beginning today, the pricing for all four annual pass tiers is increasing for new sales and renewals.
Pricing for new annual pass sales will increase as follows:
- Disney Incredi-Pass will increase from $1,399 to $1,499
- Disney Sorcerer Pass will increase from $969 to $999
- Disney Pirate Pass will increase from $749 to $799
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass will increase from $399 to $439
Pricing for annual pass renewals will also be increasing:
- Disney Incredi-Pass will increase to $1,229
- Disney Sorcerer Pass will increase to $849
- Disney Pirate Pass will increase to $679
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass will increase to $369
Even before these increases, it was important to do the math and determine if purchasing a Disney World annual pass was worth it for you. With the most expensive Incredi-Pass, for example, you need to visit about 10 or more days each year to cover the cost of the pass. Of course, that is before any passholder discounts on hotels, dining and merchandise, which can offer significant savings.
In addition to discounts, annual passholders receive various benefits throughout the year. Currently, passholders can visit Disney World's theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a theme park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at The Magic Kingdom.
Also, beginning sometime in January 2024, annual passholders can take advantage of “good-to-go days." On good-to-go days, annual passholders can visit on select days without needing a theme park reservation. The theme park reservation calendar will be periodically updated with these special days when annual passholders can embrace spontaneity and visit any park they like without a reservation.
Bottom line
For the most part, the changes coming to Disney World are welcome ones. It's clear that Disney has been listening to guests' wishes and doing its best to play fairy godmother and make those wishes come true. In lieu of a magic wand to wave away price increases, we can at least offer you these tips for saving money at Disney World to help keep your vacation costs in check.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.