Disneyland Resort is set to eliminate its 11:00 AM start time for Park Hopping, a significant policy change that will offer greater flexibility to visitors. The update will allow guests with Park Hopper tickets or Magic Key passes to move between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park at any time during operational hours, once they have entered their first reserved park.
Key Takeaways
- The 11:00 AM restriction for Park Hopping at Disneyland Resort will be removed.
- Guests with valid Park Hopper tickets or Magic Key passes will be able to switch parks at any time of day.
- Visitors must still make a reservation for their first park and enter it before hopping.
- The change is subject to the second park's capacity, hours, and any potential closures.
- An official start date for the new policy has not yet been announced.
A Major Shift in Park Planning
For several years, Disneyland guests have operated under a rule that restricted movement between the two Anaheim theme parks until late morning. This meant visitors had to spend the first part of their day in the park for which they held a reservation.
The removal of this time constraint marks a return to a more fluid park experience. It provides guests with the freedom to structure their day based on ride wait times, dining reservations, or entertainment schedules across both parks without being tied to a specific time.
The History of the Restriction
The 11:00 AM Park Hopper rule was implemented as part of a broader set of operational changes following the resort's reopening. These measures were designed to manage crowd flow and park capacity in a more controlled manner. The upcoming policy change signals a move towards pre-pandemic operational norms and a focus on enhancing guest convenience.
How the New Park Hopper System Will Work
While the time restriction is being lifted, the core mechanics of the reservation system will remain in place for now. Guests planning a visit must still follow a few key steps to utilize the Park Hopper benefit.
The Process for Park Hopping
- Make a Park Reservation: All guests must secure a theme park reservation for the first park they plan to visit on a given day.
- Enter Your First Park: You must scan your ticket or pass and enter the park you have a reservation for before you can hop to the other.
- Hop to the Second Park: After entering your first park, you are free to go to the other park at any time during its operating hours.
It is important to note that a reservation is not currently required for the second park you visit. However, entry is always subject to that park's capacity limitations. Guests should check the Disneyland app for real-time information on park hours and availability.
Did you know? The Park Hopper ticket option allows guests to visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day, maximizing their experience at the resort.
What This Means for Your Disneyland Trip
This policy update is a significant win for visitors, especially those on tight schedules or who want to maximize every moment of their trip. The increased flexibility will have a tangible impact on how guests plan their days.
For example, a family could start their morning with classic Fantasyland attractions at Disneyland Park and then head over to Disney California Adventure for lunch at the Pym Test Kitchen in Avengers Campus without waiting until 11:00 AM. Later, they could return to Disneyland Park for the evening fireworks.
The change will also be beneficial for Magic Key holders, who often make shorter, more frequent visits. They will no longer be locked into one park for the morning, allowing for more spontaneous trips to grab a favorite snack or ride a specific attraction in the other park.
"This adjustment allows guests to create a more personalized and spontaneous itinerary, which is a core part of the Disneyland experience."
Looking Ahead
The information regarding the policy change was shared during a Disneyland Resort Business Update event. While the news is confirmed, the resort has not yet provided a specific date for when the 11:00 AM rule will officially be lifted.
It is expected that a formal announcement with a start date will be made soon. Visitors with upcoming trips should monitor the official Disneyland website and app for the latest updates on Park Hopper hours and procedures.
This move is one of several recent changes aimed at improving the guest experience, demonstrating a continued effort by the resort to respond to visitor feedback and streamline park operations.
