Is there a little something that always makes you frustrated in Disney World?
Walt Disney World
Yes, we know that we go to Disney World to get AWAY from frustrating things, but that’s not to say that we don’t find some things annoying. We understand if people have problems with not having access to the dining plan, but hey, at least that’s finally coming back in 2024. There is at least ONE thing, though, that almost everyone who visits Disney World is universally frustrated about.
Now we get that some little things are pretty frustrating, like the fact you can’t buy gum in Disney World (because Disney doesn’t want to have to clean up gum from EVERYWHERE). It’s also difficult to find shade in certain areas of the parks, as well as seating, particularly at certain counter service restaurants (Woody’s Lunch Box, we’re looking at you).
Good luck finding a seat here
We get that people are frustrated about the fact that certain services are no longer free, like Magical Express, MagicBands, and Fastpass. Magical Express completely went away, MagicBands are still available to resort guests, but instead of free, you can get them at a discount. The free Fastpass service was replaced by a paid service, Genie+.
Genie+
Perhaps the most frustrating things, though, are those things that changed after Disney World reopened, like not being able to enter a park without a park pass reservation. But the ONE THING that may be the most frustrating concerns park hopping, which has also changed — a lot.
Entering Magic Kingdom
Before Disney World closed in 2020, guests with the park hopping add-on to their tickets could visit one park and then go to any other park at any time of the day with pretty much no restrictions. All that was required was having paid for the park hopping ticket option.
Hollywood Studios entrance
Well, that has changed. Now, if you want to park hop, you have to wait until 2PM to do so, meaning that if you only wanted to visit a park for one thing (maybe for a dining reservation), you have to wait in that park until 2PM to go somewhere else. We think many might feel it’s not even worth it to pay for the park hopper option on tickets if you have to wait so late in the day to switch parks.
Animal Kingdom Entrance
Here’s the thing, though: Disney has already announced that park pass reservations would not be necessary for most Disney World visitors in 2024. However, the company has not made any announcements about changes made to park hopping. Disneyland, though, had a park hopping change in early 2023 — and folks can now park hop there after 11AM (which might be considered a more reasonable time). So why hasn’t it changed in Disney World?
EPCOT Entrance
Well, we don’t know. Maybe Disney will eventually make a change with park hopping. Or maybe things will stay the same, at least going into 2024. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for any announcements about it, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
Here’s everything you need to know about park hopping in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Are you frustrated by the Disney World park hopping rules? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
This might be the most frustrating thing going! We LOVED park-hopping all day!! Hitting the rides we like, then jumping to another park, another restaurant, whatever! It’s what we paid for, and frankly how we chose to maximize our vacation dollars. This not returning had forced us to re-evaluate our vacations in the future
Disney has always been a very expensive vacation experience but the perks made it worthwhile and enjoyable. Disney is no longer worthwhile and enjoyable because they have stripped the amenities and now everything costs more time, money, aggravation and enjoyment.