When the Walt Disney World resort reopened to guests last July, Disney instituted a series of health and safety measures in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. In order to control guest capacity and crowding, Disney introduced the Park Pass reservation system.
The Park Pass reservation system requires guests to make a reservation for a specific theme park for each day in advance to visiting Walt Disney World. Reservations are based on availability and guest type. Annual Passholders can make up to three reservations, ticket holders can make reservations for the number of days valid on the ticket, and resort guests can make reservations for their entire stay. At the time, park hopping was suspended. Initially Disney stated that the reservation system would be in place through September 2021. Later it was extended to January 2022.
Many guests were not happy with this new rule and felt that along with other offerings being limited or unavailable – they were not getting any value for their money.
Now, according to the Walt Disney World website, the Park Pass reservation system will now be the rule through January 2023. It should come as no surprise considering last November, Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, stated the Park Pass reservation system was “here to stay.”
D’Amaro told Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association and host of “The Dow Report,” the park reservation system, which was put in place to manage capacity, “is working exceptionally well for us.” He went on to say “and this technology, it doesn’t only help up during a time of a pandemic, but I also think it actually leads to a better cast and guest experience. And so these things are helping us now, but I think they are here to stay.”
Based on D’Amaro’s comments and this new extension, Disney fans should expect the Park Pass reservation system to eventually become permanent.
Last month Disney reintroduced a modified park hopper system. Under the new system, guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit and enter that park. After 2:00 p.m., guests will be able to visit another theme park without a reservation.
