Reminder: Modified Park Hopping to Return on January 1, 2021 at Disney World

The coronavirus pandemic has caused numerous changes to operations and offerings around Disney World. One of the things we have missed the most is the ability to hop between parks. We are thrilled that park hopping, with slight modifications from what we’re used to, is returning to Disney World on January 1, 2021! Read all the details below on when park hopping will return and how it will work.

Disney Cast Member Avery Maehrer shares all the details below:

As the phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort continues, we are nearing another exciting milestone we know many guests have been looking forward to: the return of the Park Hopper option! Starting January 1, 2021, guests who purchased a ticket or annual pass with Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, with some new modifications as part of our ongoing focus on health and safety.

With the updated Park Hopper experience, guests must make a Disney Park Pass reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. At this time, a park reservation is not required after the first park, however, reservation requirements are subject to change.

Additionally, we will set specific Park Hopper hours during which this option will be available. Park Hopper hours will start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests will soon be able to check DisneyWorld.com/ParkHours and the My Disney Experience app for the most up-to-date Park Hopper hours, as they could start earlier at a later date, depending on the day and park.

These modifications are designed to help us continue managing attendance in a way that fosters physical distancing. Additionally, other enhanced health and safety measures remain in effect, including face coverings required for all guests ages two and up.

As a reminder, guests with a ticket or pass that includes Park Hopper benefits get the chance to see and do more during their visit, which could mean a morning on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and an evening stroll by Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park or starting the day living your Star Wars adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios before an afternoon traveling around the world at EPCOT. Please note that the ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

Also, note our capacity limits are not changing due to the Park Hopper Option.

For more information, watch this video by Disney with information on how it works.

Here are some other helpful reminders when planning your next visit:

• To help us manage attendance, only Guests with a Disney Park Pass reservation for Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Guests visiting from another theme park will not be able to request to join the virtual queue.
• For our Annual Passholders and Cast Members, during this time, blockout dates will continue to apply. In order to enter any park, Guests must have a ticket or pass valid for admission to that park on that same day.
• Additionally, for our Guests’ convenience, park-to-park bus transportation will be available each day shortly prior to the start of Park Hopper® hours. Cast Members will verify Guests have a ticket or pass with Park Hopper benefits before they board.
• Dining reservations do not guarantee access to a park, and Park Hopper availability changes daily, we recommend Guests make dine reservations at the park where they have a Disney Park Pass reservation. Guests can make dine reservations or add their party to the walk-up list at select table-service restaurants via the My Disney Experience app after they enter the second park.

Please note that the ability to visit another park will be subject to the park’s capacity limitations.

We look forward to seeing you in the parks and hope you enjoy the updated Park Hopper experience upon the new year!

RELATED ARTICLE: Disney Releases New Details on EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

We’re just days away from the year 2021! At Walt Disney World the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is kicking the year off with a bang. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Jeremy Schoolfield:

Ready for a fresh start in 2021? Then grab a paintbrush and indulge your artistic side (and your palate … and maybe your palette) with an inspiring visit to the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts, running January 8 – February 22, 2021, at Walt Disney World Resort.

This global celebration mixes visual, culinary and performing arts from around the world into an entertaining blend that’s fun for the entire family. More than 100 Disney and visiting artists will display their work, and you can show off your own talents by participating in interactive experiences such as a larger-than-life paint-by-number mural or learning to draw some of your favorite Disney characters. You can also step into famous works of art, thanks to artful photo ops.

You’ll also discover dishes to feast on with delicious Disney twists and art-inspired menus. And, of course, no visit is complete without finding the perfect piece of artwork or Festival merchandise to bring home.

New in 2021

Voices of Liberty will take centerstage at America Gardens Theatre with a brand-new showcase – The Disney Songbook. From “When You Wish Upon a Star” to “Let It Go,” the ensemble will perform Disney songs and celebrate the artistry of Disney composers and lyricists.

Over at World Showplace, you can catch live performances by “Art Defying Gravity,” a spectacle of thrilling strength acts, and “Visual Art in Performance,” a high-energy, onstage visual artist who paints favorite Disney characters before your eyes in just a matter of minutes.

Food Studios located around World Showcase are where you can view – and eat – great works of art. Vibrante & Vívido Food Studio, a new location between France and Morocco, will feature a mouthwatering (and photo-ready) chilled seafood cocktail with octopus, scallops, shrimp, black garlic aïoli, tomato coconut sauce and serrano lime oil. Or, indulge on Blue Corn Pupusa stuffed with cheese and topped with shredded pork, guajillo and árbol chile sauce, cabbage slaw and aji amarillo crema.

Other ways to enjoy the Festival: Take part in the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, where you’ll use the Festival Passport as a guide to purchase five vibrant food items and receive a complimentary, tasty technicolor treat. The popular Figment’s Brush with the Masters returns this year, as well, inviting you to help Figment learn about art on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase; you will be able to purchase a map and stickers for the family-friendly hunt at a variety of merchandise locations.  Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Arts will run for 46 days and be available with valid admission and a park reservation for the same date.