Park Hopping in Walt Disney World is a great way to see a few of the Walt Disney World Parks on the same day. Guests can use it as a way to see more during fewer days in the Disney Parks.
If you do have Park Hoppers, there are some important facts you need to know. Be aware of these before you determine if Park Hoppers will work for your travel party.
Begins at 2 pm
The first big fact you need to know about Park hopping at Walt Disney World is that you can’t do it until 2 pm.
This is a new policy that Walt Disney World has put into place along with Park Pass Reservations. Guests are now not able to move to a new Disney Park until after 2 pm.
This is important to know as you determine if Park Hopping will work for your trip or not.
If you prefer to move between the Disney Parks early in the day, Park Hoppers might not work as well anymore.
Also, if you prefer to sleep in during your Disney vacation not getting to the Park until later in the day, Park Hoppers might not be needed.
Think about your touring plan and when and how you are normally in the Parks before deciding to purchase a Park Hopper.
Visit Park Reservation First
Another important fact to know about Park Hopping is that in order to do so you have to visit the Disney Park you have a Park Pass Reservation first.
Even if you are waiting until after 2 pm to head out to the Disney Parks, you have to visit the Disney Park that you initially booked your Park Pass Reservations for first.
There isn’t a minimum amount of time that you have to be in this Disney Park just that you have to tap into it. You are more than welcome to tap in and turn around and head to a second Disney Park if it is after 2 pm.
Keep this in mind as you make your touring plans as well as when you are in Walt Disney World. Plans change and adjust and you don’t want to forget this key point of Park Hopping.
Make Sure It Isn’t at Capacity
Even if you purchase a Park Hopper ticket, this doesn’t guarantee you the ability to Park Hop between the Disney Parks. If a Disney Park reaches capacity, which we have seen happen still, you aren’t going to be allowed in.
If you are using Walt Disney World transportation, Cast Members are these locations should be able to tell you if the Disney Park you are heading to is available or not. You can also call 407-560-5000 to be told if the Park is available or not.
Don’t head be ready to Park hop without making sure you will be able to get in when you arrive. Most days this shouldn’t be an issue, but it is always good to check and be prepared.
Hopping Takes Time
For those that plan to Park Hop while in Walt Disney World, it is important to know how to do so. It might seem simple, but now moving between the Disney Parks takes time.
Taking a bus between the Disney Parks can take up to an hour if you just missed a bus. The Disney Skyliner and Disney Monorail take less time; however, keep in mind that you will need to transfer.
Those wanting to take the Disney Skyliner between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios will need to transfer between skyliner lines at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort.
When taking the Disney monorail between EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, Guests will need to transfer at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC).
Because of these extra steps, moving between the Disney Parks takes a while. Disney is prepared for this and actually will start running Disney buses between the four main Disney Parks starting at 1:30 pm. This helps get everyone to their desired destination by 2 pm.
Park Hopping and Genie+
One perk of Genie+ is that once you have purchased it, you can use it in any Disney Park of your choice. This is a great option that works well with Park Hopping. You can book both Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes after 2 pm for your second Park of the day.
This can allow you to show up in the afternoon with the ability to skip some of the standby lines. You can tell Disney Genie (the free touring suggestions part) that you are planning on Park Hopping; however, it won’t give suggestions until after 2 pm.
You are able to look at the availability at the different Parks by changing your Park selection at the top.
It is really nice that Genie+ works for the whole day and not just a specific Park. This allows you to really get the most out of it no matter where you are in Walt Disney World.
Hop Multiple Times
Finally, be aware that you can hop as many times as you want to after the 2 pm requirement. This is a super fun way to see multiple Disney Parks in the evening. Disney has the restriction that you have to wait until 2 pm, but after that, you are free to hop around as much as you want.
Park Hopping is a great option for many Guests visiting Walt Disney World. Knowing these important facts about Park Hopping is important though before you make the decision to purchase it or not.
We hope that this will help you as you prepare for your Walt Disney World vacation to know if Park Hoping is right for you.
