How Disney World’s Park Hopper option works starting Jan. 1, 2021

The new year kicks off with the return of park hopping at Walt Disney World – with a twist.

Disney did away with park hopping when it first reopened in July, but without park hopping.

Disney now has created a specific system because there is still a need for Disney to manage attendance that fosters physical distancing. I would think that over these past months Disney knows how many people leave a park midday and how the park attendance opens. (I always suggested heading over after 3 p.m. since that is when many people started leaving and the parks started to thin out.)

So, starting Jan. 1, 2021, if you purchased a ticket or have an annual pass with the Park Hopper benefits will be able to visit more than one park per day, but there is a procedure.

Park Hopping Explained

Park Hopper hours will start at 2 p.m. each day and end at the park’s scheduled close time. Guests are now able to check the Park Hours calendar and soon will be able to check 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.

To be able to Park Hop, you still need to start your day with a ticket and a park reservation. You will need to enter the first park with your reservation. After 2 p.m., you will be allowed to head to another Disney theme park, as long as the park has not reached capacity. A park reservation is not required for the second park, however, reservation requirements are subject to change.

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