Walt Disney World Park Reservation Update: What You Really Need to Know (July 2025)

There has been a lot of confusion—and frankly, quite a bit of misinformation—circulating about changes to Walt Disney World’s park reservation system beginning July 20, 2025. As a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and travel advisor who specializes specifically in Disney travel, I wanted to take a moment to clear things up based on my direct conversations with the Annual Passholder line and trusted Disney contacts.

Here’s the bottom line:

👉 If your vacation package or tickets do not currently require a park reservation, this change does not affect you at this time.

The upcoming update is specific to Annual Passholders. Starting July 20, passholders will need a reservation to enter any park—even after 2 PM. This policy change is being implemented ahead of the opening of the highly anticipated new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.” 

It’s also important to note that while park hopping will remain available, it is always subject to capacity. Disney has indicated that due to expected crowds, Magic Kingdom may reach capacity, which could temporarily limit park hopping into that park.

✨ Disney is constantly evolving, and policies can shift quickly. If anything changes, I will provide updates right away to keep my clients informed and prepared.

One of the key benefits of booking your Walt Disney World vacation with a dedicated travel advisor like myself is that you will always be notified personally if a change could impact your travel plans. My job is to keep up with the fine print, so you do not have to.

Whether you are a seasoned Annual Passholder like me or planning your very first Disney trip, I am here to make sure your experience is magical, seamless, and stress-free.

Follow me on social media @ChaliPlansMagic for the latest Walt Disney World updates, planning tips, and important news that could impact your next Disney adventure.

If you are ready to plan, fill out the form below and let’s plan some magic together!

Hi! I’m Chali, a Travel Advisor specializing in all things Disney, and I’m currently at Walt Disney World to experience the exciting debut of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, and all of the other exciting offerings launching today as part of Cool Kids Summer throughout the parks.

Originally listed as a Lightning Lane Multipass selection in the My Disney Experience app, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure was expected to be available for advance viewing selections.


However, guests waking up early this morning—Monday, May 27th—were disappointed to find that it is no longer listed as an eligible Multipass experience.

I was personally hoping to secure a Lightning Lane spot for the opening-day performance and was surprised to find that it now appears to be standby only.

If you are planning to catch this show during your upcoming vacation, be sure to allow extra time in your Hollywood Studios itinerary, as you will need to line up without the benefit of a reserved Lightning Lane time.

1. UPDATE: the marquee out front says “Lightning Lane coming soon”  so hopefully it is in the works to be available very soon!
   

As a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and a travel advisor who specializes in Disney Destinations, I’m excited to share the latest news about one of EPCOT’s most beloved festivals — the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! This year, the festival will run from August 28 through November 22, 2025, filling EPCOT with incredible food, drinks, entertainment, and special experiences from around the world.

Guests can look forward to sampling dishes from Global Marketplaces, enjoying live performances, and even participating in unique culinary events. Whether you are a foodie, a wine lover, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the festival, there is truly something for everyone.

For clients who are looking for lower crowds and more affordable travel dates, early to mid-September can be a sweet spot. While temperatures are still hot, this time of year often brings lighter park crowds and better pricing, making it a great option for those wanting to experience Walt Disney World with a little more breathing room.

Plus, if you plan your visit for September or October, you’ll have the chance to enjoy both the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party during your trip — the perfect combination of flavors and fall fun!

If you are ready to start planning, I would love to help you plan the perfect Disney getaway. You can also follow me on social media at @ChaliPlansMagic for more Disney tips, tricks, and the latest updates.