Recently, there have been whirlwinds of news sources pumping out daily articles about updates to Walt Disney World Resort. It can be hard to keep up! Here, we’re going to list three major updates in regards to vacations planned beginning on January 1st, 2021.
1. No More Complimentary MagicBands
Disney has unfortunately announced that they will be retiring the complimentary MagicBand system beginning January 1st, 2021. The reasoning for this, according to Disney, is because they have upcoming updates in the works for the My Disney Experience App which will allow guests to use their cell phones in the same way that they have previously used MagicBands. Disney announced that they will continue to sell MagicBands (at a discounted rate for resort guests), and will continue to introduce more colors and designs. So, you can still purchase and collect MagicBands, but they will no longer be a complimentary part of your vacation.
2. Park Reservation System Will Remain in Place Until September 26th, 2021
Many updates have come about recently regarding the new park reservation system (Disney Park Pass System). Dates have been released regarding when guests will be able to make reservations, as followed:
June 22nd, 2020: Reservation system opens to resort guests with valid theme park admission.
June 26th, 2020: Reservation system opens to Annual Passholders (no resort reservation required).
June 28th, 2020: Reservation system opens to existing ticket holders (no resort reservation required).
Disney announced that park reservations will be available through September 26th, 2021.
3. Park Hopping Still Up in the Air for 2021
Disney has announced that upon initial reopening, guests with access to the Disney Park Pass system will be able to select one park per day due to attendance limitations. There is no confirmed date regarding when the Park Hopper option will return, but Disney added that they hope to bring back the park hopping add-on for 2021 ticket purchases. As for now, it seems that the company is still closely monitoring the effects of COVID-19 before making any concrete promises to guests.
These temporary changes will require adaptability on the guests’ part. What do you think about these updates? Are you planning a 2021 Walt Disney World vacation? Comment and let us know!