Start here: what changed since 2024

TL;DR:

Park reservations are not needed for date-based tickets since January 9, 2024.
Genie+ is gone. Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, book days ahead.
Park Hopping is allowed any time after first entry.
Disney Dining Plans are back. Choose Quick-Service or standard plans.
Big updates: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall opened in June 2024.

Walt Disney World has eased planning rules. As of January 9, 2024, most visitors with date-based tickets do not need theme-park reservations. Some other ticket types still do. Check your ticket type before you travel.

Park Hopping is back to all day. After you tap into your first park, you can hop to another park any time during operating hours, subject to capacity.

Disney retired Genie+. You now buy Lightning Lane Multi Pass or Single Pass, and you can secure return times days in advance of arrival, not only on the day. This helps families lock key rides before a trip.

The Disney Dining Plan returned in 2024 with two options. It can be added to room-and-ticket packages.

Two notable additions arrived in June 2024. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom on June 28, 2024. EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall and Plaza opened June 10, 2024, closing the book on EPCOT’s multi-year transformation.

Tickets, simply explained

Disney sells date-based tickets for 1 or more days. These are the most common and, since January 9, 2024, they do not need park reservations.

You can add options:

Park Hopper. Visit multiple parks in one day after entering your first park. Hopping is allowed all day.
Park Hopper Plus. Park Hopper benefits plus a set number of visits to water parks or sports venues, tied to ticket length.
Water park tickets. Sold separately if you want only the water parks. One water park is open at a time, and operations can vary by season or weather.

Quick ticket tips

Set your start date first. Date-based tickets price by date.
Add Park Hopper only if you plan to move parks most days.
If you have non-dated or special tickets, you may still need reservations. Check the rules in your Disney account.

Lightning Lane in 2026: how to skip lines

Lightning Lane replaced Genie+. You will see three products:

Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Pre-select several attractions for a park, then add more after you redeem them.
Lightning Lane Single Pass. Buy return times for high-demand rides one at a time.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass. An added option that offers more flexibility for select guests and dates.
You can purchase passes and book return times in advance of arrival, which reduces day-of stress. Standby lines remain for everyone.

Smart strategy

Book headliners first, then fill gaps with medium-wait rides.
Set alarms for your next booking window to stack afternoon return times.
If you hop, choose morning passes in Park A and late-day passes in Park B.

Dining that works for real families

Two plan options are sold with vacation packages:

Quick-Service Dining Plan. Two quick meals per night, one snack, and a refillable resort mug.
Disney Dining Plan. One quick-service meal, one table-service meal per night, one snack, plus a resort mug.
Confirm participating locations and how credits work before your visit.

When a dining plan is worth it

Your group orders combo meals and nonalcoholic drinks often.
You book character meals or buffets on most days.
You prefer to prepay the bulk of food costs.

If you like light breakfasts, share plates, or off-site dining, pay out of pocket.

What is new and what to prioritize

Magic Kingdom. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure brings a fresh story with a big final drop. Plan to ride early or use Single Pass if offered.
EPCOT. The World Celebration area with CommuniCore Hall and Plaza now hosts festivals and entertainment. This helps crowd flow and gives you more shade and seating.

These updates improve capacity and guest comfort, especially during festivals and peak holidays.

A simple 3-day plan

Day 1: Magic Kingdom

Rope drop Fantasyland or Frontierland.
Book Lightning Lane for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure plus two medium waits.
Take a midday break, then catch the nighttime spectacular.

Day 2: EPCOT

Arrive early for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Frozen Ever After.
Eat around World Showcase at lunch when lines are shorter.
Use evening hopping to Disney’s Hollywood Studios if you want more rides.

Day 3: Disney’s Hollywood Studios + Animal Kingdom

Start with Slinky Dog Dash or Rise of the Resistance via Single Pass if available.
Hop to Animal Kingdom by mid-afternoon for Pandora after 4 p.m., when waits drop.

Budget and time planner

Item	What to expect
Park tickets	Date-based pricing by day and length
Park Hopper	Flexibility to move any time after first entry
Lightning Lane	Pay extra, saves 1 to 3 hours daily if used well
Dining Plan	Good value for character meals, less so for light eaters
Hotel	On-site perks include early entry and transit
Water parks	Great on hot days or arrival days

Prices vary by season. Avoid holiday weeks if you want low crowds.

Common mistakes to avoid

Planning every meal but forgetting travel time between parks.
Buying Lightning Lane without a shortlist of must-do rides.
Skipping rope drop on your first day. The first two hours save the most time.
Not checking ticket type. Some non-dated tickets still need reservations.

Handy checklist

Pick dates, then buy date-based tickets tied to your start date.
Decide on Park Hopper. It is useful for short trips.
If you want prepaid meals, add a Dining Plan to your package.
Set up the Disney app and payment method.
Purchase Lightning Lane products and make advance selections when your window opens.
For June heat, block out a daily break and consider a water-park visit.

Why it matters

Rule changes since 2024 reduced friction. No reservations for date-based tickets, all-day Park Hopping, and advance Lightning Lane bookings help families plan less and play more. Knowing these policies before you pay locks in smoother days and better value.

Sources: