3 Changes Walt Disney World Is Making to Bring More Value & Flexibility to Your Visits

Happy New Year from Walt Disney World Resort! 2022 was a big year as the 50th Anniversary celebrations continued with cast, guests and the community, debuted the newest groundbreaking attraction with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and reopened beloved experiences from Fantasmic! to the Walt Disney World Railroad.

2023 brings even more to look forward to – from the triumphant return of the Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular to the opening of TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom Park, and one I personally can’t wait to experience, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT!

Today, Disney has shared a few other updates they are making to *improve the guest experience* and to let you, the fan, know they are listening to your feedback! All of the below updates are specific to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

1. Enjoy complimentary self-parking when staying at a Disney Resort hotel

Beginning TONIGHT, Jan. 10, overnight self-parking will once again be offered complimentary to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World. This is a Disney difference many of you have asked us to bring back, and they are happy to reintroduce it to make your vacation a little easier and more affordable – whether you’re road tripping across the country, renting a car or vacationing as a local Florida resident.

As a reminder, Disney Resort hotel guests also continue to receive complimentary standard parking at Walt Disney World theme parks, daily early theme park entry (with valid admission and a park reservation) and complimentary on-site transportation options such as buses, monorails and Disney Skyliner.

2. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders: Park reservation requirements will be relaxed for visits after 2 p.m.*

Beginning in the next few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will be able to visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today.

While the theme park reservation system remains important to manage attendance in our parks, especially on busier days, we realize our Passholders enjoy more spontaneous visits – and this change will make that possible. Passholders will also receive access to Disney PhotoPass lenses and one complimentary Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories experience (age restrictions apply).

3. Attraction photo downloads will be included with Disney Genie+ service

Beginning in the next few months, guests purchasing Disney Genie+ service will also receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos, taken in the park on the day of their purchase, at no additional charge. Attraction photos are taken while in the parks at more than a dozen of our most popular attractions including Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest and more. I always love looking back at family photos at our favorite attractions – it’s a perfect way to remember and celebrate your theme park visit together. An exact launch date will be announced at a later time. Disney PhotoPass terms and conditions and expiration policy apply.

Note: All offerings are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Walt Disney World Annual Pass Terms and Conditions apply.