Have we ever collectively been more excited to usher in a new year? There is great hope on the horizon for things to return to normal, including traveling early and often to the Most Magical Place on Earth. There are some things to keep in mind when visiting Walt Disney World Resort in 2021….
Return of Park Hopping
Guests can resume park hopping on January 1, 2021.
As of January 1, 2021, park hopping is back after a temporary hiatus. Like before, there aren’t restrictions on how many parks you can visit in one day - so if you’re down for the four-park/one-day challenge, go for it (as long as there is capacity at the parks). But in order to park hop, you must have a Park Pass reservation for the first park that you plan to visit and you must actually enter that park. Additionally, park hopping commences at 2 p.m., not any earlier. Disney transportation is available to facilitate park hopping; however signage indicates that Cast Members will confirm the validity of tickets in order to park hop and that another park has been visited.
There haven’t been announcements regarding the return of FastPass+, Extra Magic Hours and the Disney Dining Plan.
Charge for MagicBands
A rainbow of standard-colored Magic Bands
Prior to 2021, basic MagicBands were offered at no charge to guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. As of January 1, 2021, guests will be charged a special advance price of $5 for the basic colored bands (whose value is $14.99). Functioning MagicBands from previous trips can be used in 2021; band batteries typically have a two-year life span. Guests who opt to forgo MagicBands will receive Key to the World cards at check-in for park entry, room entry and credit card purchases.
Enhanced My Disney Experience
A list of updated My Disney Experience features
The My Disney Experience app already houses many neat features, including online hotel check-in, digital hotel room entry and mobile meal ordering at quick-service eateries. For table-service restaurants, the app has added mobile check-in to limit contact, scannable codes for digital menu viewing, and placing your name on a walk-up availability list. Disney has announced upcoming additional enhancements in 2021 to the My Disney Experience app that will bring MagicBand features to guest mobile devices. More to come there!
One-Way Souvenir Luggage Tags
The cutest luggage tags will be still be available for guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
One of the cost-effective benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel is the Magical Express, Disney’s free transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport. In addition to guests now picking up their luggage before boarding the bus, the souvenir luggage tags will be waiting for guests at their hotel front lobby. Although you won’t be able to use on the way to Disney World, you can use on the way back home and for future trips!
50th Anniversary
Cinderella Castle basked in her pink glory, ready for the 50th anniversary
Walt Disney World Resort opened on October 1, 1971. In advance of the 50th anniversary this year, a few beautification projects have already been completed: the repainting of Cinderella Castle and enhancements to park entrance signage. We look forward to learning details surrounding anniversary events, and you know that we’ll keep you posted. You also know we’ll be there to celebrate the golden anniversary!