Know Before You Go - WDW FAQ

Planning and going on a Disney vacation are a little different these days. We’ve put together a list of must-knows and must-do’s before you embark on your next Disney adventure. We advise you check Disney’s Know Before You Go site for the latest updates before you travel, as this information is changed and updated often.

How Do I Plan Ahead For A Walt Disney World Vacation?

To enter a park, both a park reservation AND valid admission for the same park on the same date are required for each person in your party ages 3 and up (limit one park per day). 

Do I Need A Face Covering?

At this time, face coverings are optional for guests. Face coverings are recommended for guests who are not fully vaccinated indoors or on enclosed transportation. 

What Should I Do First? 

The first step in planning should now be checking the Disney Park Pass System calendar for availability during your dates. Then you can book your hotel and tickets and go from there. 

How Can I Reserve My Disney Park Pass? 

• Your first step should be creating an account at MyDisneyExperience, or logging in to your MyDisneyExperience account or app. 
• Then you can create profiles for all of your family members or friends travelling with you and be sure you select them as your travel party for this trip.
• Next you’ll link your booked reservation, which will automatically link tickets if they are attached to a package. If you have booked tickets or passes separately, you’ll need to link those for each person in your travel party. 
• As SOON as you have your Disney vacation package booked, you should then attempt to book your Disney Park Passes. The sooner you do this, the more availability you’ll have to choose from. Please note that having park tickets does not guarantee park entry. You must have a reservation. Keep in mind park hopping has been suspended until further notice. 

Can I Park Hop? 

Yes! As of 1/1/21, you may now Park Hop! You must still have a Park Pass for the first theme park you will be visiting, and then after 2pm, you may Park Hop to a different park, based on capacity levels at that park. Call (407) 560-5000 to check on park levels and availability to park hop. You must have the Park Hopping option on your ticket.

What If I Have An Annual Pass And A Disney Resort Hotel Booking? 

If you are booked at a Disney hotel and have an Annual Pass, you may reserve a Disney Park Pass for each day of your hotel stay, up to 14 days. 

What If I Have An Annual Pass And No Hotel Booking? 

If you have an Annual Pass and want to reserve a Disney Park Pass, you may reserve up to 3 reservations at one time. 

What Should I Know About Quarantine Restrictions and Requirements? 

Be sure to check on these Health Advisories for the state of Florida before you embark on your trip.

Can I Check-In Online? 

Yes! Use your My Disney Experience app to check-in online in advance of your check-in date. You’ll re-confirm details of your hotel stay, read and agree to the terms and conditions, and be sure to read the Health Advisories too.

Can I Bypass The Front Desk And Go Right To My Room?

Yes! In most cases you can select Direct to Room Service and bypass the front desk. You’ll submit your contact info or agree to push notifications on the My Disney Experience app, and receive a notification when your room is ready, with your room number. You can then enter your room with your MagicBand or using the app itself!

What If I Have Questions During My Stay And Don’t Want To Go To The Front Desk?

Take advantage of the In-App Chat feature to ask some common questions and get an answer directly to your app without having to head to the front desk.

What Else Can I Do With A Mobile Feature?

• At most table service restaurants, you can check-in for your dining reservation on your app, and you’ll be able to note allergy and dietary restrictions, celebrations, and more. This is not available at all locations, including dinner shows. 
• You can also mobile order your food from counter service locations, paying directly with your app. 

What If I Don’t Want To Use A Credit Card? 

You can add any cash you want to use to a Disney Gift Card and attach that to your account so that you can pay that way rather than a credit card. 

Will I Be Getting Complimentary MagicBands With My Booking?

Effective January 1, 2021, Disney is ending the complimentary MagicBand distribution system. You may still purchase a MagicBand at a discount with your booking to attach to your My Disney Experience app, bookings, and tickets if you choose to. Or purchase additional MagicBands for sale in stores. In place of the complimentary MagicBands, Disney will be adding an “innovative new offering” to their My Disney Experience app that will bring features guests enjoy on their MagicBands to their smartphones.You will be able to use your Key to the World Card in place of a MagicBand. 

Am I Guaranteed To Get Into A Park Because I Have A Ticket?

Reservations are limited and subject to availability and are not guaranteed until a reservation is finalized.

When Will My Disney Hotel Be Re-Opening? 

All Walt Disney World Resorts have re-opened. 

Only Guests with a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass will be able to access the Disney Park Pass reservation system.
Given the current situation, there are some resort hotels and other areas that are not, as of this time, being scheduled for reopening yet. Disney will continue to evaluate the situation and reopen more locations when the environment is right to do so.