Park Hopping is finally getting back to normal starting in January 2024, but the discrimination against annual passholders continues. Is this a good move by Disney or will a backlash lead to change as the Disney company continues to penalize its most loyal guest.

Park Hopping, Park Passes and more in 2024 at Walt Disney World

Starting on January 9, 2024, if you have Park Hopper on your Disney World park tickets or Annual Pass you will once again be able to park hop whenever you like without waiting until after 2:00 p.m.

On days when theme park reservations are required for Annual Passholders and certain non-dated tickets, Passholders and guests will be able to take advantage of the updates to Park Hopper access after visiting their first park. For example, if a Passholder has a reservation at EPCOT and enters the park at 9 a.m. for a quick ride or two, they can then head to another park right after.

What Disney is calling “Good-to-go days” will also begin in January (date TBA). These are days when Annual Passholders can visit a Disney World park without needing a theme park reservation (blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today).

The negative is that Disney continues to discriminate against Annual Passholders who are spending money or DVC points to stay onsite at a Disney World hotel. They should be lifting Park Pass booking requirements for anyone who is staying onsite no matter what kind of ticket they have. This is certainly not making things simpler or easier for Disney's most loyal guests.

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Disneyland's Downtown Disney is Getting New Food Offerings and More

Parkside Market is a new, curated collection of diverse culinary concepts with four new offerings under one roof. It's all part of the expansion on the west end of Downtown Disney.

Seoul Sister is a fast-casual eatery serving Korean food based on bibimbap (Korean rice bowls) with a California twist. Executive Chef Kelly Kim will showcase bold Korean flavors through marinated meats, colorful vegetables and savory sauces over rice, noodles or salad, plus appetizers, an Asian-inspired breakfast menu, and hand-crafted drinks.

Sip & Sonder, from founders Amanda-Jane Thomas and Shanita Nicholas, has been recognized as one of the best cafés in L.A. and soon you can enjoy their signature lattes, fresh treats, frozen drinks and Caribbean-inspired bites.

GG’s Chicken Shop was founded by James Beard Award winners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm, alongside Michelin Star Chef Partner Lee Wolen who will serve a family-friendly menu of chicken sandwiches, salads, and classic sides. The Downtown Disney location will be their first on the West Coast.

second story bar will be an al fresco spot featuring signature craft cocktails and mocktails using local ingredients and artful garnishes. Refreshing selections will include frozen lemonades, frozés, espresso martinis, shareable cocktails and spirit-free drinks.

Also coming to Downtown Disney's west end is a new stage and lawn for special events, activities, musical entertainment and more.

Future plans will also bring Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, plus Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gayta at Paseo and Centrico. California-Cuban cheese rolls and pastries to come from Porto’s Bakery and Cafe.

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Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic

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