Disneyland continually evaluates its systems, policies, and procedures for how guests visit the parks, all in an effort to improve the guest experience. One limitation currently placed upon all guests will soon be lifted, a change that is bound to be favorably received.
Disneyland’s park hopping rule will change to a new policy, effective very soon. We have all the info directly from Disney about what’s changing and how it differs from the current process. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including LEGO’s first new Disneyland set in years and a change to Disneyland’s dining mobile ordering.
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Disneyland Park Hopping at Anytime
Currently, guests visiting Disneyland Resort with a park hopper ticket or Magic Key annual pass must wait until 11 AM to switch theme parks between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, after first visiting whichever park they’ve made a reservation for.
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This limitation, set in place following the pandemic-era reopening in 2021, could be frustrating for guests who changed plans at the last minute. Many guests were used to hopping freely between the parks, especially given their proximity right next to each other.
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Effective June 9, 2026, Disneyland Resort will eliminate the 11 AM park hopping rule, and guests can park hop between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure at any time. Disney confirmed this news directly with Mickey Visit.
Park reservations are still required, and guests will still need to select a starting park when making their reservation, but
they will not need to first tap into their starting park before hopping.
As always, park hopping is subject to the crowd level at the other park. If a park is at capacity, it does not allow incoming park hopping guests.
This is welcome news for Disneyland guests and continues the broader shift toward greater flexibility when planning a visit.
Earlier this year, former Disneyland President and current Disney Experiences Chairman Thomas Mazloum gave us a heads-up that this would happen sometime in 2026, and now we know when.
Mazloum said the team was stepping back and taking an end-to-end look at the full customer journey. He listed areas where the Disneyland team was looking to improve, including the resort’s booking process, trade partners, and arrival experience. The team set out to find where things have become needlessly complicated and could be meaningfully improved.
Mazloum also mentioned that park reservations are here to stay, citing them as an effective means of managing the workforce and balancing crowds among days of the week. Walt Disney World in Florida introduced park reservations during the pandemic, but has since removed them as a requirement for most visitors, except for annual passholders.
More Policy Changes at Disneyland
The removal of the 11 AM park hopping rule on June 9 is the latest in a recent slate of changes to Disneyland policies.
Other updates include a Disneyland restaurant changing its mobile order rules, a different way for Magic Key Holders to make park reservations in the Disneyland app, and adjustments to ride procedures to prevent closures caused by guest behavior. We monitor Disneyland changes closely, including ride refurbishment closures.
The changes to the park hopping rule come during a busy season for Disneyland. The park recently opened a very popular Bluey show. On May 22, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will debut a new version of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring the Mandalorian and Grogu, along with upgraded technology.
Now through August 9 is the last chance for guests to experience the resort’s 70th anniversary celebration, which includes limited-time entertainment and a viral scavenger hunt, now available at a discount.
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