Here's How to Make Theme Park Reservations for Walt Disney World and Disneyland

These days, visiting a Disney theme park isn't as simple as just buying tickets. Since reopening in 2021, Disneyland and Walt Disney World have rolled out some important changes, including park capacity limits. Both Disney resorts currently require all guests ages three and up to make theme park reservations — and that's in addition to a valid admission ticket (don't worry, there's no additional fee to make the reservation).

The process of securing park passes is fairly straightforward but there are a few important rules to keep in mind. Here's how to make Disney park reservations in advance of your next magical vacation.

Checking Disney Theme Park Reservation Availability

Before buying your theme park tickets and fully planning your trip, check the Disney World or Disneyland reservation calendars. Because of pent-up demand and lowered capacities, some (or all) of the theme parks might be completely booked for the dates you want to visit. Scan the calendars to see if the parks you want to visit are available, and then buy your tickets, link them to your account, and make your theme park reservation as soon as possible.

How to Make Disney World Theme Park Reservations

The Disney Park Pass reservation system lists availability by three ticket types: individually purchased tickets to the parks, tickets for guests also staying at select resort hotels with a vacation package, and annual passes. Availability varies for each type, so it's important to make sure you're looking at the correct calendar before planning your trip. Once you've purchased tickets or a vacation package and linked it to your account, make your theme park reservations online. You can also change your reservation, but be sure to check the calendar again before canceling and rebooking for a new park as availability may have changed. Disney World theme park reservations are currently available now through January 18, 2024. Right now, you don't need a reservation to visit Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park — just a valid ticket.

How to Make Disneyland Theme Park Reservations

The Disneyland reservation system works similarly, but there are a few notable differences. Like the Disney World system, you'll have to purchase tickets, create your party, select the day and theme park you want to visit, and confirm your reservation. Availability varies by ticket type: one park per day tickets and Park Hopper tickets. Keep in mind that if you have a multi-day ticket or a Magic Key annual pass, you are required to make a park reservation for each date of your visit. Disneyland theme park reservations are available now through June 2023.

Theme Park Reservations and Park Hopper

Both resorts are currently offering Park Hopper tickets, which allow guests to visit more than one theme park per day. At Disneyland, guests with Park Hopper tickets must make a reservation for the first park they plan to visit that day, and then they can head to the other park starting at 2 p.m. At Disney World, guests with Park Hopper tickets also have to make a reservation for the first theme park of the day before going to another park after 11 p.m. (Hours are subject to change and the day's Park Hopper hours can be found on the park hours calendar.) There is a chance that they won't be able to visit another theme park if it reaches capacity — guests will get a notification in the My Disney Experience app or Disneyland app if that happens.

Elizabeth Rhodes is an associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure who loves all things theme parks. Follow her adventures on Instagram @elizabetheverywhere.