Disneyland is set to eliminate a COVID-era rule that restricted guests from moving between its two theme parks, according to a recent report. When Disneyland Park and California Adventure reopened after the pandemic, a policy was implemented that required visitors to wait until 11 a.m. before they could 'park hop,' or walk across the esplanade to the other park. This rule will be lifted on June 9, as announced by theme park journalist Scott Gustin on X.
New Flexibility for Park Hopper and Magic Key Holders
Starting June 9, guests with Park Hopper tickets or Magic Key annual passes will no longer need to stay in one park until 11 a.m. They will be able to move between Disneyland Park and California Adventure, which are situated directly opposite each other, at any time, subject to availability. This change grants greater freedom to visitors, though in rare instances where either park reaches capacity, hopping may not be permitted.
No Need to Tap Into First Park
Additionally, guests will no longer be required to tap into their chosen theme park first before park hopping. According to Inside the Magic, this means that if no reservations are available at Disneyland Park, a Magic Key holder or Park Hopper ticketholder can make a reservation at California Adventure but enter Disneyland Park first without scanning into California Adventure.
Disneyland Resort has not issued an official comment on the change. The Independent has contacted Disney for further information.
Disney's Facial Recognition Technology Draws Lawsuit
Disney made headlines last month after introducing facial recognition technology at its California parks. The company is now facing a lawsuit over the new policy. Park-goers 'may choose to use entrance lanes equipped with facial recognition technology,' where cameras capture a photo and convert it into 'unique numerical values' to verify identities, Disney stated. The company claims the technology aims to expedite entry and prevent fraud, emphasizing that participation is voluntary and entrances without facial recognition remain available.
