Park hopping in Disney World might not be the best option for everyone!

When planning a Disney World vacation, guests have the option to purchase a Park Hopper add-on to their theme park tickets, which allows them to visit multiple parks on the same day. But just because it’s an “upgrade” doesn’t mean it will be the best fit for every guest! Here are some reasons you might NOT want to splurge on a Park Hopper upgrade for your next Disney World trip.

Limits On Park Hopping Hours

As of right now, guests with Park Hopper tickets can only visit their second park of the day AFTER 2PM. So, for example, if you had a Park Pass Reservation for EPCOT on a particular day, but wanted to hop to Magic Kingdom next, you wouldn’t be able to enter Magic Kingdom until 2PM or later.

If you’re traveling with a group of early risers who tend to be tired out and ready to head back to the hotel by the early afternoon, Park Hopper tickets might not make sense since you would only be able to take advantage of the hopping benefits for a short time frame before your group is ready to call it a day.

But, good news, there is an “end date” for this potential Park Hopping hang-up! Beginning on January 9th, 2024, ALL-DAY Park Hopping is returning to Disney World! If the current time restriction is the only thing keeping you from upgrading to a Park Hopper ticket, that concern will soon be a thing of the past.

Learn More About Disney World Park Hopping Here!

Saving Time By Avoiding Traveling Between Parks

Unlike Disneyland Resort, where the entrance gates to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure are right next to each other, the entrances to the four Disney World parks are all pretty spread out. That means if you plan to park hop in Disney World, you’ll need to account for the time it takes to travel from park to park.

The amount of time it takes to travel between parks can vary based on your method of transportation, which parks you’re traveling between, and any unexpected delays that might pop up on your commute.

Depending on the specific scenario, it can take over an hour to get from one park to another, all of which is time taken out of your activities for the day. Even more direct park-to-park transportation, like the Monorail or Disney Skyliner, can experience unexpected delays or long lines on busy days.

If you want to maximize every second of your park days, it’s important to consider how much the travel time between parks could cut into your plans!

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Leaving Space for Late Starts or Early Nights

We’ve learned the hard way that as amazing as a Disney World vacation can be, it can also be an equally exhausting experience! Our days in the parks typically include LOTS of walking, hot and humid weather, and plenty of disruptions to our daily routines. And despite the magical memories we create along the way, it can still be pretty physically and mentally draining.

To help avoid exhausting-induced meltdowns, we typically suggest leaving some flexibility in your Disney World itinerary, rather than scheduling every moment of your trip. If you think your travel group could benefit from sleeping in during the mornings or calling it an early evening, you might not need a Park Hopper add-on since your park days will be shorter.

This is a case where it’s extra important to consider the unique needs of the people in your travel party when making your planning decisions!

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Spending Time at Our Disney World Hotel Instead

Speaking of late starts and early evenings, catching up on our rest isn’t the only reason we sometimes prefer to head back to our Disney World hotel a bit early!

The Disney World hotels have a lot to offer, including unique activities, dining options, themed pools, and more. If you’re on the fence about whether or not a Park Hopper ticket is right for you, be sure to consider what your hotel has to offer to see if you’d rather leave time to explore the amenities!

From sunrise yoga to horseback riding, you might be surprised at all the activities you can find at Disney World hotels!

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Exploring Underrated Parts of the Parks

Even if you’re planning to stay in the park for rope drop to close, there’s still a great reason you might want to stick to one park per day. By spending a full day in a single park, you can take a deep dive into some of the more underrated areas that you might have missed by just sticking to the highlights before hopping somewhere else.

For example, on a full day in EPCOT, you can take the time to explore deep inside the World Showcase Pavilions and check out the cultural exhibits, unique shopping locations, and hidden gems that you otherwise might have walked right by!

Whether you decide to explore the animal trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, or finally carve out the time to watch a lengthy live show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are plenty of under-the-radar things to do that often get overshadowed by the marquee attractions!

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When planning a dream Disney World trip, it can be tempting to splurge on all the upgrades you (reasonably) can! But from avoiding burnout to exploring new areas of the parks, there are several reasons you might NOT want to opt for a Park Hopper add-on for your next vacation! No matter how you prefer to travel, we’re here to help with all of the tips and tricks for a magical vacation, so stay tuned to DFB for all your planning needs!

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Do you usually buy a Park Hopper ticket when you visit Disney World? Let us know in the comments!