Just in time for summer, park goers regain their freedom.
For California locals who have been lucky enough to experience the undeniable magic of “the happiest place on earth,” Disneyland has long been regarded as a haven of beloved rides, classic childhood movie characters come to life and countless memories marked by the iconic, towering Mickey Mouse Ferris Wheel or the unmistakable Sleeping Beauty Castle that greets visitors upon entry.
Part of the thrill of going to Disneyland as a kid, and admittedly, a joy that has lasted into early adulthood for me, is the ability to hop between California Adventure and Disneyland Park with uninhibited freedom — riding the Incredicoaster one minute, and then immediately booking it over to Big Thunder Mountain when the wait time drops.
Known as “park hopping,” Disney-goers have the choice of selecting one side or both sides of the park when purchasing their tickets online.
Credit: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort
During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the park began placing restrictions on this freedom, instating a rule that prohibited park hopping before 11 a.m. In an attempt to slow traffic between the two parks and to monitor capacity on both sides, this precaution has served its time well, but officials have decided that its need has since dissipated.
This rule is set to be reversed on June 9, opening back up the seamless nature of park hopping at all hours of the day. Visitors of the park with a Magic Key card or Park Hopper tickets will also be allowed to begin their day on either side, regardless of the chosen theme park on their ticket.
With this change set to occur in conjunction with the summer season approaching, larger crowds have been anticipated, which poses its own set of concerns. Should any side of the park get too full — which is unlikely — park hoppers may experience wait time in crossing over between California Adventure and Disneyland Park.
Though a small change in the grand scheme of things, every minute counts in this Southern California treasure. Even a few added hours to make one’s Disney day as easy as possible can make all the difference.
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