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Walt Disney World announces changes to park reservation system, resort parking, photo downloads

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Walt Disney World announced three big changes that it promises will bring more “value and flexibility” while visiting the resort.

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Annual passholders will soon be able to visit theme parks after 2 p.m. without having to make a park reservation first, except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom, Disney said.

“While the theme park reservation system remains important to manage attendance in our parks, especially on busier days, we realize our Passholders enjoy more spontaneous visits – and this change will make that possible,” Disney said in a blog post.

The change will take place in the next few months, Disney said. Pass blockout dates will continue to apply.

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Also in the next few months, guests who purchase Disney Genie+ will receive digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken in the park on the day of purchase at no additional charge.

Passholders will also soon gain access to Disney PhotoPass Lenses and a complimentary Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories experience. A new offering that will allow guests to create and share short Disney-themed video slideshows with favorite photos from theme park visits will also be available soon, Disney said.

Also, effective tonight, complimentary overnight self-parking returns for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels.

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“This is a Disney difference many of you have asked us to bring back, and we’re happy to reintroduce it to make your vacation a little easier and more affordable – whether you’re road tripping across the country, renting a car or vacationing as a local Florida resident,” Disney wrote in a blog post.

Hotel guests will continue to receive complimentary standard parking at Disney parks, daily early theme park entry and complimentary on-site transportation.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.