Questions for upcoming trips

[Candace]

I have not been to WDW since 2019. I recently booked 4 trips for 2025. There seems to be a lot of change going on. One of my questions is about passes. I considered getting an annual pass (even though I don’t go into the parks daily). I asked a CM about this and she said if I do get an AP, I would need to reserve the days ahead of time. So I’m thinking I’ll just get the park passes, since she said they were more flexible. Can I buy the passes at the resort? I don’t want to have to plan everything ahead of time. My other question is about Magic bands. Do we have to have these? I moved about 2 1/2 years ago and my son got rid of my old ones. Are they a necessity and can I buy them at guest services at the villas? Thanks!

 

[davidhr]

Yes, you have to make reservations. They're usually wide open the day before, so it's not a bid deal to be honest. Just slightly annoying. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/disney-incredi-pass/

After you enter the reserved park, you're free to park hop.

After 2:00PM you don't need reservations, unless it's MK for weekends.

I usually purchase tickets online, so I don't know if you can get them at the resorts, but at Disney Springs and at the gates you can get them.

Magic Bands are not necessary. You can ask for a card that works the same way for tickets. Magic bands are available for purchase pretty much everywhere if you want one.

 

[Sandisw]

I have not found making reservations an issue and some of my trips, we “good to go” days for the AP holders so none needed.

And, you can get a key card at the resort for your ticket or use your Magic Mobile pass through MDE on phone or smartwatch.

 

[Miffy]

I have not been to WDW since 2019. I recently booked 4 trips for 2025. There seems to be a lot of change going on. One of my questions is about passes. I considered getting an annual pass (even though I don’t go into the parks daily). I asked a CM about this and she said if I do get an AP, I would need to reserve the days ahead of time. So I’m thinking I’ll just get the park passes, since she said they were more flexible. Can I buy the passes at the resort? I don’t want to have to plan everything ahead of time. My other question is about Magic bands. Do we have to have these? I moved about 2 1/2 years ago and my son got rid of my old ones. Are they a necessity and can I buy them at guest services at the villas? Thanks!

Since you've booked 4 trips for 2025, I'd highly recommend an AP, unless you plan on spending only 1 or 2 park days per trip.

My sister and I have APs and the park reservations are not a big deal at all. We do make our park reservations in advance, but we also change them. Easy.

Are you planning on purchasing LLMPs and/or LLSPs? If so, that would require you to go to the park where you've reserved these anyway.

If you're planning on doing WDW the old-fashioned way, the way where you get on whatever bus comes to your bus stop, go to that park without plans, and just go on all the rides you want, you are in for a huge Disney Culture Shock. It has not been that way for years. Unless, of course, you don't mind waiting in long lines--and some people don't. I get it. I wait in long lines myself sometimes.

What I'm trying to say is that some planning is necessary. And that an AP is very desirable in your situation. And that the park reservations are not a big deal.

Since you're going 4x this year, and since I don't know how you booked your resort reservations (or even what resorts you're staying at), make sure to check out the bounceback offer. Even if there's zero literature in your room about it, if you're staying on-site, you are entitled to book bounceback offers within 7 days of your checkout day. This is a terrific discount, usually better than even the AP room discount.

 

[Candace]

I have not been in almost 6 years, and from reading, I know that SO MUCH has changed. I stay on my DVC points always so bounce back offers wouldn’t apply? I don’t know what that is nor the LLMP OR LLSP. Haha. I’ve been so many times over the last 35 years, and I feel like a “newbie”.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

Disney Food Blog recently released a YouTube video about changes at Disney from 2020 to 2025. I know some people aren’t a fan of DFB but I saw the headline and thought it might be useful for you.

 

[Candace]

Thanks, I will check it out!

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

I have not been in almost 6 years, and from reading, I know that SO MUCH has changed. I stay on my DVC points always so bounce back offers wouldn’t apply? I don’t know what that is nor the LLMP OR LLSP. Haha. I’ve been so many times over the last 35 years, and I feel like a “newbie”.

Bounce back offers are only for cash stays.

 

[Sandisw]

Bounce back offers are only for cash stays.

To clarify for others, a DVC owner staying on points is still eligible to book a a future cash stay on a bounce back.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

To clarify for others, a DVC owner staying on points is still eligible to book a a future cash stay on a bounce back.

Thank you!