Disneyland is dropping one of its most frustrating post-pandemic restrictions. The resort will eliminate the 11 a.m. Park Hopper time requirement later this year, allowing guests to move between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure at any time of day.
Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum shared the news during a Disneyland Resort media briefing on February 19, 2026. While no exact date was given for when the change takes effect, Mazloum confirmed that all-day park hopping will return at some point in 2026.
What’s Changing
Under the current system, guests with a valid Park Hopper ticket or Magic Key annual pass can visit both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day, but only after 11 a.m. Guests must first tap into the park they reserved, then wait until 11 a.m. before crossing over to the second park.
Once the restriction is lifted, guests will be able to hop between parks at any time during operating hours. Park hopping will still be subject to capacity limitations, operational hours, and closures at each park.
How the Rule Has Evolved
The Park Hopper time restriction has been in place since Disneyland reopened from its pandemic closure. The rule originally blocked hopping until 1 p.m. That was moved up to 11 a.m. on February 4, 2023, as part of a larger package of guest-friendly changes under then-CEO Bob Iger. This upcoming change will complete the return to pre-pandemic flexibility.
Park Reservations Still Required
Mazloum did not announce any changes to the park reservation system. Guests will still need to select a reservation for either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure. However, the practical impact of park-specific reservations becomes less significant once hopping is available from opening. Currently, guests who arrive after 11 a.m. are already not required to enter the park they reserved first.
Part of a Broader Guest Experience Push
The Park Hopper change is part of a series of incremental improvements Disneyland is making to the guest experience. Mazloum described his approach as many small changes adding up to meaningful progress. The resort is also expanding Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure and celebrating the resort’s 70th anniversary with new merchandise and events throughout 2026.
Incoming Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro, who currently serves as Parks Chair, takes over from Bob Iger later this year. Many of these guest-friendly changes align with what parks fans have been hoping to see heading into a new era of Disney leadership.
Planning Around the Change
If you are planning a Disneyland trip in 2026, this change makes Park Hopper tickets significantly more valuable. Being able to rope-drop one park and hop to the other before lunch opens up new touring strategies. For the best dates to visit, check our month-by-month guide to visiting Disneyland in 2026. You can also see how every attraction stacks up in our ranking of every Disneyland ride from worst to best.
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Disney has not announced a specific date for when the Park Hopper restriction will be lifted, but I would expect a formal announcement soon. Check the Disneyland app or Park Hours calendar for updates as they become available.
Source: Scott Gustin
Frequently Asked Questions
Previously, guests with Park Hopper tickets at Disneyland Resort had to enter their first park before being allowed to hop to the second park, and hopping was restricted until 11 AM. Disneyland announced in 2026 that this restriction is being removed, allowing guests to visit either park from opening with a Park Hopper ticket.
Yes. Starting in 2026, Disneyland Resort is removing the 11 AM park hopping restriction. Guests with Park Hopper tickets will be able to enter either Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure from rope drop, giving visitors more flexibility to plan their day.
