Iger Reveals Strange News About Disney’s Park Reservation System

It’s been one of the biggest requests from Disney Park Guests ever since Chapek was fired from his role as Disney CEO.

The new Park Pass reservation system has brought much confusion and controversy to Disney Parks, and Guests have frequently asked for this system to be removed.

Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida may be “The Most Magical Place on Earth”, but these new systems and services introduced during Chapek’s era as CEO have left Guests feeling a little “frustrated” with the magic. Disney implemented many new health protocols in order to operate safely during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including social distancing, mask mandates, and the new Disney Park Pass system.

Now, Guests want the system gone. And in a recent Cast Member town hall, returning Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed a strange tidbit about Disney Park reservations that may surprise Disney fans.

Across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure, Guests have seen numerous changes to their theme park visits since their reopening back in July 2020.

One of the most talked about changes was the new Park reservation system, which forces advanced planning and ticket purchasing. Disney Park Pass requires those who wish to visit a Walt Disney World or Disneyland theme park to have both a valid ticket as well as a reservation for the Park they wish to visit on that day.

It offers three separate tiers for reservations: single or multi-day ticket holders, onsite Resort Guests, and Annual Passholders. At the moment, Walt Disney World’s Annual Pass sales are on hold, with no indication of when these will become available again – especially after Chapek’s comment that Annual Pass Guests give the Parks an “unfavorable mix” of attendance.

Many Guests were hoping that as the pandemic neared its end, Disney would bring back the sense of spontaneity and fun that came with deciding which of the theme parks to visit on the day.

In 2020, Chairman of Parks, Experiences, and Products Josh D’Amaro indicated that the newly implemented Park Pass reservation system is a “new normal” that isn’t going away anytime soon, if ever. Disney extended the reservation calendar through January 2024, which indicated that D’Amaro was right.

And in Bob Iger’s Cast Member town hall on Monday, November 28, 2022, the Park Pass system was revealed to be staying – for now.

Iger explained in the town hall that: “I want to hear more from Josh D’Amaro about it and use it before I make any decisions” regarding the Disney Park reservation system.

Yes, you read that right.

Bob Iger revealed the strange tidbit that he has actually never used the Park Pass system at the Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme parks.

Of course, as an ex-Disney CEO, why would Iger need to use it? Still, an interesting little reveal nonetheless. We’re glad that he wants to try it out before making a decision on whether to keep it at the Disney Parks, but he also seems aware of the divided opinions stemming from Chapek and D’Amaro’s Park Pass system:

“I have not used the reservation system. I’ve heard about it, and I know that a lot has been said online about it – for good and bad.”

Interestingly, Josh D’Amaro could be seen scribbling notes in the town hall. We wonder if he was making a time slot to show Iger the reservation system and discuss its future.

Some Guests argue that the Park Pass service helps with planning their trip and knowing what Park they are doing each day of their vacation, but the adjective “frustrating” has been used too many times to count. This frustration seems to stem mainly from trips made during the busy season, in which theme park reservations often fill up weeks in advance, as well as the lack of spontaneity enjoyed pre-pandemic.

D’Amaro explained in interviews that Walt Disney World is “choreographing” the Guest experience, using technology to enhance the Guest experience and help Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s previous 2022 goal for innovation. 

The Park Chairman has also noted that the Disney Genie, the Mobile Order process, contactless payment, and virtual queues are all part of this technology push.

With Bob Chapek getting fired last week and Bob Iger returning to the helm of The Walt Disney Company, it is unknown at this point how his reinstatement as Disney CEO will impact the company going forward. Iger has already sent a heartfelt message to Cast Members expressing his “gratitude” for being back as Disney CEO, and revealed his stance on the political battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis over the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

But with theme park reservations and restrictions on Park Hopping (Hopping is currently unavailable until 2:00 p.m. and you must check in to the Park of your original reservation first) now a huge but bemoaned step in the planning process for a Disney vacation, we hope to hear some concrete news soon.

Remember, if you want to visit a Walt Disney World theme park, such as Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you will need a Park Pass along with a valid ticket. At this time, there is no reservation required for Disney Springs —  Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district.

• You’ll need a My Disney Experience account, as this is where your Walt Disney World Resort plans are stored and managed.
• You’ll also need a valid theme park ticket or Annual Pass that’s linked to your My Disney Experience account.
• If you have a Disney Resort hotel reservation, be sure to link it to your Disney Experience app account beforehand, as well.

Visit the official Walt Disney World website for more information, and we’ll keep you posted on details regarding the Park Pass reservation system’s future.