Today, on New Year’s Eve, this was the message that went out explaining that the park will be closing to new guests. 
It’s not a complete shock because this is the time of year that sees the most park closures. Walt Disney World closes due to park capacity in phases.
Phase A Park Closing: This is the first phase in park closing
No admission of guests with one-day tickets, even with FastPass+ reservations, with the exception of the following:
- Those with Park Hopper Tickets and are re-entering or hopping from another park.
- Walt Disney Resort Hotel Guests (also includes Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green)
- Those staying at select Good Neighbor Hotels
- Golden Oak Residents
- Walt Disney World Annual and Premium Passholders or Premier Passholders
- Guests with Advanced Dining Reservations including dessert parties.
- Guests to the Magic Kingdom with appointments at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, The Pirates League and Harmony Barber Shop
- Guests who purchased Memory Maker
Phase B Park Closing: If crowd levels are still hight they may implement phase B
In addition to no admission to off-sight guests with one-day tickets with phase B we will add no re-entering or crossing over from another park, with the exception of the following:
- Guest of a Walt Disney World Resort (including Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green)
- Those staying at Select Good Neighbor Hotels
- Residents of Golden Oak
- Walt Disney World Annual and Premium Passholders or Premier Passholders
- Guests with Advanced Dining Reservations including dessert parties.
- Guests to the Magic Kingdom with appointments at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, The Pirates League and Harmony Barber Shop
- Guests who purchased Memory Maker
Phase 1 Park Closing:
During this phase, single-day tickets & walk-ups will be turned away at the parking lots. The same goes for Cast Members with Main Gate and Silver Passes. Guests that may still enter includes:
- Guests with multi-day park tickets
- Guest of a Walt Disney World Resort (including Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green)
- Those staying at Select Good Neighbor Hotels
- Walt Disney World Annual and Premium Passholders or Premier Passholders
- Park Hopping Guests
- Guests relying on Disney Transporation (buses, boats, and monorail)
- Guests with Advanced Dining Reservations including dessert parties.
Phase 2 Park Closing: Things are getting a little more serious
Admission is limited to:
- Disney Resort Guests (including the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and guests arriving by bus from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard hotels)
- Annual, Premier and Premium Annual Passholders
- Guests with Hopper tickets coming from another park
- Guests re-entering the park
- Guests with dining reservations
- Magic Kingdom Guests with reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League
- Guests using Walt Disney World Resort Transportation will be admitted.
- Guests with pre-purchased 1 day Magic Kingdom tickets
Phase 3 Park Closing: At this point, rumors are spreading about a complete shutdown.
Admission is limited to:
- Guest of a Walt Disney World Resort (including Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green)
- Those staying at select Good Neighbor Hotels
- Walt Disney World Annual and Premium Passholders or Premier Passports
- Guests with Advanced Dining Reservations including dessert parties.
- Magic Kingdom Guests with reservations for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or The Pirates League
Phase 4 Park Closing: Park is completely closed for entry
No new guest no matter the circumstances will be allowed entry. It is VERY uncommon for the park to get to phase 4.
Tips for traveling during peak times.
If you are traveling during peak times, especially during Christmas week, you may be a little worried about the parks closing. As you can see above there are lots of steps taken before the park is completely closed. I have a few tips to help ensure you aren’t turned away.
- Stay on property – When you stay on property you will be allowed entry through all the phases until phase 4.
- Plan a less busy park on the busiest of days. The Magic Kingdom is the most often affected park.
- Arrive early. Some people prefer to arrive early and not leave, while others prefer to arrive early and then leave midday and come back at night. The second option is a little riskier if you are dead set on returning to the same park.
- Reservations – Have you travel professional make reservations for dining, a tour, or some other bookable in park experience.
- Use resort transportation – This will keep you out of traffic and if the parking lots are full you won’t be turned away.
Are you looking at going for Christmas or New Year next year? Let Wish Upon Afar help, when you book with a Wish Upon Afar Travel Professional we will help you navigate the park closing phases. Contact us today to get started planning your next adventure.
We Exist to provide each client with a highly knowledgeable travel professional dedicated to providing personalized service with attention to even the smallest detail.