Credit: Inside the MagicIf you’re an Annual Passholder at Walt Disney World, you know the constant balancing act of park reservations, blackout dates, and making the most of every visit. Recently, Disney has been quietly expanding one of the most guest-friendly perks in its arsenal: “Good to Go” days. With more of these dates appearing on the calendar, it’s worth taking a closer look at what they are, why they matter, and how they could change the way passholders plan their time in the parks.
What Are “Good to Go” Days?
“Good to Go” days are specific dates when Annual Passholders and certain ticket holders can enter a Disney park without making a park reservation in advance. Normally, most non-date-based tickets—including APs, Florida Resident Discover Disney tickets, and others—require a reservation before entry. But on a “Good to Go” day, those hoops disappear.
In other words, you can just show up, scan your MagicBand or ticket, and walk right in. It’s a return to the pre-reservation era that many fans have missed. For passholders especially, this adds an element of spontaneity back into their Disney routine—something that’s been sorely lacking since the reservation system launched.
Why They’re Expanding
The latest update added September 29, October 1, and October 2 to the list of “Good to Go” days . That means 14 days in September alone were wide open for passholders, nearly half of the month. This signals a big question: is Disney starting to step away from its reservation system, at least in practice?
There’s no official word yet, but the growing number of reservation-free days shows that Disney is experimenting. It suggests management recognizes that reservations can sometimes be more of a hassle than a benefit, especially on days when crowd levels aren’t projected to hit capacity.
How It Impacts Annual Passholders
For Annual Passholders, “Good to Go” days are more than just convenient—they’re liberating. Imagine being able to decide last-minute to drop by Magic Kingdom after work, or heading to EPCOT on a whim to grab dinner during the Food & Wine Festival, without worrying if a reservation is available.
It also removes some of the stress of planning. Many passholders have shared stories of scrambling to make a reservation while already in the car on the way to Orlando. With “Good to Go” days, that pressure disappears. It restores some of the flexibility that makes having an Annual Pass worthwhile in the first place.
Another small but important perk: Passholders already don’t need reservations after 2 p.m. on weekdays, but with “Good to Go” days, that freedom applies all day long.
What About Other Guests?
Not every ticket is treated equally. Guests with certain types of special tickets—like group sales, convention passes, or military promotional tickets—may still need to stick with reservations. On peak dates like New Year’s Eve, Magic Kingdom might be marked “sold out” for those tickets, even while select passholders can still reserve a spot .
That’s why the reservation system still exists, at least for now. On ultra-busy days, it helps Disney manage crowd flow and set expectations for guests. Without some form of control, the parks could be swamped to the point of hurting the guest experience.
Does This Signal the End of Reservations?
Some fans are convinced that “Good to Go” days are Disney’s way of phasing out the reservation system, while others believe it’s here to stay in some form. Realistically, it’s probably somewhere in between.
The truth is that reservations do provide useful data for Disney. They help the company forecast staffing, food prep, and ride operation needs. But by loosening the rules and offering more spontaneous entry, Disney may be acknowledging that guests—especially passholders—value flexibility over precision.
In short, “Good to Go” days could be the compromise that sticks around: reservations for high-demand dates, but wide-open entry for average ones.
Planning Tips for Passholders
If you’re an Annual Passholder, here’s how to make the most of the newly added “Good to Go” days:
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Check the calendar often. Disney updates these dates regularly, and you’ll want to take advantage before they fill up with crowds.
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Arrive early. Just because you don’t need a reservation doesn’t mean the park won’t be busy. “Good to Go” days are a good indicator of higher attendance.
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Use park hopping wisely. Remember, once you’re in one park, you can hop to another later in the day if capacity allows.
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Expect exceptions. On marquee days like holidays, you may still run into limitations. Don’t assume every park will always be available.
Why This Matters
Annual Passholders have long debated whether the price of a pass is worth it in the era of reservations. With more “Good to Go” days being added, Disney is sweetening the deal and giving passholders more freedom. It also raises larger questions about how Disney balances guest satisfaction with operational needs.
Is it the beginning of the end for reservations? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just a smart middle ground that allows Disney to manage crowds without alienating its most loyal fans.
Either way, it’s a win for Annual Passholders right now. More chances to visit the parks on your own schedule, fewer headaches with reservations, and a taste of that old Disney spontaneity—that’s something worth celebrating.