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Early access, free ride photos: Disney World, Disneyland roll out changes for guests

Disney guests can expect some more bang for their bucks at Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

The changes, including earlier park hopping privileges at Disneyland and free self-parking at Disney World hotels, address pain points previously expressed by guests.

"As we step into this bright future it is important that we continuously evolve to help deliver the best guest experience possible," Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said in a January email to cast members. "And while this doesn’t address everyone’s feedback, these changes will increase flexibility and add value to our guests’ experience."

Here are the biggest changes at Disneyland and Disney World: 

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What's new at Disney World?

Castle at Disney World's Magic Kingdom in Florida.

In January, Disney World rolled back self-parking fees at its hotels, making overnight self-parking once again complimentary for guests staying on property. It previously cost guests between $15 and $25 a night, depending on the resort.

Starting March 20, Disney World guests will be able to download digital photos from attractions like Space Mountain and Test Track for free when they purchase Disney Genie+ service. 

That same day, Disney World annual passholders will receive several new photo perks, including Disney PhotoPass Lenses, one free Cinderella Cast Mural of Memories experience, and a new video slideshow offering. An even bigger perk begins April 18, when annual passholders will be able to visit parks after 2 p.m. without a reservation. There is one exception, though: weekends at Magic Kingdom. Pass blackout dates will still apply, too. 

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What's new at Disneyland? 

"World of Color" returned to Disney California Adventure Park on April 22, 2022.

Disneyland Resort's new perks took effect Feb. 4.

Guests with Magic Key passes or park hopper tickets can now go between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure once the clock strikes 11 a.m. – two hours earlier than previously allowed.

Additionally, all ticketed guests now can receive free Disney PhotoPass digital downloads of attraction photos via the Disneyland app, as part of the California resort's Disney100 celebration marking 100 years of The Walt Disney Company.

For guests hoping to save money on Disneyland visits, the park is also offering nearly two months' worth of its lowest-priced tickets, which go for $104 for one day of admission throughout the year. (One-day tickets may be cheaper if there's a special discount available.)

Lastly, there will occasionally be more sales of the coveted Magic Key pass, when inventory allows although the pass will still be limited.

Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY

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