Walt Disney World has changed the rules again—this time in direct response to the massive crowds that descended on Magic Kingdom for the debut of its brand-new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.Credit: DisneyAs of July 21, 2025, Annual Passholders hoping to pop into Magic Kingdom will need to plan ahead. Park reservations are now required all day, even for those planning to enter after 2:00 p.m.—a window that normally allows unrestricted access. And if you’re wondering why, look no further than the spectacular debut of Disney’s newest parade.Dreams Draw Crowds—and RestrictionsThis isn’t your average update. It’s rare for Disney to roll back post-2 p.m. access for Passholders, but the crowds that gathered on July 20 for Starlight’s first official run have pushed the system to its limits. Magic Kingdom hit reservation capacity not just for the 20th, but also for July 21 and 22, leaving many Passholders locked out of the park during one of the most anticipated entertainment rollouts of the year.The parade, which made a quiet soft debut on July 18, blends cutting-edge projection effects with a nostalgic wink to Main Street Electrical Parade. It’s led by the Blue Fairy, features Encanto characters, and brings the concept of “dreamscapes” to life—essentially nighttime vignettes sculpted entirely out of light and color. It runs twice nightly, at 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., which only added to the opening weekend frenzy.Temporary Rule, for NowCredit: DisneyThe revised reservation policy is being described as temporary. According to Disney, once this initial surge dies down, the old rules will resume: Passholders can enter Magic Kingdom without a reservation after 2:00 p.m., except on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition, “Good-to-Go” days will still allow for more flexible access, though none are currently scheduled during the parade’s opening stretch.Elsewhere at the resort, it’s business as usual. EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom remain reservation-free for APs entering after 2 p.m.—for now.What Else Is Coming?The buzz around Dream the Night Away isn’t happening in isolation. It’s part of a larger effort to evolve Magic Kingdom’s nighttime offerings while laying the groundwork for long-term changes. On the horizon: a multi-acre expansion called Beyond Big Thunder, with early concept art showing environments inspired by Cars’ Piston Peak and an all-new Disney Villains area.No word yet on when those lands will open, but if Starlight’s reception is any indication, Disney’s not slowing down the magic—or the crowds—anytime soon.The post Disney Reinstates COVID Rules After New Parade Debacle Shuns Paying Guests appeared first on Inside the Magic.