A major perk for Walt Disney World hotel guests is set to change in 2026, and it may affect how — and WHEN — you book your vacation.
I’ve been visiting Walt Disney World — and staying at Walt Disney World hotels — for over 30 years. Over that time, I’ve seen hotel perks come and go (RIP Magical Express, you’re still missed). When it comes to bookings in 2026, some popular perks are confirmed to return, but one is changing!
At the start of 2025, Disney began offering a new perk for hotel guests: Each member of the party received a complimentary ticket to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks, which was only valid on their check-in day.
Curious periods when only one of Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach was open, the ticket would be valid for whichever was open. While both parks were open during the summer, guests could choose between the two.
While the perk has been confirmed as returning in 2026, it’s being changed in a MAJOR way. According to Disney, the “splashy perk will also be available for returning Disney Resorts Collection hotel guests during the summer of 2026,” which seems to indicate that the offer will not be available for the entirety of 2026, as it was in 2025.
Some of the other perks available to those booking Disney hotel stays in 2026 include:
- Free Kids Dining Plans: Guests booking a room at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel and dining plan for each guest ages 10 and up on their reservation will receive FREE dining plans for kids ages 3 to 9.
- Early Entry: Guests staying at Walt Disney World resorts can take advantage of a 30-minute early entry into Walt Disney World theme parks every day of their stay (including check-in and check-out days).
- Extended Evening Hours: Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, or other select hotels have access to extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks.
- Early Lightning Lanes: Guests staying at Walt Disney World hotels can begin booking Lightning Lanes 7 days before their stay, as opposed to the 3 days afforded to other guests. This may prove especially beneficial in 2026, as the resort will see the highly anticipated opening of the Muppet-ized version of the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, as well as the reopening of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin after long refurbishments.
If you’re planning a stay at a Walt Disney World hotel in 2026, you need to keep these perks in mind and plan accordingly. Stay tuned to AllEars for more travel tips.
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Heading to Disney World next year? Let us know in the comments below.
Yess! My trip is in September 2026! My count down has begun!!