Are you heading to Disney World in 2026? If you’re planning to stay at one of Disney World’s many hotel resorts, then you gotta know about these perks you don’t wanna miss out on!
Hippy Dippy Pool at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
There are lots of benefits to staying in the “Disney bubble” at one of the Disney hotels. From Early Entry to Extended Evening Hours, you may find that spending the extra cash is totally worth it. Plus, Disney is bringing back two popular hotel perks in 2026, and these are two game-changing perks you won’t want to miss out on!
The Water Park Perk Is Back in 2026
Disney brought us the water park perk this year, 2025. This perk gives you and anyone on your hotel reservation a free ticket to one of the water parks on the day of your check-in, and now it’s coming back in 2026! This can be a great perk if you fly in early and don’t have plans on going to one of the parks that same day.
Blizzard Beach
If you get to your hotel early and can’t check in, drop your luggage off with the front desk and skip over to a water park while you wait! Or if you choose to have a split stay (stay at more than one hotel during your trip), you can get more than one water park day for a little relaxing break half way through your vacation. This is a great way to enjoy a day at the water parks on those days you don’t have a regular ticket.
Humunga Cowabunga at Typhoon Lagoon
Kids Eat FREE in 2026
If you purchase a Disney Dining Plan with your vacation package, you can receive a free dining package for kids aged 3 to 9. If you want to book online, your package must also include theme park tickets. Or you can book by phone if you already have tickets to the theme parks.
Kids Breakfast
When dining, kids must choose from the children’s menu, if available. The number of packages available for this offer is limited, so if you’re planning your 2026 vacation now, be sure to check out this deal!
These two perks can change the game for your trip — but there are even more! Keep reading for a full list of perks!
Early Entry
Those staying at Disney World hotels, and select others, get access to the parks –Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — 30 minutes before they officially open. This perk is available for all guests at all Disney World hotels and select others, including Shades of Green and the Swan and Dolphin hotels.
Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom
Only select attractions are available during these 30 minutes, but it’s still a great way to get ahead before the crowds arrive!
Extended Evening Hours
Deluxe Resort, Deluxe Villa, Shades of Green, and Swan and Dolphin resort guests can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours again in 2026. On select days, at one of the four parks, guests can get extra time in the park! All other guests not staying at these select resorts will be asked to leave, making the park less crowded for those with access to this perk.
EPCOT
Check out the My Disney Experience App to find out which days and which parks will be available during your stay.
Free Transportation and Parking
Disney Resort hotel guests get access to free Disney transportation from their hotel to the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and other hotels. These transportation options include, buses, ferry boats, the Disney Skyliner, and the Disney Monorail.
Monorail at EPCOT
Also, Disney hotel guests who bring cars will get FREE parking at their hotel and parks again in 2026! If you drive to a park, just show the attendant your room reservation (on your app or by scanning your MagicBand) and you’re good to go.
Early Access to Dining Reservations and Lightning Lanes
One of our favorite perks of staying at a Disney Resort hotel is the early access to dining reservations. When you stay at a Disney hotel (and select others), you can make dining reservations starting 60 days before the first day of your trip for the entirety of your trip (up to 10 days)! But you’ll still want to prompt on that day, because some dining locations can fill up quickly.
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Disney hotel guests can also make Lightning Lane selections seven days in advance for the entirety of their trip, up to 14 days. This can be a huge advantage compared to others who may only have three days in advance!
Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane
Staying at a Disney World hotel has lots of benefits, but it’s up to your family if the cost is worth the perks you’ll get. If you do decide to stay at one of the Disney hotels in 2026, be sure to take advantage of all these perks!
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I was under the impression that the check in day water park perk was only for the summer next year. Did that change? We will be going in April. If that particular perk is available, I may try to get an early flight in.
Disney is clearly changing their marketing efforts by turning up the perks for guests staying on property. Disney is beginning to loose its long time loyal guests with the never ending price increases of tickets, food and trinkets. They are loosing their audience to competitors locally and other venues. They had the golden goose and the are beginning to loose its long. It is just getting too expensive, cruise line included,