I hate to break it to you, but 2026 is almost here! While it means 2025 is coming to an end, it also means that we can look forward to our 2026 Disney World trips and all the fun that goes along with them.
Grand Floridian Resort
There are so many benefits to staying at a Disney World Resort during your vacation, but before you click “book hotel,” heed these warnings so you’re prepared for the best trip ever.
Like 2025, guests staying at a Disney World Resort get access to free water tickets for everyone listed in the room. Score! Unfortunately, everyone else staying at a Disney World Resort also gets free tickets, plus everyone else who chose to go.
Blizzard Beach
Your free tickets will work on the day of your check-in, which is perfect to have something to do after you drop your bags off. Disney World has two different water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. During the summer, both are open, but once winter arrives, it usually closes down to one park at a time while the other undergoes refurbishment.
Humunga Cowabunga at Typhoon Lagoon
While it does get a little cooler in Florida, it’s likely that you’ll still want to hit the water parks, even in the winter, but with only one water park being open, it can get busy. Even while both were open, parks are known to fill to capacity and not allow new guests in, even if you already have a ticket. With one park being open and everyone having water park tickets, we wouldn’t be surprised if these parks filled up fast in the morning.
Blizzard Beach
If you know that hitting the water parks is on your list, make sure you arrive early so there’s a greater chance of you getting in. Also note that if you come when only one park is open, you won’t have a choice between which park to enjoy, so if there’s only one you have your eye on, make sure you’re visiting during the open season.
Crowds!
You can always spend time at the hotel pool, too!
Take advantage of your hotel’s pool
Something that might encourage you to book your trip in 2026 is the big promotion where kids eat free. Yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds, but you need to make sure that you know all the details before heading to the parks.
You could get a lot of food!
The deal is only available for children aged three to nine. Anyone younger gets into the parks for free, so they typically aren’t included in any deals or promotions. You’ll also need to purchase a dining plan for ALL the other members of your party, which can add up. You also need to purchase it for the whole length of your trip.
Kids breakfast
Kids can only choose from the kids’ menu when there is one available as well. If you’re purchasing the Quick-Service Dining Plan for the adults, the kids will also get quick-service, and if you purchase the other Dining Plan, which focuses more on table service, the kids will get that one as well.
Sesame Chicken Kids’ Meal
FULL GUIDE TO DISNEY DINING PLAN AT DISNEY WORLD
You can also add this deal to other offers, which is great to know, too. Save the money where you can!
Crystal Palace
Don’t want to go through all of the stress of booking your Disney World trip alone? Reach out to our friends at Small World Vacations! Their experienced agents monitor your reservation for possible future savings, compare discounts, and figure out which one works best for your travel party, dates, resort, and touring plans. And, they share expert tips and first-hand advice with you about your magical vacation.
In the meantime, make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more tips and tricks you need for your next Disney vacation.
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Are you going to Disney World in 2026? Tell us in the comments.
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Is the free water park on check in going to be available all year or just the summer? Our trip is planned in April and it may make a difference as to weather we get a park hopper+ or just a park hopper. Also, I wish Disney would not call 10 year olds adults when it comes to prices. I’m not going to spend $99 per day for a dining plan for my 10 year old when all she wants to eat is chicken strips, pizza, and tacos.