For years, we’ve been searching for the ultimate Disney World hotel hacks, and we’ve amassed quite a list.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
From learning the best rooms to request at each hotel to knowing which products are a must-have for a peaceful stay in a place where there are lots of people, you gather quite a bit of know-how when you’ve been doing Disney World resort stays for decades. But recently, one member of our team tried out a “secret perk” for Disney Resort guests, and it was a game-changer!
If you’re looking to save money on your Disney World trip, that often starts before you even book. People scour the Special Offers section of the website to look for the best hotel discounts and ticket deals. But did you know there’s a “secret” way to save if you book a Disney Resort package?
Port Orleans — French Quarter
If you book a hotel and ticket package for your Disney World trip (staying at a Disney Resort), you qualify for the Magical Extras card. This is a special card that you can pick up at your hotel’s front desk when you arrive, and it gives you access to SO MANY discounts. Seriously, this thing could save you a lot of money!
Wilderness Lodge Lobby
This is a huge perk for people who don’t have Annual Passes to score them extra discounts on dining and merchandise. You can find the full list of Magical Extras for each year on the Disney World website, and some of these discounts are absolutely wild.
©Disney
For example, in 2026, you’ll be able to save on experiences like Drawn to Life, the Cirque du Soleil show at Disney Springs, surrey bike rentals at various hotels around property, and a round of bowling at Splitsville. The card also gets you discounts on Balocoloc Venetian Masks from the Italy Pavilion, savings on shipping services at the hotel business centers, and a free suite treat if you board your pet at the Best Friends Pet Hotel.
Drawn to Life
There are also quite a few dining discounts offered. For example, you can save 10% at Cake Bake Shop between noon and 4PM. And if you know Cake Bake Shop, you know they aren’t cheap — so any bit of savings is a huge deal.
Caramel Popcorn Chocolate Cake
You can also save 10% at restaurants like Rain Forest Cafe, The BOATHOUSE, Frontera Cocina, and more. This is just scratching the surface of what’s being offered.
That’s quite a few ways to save! If you’ve never tried the Magical Extras card before, don’t skip it on your next trip! It could help you significantly. And who doesn’t love saving money on a Disney trip?! Especially when you get the savings simply for staying at a Disney World hotel?
Stay tuned to DFB for more news and updates from Disney World.
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What’s your ultimate Disney World hotel tip? Tell us in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
Are any of these perks available to DVC members. Members spend over a half million at Disney parks over the course of their ownership interest, and get almost nothing in return but a lousy 10% on dining and merch.