There are a few perks to staying at a Disney World hotel!

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

From free transportation to free water park admission, there are more than a few benefits that help you justify that Disney resort price. Thankfully, Disney has confirmed that in 2026, one of our favorite perks is back, and we couldn’t be more excited for those early Disney mornings.

There are so many perks to staying at a Disney World hotel, but it’s almost undeniable that one of the best perks is Early Theme Park Entry. Early Entry in Disney World has changed a bit recently, but the important thing to know is that it gives Disney resort guests an extra 30 minutes in the parks before they open. 

Magic Kingdom Early Entry

Disney has finally confirmed that Early Entry will be returning through 2026! This is valid for every guest with a valid ticket at all 4 Disney World theme parks! 30 minutes might not seem like a huge difference, but you would be surprised just how much of a leg up it gives you during your park day.

Early Entry

Early Entry is a bit different at each park because not every attraction is open. For example, at Magic Kingdom, only Tomorrowland and Fantasyland are included in Early Entry, but Tron is not on the list despite being in Tomorrowland. Now, just because a ride isn’t open during early entry, that doesn’t mean you can’t hop in line for it! Tron opens at 9 AM (the same time as Magic Kingdom), but if you want, you can hop in line at 8:30 during early entry, which can make a huge difference.

TRON Lightcycle / Run opens at 9 AM

These changes can really impact your rope drop strategy in each park! Not only has rope drop changed, though, in Summer 2025, you can meet some of your favorite characters during Early Entry. While this might not impact tons of people, this is amazing news for people who love a solid character meet and greet.

Cinderella

This summer, a few characters will begin their meet and greets inside the parks DURING Early Entry, instead of waiting for the park’s official opening! We should be seeing these changes around May 27th, 2025, although we don’t have an official list of characters just yet.

Early Entry crowds at Animal Kingdom

We are pumped that this Disney perk is staying around in 2026! (Although we still wish it were an hour like it used to be!) Disney also confirmed that Free Water Park Admission would be returning, as well as the Free Dining Plan for Kids. There is so much to look forward to this summer and next year. You can even start booking your 2026 vacations now for dates through October 2026. If planning sounds stressful, let someone else do it! 

Small World Vacations is our long-time trusted travel partner! They have tons of Disney knowledge, will find you the best deals, and it’s free of charge! Let them make your vacation more magical and less stressful. As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news and updates.

How Rope Drop Has Changed For Magic Kingdom

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