6 Game-Changing Updates Announced for Disney World Hotels This Summer

Since the Contemporary and Polynesian Resort opened with Walt Disney World on opening day in 1971, Disney hotel guests have had access to numerous perks while staying on property, ranging from transportation to dining and park access.

Goofy is ready for summer!

That tradition continues to this day, as guests staying at a Walt Disney World hotel in 2026 have access to some major new — and limited-time — updates.

Discounts!

Things begin before guests even begin their trip, as Disney is offering some unprecedented discounts. These include savings of up to 30% on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels for stays most nights from May 1st to July 29th, 2026.

Guests can save up to 30% for stays of 5 or more consecutive nights and 25% for stays of 1 to 4 consecutive nights at Disney’s Deluxe Tier Resorts, 25% off stays of 5 or more nights and 20% or stays of 1 to 4 nights at select Disney Moderate and Value Tier Resorts, and 20% off stays of 5 or more nights and 15% off stays of 1 to 4 nights at select Moderate and Value Tier Resorts, as well as the Fort Wilderness Campground.

The Monorail INSIDE Contemporary Resort

The Water Park Perk is BACK!

In 2025, Disney introduced a new water park perk for hotel guests, which gave each member of their party admission to one of Walt Disney World’s water parks on their check-in day. The perk is returning from May 26th to September 8th.

Blizzard Beach

Cool Kids’ Summer

Speaking of returns, the Cool Kids Summer promotion is also back from May 26th to September 8th, and there are a slew of associated perks at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Art of Animation, and Pop Century. The include:

Scheduled Character Appearances: Meet some favorite Disney pals—like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—during scheduled appearances.
Special Libraries: Little ones can celebrate Disney stories in libraries provided by Disney Publishing, where the magic of their imaginations can come alive with tales of princesses, heroes, and more.
Pajama Party: Wind down with your family during story time! Participate in a “create your own bedtime story” activity, where the magic of a good book comes to life with the arrival of a favorite Disney Character.
Pool Party: Make a splash at a high-energy poolside experience with games and music for the whole family.
Campfire: Gather ‘round for a celebration filled with marshmallows and Disney-infused entertainment.

Art of Animation

In addition to these summer specials, Disney hotels also offer some major perks year-round, including:

30 Minute Early Entry: Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels (and select other hotels) can take advantage of a 30 Minute Early entry into each of Walt Disney World’s theme parks every day of their stay (including check-in and check-out days).
Extended Evening Hours: Offered at select Walt Disney World theme parks on select nights. However, these two extra hours are only available to guests at Disney Deluxe Tier or Deluxe Villa resort guests.
The Ability to book Lightning Lanes (7 days vs 4) and Advance Dining Reservations (60 days out from their day of arrival for their whole trip up to 10 days) earlier than non-hotel guests.

Early Entry at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests staying at a Disney World hotel this summer have access to a slew of special — and limited — game-changing perks! Stay tuned to DFB for more coverage of Disney’s special offers.

Disney Just Dropped 6 NEW Discounts for 2026, and You Need To Listen Up!

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