5 New Reasons to Stay at a Disney World Hotel

Staying at a Disney World hotel comes with its own set of perks.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney World can cost an arm and a leg, so when you can get some perks for staying on property, it’s always a great idea to take advantage of them! These benefits can certainly enhance a stay, provide some savings, and give you a leg up on a great vacation. In fact, these perks are HUGE reasons as to why you should stay at a Disney World hotel.

From new perks to some that have returned, we’re looking at several reasons why staying at a Disney World hotel could be the RIGHT choice for you and your family.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Water Park Access on Check-In Day

New to Disney World in 2025, Disney hotel guests will be able to enjoy complimentary access to Disney’s water parks on their check-in day! Guests will get to experience either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon as soon as they arrive at Disney World — even before the hotel room is ready.

Typhoon Lagoon

This new perk lets you make the most out of a travel day, so pack a swimsuit and get the party started early!

Early Theme Park Entry

A fan-favorite hotel perk is sticking around. Guests staying at Disney World hotels will get the Early Theme Park Entry perk, allowing them access to every park 30 minutes before the general public.

Bright and early at Magic Kingdom

Guests staying at all Disney hotels and the Swan, Dolphin, and Disney Springs Resort Area hotels are all eligible to take advantage of this perk, which helps you avoid massive early morning crowds.

Extended Evening Hours

Guests staying at a Deluxe Disney Resort or a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) property are eligible for Extended Evening Hours. This perk allows guests to stay in select parks up to two hours after the regular closing time — meaning lower wait times and lower crowds in general.

Tree of Life

Which park gets to experience Extended Evening Hours rotates, so you can plan your days and nights accordingly by checking the Disney World website.

Early Access to Lightning Lane Bookings

Another perk of staying at a Disney hotel is that you can book your Lightning Lane Multi Pass reservations up to seven (7) days before your trip for your entire stay (up to 14 days).

Slinky Dog Dash Lightning Lane

Guests who don’t qualify for the 7-day advanced window can only book three (3) days in advance. With Lightning Lane bookings being so competitive, having those extra days to get ahead can make a world of difference.

Free Dining Plan

Starting March 27th, 2025, you can get the Disney Dining Plan FOR FREE when booking a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Disney World vacation package that includes a room at select Disney World hotels, as well as a theme park ticket with the Disney Park Hopper option.

The deal is for arrivals for most nights from:

June 29th to September 30th, 2025
October 20th to November 1st, 2025
December 6th to December 22nd, 2025

You’ll get the standard Disney Dining Plan if you’re staying at Disney World’s deluxe hotels. Moderate or value hotel stays come with the Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan.

The Disney Dining Plan is back!

We’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest Disney World perks, so stay tuned right here at DFB to stay in the know!

9 (!!!) Disney World Hotel Perks Are Coming BACK in 2026

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 is your favorite Disney World perk? Let us know in the comments below!