Change is hitting the Disneyland Resort like a tidal wave in 2026. In fact, some hotel perks are getting adjustments!
Disneyland
Right now, most of the talk surrounding the Disneyland Resort has to do with the multiple expansion projects in progress. However, a pair of hotel perks are about to change this January… and we’re betting most guests won’t be too thrilled.
Last year, Disneyland confirmed that the resort will no longer offer Early Entry for Disneyland Resort hotel guests. The change goes into effect incredibly soon, starting January 5th, 2026. This change is not a temporary one and will be the new norm.
©Disney
The Early Entry perk used to let hotel guests enter a select theme park 30 minutes before the normal posted park opening time, but now, all guests staying at a Disney hotel or elsewhere will first be able to enter via rope drop. No longer does staying at one of Disneyland’s three hotels give you a leg up on locals and other guests.
Rope drop crowds!
While the perk is gone, Disneyland is offering a replacement in the form of one Lightning Lane pass per guest for any Multi Pass eligible attraction per trip.
The pass is only offered for one use during the entire length of stay, and cannot be used on Single Pass rides Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland or Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure. To view this pass and book a reservation, follow the steps in the Disneyland app.
Indiana Jones Adventure
Additionally, Disney revealed that the dedicated park entrance to Disney California Adventure at Pixar Place Hotel will be closed off to all guests beginning January 5th, 2026.
Pixar Place Hotel
This entrance was used exclusively by Pixar Place guests and provided access to and from the park — creating a massive shortcut that bypassed the Disneyland Esplanade, Downtown Disney, and the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Pixar Place entrance in DCA closed
Starting on January 5th, guests looking to get between California Adventure and Pixar Place can use the dedicated Grand Californian entrance if they’re still looking to cut down on steps. This hotel is across the street from Pixar Place, and can also be accessed by the general public via a Downtown Disney entrance.
Grand Californian Hotel
Perk changes, park changes, and overall expansion updates are all going to dominate Disneyland discourse in 2026 — so be sure to keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know!
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Really no reason to stay at a Disneyland resort anymore. WAY too much money for too little return. Hotels around Disneyland will be doing much better in the future. We already have our reservations across the street.
Why would I stay on property if they don’t offer early entry? I remember when early entry was an hour and it wasn’t just exclusive to the resorts but it included any of the good neighbor hotels.
i remember last time i stayed in a Disneyland hotel and it was an hour before park open. it was worth the additional cost for the perk. then it went to 30mins and now none. i think ill continue to stay at off site at cheaper hotels cause staying on site really isn’t offering anything special at the moment