Credit: 0soulis0, FlickrDisney World resort guests are in for a wave of changes this summer, with character experiences expanding, parking rules shifting at one of Disney’s most iconic hotels, and a newly launched service making airport travel easier—plus even more changes on the horizon for 2026.
Here’s a full breakdown of the updates already confirmed and what they mean for your next Disney vacation.
Disney Characters Are Checking Into These Four Resorts
In a move that adds extra pixie dust to the hotel experience, Disney has announced that select resorts will soon offer scheduled character appearances, starting this summer.
According to the official Disney Parks Blog, Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, and Wilderness Lodge will begin hosting daily character visits with set appearance times—a notable shift from the more sporadic or seasonal character sightings typically found at resorts.
This means guests will be able to snap photos, get autographs, and enjoy magical moments before ever stepping foot inside the parks, or during a relaxed day spent lounging poolside. Disney has also promised an expanded slate of themed family activities at these four hotels, designed to give parents and kids more reasons to enjoy the resort itself.
Why This Matters
Character meet-and-greets inside the parks often require long waits—or the purchase of Lightning Lane access. But having scheduled interactions at your hotel adds a new level of convenience and charm, especially for families with younger children who might not make it to the parks until later in the day. It’s also an ideal option for those planning rest days between theme park visits.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Adjusts Parking Access
After weeks of speculation, it’s official: parking access at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has changed, and this could make a big difference for guests looking to dine at one of the property’s sought-after restaurants.
As of now, guests without a hotel reservation are permitted to park at the resort beginning at 2:00 p.m., but only if they are visiting a non-reservation dining location—and only if space is available.
Disney emphasized that resort guests receive top priority for parking, and non-resort visitors will be turned away if the lot is full.
Where You Can Dine Without a Reservation
This change makes it a bit easier for non-hotel guests to enjoy beloved dining spots like:
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Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, a fan-favorite tiki bar known for its immersive South Seas atmosphere and creative cocktails.
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Tambu Lounge, located just outside ‘Ohana, offering tropical drinks and Hawaiian-inspired appetizers.
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Wailulu Bar & Grill, a lesser-known but scenic option near the bungalows, serving island-influenced bites in a relaxed setting.
For those seeking a taste of Polynesian magic without a full dining reservation or hotel stay, this new access window is a welcome update.
New Luggage Service Debuts for Value Resort Guests Flying Southwest
A brand-new pilot program is already rolling out at Disney’s Value Resorts, and it could significantly simplify your travel day when flying home.
As of spring 2025, guests staying at select Disney Value Resorts and flying with Southwest Airlines can now drop off their checked baggage at their hotel’s Luggage Assistance desk before heading to the airport. Disney will then deliver the bags directly to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and check them onto the flight for you.
Currently, this service is available exclusively for guests at the following resorts:
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Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
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Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
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Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
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Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
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Disney’s Pop Century Resort
What to Know
This means guests can bypass long airport baggage check-in lines altogether—especially helpful for those using Disney’s airport transportation or on a tight travel schedule. Disney has not yet shared if this feature will expand to Moderate or Deluxe resorts, or airlines beyond Southwest.
Two Big Resort Changes Are Coming in 2026
Looking a bit further ahead, Disney has announced a pair of notable policy changes coming in January 2026—one that affects group bookings at campsites and another that simplifies room types across Moderate-tier resorts.
Campsite Capacity Limits at Fort Wilderness
Beginning January 1, 2026, campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will have a new maximum occupancy of eight guests per site, down from the current ten-person limit.
This change may affect larger families or groups who traditionally book single sites to accommodate more guests. Disney has not offered a specific reason for the shift but is likely seeking to improve site availability and comfort across the campground.
Room Classifications Streamlined at Moderate Resorts
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Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
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Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
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Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Instead of multiple view-based categories, room types will be reclassified into a more basic system: Standard Room, Preferred Room, and Rooms with King Beds. This change should make booking easier for guests confused by the wide range of view-based pricing tiers (Garden View, Water View, Woods View, etc.).
From character magic at the hotels to streamlined luggage services and new booking rules, Disney’s resort landscape is evolving rapidly. Whether you’re traveling this summer or planning a vacation in 2026, these updates could have a direct impact on how you experience your stay—from check-in to check-out.
Inside the Magic will continue tracking these changes as they roll out, so check back for the latest on Disney’s evolving resort offerings.