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Credit: DisneyDisney just confirmed that it is ending its early park admission perk for thousands of guests while announcing a shocking update to how guests enjoy attractions in the future.
Disney Says Goodbye to Early Park Admission (With a Catch)
It’s not often that Disney makes a change that feels like a win and a loss all at once. But starting January 5, 2026, guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels will see one major perk vanish while gaining another in return.
Imagine arriving at the gates of Disneyland Park at sunrise, coffee in hand, ready to dash toward your favorite ride before the crowds arrive—only to find that this long-standing ritual is ending. For many, Early Theme Park Entry was a hidden advantage that made hotel stays worth the premium price. But for others, that 30-minute head start wasn’t enough to justify the higher cost.
Now, Disney is trading that early-morning edge for something entirely different: a free Lightning Lane entry to one attraction of your choice during your stay. Depending on how you plan your day, this could be a game-changer—or a disappointment. So what exactly does this mean for your next vacation, and how can you make the most of it?
What’s Changing at Disneyland Resort on January 5
Disney confirmed that beginning January 5, every guest staying at an official Disneyland Resort hotel will receive one complimentary Lightning Lane entry to a Multi Pass attraction of their choice. This perk applies to all guests listed on the reservation, as long as they have valid park admission and a reservation. Disney Vacation Club reservations are included, while Good Neighbor Hotel bookings are not.
NEW: Starting Jan. 5, all guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel will receive one complimentary Lightning Lane entry for a Multi Pass attraction of their choice. Also NEW: Beginning Jan. 5, Disneyland Resort will end the Early Theme Park Entry program. The one Lightning Lane entry will be available to each guest on the reservation with valid park admission and a park reservation. Limit one per guest, per stay. DVC reservations do qualify. Good Neighbor Hotel bookings do not qualify. Disneyland officials said the Early Theme Park Entry benefit was not widely used, prompting the shift to the Lightning Lane entry benefit beginning in Jan. 5. – @ScottGustin on X
NEW: Starting Jan. 5, all guests staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel will receive one complimentary Lightning Lane entry for a Multi Pass attraction of their choice.
Also NEW: Beginning Jan. 5, Disneyland Resort will end the Early Theme Park Entry program.
The one Lightning… pic.twitter.com/GkH05O0QSO
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 20, 2025
At the same time, Disney is officially retiring the Early Theme Park Entry program, which allowed hotel guests to access the parks 30 minutes before the general public. Officials explained that the benefit “was not widely used,” prompting the shift toward something that could have broader appeal.
How to Use the New Lightning Lane Perk
This new perk gives each guest on your reservation a single-use Lightning Lane redemption during your stay. That means if you’re traveling with a family of four, each person can choose one attraction to skip the standby line.
Pro tips to maximize value:
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Choose high-demand rides like Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, or Radiator Springs Racers.
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Plan strategically—save your Lightning Lane for peak afternoon crowds when standby times soar.
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Don’t waste it on attractions with consistently short waits like The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure or Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!
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Remember the rules—one Lightning Lane per guest, per stay, not per day.
Hidden Hacks and Insider Advice
While this perk seems straightforward, there are a few insider hacks to squeeze the most value out of it:
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Stack with Multi Pass: If you already purchased a Disneyland Multi Pass, you can combine it with this free entry for an even smoother day.
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Coordinate with your group: If everyone uses their perk on the same ride, your party can essentially turn a high-demand attraction into a private VIP moment.
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Stay flexible: Some attractions may run out of Lightning Lane slots, so book early in the morning through the Disneyland app.
Why This Matters to Fans
This change is bittersweet. For some, losing Early Theme Park Entry means saying goodbye to quiet morning strolls down Main Street and first dibs on popular rides. For others, gaining a guaranteed Lightning Lane feels more valuable, especially since lines can easily stretch beyond an hour during peak times.
On social media, fan reactions are split: hotel guests who cherished the extra 30 minutes are disappointed, while families who struggled to wake up early are thrilled at the chance to skip a line later in the day. Historically, Disney has adjusted hotel perks to match guest behavior, and this move reflects a push toward flexibility and value.
At the end of the day, the change underscores a larger truth: Disneyland vacations are evolving, and those who adapt their strategies will always come out ahead.
The Bottom Line for Disney Guests
Starting January 5, your Disneyland hotel stay will look a little different. Whether you view this as a loss or a gain depends on your touring style. If you’re a night owl or a family that prefers to sleep in, this perk could be a dream. If you loved the peaceful mornings of Early Entry, it’s the end of an era.
Either way, the key is planning—because at Disneyland, a little preparation goes a very long way.