Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World just rolled out a handful of hotel updates for 2026, and honestly, they’re the kind of changes that could make a lot of guests stop and rethink how they plan their next trip.
Because this isn’t just Disney tossing out a random perk and calling it a “magical upgrade.”
These updates feel like Disney is actively trying to make staying on property feel more worth it again.
And with so many families debating whether Disney resorts are still worth the price tag, that timing is no accident. Disney knows people are increasingly looking off-property, and the company clearly wants to keep guests inside the Disney bubble.
Now that 2026 planning is already heating up, these are six major hotel changes Disney has officially put on the table.
Why Guests Still Choose to Stay on Property
Even with rising prices, staying at a Disney World resort still has a certain appeal that offsite hotels just can’t match.
For one thing, Disney hotels make the entire vacation feel smoother. You don’t have to drive everywhere, you don’t have to stress about parking, and you can rely on Disney transportation to get you to the parks without dealing with I-4 traffic.
But more importantly, staying on property keeps you inside the “Disney vacation mindset.” You wake up in a themed resort, you see Disney details everywhere, and you never really have to leave the experience.
The problem is that the ream has gotten more complex and more challenging to afford. Price hikes have pushed even Value Resorts into a range that feels ridiculous for families who already spent thousands just on tickets.
That’s why these new 2026 hotel changes stand out. They aren’t fixing Disney pricing overnight, but they are offering perks that could help guests feel like they’re getting more for what they’re paying.
1. Free Park Entry Is Back!
Disney introduced a surprisingly exciting perk last year: if you stay at a Disney World hotel, you can visit a Disney water park for free on your check-in day.
It was a significant win for guests, because it gave you something fun to do before your official park days started. You could arrive, check in, and immediately jump into vacation mode without needing to buy an extra ticket.
But Disney is changing the perk for 2026.
Instead of offering it year-round, Disney will only make the perk available during the summer season. That’s when water parks are in highest demand, so Disney clearly wants to focus on the benefit during the busiest stretch of the year.
For guests visiting in spring or fall, it’s a little disappointing. Florida still gets hot outside of summer, and plenty of travelers would have loved using that perk during those “in-between” seasons.
Still, if you’re traveling in summer, this could be a great bonus. Just make sure you arrive early, because Disney water parks can absolutely hit capacity on busy days.
2. A Huge Hotel Refurbishment Will Finally Be Finished
Pop Century is one of Disney World’s most popular Value Resorts, and for good reason. It offers Skyliner access, fun theming, and usually feels like one of the better Value-level stays on property.
Now Disney has confirmed that the resort’s refurbishment is finally nearing the finish line.
And it’s not just a quick room refresh. The lobby, dining area, and guest rooms are being updated, making the entire resort feel more modern and polished.
That’s big news, because Pop Century already stays in high demand even without brand-new updates. Once the project is complete, it could easily become one of Disney’s most competitive “best value” resorts.
Disney expects the rooms to be finished by the end of February 2026, meaning spring travelers could be among the first guests to experience the completed resort.
And yes, a fully refreshed Pop Century is precisely the kind of update that makes Value Resorts feel more appealing again.
3. Disney Is Still Leaning Into Surprise Character Moments
One of the most underrated parts of staying at a Disney hotel is that you never know what kind of extra Disney magic you’ll stumble into.
Characters occasionally pop up at resorts, and for guests, those moments feel special because they aren’t always expected. You might spot a character near the lobby, walking around the grounds, or making a surprise appearance that turns a simple resort day into something memorable.
This tends to happen more often at Moderate and Deluxe resorts, and it makes sense. Those are the tiers Disney markets as “premium,” and characters are one of the easiest ways to elevate the experience.
For families taking a break from the parks, this is a big deal. Sometimes guests don’t want to fight crowds or wait in long lines, and getting a surprise character moment without the stress is precisely the kind of thing Disney hotels do best.
It’s a reminder that resort stays aren’t just about sleeping somewhere close to the parks. They’re supposed to feel like part of the vacation.
4. Summer Brings Brand New Experiences
Disney is bringing back its Cool Kid Summer event from May 26 through September 8, and one of the best perks is something resort guests will definitely notice.
During the event, Disney adds extra characters to all four theme parks during Early Entry, a perk available only to guests staying at Disney hotels.
That means resort guests may get access to character interactions while the parks are still quieter, before the usual crowds flood in.
For families with younger kids, this could be a significant win. Character meet-and-greets can eat up a big chunk of the day, and lines can get long fast. Having characters available during Early Entry could make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.
And for adults who still love meeting characters, it’s just a fun bonus. There’s something different about meeting a character early in the morning when the park still feels calm.
It’s not a huge perk on paper, but it adds extra value to Early Entry in a way that feels very Disney.
5. Lightning Lane and Dining Booking Advantages
If you’re staying at a Disney World hotel in 2026, one of the biggest perks remains the planning advantage.
Resort guests can book Lightning Lane selections 7 days in advance, while offsite guests can book only 3 days in advance.
That difference matters more than people realize. When you’re trying to get the best return times for popular attractions, those extra days can make or break your schedule.
And since Lightning Lane pricing can be expensive, you want to maximize what you’re paying for. Booking earlier gives you a better chance of getting the times you actually want, instead of settling for leftovers.
Disney hotel guests also have a significant dining advantage.
All guests can book at 60 days out, but Disney resort guests can book for the length of their stay (up to 10 nights) at the 60-day mark. That gives them a massive edge for hard-to-get restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s, and other popular dining spots.
Disney dining has become so competitive that this perk alone can justify staying on property for guests who plan their vacations around reservations.
6. Disney’s 2026 Hotel Deals Are Actually Pretty Impressive
Disney has also been heavily pushing hotel discounts, and the offers for 2026 could save guests a surprising amount of money.
One deal adds 2 free nights to your stay when you purchase a 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Walt Disney Travel Company room-and-ticket package. You must book by February 15, 2026, and the deal applies to many nights from May 26 through September 15.
Disney is also offering up to 30% off select hotels for stays from May 1 through October 4.
Florida residents can save up to 35% on hotel rooms for many stays from May 1 through July 29.
Annual Passholders can save up to 40% for stays from May 1 through July 29.
These discounts won’t make Disney “cheap,” but they absolutely can make a difference, especially for families who need every dollar to stretch.
The best advice is to keep checking Disney’s website and watch for additional deals, as Disney tends to roll out new offers throughout the year based on demand.
Disney’s 2026 Hotel Updates Could Actually Make a Difference
Disney World resort prices are still high, and nobody’s pretending otherwise.
But these six official changes show that Disney is at least trying to make staying on property feel more valuable. Between the summer water park perk, Pop Century’s major refurbishment, character additions, Early Entry upgrades, booking advantages, and real hotel discounts, Disney is clearly trying to strengthen the on-property experience.
And for guests planning a 2026 trip, this might be one of the better years to lock in a resort stay—especially if you can grab one of those deals before they disappear.