Disney World guests are in for a wave of exciting updates at select resorts, starting this summer. From new character meet-and-greets to adjusted parking policies at the Polynesian Village Resort, there’s a lot to unpack. Plus, with brand-new luggage services being introduced and even more changes in 2026, your Disney resort stay is about to get even more magical.
Let’s dive into everything that’s changing and how it could affect your next trip.
Scheduled Character Appearances at Disney’s Select Resorts
If you’re staying at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Pop Century Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, or Wilderness Lodge, you’re in for a treat this summer. These resorts will begin offering scheduled character visits to make your stay extra magical.
Disney recently announced that guests staying at these hotels will be able to plan ahead and enjoy set character appearances throughout the day. This means families can enjoy time with their favorite Disney characters before hitting the parks—or as part of a relaxing resort day.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Normally, meeting Disney characters at the parks can involve long waits in line, sometimes upwards of 30 minutes or more. Having these scheduled meet-and-greets available at the resorts gives guests a chance to meet beloved characters like Mickey and Minnie, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and others without having to trek through the crowds at the theme parks. Plus, it’s a great way for kids to enjoy some Disney magic if they need a day to relax at the resort.
This is a game-changer for families—especially those with younger kids who might not have the stamina for a full day at the parks. Scheduling ahead means you can prioritize activities while making the most out of your resort stay.
Polynesian Resort Changes Parking Rules for Non-Guests
Disney has made some big changes to parking access at the iconic Polynesian Village Resort. Non-resort guests will now be able to park at the hotel starting at 2:00 p.m. if they’re planning to dine at one of the resort’s non-reservation-required restaurants.
But there’s a catch—parking is not guaranteed for non-resort guests, and priority is always given to hotel guests, meaning you might still find yourself unable to park if the lot fills up.
More Dining Options Now Easier to Access
Some of the dining locations now available to non-resort visitors include:
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Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, an ultra-popular tiki bar serving exotic drinks and themed food.
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Tambu Lounge, located next to ‘Ohana, where you can sip tropical cocktails before your meal.
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Wailulu Bar & Grill, a more laid-back spot offering island-inspired bites and drinks near the resort’s bungalows.
With these new rules, it’s easier than ever for day guests to explore some of the best dining options at the Polynesian Resort without a full-on hotel stay. So if you’ve been itching to try Trader Sam’s, this is your chance to avoid the complicated reservation system.
Luggage Assistance Service Rolls Out for Southwest Flyers
In a pilot program launched this spring, guests staying at select Disney Value Resorts who are flying Southwest Airlines can now use Luggage Assistance to have their bags transported directly to the airport. No need to lug them through the airport or wait in long check-in lines—Disney will take care of the heavy lifting.
This service is currently only available for guests at Disney’s Value Resorts, such as:
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All-Star Movies Resort
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All-Star Music Resort
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All-Star Sports Resort
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Art of Animation Resort
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Pop Century Resort
Simply drop off your checked baggage at the Luggage Assistance desk at your hotel, and Disney will take care of everything to get it to Orlando International Airport and onto your Southwest Airlines flight. This service is a huge convenience, especially for families or travelers looking to skip the hassle of traditional airport baggage check-ins.
What to Know
Although this program is just a pilot, it’s an exciting first step toward making airport travel smoother and more convenient for Disney resort guests. For now, it’s limited to certain resorts and airlines, but there’s hope Disney will expand the program soon.
Big Changes Coming in 2026: Fort Wilderness and Resort Room Classifications
Looking further into the future, Disney has announced two major changes coming in 2026, both of which could affect how guests plan their stays.
Fort Wilderness Campsite Occupancy Limits
Starting January 1, 2026, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will reduce the maximum occupancy at campsites from 10 people to 8 people per site. This change will likely impact larger families or groups, so be sure to plan accordingly if you’ve been booking sites that accommodate more than 8 guests.
Simplified Room Classifications at Moderate Resorts
Beginning in 2026, Disney is simplifying the way they classify rooms at Moderate-tier resorts. Rooms will no longer be categorized by view type—such as garden view or water view—but instead will be grouped into more basic categories: Standard Room, Preferred Room, and Rooms with King Beds.
This will likely make booking a lot easier for guests who are confused by the current view-based system and help streamline the reservation process. Hotels affected include:
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Caribbean Beach Resort
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Coronado Springs Resort
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Port Orleans – French Quarter
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Port Orleans – Riverside
Wrapping Up: What These Changes Mean for You
From easier access to character meet-and-greets to new parking and luggage services, Disney World’s resort offerings are rapidly evolving. These changes promise to make your vacation experience more seamless and magical, whether you’re relaxing at the resort or heading out to the parks.
Make sure to keep these updates in mind as you plan your next Disney getaway—whether it’s this summer or well into 2026.
