Walt Disney World has been quietly stacking hotel updates for 2026, and they’re the kind of changes that could actually affect how guests build their vacations. This isn’t just Disney throwing out a random perk and hoping people get excited.
Instead, it feels like Disney is trying to make staying on property feel more valuable again, especially as more families start weighing offsite options. With prices continuing to climb, Disney clearly knows it has to give guests a few fundamental reasons to stay inside the bubble.
Now that 2026 vacation planning is picking up speed, here are six hotel updates Disney has officially put in motion.
Why Staying at a Disney Resort Still Feels Different
Even when the cost stings, Disney resorts still offer something that offsite hotels can’t fully replicate. The most significant benefit is convenience. You don’t have to drive, fight parking lots, or deal with Orlando traffic. Disney transportation keeps you moving without making every park day feel like a road trip.
But the bigger reason guests still pay extra is the atmosphere. Staying on the property keeps the trip feeling like Disney from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep. The problem is that Value Resorts aren’t exactly “cheap” anymore, which makes these new perks feel more critical than ever.
Free Park Admission
Disney brought back a popular perk that gives hotel guests free entry to a water park on their check-in day. It’s a fun way to kick off a vacation without needing to buy an extra ticket, and it gives families something to do before they even step into a theme park.
However, Disney is limiting the perk for 2026. Instead of offering it year-round, Disney will only make it available during the summer season. That’s when the water parks get the most demand, but it still stings for spring and fall visitors who would love the same option. If you want to use this benefit, summer is the time to book, and you’ll want to arrive early before the parks fill up.
Refurbishments Are Finally Wrapping Up
Pop Century remains one of Disney’s most popular Value Resorts, and that’s mainly because it feels like a step above many budget hotels. It has Skyliner access, bold theming, and a location that makes getting around Disney World easier.
Disney has now confirmed the resort’s refurbishment is nearing the finish line. The updates include refreshed rooms along with improvements to the lobby and dining spaces. Disney expects the rooms to be completed by the end of February 2026, meaning early spring travelers could be among the first to experience the fully updated resort.
Surprise Characters Keep the Resort Experience Feeling Special
One thing guests love about staying at Disney resorts is that the magic doesn’t stop when you leave the parks. Characters can still show up around resort grounds, and those moments tend to feel more exciting because they aren’t always planned.
Guests might see characters walking through a lobby or appearing outside in a way that makes a resort day feel like part of the vacation, not just downtime. These moments seem especially common at Moderate and Deluxe resorts, where Disney leans harder into premium experiences.
Special Summer Offers
Disney is also bringing back Cool Kid Summer from May 26 through September 8, and resort guests will likely feel the benefit more than anyone else. During the event, Disney plans to add extra character experiences during Early Entry at all four theme parks.
Since Early Entry is only available to Disney hotel guests, this creates an extra layer of value for families staying on property. It also gives guests a chance to meet characters before the parks get crowded, which could be a huge advantage for kids who love meet-and-greets.
Booking Advantages
Staying at a Disney hotel isn’t just about location. It also gives guests an advantage when planning Lightning Lane selections. Resort guests can book 7 days in advance, while offsite guests have only a 3-day window. That time difference matters when you’re trying to lock in return times for popular rides.
Disney hotel guests also get a dining advantage. While all guests can book dining reservations 60 days out, Disney resort guests can book for the length of their stay (up to 10 nights) starting at the 60-day mark. That makes it much easier to grab reservations at popular restaurants like Cinderella’s Royal Table or Chef Mickey’s.
Disney’s 2026 Discounts Could Save Guests Hundreds
Disney has also been pushing hotel discounts that could make staying on property more realistic. One deal adds two free nights when guests purchase a 4-night, 4-day or longer room-and-ticket package through the Walt Disney Travel Company. Guests must book by February 15, 2026, and the deal applies to many nights from May 26 through September 15.
Disney also offers up to 30% off select resorts for stays from May 1 through October 4. Florida residents can save up to 35% from May 1 through July 29, and Annual Passholders can save up to 40% during that same period.
These Perks Won’t Fix Prices, But They Help
Disney resort pricing still feels steep, and these changes won’t suddenly make a vacation cheap. But between the water park benefit, Pop Century’s upgrades, extra character opportunities, planning advantages, and substantial discounts, Disney is clearly trying to make staying on property feel more rewarding again.
For guests planning a 2026 trip, these updates might be the best reason in years to consider staying in the Disney bubble.
