Wait, what?
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Disneyland Resort announced that its Early Entry benefit for hotel guests will end on January 5, 2026.
The cancellation of this program will directly impact guests who rely on the early access for a more enjoyable experience. This program provided a great advantage for families eager to visit popular attractions without long wait times. The significance of the Early Theme Park Entry program has been substantial in enhancing the overall Disneyland experience, making its early termination a rather bittersweet decision for many.
In tandem with the closure of the Early Theme Park Entry program, Disneyland officials will also be shutting down the dedicated entrance to Disney California Adventure from the Pixar Place Hotel. Beginning January 5, 2026, guests will no longer have this quick access point to the park. Instead, those staying at Pixar Place Hotel will have to enter through the Grand Californian Hotel entrance.
This change in access may lead to a less convenient experience for guests used to the prior arrangements, potentially resulting in longer walks and increased wait times at the Grand Californian entrance. The closure of this special entrance marks a shift in how guests will experience California Adventure and may have long-term implications for visitor satisfaction in the future.
In place of the Early Entry program, Disneyland is introducing a new benefit: one free Lightning Lane entry for a Multi Pass attraction of their choice for guests of Disneyland Resort hotels. This alteration aims to provide a fresh incentive while addressing the needs of visitors.
Compared to the previous early entry benefits, the Lightning Lane pass offers a different kind of convenience. While early entry allowed guests to enjoy attractions before the gates opened to the general public, the Lightning Lane experience is more about timing during busy periods. Guests will be able to skip the regular lines for select rides, making it a valuable addition, but it may not fully replicate the advantages of early park access.
