Disney World has done it again — and fans are not happy. In the midst of steep price hikes on everything from rooms to merchandise, the company has quietly eliminated seven major hotel perks that once made staying on property feel magical.
For many longtime guests, this isn’t just about losing extras; it’s about losing something more. It’s about watching the Disney resort experience become less special while the price tag keeps climbing.
The Disney Hotel Experience Once Felt Magical
Staying at a Disney resort used to mean more than proximity to the parks. It meant stepping into a bubble where nearly everything was taken care of. Your luggage? Handled. Your MagicBand? Waiting. Your souvenirs? Delivered right to your room.
That seamless, all-inclusive feel set Disney apart from just about every other vacation destination. But bit by bit, those perks have slipped away.
Prices Are Soaring Across Property
Here’s where things really sting: the price increases aren’t slowing down. Room rates at many resorts have reached jaw-dropping levels. Merchandise continues to climb in cost, from basic ears to spirit jerseys. Food prices — both quick-service and table-service — are higher than ever. Annual passes and daily admission haven’t escaped the hikes either.
In short, guests are spending more money while receiving less in return.
Perk 1: No More Package Delivery
Gone are the days of carefree shopping. Before 2020, guests could send purchases back to their hotel for pickup later. That convenient perk never returned after the pandemic, leaving shoppers hauling bags around all day.
Perk 2: Room Service Vanishes
Unless you’re staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, room service is history. No more breakfast in bed or late-night snacks delivered to your door — something that once felt like a touch of luxury.
Perk 3: Complimentary Breakfast Doesn’t Exist
Unlike many nearby hotel chains, Disney resorts don’t offer free breakfast. Guests must pay out of pocket or head into the parks, which can add up quickly during extended stays.
Perk 4: Farewell to Magical Express
For years, Magical Express set the tone for a stress-free vacation. Free airport transportation was part of the magic. Now, guests must pay for Mears Connect — a service that does the same thing but without that signature Disney touch.
Perk 5: No More Take-Home Toiletries
The beloved little bottles of H2O+ products are gone, replaced with wall dispensers. Eco-friendly? Sure. Magical? Not so much.
Perk 6: MagicBand Discounts Axed
Hotel guests once enjoyed discounted MagicBand+ upgrades. Disney ended that perk in October 2025, meaning full price for something that had previously been a freebie.
Perk 7: Disney+ Issues
Yes, Disney+ exists at some resorts — but you’ll need your own paid subscription and login. There’s no free streaming, and not every resort even has it preloaded. Many guests have to bring their own device just to watch Disney shows in a Disney room.
What’s Left Standing
To Disney’s credit, some perks remain. Early theme park Entry gives resort guests a head start. Complimentary transportation, including the Monorail and Skyliner, continues to make getting around easier. And overnight parking is now free again.
But with prices climbing, many fans are wondering if that’s enough to justify the cost.
The Tipping Point for Guests
Fans have complained about price increases before, but this feels different. Losing perks like package delivery and Magical Express alters the overall experience.
Without the little extras, staying on property can feel a lot like staying anywhere else… just more expensive.
Less Magic for More Money
Disney resorts remain stunning, boasting unmatched theming and convenience. But seven perk cuts paired with higher prices have guests rethinking where they stay. For some, nostalgia will keep them on the property. For others, offsite hotels are starting to look increasingly appealing.
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