Walt Disney World has officially confirmed what many parkgoers were hoping for—two of the most coveted perks for resort guests will continue through 2026. That’s right: both Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours aren’t going anywhere.
If you’ve ever been to Disney World during a busy season, you know just how valuable every minute inside the parks can be. These two offerings give guests a serious head start—or a relaxing wind-down—depending on how you like to explore. Either way, this is great news for anyone looking to squeeze every last drop of magic out of their vacation.
Early Theme Park Entry is available to all guests staying at Disney-owned resorts and select partner hotels. It allows you to enter any of the four parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom—a full 30 minutes before official park opening. While that might not sound like a lot, those early minutes are often the key to beating the crowds to Disney’s most popular attractions.
Want to rope drop Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT? Looking to ride Peter Pan’s Flight before the line hits 70 minutes? That early half-hour makes all the difference. It’s become a go-to strategy for families who want to ride the biggest attractions without the hassle of long wait times later in the day.
And then there’s the other end of the day—Extended Evening Hours. This benefit is only available to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas. On select nights, those guests can stay in the parks for extra hours after the official closing time. It’s one of the few chances you get to experience popular attractions like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Avatar Flight of Passage with significantly shorter waits.
The vibe during Extended Evening Hours is completely different. The parks are quieter. The temperature drops. And for many, it becomes the highlight of their entire trip. Wandering through a nearly empty Main Street, U.S.A. with Cinderella Castle lit up in the background? That’s the kind of memory that sticks.
Disney’s decision to keep these perks in place through all of 2026 speaks to how popular and effective they’ve been. They’re not just conveniences—they actually help people feel like they’re getting more value from their stay. After all, you’re paying premium prices to visit Walt Disney World. Getting in early or staying late without needing to purchase special event tickets? That’s a perk worth celebrating.
It’s also worth noting that Disney has paired this announcement with other guest-friendly deals for 2026. Families will be able to take advantage of free dining plans for kids, as well as complimentary water park admission on their check-in day during summer months. These offerings, combined with extended park access, make a strong case for booking a stay directly at a Disney resort.
If you’re hoping to book your 2026 vacation, packages open on April 22 for travel dates through October 31, with the rest of the year to follow later. And if these perks sound like something your family would enjoy, you’ll want to lock in your dates early. Resorts offering Extended Evening Hours in particular—like Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Beach Club—tend to fill up fast.
There’s no doubt that Disney is trying to strike a balance between delivering premium experiences and justifying the cost of staying on property. Perks like these go a long way in doing that. They give guests who stay at Disney resorts access to less-crowded moments inside the parks, which in many cases are worth more than any Lightning Lane selection.
