https://www.disneydining.com/15-things-youll-love-staying-walt-world-disney-resort/Walt Disney World used to be the kind of place where staying at a Disney Resort felt like an experience in itself.
The magic didn’t stop when you left the parks—it followed you to your room, your meals, and even the airport. But in 2025, longtime guests are noticing something different. That sprinkle of extra pixie dust? It’s thinning out.
From airport pickup to in-room services, Disney has made quiet changes over the past few years—changes that have added up to one big question: What happened to the perks?
Free Transportation Is Gone—And So Is the Luggage Service
The end of Magical Express marked a big shift. This once-beloved perk provided free transportation from Orlando International Airport to Disney Resort hotels—and even handled your luggage for you. It made the transition from real life to Disney magic seamless.
Now? It’s up to you. You’ve got to book third-party transit, and your bags don’t get special treatment. For families, this has meant more stress and more cost—right from the start.
Room Service? That’s a Thing of the Past
After a long day in the parks, guests once looked forward to collapsing into bed and ordering room service or having pizza delivered to their resort room. But that option quietly disappeared, and as of 2025, it’s still MIA. Disney hasn’t officially said it won’t return, but at this point, many believe it’s just another cost-saving cut that’s here to stay.
Housekeeping Isn’t What It Used to Be
Daily room cleanings used to be the norm, especially at Disney. Beds were made, towels refreshed, and everything tidied up. Now, most resort rooms are only cleaned every other day—unless you specifically request more frequent service. This might seem small, but for what guests are paying, it feels like a downgrade.
FastPass+ Was Free—Lightning Lane Isn’t
The switch from FastPass+ to Lightning Lane still stings. What was once a complimentary perk is now part of a paid system. Guests have to either buy daily Lightning Lane access or pay per ride—on top of the price they’ve already shelled out for park tickets. It’s a major change that’s reshaped how guests experience the parks.
MagicBands, Extended Hours, and What’s Left
Free MagicBands were once mailed to resort guests as a fun pre-trip treat. In 2025, they’re no longer complimentary. And Extended Evening Hours, once included for all resort guests, are now reserved for those staying at Deluxe Resorts only.
These little things might seem minor individually—but together? They’ve changed the tone of a Disney Resort stay. The magic’s still there, sure. But now it costs a little more and delivers a little less.
Final Thoughts
It’s not that Disney World isn’t magical anymore—it’s that the experience has shifted. Staying at a Disney Resort still has its perks, but they’ve been trimmed, tweaked, or taken away altogether. For those who remember the “old” way of doing things, 2025 feels a little less enchanted.
