Starting January 5, 2026, Disneyland Resort will introduce a new benefit for hotel guests while discontinuing the Early Entry program. Guests staying at any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels, including Disney Vacation Club accommodations, will receive a complimentary Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction per stay.
This change aims to enhance the guest experience by offering a more flexible perk. Here’s what you need to know about this update and how it could impact your next Disneyland visit.
Early Entry Program Ends in January 2026
Current Early Entry Details
The Early Entry program currently allows hotel guests to access Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure 30 minutes before the parks open to the general public. The schedule alternates between the two parks:
- Disneyland Park: Early Entry is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- Disney California Adventure: Early Entry is offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
This program will remain in place until January 4, 2026.
Reason for Discontinuation
According to reports, the decision to end Early Entry is due to low guest utilization. Disneyland Resort is shifting its focus to a new benefit that may appeal to a broader range of visitors.
New Lightning Lane Perk for Hotel Guests
How It Works
Starting January 5, 2026, guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels, including Disney Vacation Club accommodations, will receive one complimentary Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction per stay. Here are the key details:
- Eligibility: Available to all guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels.
- Usage: Each guest on the reservation will receive one Lightning Lane pass.
- Requirements: Valid theme park admission and a park reservation (if applicable) are required to use the Lightning Lane pass.
This new perk provides added convenience and flexibility, allowing guests to skip the standby line for one attraction of their choice.
What This Means for Disney Vacation Club Members
Disney Vacation Club members staying at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel or The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel will also qualify for this new benefit. This change aligns with Disney’s ongoing efforts to enhance the value of staying at its on-site accommodations.
Conclusion
While Early Entry provided early access to the parks, it could be argued the new Lightning Lane pass offers more flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re a Disney Vacation Club member or a first-time visitor, this update provides an opportunity to have a better Disneyland experience. Be sure to plan your visit accordingly to make the most of this new benefit starting in January 2026!
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Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
