Walt Disney World has announced the continuation of its popular early entry and extended evening hour benefits for Disney Resort guests through 2026. These options provide guests with additional time in the parks, offering opportunities to enjoy attractions with shorter wait times and a more relaxed experience. This article explains how these benefits work, who qualifies, and what the recent extension means for guests planning a 2026 visit.
What Are Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours?
Early Entry
Early entry allows Disney Resort hotel guests to access all four of Walt Disney World’s theme parks 30 minutes before official opening time. This benefit is available daily and provides a great advantage for guests looking to experience popular attractions with shorter lines.
Extended Evening Hours
Guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts can enjoy extended evening hours at select parks on specific nights. This option offers additional time in the parks after regular closing hours, creating a more exclusive experience for guests who qualify.
Benefits for Disney Resort Guests
These extended hours give Disney Resort guests an edge when it comes to planning their park days. Early entry helps with getting a head start on high-demand attractions, while extended evening hours provide a quieter environment to enjoy the parks after most guests have departed. This is particularly valuable for families or groups looking to maximize their time without the peak-hour crowds.
Planning Your 2026 Visit
These benefits will be available for all resort stays throughout 2026. Guests can begin booking vacations for travel dates through October 31, 2026, starting April 22, 2025. Reservations for November and December 2026 will open on a later date. Travelers are encouraged to plan early to secure accommodations and take advantage of these perks.
Who Can Benefit?
Deluxe Resort Guests
Extended evening hours are an exclusive benefit for guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. This provides an even more tailored experience for those seeking quieter evenings in their favorite parks.
Here is a complete list of qualifying Disney Vacation Club Resorts (also referred to as Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts):
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney Resort Hotel Guests
Early entry is open to guests staying at any of the Disney Resort hotels. This includes Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts, providing a diverse range of options for all budgets.
How to Make the Most of the Extended Hours
For early entry, be sure to arrive at the designated park entrance at least 15 minutes before the early entry period begins to maximize your time. For extended evening hours, check the schedule to plan which parks will be offering this benefit during your visit. Both options pair well with thoughtful trip planning, such as using Disney Genie+ or Lightning Lane selections to maximize your time in the parks.
Conclusion
The extension of early entry and extended evening hours through 2026 is welcome news for guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. These benefits provide valuable additional time to experience the parks at a more leisurely pace, with lower wait times and less crowding. Whether you’re an early riser or enjoy exploring the parks after dark, these options enhance the overall vacation experience, making your Disney trip even more memorable.
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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.
