A dining plan discount for families and changes to Early Entry and complimentary waterpark access are some of the things that visitors to Disneyland and Walt Disney World need to be aware of for 2026.
With the new year comes the debut of several policy changes impacting guest at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
The End of Early Entry
Out west, Early Entry is being discontinued at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure effective January 5, 2026. Instead, guests staying at andy of the three Disneyland Resort hotels are eligible to receive one free Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction per stay. Theme park admission tickets and reservations (if applicable) are required. The offer is limited to one Lightning Lane per guest, per reservation--whether the guest is staying for one night or a full week, they receive just one complimentary Lightning Lane. Disney Vacation Club stays do qualify for this perk.
Changes to Free Waterpark Access
At Walt Disney World, 2025 saw the introduction of free access to the Disney water parks on guests arrival days. All hotel reservations and Disney Vacation Club stays were eligible for this offer. Beginning in 2026, complimentary waterpark access remains available but it will only be offered during select times of the year. Exact dates have not yet been revealed with Disney only saying that hotel guests will receive this perk "during summer 2026."
After 4 years of staggered openings, summer 2025 was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic when both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach operated simultaneously. Speculation is that Disney will limit the free waterpark access to warmer months when both parks are open to guests. Typhoon Lagoon is currently available most days, but is scheduled to close February 15, 2026 when Blizzard Beach reopens. Summer schedules have not yet been revealed.
Free Disney Dining Plan
Also at Walt Disney World, hotel guests purchasing either of the Disney Dining Plans will receive one free child for each adult purchase. The Quick Service Plan offers two quick service meals and one snack or nonalcoholic beverage per day, plus a refillable beverage mug for $60.47 per adult. The standard Disney Dining Plan provides one table service meal, one quick service meal and a snack or beverage per day, plus the refillable mug, for $98.59 per adult per day.
Dining plans much be purchased for all guests on the hotel reservations and for the entire length of stay. Table service meal gratuities are not included. Some table service locations are designated as "signature" meals and require the use of two dining credits.
Disney Vacation Club stays are eligible for the free child dining plans offer.
Attractions
Lastly, several attraction enhancements are in the pipeline for the new year. In May, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run on both coasts will add an entirely new narrative featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu. Later in the summer, Soarin' Across America will debut at both EPCOT and Disney California Adventure to coincide with the United States' 250th birthday.
Magic Kingdom's Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin will both reopen in the spring with refreshed experiences following multi-month refurbishment. Buzz Lightyear will feature new set pieces and the removable blasters found on other variations of the ride.
At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the revitalized Animation Courtyard makes its debut in the summer. While Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith takes its final bow on March 2, reopening later in the summer with a brand new overlay featuring The Muppets.
