If you’re a Disney fanatic like me, you know that planning a trip to Walt Disney World is no small feat. From choosing the perfect hotel to scoring those coveted FastPasses, every decision counts when it comes to maximizing your magical experience. And now, Disney has thrown us a curveball with some major changes to their resort hotel policies for 2025.
First they changed their room only reservation policy. But there’s some upside to it too.
Free Water Park Entry for Resort Hotel Guests
Disney is sweetening the deal for guests staying at their owned and operated resort hotels by offering free entry to one of their iconic water parks on the day of check-in. Whether you’re a fan of the thrilling slides at Typhoon Lagoon or the winter wonderland vibes of Blizzard Beach, you can now splash around for free before even unpacking your bags.
This exclusive perk is a game-changer for those looking to make the most of their Disney vacation. And with one-day water park tickets starting at $64 for adults and $58 for kids, this new benefit is sure to make a splash with guests.
This is a great opportunity for people to start their vacation with some aquatic fun. Whether guests prefer thrilling water slides, relaxing lazy rivers, or interactive play areas for younger children, Disney’s water parks offer something for everyone. This perk allows guests to make the most of their check-in day by enjoying the water park of their choice at no additional cost.
Of course this will work out better in scenarios where guests may arrive at their resort early, only to find that their room is not yet ready for occupancy. Instead of waiting around the resort, guests can now use their free water park ticket to enjoy a day of fun while their room is being prepared. This not only adds value to the guest experience but also helps alleviate congestion and reduce the pressure on resort housekeeping staff.
While some may initially question the utility of this perk, especially for guests arriving via air travel, it offers tangible benefits for those with split stays, early arrivals, or simply a desire to start their vacation with some aquatic excitement.
Who’s In and Who’s Out?
Before you start planning your next Disney getaway, it’s important to note that the free water park entry perk only applies to guests staying at Disney’s owned and operated resort hotels. This includes everything from the budget-friendly All-Star resorts to the luxurious Grand Floridian. It also includes Disney Vacation Club (DVC) properties.
Unfortunately, if you’re staying at a third-party hotel on Disney property, like the Swan and Dolphin or Shades of Green, you won’t be able to take advantage of this perk. But hey, there are plenty of other magical experiences waiting for you at the happiest place on earth.
More Magic on the Horizon
As if the free water park entry wasn’t exciting enough, Disney also confirmed that early theme park entry and extended evening hours will continue to be available to resort hotel guests in 2025. This means you can beat the crowds and enjoy some extra time in the parks, making your Disney experience even more enchanting.
So, whether you’re a seasoned Disney pro or a first-time visitor, these new resort hotel policies are sure to add an extra dose of magic to your next vacation. Start planning your trip now and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. After all, isn’t that what Disney is all about?
Co-Founder of the OFT Blog. Mother of 2 who disguises as a 9 to 5 finance professional on most days. She loves to travel, is an amateur website builder and cook. And given her day job, she loves travel planning and saving money. Follow along!
