Disney World — Insider Perks and Updates for Resort Guests

There’s always something new happening at Walt Disney World—and if you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you may be eligible for perks and experiences that aren’t widely advertised. This Hot Sheet highlights some of the latest benefits and limited-time offerings, along with helpful tips to make the most of them. This guide is updated regularly—check back often for new additions and changes.

What’s New & Noteworthy

Free Water Park Access for Resort Guests on Arrival Day
Starting in 2025, guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel receive complimentary water park admission on their arrival day. Whether you’re drawn to the tropical vibes of Typhoon Lagoon or the alpine charm of Blizzard Beach, it’s a great way to jumpstart your vacation without using a theme park ticket. This perk is valid only on your check-in day and requires proof of your Resort reservation.

H2O Glow After Hours at Typhoon Lagoon
On select nights, Typhoon Lagoon transforms into a glowing, after-hours experience featuring Toy Story-themed entertainment, reduced wait times, and complimentary snacks. Special event tickets are required, and discounts are often available for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and families with young children. If your trip overlaps with an event night, it’s a unique way to experience the park in a whole new light—literally.

Dining at Disney: What to Know About Reservations

Securing a reservation at a Disney restaurant can be part of the magic—or part of the challenge. Here’s what you need to know to improve your chances of dining where you want, when you want.

Reservation Windows
You can begin booking dining reservations 60 days in advance.

• Perks: Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel can book dining for the entire length of their stay (up to 10 nights) starting 60 days prior to check-in. This gives resort guests an edge in securing hard-to-get reservations further into their vacation window.

How to Book
Reservations can be made either online or through the My Disney Experience app..

Tips for Booking

• Book early, especially for signature dining experiences and character meals.
• Keep checking. Availability updates in real time as guests cancel or reschedule, so persistence often pays off.
• Be flexible. Broaden your search across several dates or mealtimes to find open tables.
• Later dates = better odds. If staying at a Disney Resort, try booking popular restaurants toward the end of your trip for more availability.

Insider Tips & Quiet Perks

Use Your Arrival Day Wisely
Even if you’re arriving in the afternoon, your first day can still be full of fun thanks to water park access. It’s a low-effort, high-reward option for cooling off, exploring the resort, and easing into your vacation before diving into the theme parks.

Why Consider H2O Glow
With lower crowds and nighttime temperatures, H2O Glow After Hours offers a refreshing alternative to daytime park visits. Complimentary snacks are included, and the energy is high but family-friendly. These events do require a separate ticket and are held only on select dates, so advance planning is recommended.

Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon?
Typhoon Lagoon offers a more relaxed atmosphere with attractions like a surf pool and lazy river, while Blizzard Beach is home to some of the most thrilling slides in any Disney water park. If both are open, your choice may come down to how adventurous your group feels.

New Luggage Transfer Service Now Available at Select Disney Resorts
Starting April 3, guests staying at five Disney Resort hotels can take advantage of a new luggage transfer service that delivers checked bags directly to Southwest Airlines at Orlando International Airport (MCO). This pilot program is designed to make departure day more convenient, especially during high travel seasons. Participating resorts include All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Art of Animation, and Pop Century. Guests flying before 1 p.m. must drop off bags by 1 a.m. the night before. For flights at 1 p.m. or later, bags must be dropped off at least four hours before departure and no later than 1 p.m. Note: this service is currently only for transport to the airport, not from it.

Keep an Eye on Seasonal Perks
This post is your go-to guide for insider tips and guest perks at Walt Disney World, and we update it regularly as new experiences roll out. While these perks are available to Resort guests, details can shift with the season or change without notice. For limited-time offers, ticket sales, and flash promotions, be sure to check our Disney Travel Groups. If you’re planning a trip—or even just thinking about one—join us at https://davemudek.com/groups/disney-travel/ to stay in the loop.