As part of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, guests will get to enjoy all kinds of new fireworks shows, new cavalcades, and more.
But, guests staying at Disney World hotels will get even MORE time in the parks to enjoy all the fun. We already knew that all Disney World hotel guests would get early access to the parks as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, but Disney recently shared that guests at select deluxe resorts will also get extra time in the parks at night. What hotels qualify for this extra evening time? We’re breaking it all down for you here.
First, let’s start with the basics. Previously, Disney had shared that ALL Disney World hotel guests and guests of other select hotels would get a new benefit called “Early Theme Park Entry” as part of the 50th Anniversary. Note that this service is not the same as Extra Magic Hours.
Early Theme Park Entry allows guests at Disney World hotels and other select hotels to enter any of the 4 Disney World theme parks prior to park opening every day of the week. Disney has shared that this special benefit will become available on Disney World’s 50th Anniversary — October 1st, 2021.
But, guests staying at select hotels will also get extra time in the parks at night! Specifically, Disney has noted that guests staying at one of the “Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels” will get to enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks.
These extended evening hours are set to begin in early October. The specific dates and parks haven’t been announced yet.
So then the question becomes, what qualifies as a “Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort” hotel? Here’s a break-down according to Disney’s own website, which defines what hotels fall into each category.
Deluxe Resort Hotels
There are a total of 8 Deluxe Resort Hotels. They are:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (which is set to reopen in August)
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn (which is set to reopen in July)
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort (note: guest rooms here are being refurbished to feature an Incredibles theme and other areas of the hotel will be refurbished too)
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (note: various parts of this hotel are currently under refurbishment but the hotel is set to reopen in July with newly refurbished Moana-themed guest rooms)
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resort
Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels
There are a total of 12 Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels in Disney World. They are:
- 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
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
And that’s a full list of all of the hotels that fall under Disney’s definition of Deluxe Hotels or Deluxe Villa Hotels.
So, what else do you need to access these extended night hours in the parks (aside from a hotel stay booked at one of these eligible hotels)? Well, you’ll need a valid ticket and a Park Pass reservation.
If you’ve got a ticket with Park Hopping abilities, then you could hop to whatever park has extended night hours for the Deluxe hotel guests, provided you already entered the park you had a Park Pass for (if it was a different park than the one that has late night access).
Disney has noted that during these extended night hours, select attractions, merchandise, and food and beverage locations will be available. Guests will need to make sure they bring their MagicBands, MagicMobile pass, or Key to the World card which is linked to their stay, or another form of Resort ID in order to enjoy this perk.
And that’s a basic look at this new extended evening hours perk and what hotels qualify. Disney really hasn’t shared any other details about this special perk so just keep in mind that things are subject to change as Disney releases more information.
We’ll be on the lookout for more details. Be sure to check back with us for all the latest!
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Will you be staying at a hotel that is eligible for the late night access to the parks? Tell us in the comments.
Any idea for dolphin-swan what “resort ID” is needed for extra hours? Do we all need to carry “proof” as we usually only bring one key card to parks.
Is the Swan Resort eligible for early and extended park hours?
Hi Sara, yes it is!
S
OG has always been included as deluxe accommodations on you ste. Disney has already included SOG to early morning entry. Can we expect them to add SOG to late evening park access eventually?
Does anyone know how long these extended evening hours will be? That will be the determining factor in us deciding whether to stay at a Deluxe resort or not.
After 25+ visits to WDW in Value thru Deluxe and even offsite properties we have learned that onsite Value resorts provide our family with the best value for our situation. The funds we save are most often used to enhance our total experience with character meals, tours, and other experiences, chosen at our descretion. I have never felt like a second-class citizen at Value until Disney’s latest discriminatory announcement. If Disney just wants more money for a perk – Ask for it. Why not treat this like the new Fastpassses and pay extra for the perk, regardless of your onsite accommodations.
i would gladly do that to enhance my experience as stated before. Why treat the guests and casts of Value and Moderate resorts as second class. Let guest decide where to spend their money!
Question: How does Shades of Green fit in here? Although it’s not technically a Disney Resort, Disney has always (at least for the past 3-4 years or more) given Shades of Green the same benefits as the official Disney Resorts when allowing early or late park entry, 60 days for Fastpass+ and other benefits. Now that Disney is offering this benefit to only select resorts, do we know how Shades of Green will be treated?
Seems the reason to stay on Disney is once again excluded for the people who can’t afford to stay at a Deluxe hotel. It appears as if Disney is ok with being discriminatory. I guess people who stay on Disney at moderate or value hotels are just out of luck, but i’m sure they’ll still take our money. I wonder what Walt Disney would think of this idea! From everything I’ve seen or read about him, he wouldn’t be happy.
I’m staying at Swan and it’s classified as a deluxe resort but I’m guessing since Disney doesn’t own it that’s why they excluded it. Doesn’t seem right though.
Swan is included….
What a treat it would be if access to Rise of Resistance was included. I am somewhat surprised Disney is limiting these nighttime hours to preferred resorts. However, please remember we pay a PRETTY PENNY to stay there. It’s a lot. Dvc members pay a monthly fee whether they are at Disney or not. Corona has limited many members vacations. So I say “Thank You, powers to be at Disney World .” Very nice gesture.
Everyone pays a PRETTY PENNY to stay on Disney property. It is a disgrace that the people who can only afford moderate or value hotels are left out. There should be something for EVERYONE!!!!
Do Grand Floridian’s villas qualify?
The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa are included in the list of eligible resorts.
Seems like it’s every resort except the value. That’s not right. I am dvc so I would be ok, however it should be for all on property.