Coming Soon: Disney Resort Hotels To Receive New Perks for Thousands of Guests

It’s 7:30 a.m. in Magic Kingdom as Disney resort hotels awaken. The air is cool, the sun is peeking over Cinderella Castle, and guests are just stepping through the gates for their early park entry. Then, a ripple of excitement: Mickey Mouse himself appears near the entrance. Not in the afternoon. Not during scheduled hours. Right now.

For some lucky Disney Resort guests, this surreal moment is about to become a regular reality. But what’s behind this shift—and what else is in store?

Let’s just say, Disney’s sprinkling some extra pixie dust over its resorts and parks this summer.

WDW Doubles Down on Family-Friendly Magic at Disney Resort Hotels

Known for its immersive storytelling and next-level attention to detail, Disney isn’t just focused on what happens insideits theme parks. The company is now supercharging the guest experience at its resort hotels—and families with little ones are about to be front and center.

In a recent announcement from the Disney Parks Blog, the company revealed a suite of new perks for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World.

Some highlights? Characters like Mickey, Minnie, and their pals will begin appearing earlier in the day for hotel guests during their exclusive early theme park entry window. This means fewer lines, more intimate meet-and-greets, and a magical start to the day.

But the magic doesn’t stop there.

More Than Just a Place to Sleep: Resorts Come to Life

Select Disney Resort hotels—including Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach Resort, and Wilderness Lodge—are rolling out new Disney-themed activities specially curated for families with young kids. Think character visits with set times, pop-up movie nights under the stars, and themed games that extend the park experience into the hotel grounds.

Parents will especially appreciate these low-stress options for keeping little ones entertained without needing to be in the parks all day.

And for guests flying home via Southwest Airlines, the return of luggage assistance is a welcome logistical bonus. Guests staying at Disney Value Resorts like All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, and All-Star Sports can now drop off their bags directly at the hotel for check-in—skipping long lines at Orlando International Airport.

Not Staying on Property? You’re Not Left Out

While these new resort-exclusive perks are exciting, Disney hasn’t forgotten about day guests or those staying off-property.

From May 27 through September 1, guests of all kinds will discover surprise character experiences and limited-time kids’ zones scattered throughout the parks. These interactive pop-ups—like Stitch’s takeover in Tomorrowland and Goofy’s antics at EPCOT’s CommuniCore Hall—will feature music, games, and dancing, all designed to help younger guests make core Disney memories.

Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus is also getting in on the action, transforming into a vibrant kid-centric play space during the summer months.

Two New Shows and a Parade Set the Stage for Summer 2025

If all this wasn’t enough, the resort is preparing for even more massive entertainment additions this summer.

Two brand-new live shows will debut:

• “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure”, a reimagined take on the underwater classic.

• “Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After”, promising a darkly funny twist featuring fan-favorite baddies.

And in a moment fans have been waiting nearly a decade for, Disney is bringing back a nighttime parade. Titled “Disney Starlight”, it marks the first after-dark spectacle at Walt Disney World in almost 10 years. While details are still emerging, the anticipation is building for what could become a new summer staple.

Why This Matters: More Than Just Perks—It’s a Strategy for Disney Resort Hotels

While these changes may seem like just another summer lineup, they reflect something deeper: Disney’s shift toward immersive guest loyalty. By layering unique offerings across its resorts—and extending magic beyond the parks—Disney is creating more value for guests who stay on property. It’s also a strategic way to compete with off-site accommodations, especially as travel demand continues to surge.

The family-focused emphasis also shows that Disney is doubling down on its core demographic: parents seeking a seamless, memory-filled experience with their children. So whether you’re a diehard Disney guest or a first-timer planning your trip, this summer’s updates mean one thing: the magic starts before you even set foot inside the parks—and it lasts long after the fireworks fade.

The only question is—will you be there when Mickey makes his morning rounds?