Hi Keila, and thanks for bringing your question to planDisney. I’d be happy to chat about welcome gifts and all of the perks you get as a
Disney Resort hotel guest!
It sounds like you’re looking for the welcome packet that usually includes goodies like luggage tags and coupons for mini golf. If you booked a Disney World vacation package (typically with a hotel stay and theme park tickets), you should receive this packet in the mail a couple of weeks before your visit. It’s such a fun way to get excited for your upcoming stay in the magic! If you don’t receive this in the mail, you can stop by your resort hotel’s front desk to see if they have any extras. You can do this at any time, even if you use online check-in.
There are so many
perks for Disney Resort hotel guests that start even before you get to the Most Magical Place on Earth! If you’re interested in any dining reservations or
Enchanting Extras, like
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or
Wild Africa Trek, you can book these up to 60 days ahead of check-in for your entire stay (up to a 10-night stay). You can also purchase
Lightning Lane Passes seven days before check-in for your whole stay (up to 14 days). This is really helpful for snagging popular Lightning Lane selections, like
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and
Slinky Dog Dash!
Once you’re at Disney World, you'll be able to take advantage of
Early Theme Park Entry and get into the theme parks 30 minutes before regular park opening, which really helps you maximize the magic! My family loves these early mornings, and we can usually knock out a few attractions before things start to get busier (and it gives us more park time before heading back to our resort hotel for a midday break!). And if you’re a Deluxe Resort hotel or Deluxe villa guest, you’ll also get access to
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours on select nights.
Staying at a Disney Resort hotel means the magic doesn’t stop when you leave the theme parks, and you might even run into a Disney pal or two! Character visits used to feel like a total surprise, but more recently, I’ve seen signs in the resort hotel lobbies with specific days and times when the characters will be visiting. Keep an eye out for the schedule or ask at the front desk. I love these more casual meetings and have had some really fun interactions (seeing my nephew run around with Chip ’n’ Dale at the BoardWalk Inn Village Green is one of my favorite memories!).
And finally, don’t forget that Disney Resort hotel guests get
complimentary water park admission on check-in day this year! It’s the practically perfect way to kick off your vacation while you wait for your room to be ready.
I’m wishing you the most magical stay at Disney World! And if you have any other questions, we’d love to have you back at planDisney.
JoAnna