Hi Kristian! Welcome to planDisney!
I'm excited for you to start planning your 2023 Walt Disney World vacation! Disney just announced today that vacation packages for next year will be available to book starting on June 8th. I love that you are considering staying in a Walt Disney World Official Hotel in the Disney Springs area. This location is perfect if you plan on spending any time at Disney Springs and taking advantage of the wonderful dining options there.
A great perk that currently comes included with select
Walt Disney World Official Hotels is Early Theme Park Entry to all four theme parks daily. This added benefit allows you will to enter the parks 30 minutes before the official park opening time. This will get you a head start on a majority of the crowds and will give you the chance to ride more attractions with shorter wait times. I highly anticipate
Early Theme Park Entry to still be included with your 2023 stay at the
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando Buena Vista. There has been no indication from Walt Disney World that these perks for select offsite hotels will change next year.
If you can utilize this perk, you'll need to verify the hotel you are staying at to enter. To do so, you'll need to scan your
MagicBand or Admission Card with a Cast Member that is waiting toward the entrance of the park upon arrival. Before your visit, you'll need to link your hotel reservation to your account. To do so, log on to your
My Disney Experience account using the Walt Disney World website and select "Resort Hotel". You will then select "Link Hotel" and enter the confirmation code you received during the booking process. This should link the hotel to your account and provide you access when taking advantage of Early Entry. If you are having trouble, you can always call the
Disney Resorts Hotel Reservations line and speak to a Cast Member for assistance.
As we discussed briefly before, I suggest taking advantage of Disney Springs being within walking distance of your hotel. There are several restaurants here that are some of the best at all of Walt Disney World.
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' is a stand-out for my family and a must-do almost every time. True southern cooking mixed with an inventive menu is the perfect combination. We typically make an Advanced Dining Reservation here on our departure day to fill up for our lengthy travel home that day.
Kristian, I hope this information helps you plan an amazing vacation! Have a magical time during your next stay!
Happy planning!
Greg