Hiya Izzie!
Welcome to planDisney, and thank you for sending us this magical question! Staying at a Disney Resort has many advantages, and I am so glad you will experience that extra magic next year! There is truly no better way to start your day than at a Disney Resort with some Mickey waffles.
Let's talk about that
Early Theme Park Entry for Resort Guests! One of the biggest advantages Resort Guests have access to is early entry to the theme park of their choice. However, you do need valid theme park admission to be able to enter the theme parks, meaning you will need a valid theme park ticket and
theme park reservation to enter that first park. If you do not have the
Park Hopper Option, this means that you will only be able to visit this park throughout the day. Personally, I absolutely love the Park Hopper Option, as it allows you to make last-minute adjustments to your itinerary. However, early theme park entry also allows you to go to all your favourite attractions with reduced wait times, so you can go back and enjoy the Resort pool in the afternoon!
Another special perk Resort Guests have access to is that you can make
dining reservations 60 days in advance for the length of your stay (up to ten days). Indeed, this means that once the 60-day mark is up, you will be able to make dining reservations for your entire stay, which is particularly helpful if you want to eat at some of the more popular dining locations. Therefore, I highly recommend that you mark that day in your calendar as that is also when you will be able to book
Enchanting Extras, should you want to add a little extra magic to your stay. Enchanting Extras, however, can only be booked 60 days in advance.
I hope this was helpful, Izzie, and that you will have the best day ever on your next Disney vacation! If you have any other questions in the time leading up to your trip, please don't hesitate to reach back out. You're as welcome as can be!
Have a magical day,
Ariane