Hiya Lana! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question!
I'm excited to hear that you have a trip coming up next month to the
Walt Disney World Resort. Before you know it, you'll be walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with a Mickey pretzel in hand, ready to enjoy everything the parks have to offer. Let's jump right into your question and help you plan for any changes you need to make.
I'm happy to hear that you are considering changing your accommodations to stay in a
Disney Resorts hotel. The biggest benefit to booking your resort and park tickets together is not having to pay for it all upfront. You are only required to pay a deposit, then the balance of your trip is due 30 days before your arrival. Since your park tickets are already purchased and paid for, this perk would not apply to you for this booking. You can go ahead and book your Disney Resorts hotel, which requires a deposit equal to your first night plus tax, and then the remainder is due at check-in.
For all other
benefits that come along with staying at a Disney Resorts hotel, you will still receive them regardless if your hotel reservation is booked together with your tickets. You'll have access to
Early Theme Park Entry each day you visit the parks. If you are staying in a Disney Deluxe Resort Hotel or Disney Deluxe Villa, you'll have access to Extended Evening Theme Park hours at select parks on select dates. Transportation to and from the parks each day is included with your stay, which can be in the form of a bus, monorail, boat, or even the Disney Skyliner. One of the newest perks for 2025 is admission to one of the water parks on your check-in day. This is one that I am most excited about for a trip I have planned for later this year.
Lana, make sure that you link your resort reservation and park tickets to your
My Disney Experience account. This is the best way to have all of your important information for your upcoming trip in one place that you can easily manage. If you plan to purchase the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, you can do so 7 days in advance when staying at a Disney Resorts hotel. This will give you a leg up on other Guests who are staying offsite.
I hope this information helps you plan for your upcoming trip.
Please stop back and see us again at planDisney!
Have a magical day!
Greg