Welcome to planDisney, Paula! Have I got great news for you! Yes, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista is one of the hotels participating in the
Early Theme Park Entry benefit in 2026! This perk allows Guests of participating hotels, with valid theme park admission, to enter any of the four Disney World theme parks, any day, 30 minutes before the official theme park opening time!
Here is a PRO TIP for you, Paula! On many occasions, Guests can scan their valid theme park admission at the turnstiles and enter the theme parks even before 30 minutes early! Once you’ve entered the theme park, Cast Members will allow Guests to begin congregating at specific entry points closer to attractions! The Cast Members will then allow Guests to make their way to the attractions 30 minutes before theme park opening!
Paula, here is more good news! Yes, Halloween activities begin at Disney World, specifically Magic Kingdom, by mid-August! While the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, hasn’t made any official announcements regarding 2026 Halloween activities,
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party usually begins around August 10 (give or take a day or two).
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a separate ticketed event occurring on select nights at Magic Kingdom from mid-August through Halloween night (sometimes even November 1)! Your late August 2026 visit fits nicely in that timeframe! Tickets are not on sale yet, but my best guess is that they’ll go on sale sometime in May.
Keep a close eye on the
Disney Parks Blog and the
Walt Disney World Resort website for details! I’m guessing we’ll begin hearing some news about Halloween next month!
Dreams do come true!
Jonathan