We haven’t even started 2025’s Cool KID SUMMER, but Disney World is already ramping up for 2026. Here’s what dropped today…
2026 Disney World Bookings Open April 22
Per Disney: “You can book your 2026 Disney World vacation starting April 22 for travel dates through October 2026. Please note that bookings for November and December 2026 will become available at a later date.” As always, we recommend contacting Travel With Character LLC if you’re interested in booking a trip!
Kids “Dine Free” In 2026
For all of 2026, guests purchasing a dining plan as part of their Disney World trip will get a FREE dining plan for their kids (ages 3 to 9). While this is something of a tempting offer, keep in mind that (1) other deals are often better than Free Dining, even when adults are included and (2) you’ll have to pay for the dining plan for the adults in your group. Read more about Disney World Dining Plans here.
Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours Continue Through 2026
Disney also announced some details about which hotel perks will return in 2026.
Extra access hours for guests of Disney hotels will continue through 2026, apparently the same two forms it has for the past few years. As always with Early Entry, specifically, it’s really more about knowing how to maximize this time—you won’t get much advantage just showing up hoping for short waits. We have posts focusing on Early Entry and, relatedly, rope drop, at each park:
Complimentary Water Park Access On Check In Day Returns “Summer” 2026
Per Disney, “Coming back in summer 2026, Disney Resort hotel guests can get free water park admission on their check-in day (subject to availability). Additional details, including specific dates, will be shared at a later time.”
This one is a bit interesting because it actually scales back the timeframe of the perk, which was available throughout all of 2025, not just summer.
Thinking about visiting Disney World in 2026? Get a Quote from Travel With Character LLC Today!
All Your Other Disney World Planning Questions Answered
Don't be overwhelmed by Disney World planning! Take a second to check out our most important content and you'll not only be an expert, but you'll save big $$$ along the way.
Just starting out? Check out our Walt Disney World planning guide! If you're still picking dates, we've got everything you need to know about Disney World crowd calendars. For picking your hotel, check out our Walt Disney World hotels guide.
When it comes time to book we’ll help you find discount Disney World tickets. Decide whether you need a dining plan in our Complete Guide to Disney World Dining Plans! And don't forget to book those Disney World Advance Dining Reservations!
Don't forget to master your Disney World Lightning Lane Guide and Strategy a few months in advance. We'll keep you out of long lines so you can maximize the magical time in the parks! We've got park-specific guides as well: Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, Epcot Lightning Lane Strategy, Animal Kingdom Lightning Lane Strategy, and Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Strategy.
Know what to ride with our guides to: Magic Kingdom rides, Hollywood Studios rides, Epcot rides, and Animal Kingdom rides! Plus learn about the water parks with our guide to Blizzard Beach and our guide to Typhoon Lagoon! And for some some fun prep, check out our Ranking of Every Ride at Walt Disney World.
Finally, before you head out, be sure to check out our to-the-point packing list, 10 essentials you forget to pack for every Disney trip. And if you're interested in saving, there's no better list than our 53 Ways to Save on your Disney trip from start to finish.