Can you believe 2026 is here already?! If you are starting to think about planning a vacation for the year, you need to consider Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL! There are so many great reasons to visit Disney World in 2026. Disney has announced many great things at the parks this year. The Biggest one is that “Cool Kids Summer” returns this year! Here are my top reasons to visit Disney World in 2026!

On-Site Disney Resort Benefits

FREE Water Park Entry When Staying at Disney Resort

When you stay at a Disney resort in 2025, you will receive water park entry on the day you check in for no additional cost! This is only valid on check-in day and expires if you don’t use it on this first day.

Early Entry

Guests will get exclusive early access to the park 30 minutes before it officially opens to the general public. This is a great way to get into the parks before the public to ride some great rides and get photos without many people in the background.

Deluxe Extended Evening Hours

Enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks when you stay at a Disney Deluxe Resort, Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, or other select hotels. This popular benefit will continue through 2025. During the extended evening theme park hours, select merchandise and food and beverage locations will be available. You’ll also get to ride all available rides without a long wait in the park.

Cool Kids Summer Returns

Cool Kids Summer Returns May 26th – September 8th, 2026! This is such a great way to kick off your summer plans OR treat yourself right before school starts back.

Add Free Days to Your Stay Promotion

This is an amazing promotion that Disney just released! Add FREE days to your stay. Receive 2 FREE room nights AND theme park days wen you buy a select 4-night, 4-day (or longer) Disney hotel + ticket package.

FREE Dining Plan for Kids

Kids ages 3-9 can get a free dining plan when you purchase a package for guests ages 10 and up that includes a Disney resort. This promotion is stackable with the free days promotion which is awesome (a whole lot of FREE!)

Toy Story Pals at Magic Kingdom

Woody, Jessie, and friends will be at Diamond Horseshoe for Jessie’s Roundup. You’ll get to craft, dance, and yodel your hearts out with this western revue. More details about this will be released closer to the start date.

Characters at Early Park Entry

All four parks will have characters available for meet and greets during the 30-minute Disney resort early guest entry

BOTH Water Parks Open

Both Typhoon Lagoon AND Blizzard Beach will open this summer.

FREE Water Park Entry

Guests staying at a Disney resort will receive free water park admission on check in day.

Characters At Play

Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Port Orleans Riverside resorts will have Disney characters during scheduled appearances

    

Disney After Hours

Disney After Hours is back for 2026! This is a special-ticketed event after hours in your favorite parks. This is select nights and at select times throughout the year. You’ll get 3 extra hours in the park after it officially closes to enjoy rides and all-you-can-eat popcorn, soda, and water! This is a special ticketed event and is not included with regular admission.

Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom takes place on select nights from January 12 through July 27, 2026. Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios takes place on select nights from  January 14 through September 12, 2026. Disney After Hours at EPCOT takes place on select nights from January 22 through September 24, 2026.

Fan-Favorite Events Continue

While all of this “new” is exciting for Disney, you can’t forget about the fan favorites that will return again this year! Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival, and Festival of the Holidays are always a fun time. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will also return. Disney’s holiday season is always such a fun time in the parks!

As you can see, there are so many great reasons to visit Walt Disney World this year!

Ready to book your Disney vacation and aren’t sure how the planning process works and what all it entails? Contact me and let’s chat! As a former Disney cast member and Orlando local with an annual pass, I truly know the ins and outs of the parks. I can help you find the perfect accommodations for your family, help with dining reservations, park itinerary planning, and more!

Love and Travel Dust,

Molly