Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is set to introduce a range of enticing offers that will enhance the experience for families visiting next year. Among these benefits are complimentary dining plans for children and an extended opportunity to enjoy free water park access. These announcements come as Disney prepares to open its booking calendar for most of 2026, providing travelers with ample time to plan their magical getaways.
The resort has revealed a new perk aimed at making vacations more affordable for families. Starting next year, parents who purchase Disney Dining Plans for adults in their group can receive equivalent dining plans for free for children aged 3 to 9 years old. Children under the age of three continue to benefit from complimentary entry into parks and meals shared from their guardians' plates. This offer applies exclusively to guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels, where dining plans must be purchased for everyone in the same party for the duration of their stay.
In addition to the dining promotion, Disney has announced that it will continue offering free water park entry on the check-in date for guests staying at Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Given the immense popularity of this benefit since its introduction last year, Disney will operate both of its water parks simultaneously this summer—a first since before the pandemic—and bring back the free entry perk next summer.
Guests opting for a stay at Disney resort hotels also enjoy several exclusive advantages. These include early access to theme parks, complimentary parking, priority reservations for dining, advanced booking for Lightning Lanes, and discounts on select Magic Bands+. Furthermore, visitors staying at Disney's deluxe resorts and villas may take advantage of extended evening theme park hours at certain locations on specific nights. Although these privileges have become familiar to regular guests, they are subject to annual decisions and have been confirmed for extension into next year.
For those eager to secure their spot at the resort, reservations for most 2026 Disney World vacations will commence on April 22, allowing bookings through October. Details regarding November and December stays will be disclosed at a later stage, similar to the process followed this year. It is worth noting that ticket prices for Disney theme parks vary depending on the date and chosen park; however, the price range will remain stable until October 2026.
With these new offerings, Disney World continues to provide exceptional value and unforgettable experiences for families planning their trips. The combination of free dining plans for kids and ongoing access to water parks ensures that there is something special for every member of the family to enjoy during their visit.