2026 Is a Big Year for Walt Disney World – And You’ll Want to Start Planning Now!

 

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There’s a lot of magic on the horizon! Beginning April 22, 2025, Walt Disney World vacation packages for January through October 2026 will officially open for booking — and there’s already exciting news for families planning ahead.

One of the biggest highlights?

Kids ages 3–9 will receive a FREE Disney Dining Plan when staying at a Disney Resort hotel and purchasing a dining plan for the rest of their travel party. That means more character meals, Mickey-shaped treats, and dining freedom — without worrying about those extra meal costs for your littlest Mouseketeers.

This offer is available all throughout 2026 and can even be combined with select future promotions. That’s where I come in!

When you plan your Disney vacation with me, I do more than just help you book a resort and tickets. I monitor Disney’s promotions daily — and if a new discount becomes available for your dates, I apply it after you’re already booked. So you can lock in your dream vacation and still take advantage of deals as they’re released. That means less stress, more savings, and all the magic you’re looking for.

And let’s not forget the perks of staying at a Disney Resort hotel in 2026:

• 30-minute early entry to every theme park, every day


• Free Disney transportation (monorail, Skyliner, buses, boats)


• Free parking at resorts, parks, and water parks


• Early access to dining reservations and Lightning Lane selections


• And beginning summer 2026, free water park admission on your check-in day!

Plus, Disney Resort guests enjoy the magic even outside the parks with themed pools, character dining, resort activities, surprise character visits, and that signature Disney hospitality.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning your family’s first visit, or simply ready for another round of pixie dust, I would love to help you bring your 2026 Disney vacation to life.

Let’s chat and start turning that dream into a plan — together.

Comparing Walt Disney World Value and Deluxe Resorts: Which Is Right for You?

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World is exciting, but one of the biggest decisions you need to make is choosing the right resort. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one best suits your needs and budget. If you are trying to decide between Walt Disney World’s Value Resorts and Deluxe Resorts, I’m here to help you understand the key differences.

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Value Resorts: Fun and Budget-Friendly

Walt Disney World’s Value Resorts are ideal for smaller families or guests looking to spend the majority of their time at the parks rather than the hotel. When you enter a Value Resort, you’re immediately greeted by bold, larger-than-life Disney theming. These resorts are designed to immerse you in a fun, vibrant atmosphere, perfect for Disney fans of all ages.



However, the accommodations are more basic. The lobbies are simpler, and amenities are limited. Value Resort room doors open to the outdoors, in a “motel” style set up. Each Value Resort has a food court for quick meals, but you won’t find any table service restaurants. The rooms are compact, typically featuring a queen bed and a fold-down table bed. All Star Music and Art of Animation do offer Family Suites that can accommodate 6 guests, where Standard rooms at Value Resorts will sleep up to 4 guests. (Children 2 and younger do not count toward occupancy limits at any Walt Disney World Resort) Storage space, particularly in the bathroom, is minimal, though there is a dresser for your belongings.



One of the highlights of Value Resorts is the whimsical theming, which continues outside with oversized characters and colorful designs. The pools are fun but do not have water slides. Transportation-wise, the All-Star Resorts rely on buses only with uncovered bus stops, while Pop Century and Art of Animation offer the added convenience of the Skyliner, which provides faster access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios in addition to bus service to Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom.

 



Deluxe Resorts: Luxury, Convenience, and Extra Amenities

If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, Deluxe Resorts are a great choice. These resorts offer a refined atmosphere, with more understated Disney theming and larger, more comfortable rooms. Deluxe Resort room doors open to interior hallways, and include additional storage space, with larger closets and more drawer space, making it easier to unpack and settle in. You will also find roomier bathrooms, which is a plus for longer stays.



Deluxe Resorts also provide a wider range of amenities, including table service restaurants, where you can enjoy a sit-down meal without leaving your hotel. The beds are more comfortable, and you can expect a higher level of service overall.

The pool areas at Deluxe Resorts are more upscale, featuring fun themed water slides, and some even offer cabana rentals for added relaxation.



Many Deluxe Resorts also have unique transportation options that make getting to the parks easier and more convenient. For example, the Epcot Resort Area Deluxe Resorts—including the Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Boardwalk—are within walking distance of both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If walking isn’t your preference, you can also take a relaxing boat ride to either park.



In the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary resorts offer direct access to the monorail, giving you quick transportation to both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. In addition, these resorts provide boat transportation to Magic Kingdom, and there are walking trails from the Grand Floridian and Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom. If you’re looking for a more serene experience, Wilderness Lodge is set a bit farther back but still offers the convenience of boat access to Magic Kingdom.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a bus only Deluxe resort but the theming, dining options, animals, and often lower price point compared to other Deluxe options make it one of my family’s favorite resorts on property!



The bus stops at Deluxe Resorts are covered, keeping you dry and comfortable during those rainy Florida afternoons, and the walk to transportation is often covered as well, offering added comfort.

One of the major perks of staying at a Deluxe Resort is the access to Extended Evening Hours, currently available two nights a week at select parks. This allows you extra time in the parks after they close to the general public, which can be a huge advantage, especially if you want to enjoy the attractions with fewer crowds.

Which Resort Is Right for You?

Choosing between a Value and a Deluxe Resort ultimately comes down to your priorities and how you plan to spend your time at Walt Disney World. If you’re on a budget or plan to be at the parks all day, a Value Resort may be the best option. They offer everything you need for a comfortable stay and fun theming that adds to the Disney magic without breaking the bank.

On the other hand, if you’re planning to spend more time at your resort or prefer a more relaxed, upscale environment, a Deluxe Resort is well worth the investment. The extra amenities, larger rooms, and additional perks like Extended Evening Hours make it a great choice for those looking to enjoy more of their resort experience.

Don’t Forget About Moderate Resorts

And if you’re still unsure, keep in mind that Walt Disney World also offers Moderate Resorts, which fall somewhere between the Value and Deluxe options. They provide a balance between price and amenities, offering a little more comfort than the Value Resorts without the higher price tag of the Deluxe options.
Deluxe Villas and Good Neighbor Hotels are also options you can consider with your Walt Disney World package, though we will continue to focus on Deluxe v Value in this writing!

With over 30 resort options to choose from on Walt Disney World property, the choices can seem never ending!
No matter which resort you choose, you are sure to have a magical time at Walt Disney World. Whether you are looking for budget-friendly fun or a luxurious getaway, there is a resort that fits your needs.
If you would like help planning your trip and deciding which resort is the perfect fit for your family, please reach out—I have personally stayed at or visited every resort on property and I would love to help you make your decision easier and create the perfect Disney vacation for your family!