What is a Walt Disney World resort package?

A Walt Disney World resort package bundles your Disney Resorts Collection hotel stay with theme park tickets, and you can also add options like a dining plan, Memory Maker, and (in some cases) a rental car.

How far in advance can I book a Disney World package for 2026?

As of December 2025, the full 2026 year is available to book. (Disney typically opens the next year in phases.)

When are 2027 Disney World bookings expected to open?

2027 bookings are widely expected to open in late spring or summer 2026, but Disney has not published an exact date yet.

When is final payment due for a Disney World vacation package?

Final payment is typically due 30 days before check-in.

What is the cancellation policy for a Disney World package?

In general, packages canceled 30 days or more before arrival are refundable (minus any non-refundable fees). Cancellations 2–29 days prior usually forfeit the $200 deposit (plus any non-refundable fees).

Can kids get a free dining plan in 2026?

Yes. Disney is offering a free dining plan for kids ages 3–9 in 2026 when you purchase an eligible Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a Disney Resorts Collection hotel room and a dining plan for each guest age 10+.

Do Disney resort guests get free water park admission on check-in day in 2026?

Disney has announced this benefit will be available in summer 2026 for eligible Disney Resorts Collection hotel guests (details/timing are expected to be shared closer to 2026).

Can I add a rental car to my Disney package for 2026?

Yes—when booking through Disney, rental cars are handled through Alamo as the package car rental option. Availability and pricing can vary.

What are “Magical Extras” in a Disney package?

Magical Extras are vouchers/discounts that may be included with certain packages (like mini golf or select entertainment discounts). Inclusions can change, so it’s best to confirm what’s listed on your booking confirmation.

Walt Disney World Resort Packages: What to Know for 2026

Q: Is there a deposit required for a resort package?

Yes. For most vacation packages booked 31+ days before arrival, the deposit is $200 per reservation.

Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
Mar 19, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Dec 23, 2025

***Updated for 2026 planning. For breaking news and newly released package details, see our 2026 Resort Packages update here

A Walt Disney World resort package bundles your hotel stay and theme park tickets into one reservation, with optional add-ons like dining plans and car rentals, flexible payment options, and exclusive on-site guest perks. For 2026, all travel dates are currently available to book.

What is a resort package?

A resort package is a vacation bundle that includes your Disney Resort hotel room and theme park tickets, plus magical extras and perks that make planning easier and more fun.

Starting for 2026 arrivals, packages also include special offers like free dining for kids ages 3–9 when an eligible dining plan is purchased for guests ages 10 and up — a huge savings opportunity for families! (Offer availability and terms can vary by date and resort.)

👉 Resort packages for 2026 are currently available to book through December 2026. (Booking windows often roll out seasonally on Disney’s official site.)

How far in advance can I book a resort package?

Walt Disney World Resort packages are currently available to book for all of 2026 travel dates, including November and December 2026.

Bookings for 2027 Walt Disney World vacations are expected to open in late spring or summer of 2026, based on Disney’s typical release timeline.

What Can Be Included in a Resort Package?

Disney Resort packages may include:

✅ Theme park tickets (1–10+ days)

✅ Disney Resort hotel room

✅ Optional add-ons like Memory Maker photo pass

✅ Ground transportation options (like Alamo car rental)

✅ Disney Dining Plans (when available)

✅ Magical Extras (see below)

Magical Extras Included with Resort Packages

Depending on the package, extras may include:

🎳 Vouchers for miniature golf at Disney’s Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens

🎯 Vouchers for ESPN Wide World of Sports

🎳 Discounts on entertainment (e.g., Splitsville Luxury Lanes)…and more seasonal perks, updated yearly.See the full list on Disney’s Magical Extras page .

Benefits of Booking a Disney Resort Package

🏰 All-In-One Control of Your TripYou choose your travel dates, hotel category, ticket type, and extras — all in one place.

💳 Flexible Payments Secure your vacation with a low deposit (often around $200) and pay the balance closer to travel — typically 30 days before check-in.

🔄 Flexible Cancellation Most packages can be canceled with a full refund up to ~30 days before your travel date (varies by offer).

🍽️ Dining Perks With the Disney Dining Plan available again for 2026 travel, you can pre-pay for meals and snacks for a more stress-free vacation. Kids ages 3–9 are eligable for a free dining plan when traveling with eligible guests who purchase the Disney Dining Plan! Considering the Dining Plan with your 2026 resort stay? You can learn all about it in our 2026 Disney Dining Pan Guide.

🎢 Discounts & Offers Disney releases special offers and discounts throughout the year. Authorized Disney Vacation Planners (like Bren) can often apply these to existing bookings automatically.

🎟️ Advance Planning Benefits Guests with packages can book Advance Dining Reservations beginning 60 days before their arrival date for the duration of their stay.

🕒 Theme Park Perks All Disney Resort hotel guests enjoy 30 minutes of early theme park entry every day — a huge advantage for ride availability and lower wait times. Guests at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts also qualify for Extended Evening Hourson select nights.

🚍 Transportation & Parking Complimentary standard parking at theme parks and Disney water parks, plus free transportation via monorail, Skyliner, buses, and boats. Confused by all the transportation choices at The Walt Disney Resort? We break them down in our Disney Transportation Guide.

💦 Water Park Admission on Check-In Day Water park access on arrival is returning in summer 2026 (subject to availability).

⚡️ Lightning Lane Passes are bookable 7 days before arrival, instead of 3 days for non-resort guests. Learn more in our Lightning Lane Passes Guide for 2026.

Is there a deposit required for a resort package?

A $200 deposit is due at the time of booking.

Reserve Your Resort Package

A $200 deposit (or the amount required at booking) reserves your trip. Final payment is due ~30 days before your check-in date.

Discounts and Special Offers

Disney often releases seasonal offers ~3–5 months before travel dates. These can include room rate discounts, ticket add-ons, and dining promotions. Vacation planner partners can monitor and apply offers as they’re released. We keep a running list of active Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line offers in our Disney Discount Offers Guide.

Online Check-In

Use Online Check-In in the My Disney Experience app up to 60 days before arrival — skip the front desk and go straight to your room or parks once you arrive!