This has turned into quite the hot topic.
Recently, Disney announced that beginning January 2018 guests who are staying at one of the resorts in Disney Springs (deemed an “Official Walt Disney World hotel”) will be able to take advantage of some new benefits. These benefits are currently available to those stay at Disney Resort hotels and to those staying at the Swan and Dolphin hotels.
Here is the rundown of the changes:
Which Disney Springs Resort hotels get the new benefits?
- B Resort & Spa
- Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort
- DoubleTree Guest Suites by Hilton Orlando
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace
- Hilton Orlando Resort Lake Buena Vista
- Holiday Inn Orlando
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
What are the new benefits available?
- Guests staying at the above hotels, and who have valid theme park admission, will be able to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. This benefit begins on January 1, 2018.
- Starting January 10, 2018 guests who book a package at one of the above hotels through Disney’s website or through a Disney vacation planner will have the ability to link the reservation to a My Disney Experience account.
- Also starting January 10, 2018 guests who have a linked account and valid theme park admission will be able to book their FastPasses 60 days out.
Will guests at these Disney Springs Resort hotels be able to use Magical Express?
- At this time, Magical Express is not listed as a benefit extended to Disney Springs Resort hotel guests.
Will the Disney bus transportation system be available to Disney Springs Resort hotel guests?
- No, the hotels will keep their shuttles that run every 30 minutes.
Do the benefits apply if guests reserve a room from somewhere other than Disney’s website or through a Disney vacation planner?
- No. Packages must be purchased through Disney’s website or through a Disney vacation planner.
These changes have created quite the uproar in the Disney fan community. Many are wondering if it will be harder to get those sought after FastPasses if more people have access to the 60 day booking window.
I’m hoping they will eventually let Disney Resort guests book 90 days out or, as my friend Maureen suggested, let people book the same time they make dining reservations. It’s not likely that either of those scenarios will happen, but a girl can dream.
What do you think about these changes?
Thanks for reading!
*Liz*
Ugh!!!!
I think it greatly reduces the incentive to stay on site. Doesn’t seem like a wise business decision that’s for sure!