No more early entry for Disneyland hotel guests 2026

Question

I have just read this will be ending and instead hotel guests will get one lightning lane pass each. It doesn’t include Radiator Springs or Rise though

Answer

Starting in 2026, Disneyland Resort is changing its policy for hotel guests. Previously, staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel gave guests early entry into the parks, allowing them to access attractions before regular park opening hours. This early entry perk is being discontinued. Instead, hotel guests will receive a single Lightning Lane pass per day as a replacement benefit. This pass allows one expedited entry to an attraction via the Lightning Lane queue, which can significantly reduce wait times for that ride.

It’s important to note that this new benefit does have limitations:

The single Lightning Lane pass per day does not include some of the most popular attractions, such as Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Park.
Guests will need to strategically choose which attraction they want to use their Lightning Lane for, as they will only get one per day as part of this hotel benefit.
Additional Lightning Lane access can still be purchased through the Disney Genie+ service if guests want expedited access to other attractions beyond the included single pass.

This change is part of a broader shift in Disneyland’s approach to guest access and queue management. While early entry allowed guests to enjoy several rides with lower wait times, the new Lightning Lane pass is more limited but still provides a guaranteed shortcut for one ride each day. Guests should plan their park days accordingly and consider purchasing Genie+ or individual Lightning Lane selections if they want to experience multiple high-demand attractions.

Some strategies for making the most of this change include:

Reserve the single included Lightning Lane for one of the park’s top attractions not included in the pass options to maximize value.
Arrive at the park early regardless of hotel benefits to enjoy popular rides before crowds build.
Use the Disneyland app to monitor wait times and make additional Lightning Lane purchases strategically throughout the day.

Overall, while the removal of early entry is a significant change, the included single Lightning Lane pass still offers a tangible benefit for Disneyland Resort hotel guests, especially when combined with smart planning and Genie+ options.