Halloween decorations are already going up at Walt Disney World. Soon, the Florida resort will welcome some of its biggest crowds of the year.
However, some longtime guests are wondering if their next visit
will feel different after changes announced this summer, which many see as efforts to curb resort hopping, a cheap and popular pastime on non-park days.
Like park hopping, which involves visiting multiple theme parks on the same day, resort hopping involves visiting different Disney resort hotels. Whether it’s to grab a quick snack, buy a souvenir, take selfies or simply appreciate the themed scenery, it allows guests to stay immersed in the Disney bubble without spending much or any money.
Here’s what guests should know before their next Disney World trip.
What are the changes to Disney World in 2026?
In late June, the resort began limiting access to free resort transportation at its Disney Springs shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Now, only guests with stays or experiences booked at Disney resort hotels may take Disney buses and boats to them from Disney Springs.
Guests of Disney’s Port Orleans resorts in particular lauded the move on social media, following complaints of long lines for water taxis due to the popularity of Mickey-shaped beignets at Port Orleans – French Quarter.
"Guests choose to stay at Disney Resort hotels because of the unique benefits and experiences that come with staying on property. This effort helps us protect that experience for our Resort guests so they can enjoy those benefits as intended,” Disney told USA TODAY.
Around the same time as the Disney Springs change, Disney World confirmed that it has permanently sunset its giant gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – a huge draw over the holidays.
For years, guests would come from all over and pack the lobby as they paused for pictures or lined up to buy baked treats from a walk-up kiosk inside the gingerbread house. Going forward, the Grand Floridian will instead feature miniature holiday displays around its property. The move follows the recent addition of the hotel’s Perch bar, which further limits foot traffic in the lobby.
Is Disney ending resort hopping?
No. Disney is not ending resort hopping.
The only restriction for resort bus or water taxi access is at Disney Springs, which notably offers free parking.
Guests are still able to take free resort transportation to Disney hotels from all four Disney World theme parks, which do charge for parking.
Some guests got nervous after reading this line in this year’s holiday announcements on the official Disney Parks Blog: “For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor.” They interpreted that to mean that decor would only be for the enjoyment of guests staying or dining on property. However, similar language was used both in 2024 and 2025 without exclusivity.
Can I park at a Disney hotel for free?
Yes and no.
Guests staying at Disney World resort hotels get free parking at the theme parks and at the specific hotel where they’re staying. They may not park at other resort hotels unless they have an experience booked there.
Any guest with an experience booked at any resort hotel may park there for free. That includes a dining reservation, a salon or spa appointment, or other types of experiences like Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs or a carriage ride at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.
These terms have not changed.
How much is the parking at Disney World?
Standard theme park parking currently costs $35 per day for standard cars and motorcycles.
It’s $40 per day for oversized vehicles like RVs, limos, buses, and vehicles with trailers.
Closer, preferred parking costs between $50 and $60 a day.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Does Disney allow resort hopping? What to know before your next visit
