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Disneyland has confirmed that Early Entry will disappear on Jan. 5, 2026. For hotel guests, that means no more slipping into the parks 30 minutes early.
The replacement is slimmer: one Lightning Lane Multi Pass per stay, valid for a single attraction of your choice. The change reshapes how guests plan their mornings at Disneyland.
And it raises a bigger question: could Disney World follow?
What Disneyland Guests Are Losing
Early Entry was more than a half-hour head start. It was a way to secure big rides before crowds piled in.
At Disneyland Park, that meant quick access to Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, or Star Tours. At California Adventure, it often meant WEB SLINGERS, Guardians of the Galaxy, or Soarin’.
Guests who used the perk wisely could cover two or three headline rides before breakfast. That momentum made the rest of the day easier and less stressful.
With this perk disappearing, mornings at Disneyland will feel very different. Families who loved that head start will have to rethink their strategy.
What Replaces It
Hotel guests will now get a single Lightning Lane Multi Pass during their stay. It works like a regular Lightning Lane, letting you bypass the standard line during a chosen return window.
You pick the ride, and you pick the time. That makes it more flexible than Early Entry but far more limited.
The key detail is that it’s one per stay, not one per day. Whether you book one night or four, you get the same perk.
For longer stays, that flat trade-off feels especially thin. The value compared to daily Early Entry just isn’t there.
Why Disneyland Made the Switch
Disney shared that most hotel guests weren’t using Early Entry. The alternating park schedule often clashed with 1-Park-Per-Day ticket reservations, making it tricky to use.
Running rides, shops, and security before hours also costs money. If only a fraction of guests turned up, the expense outweighed the benefit.
Disney is also testing demand. If hotel bookings stay high without Early Entry, the company will know the perk wasn’t essential.
For Disney, the move lowers costs while giving guests a replacement perk that is easier to manage.
Could Disney World Be Next?
Disney World still offers Early Theme Park Entry. That perk allows hotel guests 30 minutes of early access every day, at every park.
It’s broader and more reliable than Disneyland’s system ever was. Guests can count on it daily, no matter which park they booked.
But the same pressures exist in Orlando. Staffing early openings costs money, and Lightning Lane sales bring in extra revenue.
If Disneyland keeps hotel demand strong without Early Entry, Disney World may eventually follow suit. Guests should watch closely.
What Travelers Should Watch For
Disney World hasn’t announced any changes yet. For now, hotel guests can still count on daily Early Theme Park Entry.
But the precedent in California is clear. If Disney sees success there, Orlando could be next.
Travelers should keep an eye on how hotel occupancy holds at Disneyland after Jan. 5, 2026. If bookings don’t drop, Disney may see little reason to keep offering Early Entry in Florida.
The shift would mark another step toward paid access over complimentary perks. Guests should be ready for that possibility.
Bottom Line for Travelers
At Disneyland, Early Entry remains through 2025. Starting in 2026, it will be replaced with a single Lightning Lane Multi Pass per stay.
For some guests, the flexibility will be a relief. For others, it will feel like losing a valuable head start that made mornings special.
Disney World still has its version of Early Entry, but its future may depend on how California guests react. If demand holds steady, Orlando may follow suit.
As you plan, weigh the value carefully. One Lightning Lane may not justify premium hotel prices the way daily Early Entry once did.
References:
- https://mickeyvisit.com/disneyland-early-entry/
- https://disneyland.disney.go.com