Disney World Confirms Added Fees for Extra Hours in Theme Park Moving Forward

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Let’s be honest—there’s something undeniably magical about being in a Disney park at night. But for most guests, that magic ends when the park officially closes.Or does it?If you’ve ever seen people walking back into attractions while heading for the exit, you’re not imagining things. A little-known perk lets certain guests stay after hours—but there’s now a catch, which comes with a price tag you may not expect.Credit: DisneyFree Disney Resort PerksBefore we dive into the “added fees” part, it’s worth pointing out that Disney Resort guests still get some nice complimentary benefits. All guests at Disney-owned hotels enjoy Early theme park Entry, giving them a 30-minute head start every morning. That means shorter lines at the big rides—and a much better shot at scoring that boarding group or Lightning Lane return time.Transportation is also completely free, and it’s surprisingly convenient. Between the monorail, Skyliner, ferryboats, and buses, getting around the property is easy and cost-free—especially helpful if you’re park hopping or trying to beat the heat.And here’s a perk many guests forget: if you’re checking in to a Disney Resort, you can head to a water park on your arrival day for free. That’s right—no theme park ticket required. It’s an incredible little bonus, literally.Credit: DisneyBut Now, Evening Access Will Cost MoreNow, onto the big change. Disney just confirmed that Extended Evening Hours will return in 2026—but only for guests staying at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts or Disney Vacation Club villas. And yes, that means if you want to enjoy those two extra hours in the parks after they close, you’ll have to shell out for the higher-priced hotel rooms.This isn’t a separate ticketed event, but it’s still a shift toward a pay-to-stay-longer model. Guests booked at properties like the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Beach Club, Riviera, or the Contemporary will be eligible. But if you’re at a Value or Moderate resort—like Pop Century or Caribbean Beach—you won’t qualify, even if you’re staying on Disney property.Credit: DisneyGoodbye, Magic HoursDisney used to offer Extra Magic Hours to all resort guests, no matter where they stayed. It didn’t matter if you were at Pop Century or the Grand Floridian—everyone got the same early or late park access.But like most things these days, the more affordable options are starting to disappear, and the perks are now leaning heavily toward those staying at higher-end resorts.The Magic Is Still There… If You Can Afford ItSo yes, technically this is a “free perk” if you’re already spending Deluxe money—but that’s the fine print. For most families, the upgrade from a Moderate to a Deluxe can add hundreds (or thousands) to the total cost. And that added fee? It’s essentially the price of staying late.For some, it’ll be worth it. Evening hours mean shorter lines, cooler temperatures, and a more relaxed experience. But others are left wondering if Disney is slowly putting more and more of the magic behind a price wall.Magic, it seems, now has a curfew—unless you’re willing to pay to stay.The post Disney World Confirms Added Fees for Extra Hours in Theme Park Moving Forward appeared first on Inside the Magic.