Disneyland is making some big changes, and while we always hope that the magical mouse kingdom will be rolling out improvements, these adjustments seem like Goofy is in charge. The biggest jolt to our Anaheim dreams? The perk of early entry when you stay at a Disneyland hotel is going away January 5, 2026, according to SF Gate.
Currently, Disneyland hotel guests (Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian and the Pixar Place Hotel) can enter Disneyland or Disney California Adventure a half-hour before either park opens to the public. You feel a little special getting in before rope drop. That perk lets you zip inside and maybe grab a ride on a high-value, long-line attraction before everyone else gets there. Many park dining options are also open for guaranteed seating before the masses arrive. If you have a reservation sometime this year, you’ll still be able to take advantage of this insider access. Starting January 5, though, the perk evaporates and instead the hotel guests will receive one Lightning Lane pass.
The benefit is apparently being discontinued due to lack of use. We blame you, anyone who slept in rather than rushing to your favorite attraction.
Another change that makes us feel like Cinderella when the beautiful coach turned back into a pumpkin? Oga’s Cantina in the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attraction is no longer accepting reservations for dining. Existing reservations will be honored, but if you don’t already have one, you’ll be standing in line for walk-up availability. We want fewer lines, not more.
And finally…it’s a shock like the spinning wheel needle skewering Aurora in the attic… the Pixar Place Hotel’s entrance directly into Disney California Adventure will close on January 5, 2026. Guests will instead have to enter via the Grand Californian entrance. Having a dedicated entrance out of your own hotel is definitely a perk that will be missed.
But a spoonful of sugar helps this medicine go down: we love the idea of the animatronic Walt Disney figure that debuted last month.