Disneyland Resort has announced that its Early Theme Park Entry programme will be discontinued from 5 January 2026. The perk, which allowed hotel guests to enter the parks 30 minutes before official opening, will be replaced with a complimentary Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction entry for each stay.
According to a Disneyland news release, the early entry programme was 'not widely used,' prompting the shift to the Lightning Lane system. From 5 January, eligible guests will receive one Lightning Lane Multi Pass per hotel stay, rather than per day, granting access to a selection of attractions without waiting in standard queues.
The new benefit applies to guests staying at Disneyland Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club properties who hold valid park admission and a same-day reservation. Those at Good Neighbour Hotels will not qualify. The complimentary pass must be booked via the Disneyland app, with officials recommending that guests link their tickets, hotel reservations and Lightning Lane selections in advance.
Some major rides, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Radiator Springs Racers, are excluded from the offer and still require separate Lightning Lane purchases. Included attractions range from Space Mountain and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! to Star Tours and Mr Toad's Wild Ride.
The Early Theme Park Entry programme will continue as normal until 4 January 2026. Currently, Disneyland park offers early entry on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, while Disney California Adventure Park offers it on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
