Staying At A Disney World Resort Includes This Awesome Summer Perk For Free

If you're visiting "the most magical place on Earth" in 2025, it may be worth staying at a Disney Resorts Collection Hotel instead of another rental. That's because one freebie you can snag with your stay at a Disney World Resort in 2025 (besides those cute luggage tags) is free admission to a Disney water park on your check‑in day. You read that right — whether you're headed for the icy thrills of Blizzard Beach or the tropical vibes at Typhoon Lagoon, your arrival can start with splashy fun at no extra cost.

This offer is good for guests checking into any of the Disney Resorts Collection hotels listed here between January 1 and December 31, 2025. And, in even more exciting news, if you visit before September 7, both water parks will be open at the same time. That means guests have two choices on arrival day. In fact, it's the first time all six Disney World parks have been open simultaneously since the pandemic.

Getting in is easy — just scan your MagicBand, Key to the World card, or Disney MagicMobile app at the entrance, and if you're a registered resort guest arriving that day, you'll have access included. Just be sure you have registered all overnight guests on your resort reservation in advance. Families can even enjoy this twice if doing a split‑stay at two Disney resorts since the perk applies on each check‑in day. If you aren't sure which hotels to choose, check out our ranking of Disney World's resort hotels.

With the water parks closing at 7 p.m., arriving early lets you squeeze in several hours of fun before settling down in your hotel room. If you want to get right to the splashing, you can go straight to the waterpark on your check-in day without checking in first. This is a great option for visitors who can leave their luggage in the car. For travelers who want an early start but need somewhere to stash their luggage, just check it with Bell Services at the hotel — you can do this even before your room is ready. The water parks have changing areas, so just bring your water-wear with you. There are also free life jackets and towel rentals, so you don't really need to carry anything else.

Getting there is simple. For Blizzard Beach, some resorts have direct bus routes — just check online or ask at the front desk. For hotels not on the direct route, visitors can ride Disney's bus to Animal Kingdom, then transfer to the water park. For Typhoon Lagoon, guests take a bus to Disney Springs and then transfer. Bus rides are free, but if you drive directly, there's also free first-come, first-served parking at the water parks. Disney does offer the Minnie Van, a personal ride service through Lyft, but it costs extra.

Once inside, guests can enjoy attractions like the Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach and the massive Surf Pool at Typhoon Lagoon. For a shady upgrade, rent a Beachcomber Shack or Polar Patio ($225 to $375) cabana for comfort and extras like attendant service and drink options. With perks like this, we won't blame you for reconsidering booking an Airbnb for Disney World this year.