Disneyland Eliminates Early Entry for Resort Hotel Guests Beginning January 5, 2026

[BriannaRuth]

I just wish those same hotels had safe connection routes for ECVs. We're stuck using Disneyland hotels so we can use our ecvs which we can't get around much without.

We've stayed at the Candy Cane and at one of the Marriott hotels (maybe the Fairfield) across from the parks with ECVs with no problem. Both charged ECVs in their lobbies for pickup the next morning and crossing over to DLs wasn't a big deal.

Wow. Flabbergasted by this decision. We booked DVC points to stay at the GCH in April, which are non refundable. Coming from Australia it’s our once/decade DL trip. Bringing a friend who has never experienced any Disney parks. Already hard to explain to her why the hotel was so $$$$ now this.. ((

They should absolutely make these refundable given this change. Bait and switch. Although that won't help with the rest of the expense/scheduling done for your trip. I'd be very angry if I'd already booked for 2026 and was just now finding this out.

Of course this starts the very day we arrive for our stay at Grand Californian.

Ugh, so sorry!

can anyone report on the ee usage since the announcement? just curious if it seems busier or still “not utilized by many”

we go early sept and for sure will use it every day

Ironically, I have a December trip planned and am now considering changing my hotel from offsite to the DLH. One last EE trip before it's done.

 

[DebbieB]

My coworker was just telling me that they stayed in one of the Universal Studios Orlando hotels that gives you an included Universal Express unlimited pass for every single day of your stay, including check-in and check-out days.

Even when Disney wasn't nickel and diming, they weren't offering similar. EE was a good benefit that did see good utilization (the crowds lined up at security before the sunrise was a decent indication). Comparing to USO really highlights how ridiculous scaling this back to nothing is.

Their Top 3 hotels, they call them Signature Collection. It would be nice if DL would do it since they have competition from the offsite hotels. I think WDW has too many Deluxe to offer it free.

 

[CinCrisis]

All I can think is that this is how Universal starts winning the customer experience war.

 

[bakofarmgirl]

@LKing yes just curious if it seemed more crowded for ee or no change