Hold on tight—Disney World is changing things up in a big way. If you’re staying at a Disney resort this summer, you’re in for some big surprises. Scheduled character meet-and-greets, new parking rules, and even luggage assistance are coming to make your stay even more magical. And, let’s be real, it’s about time!
Let’s dive into what’s happening and how it’s going to impact your next Disney resort stay.
Say Hello to Scheduled Character Meet-and-Greets at Select Resorts
Here’s the scoop: Disney is rolling out scheduled character meet-and-greets at some of its top resorts starting this summer. That’s right—Mickey, Minnie, and other fan favorites will be making scheduled appearances at Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Wilderness Lodge.
So, forget about hunting down characters in the parks or waiting in long lines at the most popular spots. You can now plan your resort days to meet the characters BEFORE you even set foot in the parks.
This is a total game-changer. Whether you’re looking to meet Buzz Lightyear in the morning or get a hug from Minnie Mouse before you head to Hollywood Studios, Disney is making it super easy. With set times for character interactions, you can plan your resort days without worrying about missing your favorites.
Polynesian Resort’s Parking Rules Just Got a Major Update—And It’s Not Just for Hotel Guests
The Polynesian Village Resort just made a major parking change—and it’s something that could impact more than just hotel guests. If you’re dining at the Polynesian (and you’re not staying there), you now have a window to park in their lot—but only after 2:00 p.m.
Here’s the catch: If you’re not a hotel guest, parking is still not guaranteed, as availability will depend on how full the lot is. Disney made it clear that resort guest parking will always be the priority.
Still, this change gives non-hotel guests more access to the Polynesian’s iconic dining spots, including:
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Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto (if you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?)
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Tambu Lounge (tiki drinks, anyone?)
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Wailulu Bar & Grill (get your island fix without even leaving the resort)
This means if you’ve been dying to get a seat at Trader Sam’s without staying at the Polynesian, now’s your chance. But, don’t sleep on it—you’re not the only one looking for a spot to park, so get there early.
A New Pilot Program: Luggage Assistance Now Available at Value Resorts
Let’s talk luggage. Disney is testing a brand-new service aimed at making your trip a little easier. Now, guests flying Southwest Airlines from select Disney Value Resorts (including All-Star Movies and Pop Century) can drop their luggage at their hotel’s Luggage Assistance desk, and Disney will deliver it directly to the airport.
That means you can skip the baggage check lines at Orlando International and avoid hauling your bags through security. Just drop them off, and Disney will get them to your flight.
Right now, this service is only available to guests at Value-tier resorts (so sorry, Deluxe or Moderate folks), but if this pilot goes well, don’t be surprised if Disney extends it to more hotels and airlines soon.
Get Ready for Even More Big Changes in 2026
There’s also some big news for 2026 that could affect your Disney plans in the future. Disney’s making two big adjustments that are worth noting.
Fort Wilderness is Downsizing Its Campsite Capacity
Starting January 1, 2026, Fort Wilderness will be limiting campsites to 8 people, down from the previous 10. This will be a bummer for larger families and groups, so if you’re planning a trip with more than 8 people, you’ll need to make new arrangements.
Simplified Room Classifications Coming to Moderate Resorts
Also, in 2026, Disney’s Moderate-tier resorts will be simplifying how they classify rooms. The old “garden view” or “pool view” system is out. Instead, rooms will be grouped into three categories: Standard Room, Preferred Room, and Rooms with King Beds.
This change is supposed to make booking rooms easier, but it also means you won’t be able to pick your room based on your view anymore. It’s a simplified process that could make reservations smoother—but it’ll be a bit of an adjustment for those who like to pick their exact spot in the resort.
Disney’s Resort Changes Are Just the Beginning
From character meet-and-greets to parking updates, Disney is clearly making moves to improve the guest experience. Whether you’re looking to meet Mickey at your resort or avoid long airport lines, these changes are sure to have a major impact on your trip.
And with 2026 changes already on the horizon, Disney’s clearly not slowing down. So, stay tuned—because Disney World’s resort experience is evolving fast.
