If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation and want to know if Disney Good Neighbor hotels get Magic Hours or Extra Magic Hours, the short answer is not all get access to Magic Hours or Extra Magic Hours at the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Magic Hours are a perk only offered to guests staying at select Walt Disney World owned and operated resorts, certain official WDW partner hotels, and Shades of Green resort.
Good Neighbor hotels are independently owned offsite hotels near Disney World, but not all affiliated enough with Disney to receive Magic Hour benefits. Guests at Good Neighbor hotels can still visit the parks during regular operating hours and sometimes during Magic Hour times, but cannot enter early or stay late specifically for Magic Hours without being an eligible Disney resort guest.
This in-depth guide will explain exactly which hotels qualify for early and late Magic Hours. We’ll cover why Good Neighbor hotels don’t make the cut, and how to maximize your park time without Magic Hour benefits.
What Are Disney World Magic Hours?
Disney World Magic Hours are exclusive time periods during which guests staying at Disney resorts, can enjoy extra time in the theme parks. These additional hours allow guests to experience popular attractions with shorter wait times and fewer crowds. Magic Hours are available at select Disney theme parks on specific days, and they are a great way to make the most out of your Disney World vacation.
Early Entry Morning Magic Hours
Early Entry Morning Magic Hours are a fantastic perk for guests staying at Disney Good Neighbor Hotels. During these hours, one of the Disney theme parks opens its doors one hour earlier than the regular opening time.
This allows you to enter the park before non-resort guests, giving you a head start on experiencing popular attractions. It’s a magical way to start your day and make the most out of your time at Disney World.
Late Night Magic Hours
For night owls and those who want to extend their fun, Late Night Magic Hours are the perfect opportunity. After regular park closing time, one of the Disney theme parks stays open for an additional two to three hours exclusively for resort guests.
This means you can enjoy your favorite attractions, shows, and entertainment with shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great way to end your day at Disney World with some extra magic.
Weekly Park Rotations
Disney World Magic Hours rotate between the different theme parks throughout the week, ensuring that resort guests have the opportunity to experience each park during the exclusive hours.
The specific park and the availability of Magic Hours can vary, so it’s essential to check the Disney World website or consult with the front desk of your Disney Good Neighbor Hotel for the most up-to-date information.
Which Hotels Get Magic Hours
When planning a trip to Disney World, one of the perks that many visitors look forward to is the opportunity to enjoy extra time in the parks during Magic Hours. However, not all hotels offer this benefit. Let’s take a closer look at which hotels get Magic Hours.
Disney-Owned Resort Hotels
If you’re looking to stay in a Disney-owned resort hotel, you’re in luck! All of these hotels – including the iconic Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – offer Magic Hours to their guests. This means that you can enter the parks before they open to the general public or stay late after they close, allowing you to enjoy popular attractions with shorter wait times.
Swan and Dolphin Partner Hotels
The Swan and Dolphin hotels, located near Epcot, are part of the Walt Disney World Resort but are not Disney-owned. However, they do offer Magic Hours to their guests. This is a great option if you want to stay close to the parks and take advantage of extended park hours.
Shades of Green Military Resort
As a way to show appreciation for military personnel, Shades of Green – a resort exclusively for members of the U.S. military and their families – also offers Magic Hours. This is a fantastic opportunity for military families to make the most of their Disney vacation and create unforgettable memories.
Disney Springs Area Hotels
While not technically part of the Disney World Resort, the Disney Springs Area Hotels – such as the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista and the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace – also provide their guests with the Magic Hours benefit. These hotels are conveniently located near Disney Springs and offer complimentary transportation to the parks.
Overview of Disney Good Neighbor Hotels
Planning a trip to Disneyland can be an exciting experience, but choosing the right accommodation can sometimes be overwhelming. One option that many visitors consider is staying at a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel. In this guide, we will provide you with an overview of what Disney Good Neighbor Hotels are and the benefits of choosing them for your stay.
Definition of Good Neighbor Hotels
Disney Good Neighbor Hotels are a collection of hotels located near the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. These hotels have been carefully selected by Disney and meet certain criteria to ensure a high standard of quality and service. While not officially operated by Disney, these hotels are endorsed by the company and provide a convenient and comfortable option for visitors.
These hotels offer a range of amenities and services, including complimentary transportation to and from the Disneyland Resort, ticket sales for the parks, and access to Disney Character Breakfasts. They also often provide additional perks such as swimming pools, restaurants, and fitness centers.
Benefits of Staying at Good Neighbor Hotels
There are several benefits to staying at a Disney Good Neighbor Hotel.
- Firstly, these hotels are typically more affordable than the Disney-owned hotels within the Disneyland Resort. This can be a great option for families or budget-conscious travelers who still want to experience the magic of Disneyland.
- Additionally, staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel allows you to have the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the proximity and convenience of being near the Disneyland Resort, while also experiencing the unique offerings of the surrounding area. Many of these hotels are located in vibrant neighborhoods with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Another advantage of staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel is that some of them offer exclusive benefits, such as access to Magic Hours. While not all Good Neighbor Hotels offer this perk, some do, so it’s worth checking with the hotel before booking.
Why Good Neighbor Hotels Don’t Get Magic Hours
One of the perks that guests staying at select Disney Resorts enjoy is the opportunity to experience Magic Hours. These are designated times when the theme parks open early or stay open late exclusively for Disney Resort guests. However, it’s important to note that Good Neighbor Hotels, while offering many benefits, do not provide access to Magic Hours.
Magic Hours Are For Select Disney Resorts
Magic Hours are a special privilege extended to guests staying at Disney-owned and operated resorts. These resorts include the various Disney Deluxe, Moderate, and Value accommodations.
During Magic Hours, guests can enjoy reduced wait times for popular attractions, explore the parks with fewer crowds, and take advantage of additional entertainment offerings. These exclusive hours provide an extra touch of magic to the Disney experience.
It’s worth mentioning that not all Disney resorts offer Magic Hours on a daily basis. The availability of Magic Hours varies depending on the season and the specific park. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check the official Walt Disney World website or consult with a Disney representative to get the most up-to-date information on Magic Hour schedules.
Good Neighbor Guests Can Still Visit During Magic Hours
While Good Neighbor Hotels may not provide direct access to Magic Hours, guests staying at these accommodations can still visit the parks during these special times.
The regular park admission tickets allow access to the theme parks, including during Magic Hours. So if you’re staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel, you can still take advantage of the extra hours by purchasing regular park tickets.
It’s important to note that while staying at a Disney Resort offers the convenience of being just steps away from the parks, Good Neighbor Hotels often provide excellent accommodations, proximity to the parks, and sometimes even complimentary transportation to and from the parks.
So even though Magic Hours may not be available, there are still plenty of benefits to choosing a Good Neighbor Hotel for your Disney vacation.
Maximizing Park Time Without Magic Hours
While staying at Disney Good Neighbor Hotels may not provide you with access to the coveted Magic Hours, there are still plenty of ways to maximize your park time and make the most out of your Disney experience. Here are some tips and strategies to help you get the most out of your visit:
Use Early Regular Park Hours
One of the best ways to make the most of your time in the parks is to take advantage of the early regular park hours. These hours are available to all guests, regardless of whether they are staying at a Disney resort or a Good Neighbor Hotel.
By arriving early, you can beat the crowds and enjoy shorter wait times for popular attractions. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the park during the beautiful morning hours when the park is less crowded and the weather is usually cooler.
Strategic FastPass+ Reservations
FastPass+ is a great tool for minimizing wait times for your favorite attractions. Even without access to Magic Hours, you can still make strategic FastPass+ reservations to make the most of your park time. Be sure to book your FastPasses as soon as your reservation window opens, as popular attractions tend to fill up quickly.
Choose attractions with longer wait times or ones that tend to have consistent high demand. This way, you can bypass the regular stand-by lines and maximize your time in the parks.
Mid-Day Breaks
Another effective strategy for maximizing your park time without Magic Hours is to take mid-day breaks. The parks tend to be the busiest during the middle of the day, so taking a break during this time can help you avoid the crowds and recharge your energy.
Return to your hotel or find a quiet spot within the park to relax, have a meal, or even take a nap. By taking a break, you’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the day, making the most of the hours when the crowds start to thin out.
Target Low Crowd Days/Times
Lastly, to maximize your park time without Magic Hours, it’s important to target low crowd days and times. By avoiding peak times such as weekends, holidays, and school breaks, you can experience shorter wait times and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in the parks.
Check crowd calendars and plan your visit accordingly. Aim to visit the parks during weekdays or during the early morning or late evening hours when crowds are typically lighter. This way, you can make the most of your time and enjoy more attractions without the hassle of long lines or overcrowding.
Remember, while Magic Hours may provide some additional park time, it’s not essential for having an amazing Disney experience. By following these tips and strategies, you can still make the most of your time in the parks and create magical memories that will last a lifetime!
Conclusion
While Magic Hours remain exclusive to chosen Disney hotels, you can absolutely still have an amazing theme park experience staying at an affordable Good Neighbor hotel. With savvy planning and research, you can optimize your park time without early or late magic.
Evaluating the trade-offs between Magic Hour perks and Good Neighbor savings can help you pick the best lodging for your Disney World vacation needs.
