With the start of Disney World’s widespread celebration of its 50th anniversary coming up on October 1, 2021, Disney has announced a couple of perks for Walt Disney World Resort guests that will allow them to enjoy more of the parks and attractions. One of these perks is great news for all on-property and some off-property guests, and the other perk is only available to those who can afford to spend a bit more on their WDW vacation.

Keep reading to find out more about the Disney World 50th Anniversary extra hours perk, and how it’s different than the Extra Magic Hours perk previously offered.

First, let’s start with the universally welcome news: all guests at Disney World on-property resorts and a few select off-property resorts will have access to extra park hours in the morning. While Disney has not announced which off-property hotels will have access to the extra morning hours, most likely it will include Good Neighbor Hotels that have offered perks like FastPass+ reservations in the past. Even more great news: the 50th Anniversary extra hours perks applies to every park on every day. Extra Magic Hours in the past had only applied to one park in the morning per day, so this is a great plus up for this perk. It will also avoid the issue of the park with EMH mornings getting more crowded, as all of the parks will be open early. Each park will have “select attractions” open during the extra morning hours.

Here’s what Disney announced about extra morning hours for Resort guests at Disney World:

Just in time for the start of this magical celebration, on Oct. 1, we will be rolling out a new early theme park entry benefit for Disney Resort hotel guests and guests of other select hotels, giving them the first chance to enjoy select attractions at EVERY theme park, EVERY day. These guests will also be among the first each day to see the dazzling decorations and EARidescent excitement. Guests will need a valid ticket or pass and a theme park reservation for the same park on the same date for early theme park entry.

Now, let’s tackle the more controversial announcement. Disney World will also be offering an extra evening hours perk, but it will only be available to Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa Resort guests. Including the Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village Resort, and Contemporary, these are the top tier of Disney World Resorts, and they are the most expensive.

Here’s what Disney had to say about this perk:

In addition, with the kickoff of the 50th anniversary, guests staying at one of our Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels will also be able to enjoy extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks. Extended evening hours will begin in early October with specific dates and parks to be shared at a later time, so please be sure to check back on DisneyWorld.com for the latest.

…For both of these options, select attractions, merchandise and food and beverage locations will be available. Be sure to also bring your MagicBand, Disney MagicMobile pass or Key to the World card linked to your stay, or another form of Resort ID.

What do you think about the extended hours for Deluxe Resort guests? Do you support the most expensive hotels featuring the best perks, or do you think that all WDW guests should be offered the same hours no matter which hotel they stay at?

Stay tuned for more tips and details about Disney World’s 50th Anniversary celebration.