As of today, four new hotels will be added to the Walt Disney World Gateway Hotel collection: Residence Inn by Marriott at Western Entrance, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott at Western Entrance, Homewood Suites by Hilton at Western Entrance and Home2 Suites by Hilton at Western Entrance. All of these hotels are located at Flamingo Crossings. Beginning today, Feb. 9, 2021, these properties are now bookable as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package, both online and by calling the Disney Reservation Center.
The convenient location of these hotels makes it easy to visit the parks—and by booking a vacation package with the Walt Disney Travel Company, Guests receive select benefits guaranteed to add a little more magic to their Walt Disney World Resort stay. In the past, these resorts would be extended the 60-day advance booking window for FastPass+ and access to Extra Magic Hours, but there is no FastPass+ or EMH currently offered at Walt Disney World.
What benefits? Disney has removed every single one (Magic bands, EMH, FP+, Magical Express, Dining Plan)…….Who cares?
There will be an EMH type benefit coming later this year, so they’ll get that. Also, FP+ will likely return.
Magical Express is still available through 2021, although baggage service was eliminated. I don’t know whether Magical Express is extended to the hotels at Flamingo Crossing, but I’m guessing no since it’s not available for Swan/Dolphin nor the hotels near Springs. I sure will miss Magical Express and especially Resort Airline Check-in. I absolutely loved being able to check my bags on departure day and enjoy my remaining time on property before a relaxing trip to the airport and leisurely stroll to my gate, without the hassle of checking my bag at the airport. Disney will still be magical, just in different ways that I’ll discover when I make my first trek after the pandemic subsides. I’ve doubted many changes over the years and even though there are things I still miss, overall it gets better and better IMO. Now I’m dreaming of a stay at the peaceful redesigned Coronado Springs.