This page provides lots more details (listed in
alphabetical order, for your convenience) about what to do before
you arrive AND after you arrive for your vacation! Note:
If you're willing to submit some comments about your visit to a
Disney Resort, please fill out the Disney Resort
Review Submission !
Banking
| Bell Services |
Cancellation Policy |
Car Care | Cancellation
Policy | Check In
/ Out Times | Church
Services | Deposits
| Dining | Disabilities
| Discounts | Early
Arrival | Express Check
Out | Film
Developing / Processing | First
Aid | Gasoline |
Gratuities | Groceries
| Guest Services |
Hairstyling | Housekeeping
| Ice | Kid's
Clubs | Laundry |
Mail, Postage, Packages
| Maintenance | Merchandise
Delivery | Messages
| Newspapers | Pets
| Pools | Prices
| Refillable Mugs |
Resort Features Comparison
| Resort "Hopping"
| "Room Controller"
| Room Rates | Security
| Special Requests |
Taxes |
Telephone Issues | Television
| Tours & Special
Programs | Transportation,
Walt Disney World | Valet
Parking | Wake-Up Calls
|
Amenities
see Resort Features Comparison
and individual resort pages for specific details |
ATM
see Banking
|
|
Cashiers are available at the front desks of each resort 24 hours
a day. Suntrust Bank ATMs are also available in each lobby,
as well as scattered throughout WDW.
|
|
Each resort's bell services can help you with your luggage.
Be aware that the service, at the moderate resorts especially, is
quite a bit slower than you might wish. Also, be note that there
is NO bell services at the value resorts at all. Luggage handling
at the value resorts is done by front desk cast members as time permits
(and only after the luggage for several rooms that are close in proximity
is ready to go), so there is no specific schedule or expected time
frame for luggage delivery. In any case, tipping for bell services
is customary. |
|
Cancellation policies vary depending on the package deal (if you
booked with one) and the time out from your arrival date.
In general you will receive only a pro-rated refund if you cancel
within a week of your scheduled arrival date.
|
|
There is a AAA-approved car care center next to the Magic Kingdom
toll plaza that can handle vehicle repairs if needed. |
|
Check in times vary from resort to resort. See individual resort
pages for specific details. Check out time is 11:00am, but can
be extended slightly upon request. |
|
The services that used to be held at the Polynesian Resort's Luau
Cove each Sunday Morning were discontinued as of August 2002. Information
is available at each resort on local churches that you can attend
if you so desire. |
|
You must put down a deposit on your room reservation within two
weeks of making the reservation. This includes one night's
stay (including the 11 or 12% resort/ hotel tax). When
you make your reservation you'll be told the amount of the deposit.
You'll be given instructions with your confirmation for handling
the paperwork.
|
|
Priority Seating arrangements for all WDW restaurants can be made
by dialing WDW-DINE from home or calling dining information from your
room (dial 55). Check out the Walt
Disney World Restaurant Resource for information on where to eat
in the Resorts! |
|
Rooms are available at almost every resort that can help accommodate
guests requiring wheelchairs, hearing impaired guests, and guests
with other disabilities. Make sure that you mention these special
needs when you make your reservation as such rooms are limited!
|
There are four fairly likely ways of obtaining discounts on WDW resort
rooms:
- Use of the Disney
Club (formerly the Magic Kingdom Club) can provide up to 20%
savings at some off-peak times of the year.
- Booking rooms at Disney's Welcome Center off I-75 in Ocala.
You may get a great last-minute deal or you might not.
- If you pay for your accommodations using American Express you
may get some discount, but it is generally available only at the
more expensive resorts.
- Annual Passholders can get some great deals on rooms, again
depending on the time of year and subject to availability.
With regard to the Welcome Center, Bruce Stanley (bstanley@rd.qms.com),
a fellow poster to the usenet newsgroup rec.arts.disney.parks, provided
this information:
"If you are driving to WDW, you can get your room through
the Disney welcome center in Ocala for a substantial discount.
Part of the welcome center is a AAA travel center which gets allocated
a certain number of rooms each day at a discount based on what
is available at the resort. So if you happen to show up at the
welcome center early enough you will probably find an available
room at any of the "deluxe" hotels (the moderate and
value hotels do not get any discounts - they are considered already
"discounted" according to the folks at the welcome center).
I have gotten rooms at the Grand Floridian, Fort Wilderness, and
the Polynesian over the last 2 years using the Ocala welcome center
at discounts of up to 45%. HOWEVER, I always visit during the
least busy times of the year (early Dec, late Jan/Feb). Obviously
if you will be visiting during a busier time of the year there
will be less rooms available. But considering that between the
GF, Poly, Contemporary, and WL there are 3500 or so rooms there
is always a significant chance one will be available."
|
|
If you arrive before your room is ready,
Bell Services can store your luggage for you. You can
then pre-register (and obtain your resort IDs, which are actually
your room keys too, and admission media) and begin your vacation!
Later in the afternoon you can call a phone number that you're given
to get your room assignment so you can move in.
|
|
Express check out is available at each WDW resort. As long as
you agree with the statement that is brought to your room on the morning
of your departure, you need not do anything. If you must reconcile
your account, you can even handle that chore the night before when
the front desk is much less busy and take advantage of express check-out.
|
Features
see Resort Features Comparison
|
|
The sundries shop in each resort can handle film processing for you.
|
|
Dial 911 for emergencies. Guest Services
can point you in the right direction for less critical medical needs.
|
|
The auto care centers at the Magic Kingdom toll plaza, across from
the Studios entrance, and across from Downtown Disney all sell the
precious liquid. There are also a few other stations scattered
about the property. Prices may vary a bit from what you'll find off
property. I've noticed that they are usually a bit higher, but others
have reported even lower prices than offsite! In any case, you can't
beat the onsite gasoline stations for convenience. |
|
Tips are typically provided to bartenders and/or beverage servers,
waiters and waitresses at full service restaurants, bell service,
and valet parking attendants. Many people also provide gratuities
to the housekeeping staff, too. |
|
Some groceries are available at the sundries shop in each resort.
For a more thorough shopping spree, you'll have to go to the Publix
or Goodings markets off property on SR-192 or SR-535. |
|
No matter what your need, it's unlikely that Guest Services at
your resort can't help out. Some typical areas that they can
help deal with include:
- help with priority seating
- sales of park admission media
- handle general WDW inquiries or questions specific to the resort
- foreign currency exchange
- help with emergency situations such as unexpected car rental
or repairs, shipping of gifts or flowers, providing directions
or help with WDW transportation
- help arrange special parties or events
- provide information on your reservations for the Polynesian
Luau, Mickey's Tropical Luau or the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Review;
area attractions outside of Walt Disney World; tours and other
recreation
|
|
These services are available at the Contemporary Hair Styling Salon,
the Ivey Trellis (at the Grand Floridian), Periwig's Barber and Beauty
Salon (at the Yacht Club Resort), and Case De Belleza (at Coronado
Springs Resort). The phone
number listing lists the numbers you need to call for appointments.
|
|
Housekeeping can provide extra linens, towels, iron and ironing board,
and other items upon request. If you need it, don't hesitate
to ask! |
|
Ice machines are available at each resort. Usually they are
located near the quiet pools, but you should check your resort maps
or ask Guest Services upon arrival
to find out exactly where the closest one is for you. |
|
Kid's Clubs are available at several resorts. They are open
to every WDW guest, though, regardless of where you are actually staying
but of course, they are much more convenient at the specific resorts
where they are located. There's more information on the "Kid's
clubs" page. |
|
Two types of laundry service are available at each WDW resort.
First, coin-operated machines are available for guest use (see resort
maps for laundry locations). Second, valet laundry service is
available as well. Check with Guest
Services at your resort for details on the services available
at your resort. |
Meals
see Dining. Check out the Walt
Disney World Restaurant Resource for information on where to eat
in the Resorts! |
|
The sundries shop in each resort will sell stamps and post cards or
stationary. You can mail these from the lobby of each resort
(ask at the sundries store, the front desk, or
Guest Services). Larger items can be handled as well.
Direct any such inquires to Guest Services.
|
|
You can call the housekeeping number on your resort telephone if you
need to report any maintenance problems. In my experience, maintenance
issues have always been dealt with promptly, and with appropriate
courtesy by the maintenance staff. |
|
Most of the WDW resorts have a voice mail system. Directions
for its' use are provided near the phone. |
|
Items purchased at the stores in the parks or at Downtown Disney can
be shipped to your resort. At some resorts those items are taken
right to your room. At others, you have to pick them up at the
front desk or at the sundries store. |
|
Newspapers are available at each resort, either at the sundries store
or at machines located around the resort. The premium resorts
provide free papers, delivered to your door each day. |
|
Pets are welcome only at Fort Wilderness Campground. All other
pets must be boarded at the WDW Kennel located at the Ticket and Transportation
Center. |
|
Every Disney resort has several pools. The typical arrangement
is for the resort to have a single, centrally located, "themed"
pool (several of them are very extravagant) and several "quiet"
pools that are more conveniently located for most guests.
Note: WDW guests are entitled to use
the pool at their own resort only. "Pool Hopping"
(i.e. swimming at a pool located at a resort other than your own)
is frowned upon. In fact, often cast members will check resort
IDs and evict interlopers when they are discovered.
Just for reference, here is a list of the prime swimming venues
at Walt Disney World. You may choose to consider this
list when making your accommodations reservations (especially if
your kids are particularly enamored by one of the themes):
|
Location
|
Pool "Claim to Fame"
|
| All Star Movies Resort |
The two pools are themed like Disney movies, a Fantasia
theme and the Mighty Ducks Pond Hockey Arena. |
| All Star Music Resort |
The two pools are shaped like a guitar and a piano keyboard. |
| All Star Sports Resort |
The two sports pools are themed toward baseball and
surfing. |
| Animal Kingdom Lodge |
The main pool is themed to look like a natural pool with
a slide and two whirlpools, a kiddie pool area, and a great
view of the savanna. |
| Boardwalk Inn & Villas Resorts |
The three pools include "Luna Park", the feature
pool themed as the Coney Island amusement park of days gone
by complete with the "Keister Coaster," and two
unthemed quiet pools. |
| Caribbean Beach Resort |
There are seven pools at CBR, six unthemed quiet pools and
the feature pool, located at Old Port Royale Center Town,
themed as a Spanish fortress complete with firing cannon and
water slide. |
| Contemporary Resort |
The two pools include the main pool that features a 17 foot
long water slide and shooting water jet fountains and a smaller
pool set right next to Bay Lake. |
| Coronado Springs Resort |
The feature pool is located at the "dig site"
and is highlighted by a striking Mayan pyramid with a waterfall
and waterslide for the not-too-faint-of-heart.
There are also four unthemed quiet pools. |
| Polynesian Beach Resort |
There are two pools, the "grotto" pool with a
small water slide and an unthemed quiet pool. |
| Port Orleans Resort French Quarter |
Doubloon Lagoon is tops on many lists as the best themed
pool for elementary- aged kids which is based on Mardi Gras
parade floats and has a small children's wading pool and Whirlpools. |
| Port Orleans Resort Riverside |
The resort's five pools include the feature pool on Ol'
Man Island, in the middle of the Landings complex, is a throwback
to the old swimming holes that Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn surely
enjoyed. Besides beautiful landscaping, the pool includes
a nice slide. The other four pools are unthemed quiet
pools. |
| Yacht & Beach Club Resorts |
The three pools include "Storm-along Bay," a 3-acre
water park with a sand bottom, large slide, kids play pool,
and several hot tubs. There are also two unthemed quiet
pools. |
| Wilderness Lodge |
Pool is themed to look like a natural pool in one of the
Western national parks (complete with waterfall, hot and cold
spas, and a small slide). |
Be aware that all of WDW's
beaches are for sunbathing only. Swimming is not permitted
in any of the lakes, rivers, lagoons, or other natural bodies
of water.
|
Prices
see Room Rates |
|
The WDW resorts have a refillable mug program in which you can
buy a souvenir mug that can be refilled at very low cost at the
resort. Check with Guest Services
for more information.
Note: Refillable
mugs are also available at Fantasia Gardens and WinterSummer Land
Miniature Golf as well (now) at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
|
|
There are several categories of resorts. Links to specific resort
descriptions are provided, from this page.
"Premium resorts"...are the most costly and offer
the best of service and luxury. The premium resorts also have interior
hallways, so the rooms are more isolated (i.e. less noisy) and generally
have nicer views out of the windows (rather than looking out at
the exterior hallway and it's pedestrian traffic). (A new premium
resort to be located near Animal Kingdom, and based on an African
Safari theme is planned for future opening.)
"Home-Away-From-Home Resorts"... may include facilities
for cooking and generally provide much more spaciousness than the
typical hotel room.
|
|
Bed- rooms
|
Sleeps
|
Room Service
|
Restau- rants
|
Pools
|
Kids Programs
|
Baby- sitting
|
Health Club
|
Grocery Market
|
Water Recre- ation
|
|
Fort Wilderness Homes
|
no |
4 |
 |
|
|
no |
|
|
|
One-Bedroom Wilderness Home
|
1 |
6 |
|
Boardwalk Villas Resort
|
|
5 (on the board-
walk) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Studio
|
1 |
Up to 4 |
|
One & Two Bedroom Villas
|
1 & 2 |
Up to 8 |
|
Grand Villas
|
3 |
Up to 12 |
|
Old Key West Resort
|
Limited |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Studio
|
1 |
Up to 4 |
|
One & Two Bedroom Villas
|
1 & 2 |
Up to 8 |
|
Grand Villas
|
3 |
Up to 12 |
|
The Villas at the Disney Institute
|
no |
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bungalows
|
1 |
Up to 4 |
|
One & Two Bedroom Townhomes
|
1 & 2 |
Up to 6 |
|
Treehouse Villas
|
3 |
Up to 6 |
|
Fairway Villas
|
2 |
Up to 8 |
|
Grand Vista Homes
|
2 & 3 |
Up to 8 |
| Wilderness
Lodge Villas |
Limited |
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Studio
|
1 |
Up to 4 |
|
One & Two Bedroom Villas
|
1 & 2 |
Up to 8 |
"Moderate Resorts"...have extensive themeing, but are
less formal than the premium resorts. They have fewer services and
less extensive restaurant facilities, and have exterior hallways
(which means a bit more noise in the room, and window vistas that
are less thrilling than the premium resorts, and -- unless your
curtains are drawn -- a bit less private).
|
|
Sleeps
|
Child's Trundle Bed Available
|
Pools
|
Restau- rants
|
Food Court
|
Water Recre- ation
|
Health Club
|
Room Service
|
|
Coronado Springs Resort
|
Up to 4 |
no |
|
1 |
|
|
|
Limited |
|
Caribbean Beach Resort
|
Up to 4 |
no |
|
1 |
|
|
no |
Limited |
|
Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
|
Up to 4 |
no |
|
1 |
|
|
no |
Limited |
|
Port Orleans Resort Riverside
|
Up to 4 |
(sleeps 5 with trundle bed)
|
|
1 |
|
|
no |
Limited |
"Value Resorts"...are much less expensive than
the other resorts. The trade off is that they have smaller rooms,
and have much fewer meal and service options than the more costly
resorts have. The All Stars Movie Resort is planned to open in 1999.
|
|
Sleeps
|
Pools
|
Restau- rants
|
Food Court
|
Water Recre- ation
|
Health Club
|
Room Service
|
|
All Star Sports, Music, and Movies Resorts
|
Up to 4 |
|
no |
|
no |
no |
Limited |
....while Fort Wilderness Campground offers that alternative to
the folks that like to "rough it"...or just prefer to
spend their money less lavishly.
|
|
Sleeps
|
Pools
|
Restau- rants
|
Food Court
|
Water Recreation
|
Health Club
|
Room Service
|
|
Fort Wilderness Campground
|
Varies |
|
3 |
|
|
Yeah,
right. |
|
|
If you choose to stay at more than one WDW resort during your vacation,
you can make arrangements to have Bell
Services move your luggage for you. Make these arrangements
at check-in and confirm them when you check-out. Be prepared
for your luggage to move slowly.
|
Mike Tuchman (Mike_Tuchman@AirNSun.blkcat.com), another fellow poster
to the usenet newsgroup rec.arts.disney.parks, has offered this comment:
"Five days before your arrival your reservation will show
up in the computer system at the Disney hotel you are registered
for. Call the hotel directly and ask for the "Rooms Controller"
in the "Front Office". These are the people who actually
do the rooms assignments. If you talk nicely to them, they may
give you specifically what you are asking for. This will work
at all the hotels."
I've personally done this several times and I've been very
happy with the results.
|
|
Just for reference, here is a list of typical rack rates (that
means non- discounted room rates) at each of the Walt Disney
World resort hotels. These prices were published as of October,
2001 and WDW tends to keep a set of room rates for an entire calendar
year, so these tables will certainly give you an idea of the comparative
prices between resorts on property.
The dates for value, regular, and peak seasons vary from resort
to resort.
A whole ton of legalese goes with this chart... Rates are always
subject to availability (and some nights may already be sold out).
Length-of-stay requirements may apply (in other words, Disney may
require you to buy a package deal - over the Christmas Holidays
for example). All prices are subject to change without notice.
Prices do not include taxes (6% State Florida Sales Tax, 11-12%
county resort tax).
Discounts on rooms are sometimes available
through the Disney
Club, AAA, American Express card holders and for annual pass
holders.
Deluxe
|
Resort
|
Room Type
|
Value Season
|
Regular Season
|
Peak Season
|
Maximum Capacity
|
Comments
|
|
Animal Kingdom Lodge |
Standard
View |
$204 |
$239 |
$284 |
4-5 |
Additional
charge of $25 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Preferred
View |
$340 |
$385 |
$450 |
4-5 |
| Concierge |
$415 |
$470 |
$535 |
5 |
| Suites |
call |
call |
call |
4-10 |
|
Beach Club Resort
|
Garden View |
$289 |
$319 |
$379 |
5 |
Additional
charge of $25 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Lagoon View |
$335 |
$380 |
$440 |
5 |
| Deluxe |
call |
5 |
|
Boardwalk Inn
|
Standard
View |
$289 |
$319 |
$379 |
5 |
Additional
charge of $25 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Water
View |
$350 |
$395 |
$460 |
5 |
| Concierge |
$415 |
$475 |
$535 |
5 |
| Concierge
Deluxe |
$500 |
$550 |
$595 |
6 |
| Garden
Suites |
call |
4 |
|
Contemporary Resort
|
Standard
View |
$234 |
$254 |
$299 |
5 |
Additional
charge of $25 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Garden View |
$265 |
$285 |
$330 |
5 |
| Tower Rooms |
$325 |
$360 |
$420 |
5 |
| Tower Club
Rooms |
$385 |
$425 |
$490 |
5 |
| Concierge |
$455 |
$525 |
$585 |
4 |
| Junior Suites |
call |
4 |
|
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
|
Garden
View |
$329 |
$369 |
$429 |
5 |
Additional
charge of $25 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Lodge
Tower |
$395 |
$450 |
$525 |
4 |
| Concierge |
$445-
$580 |
$505-
$650 |
$580-
$730 |
2-5 |
| Suites |
call |
4-8 |
|
Polynesian Resort
|
Garden View |
$299 |
$334 |
$394 |
5 |
Additional
charge of $25 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Lagoon View |
$375 |
$420 |
$485 |
5 |
| Concierge |
$380- $460 |
$425- $510 |
$490- $585 |
5
|
| Suites |
call |
4-6 |
|
Wilderness Lodge
|
Standard
View |
$194-
$245 |
$229-
$280 |
$274-
$330 |
4 |
Additional
charge of $25 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Deluxe |
$340 |
$375 |
$425 |
6 |
|
Yacht Club Resort
|
Standard
View |
$289 |
$319 |
$379 |
5 |
Additional
charge of $25 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Water View |
$335 |
$380 |
$440 |
5 |
| Concierge |
$415- $460 |
$470- $515 |
$535- $580 |
5 |
Home Away From Home
|
Resort
|
Room Type
|
Value Season
|
Regular Season
|
Peak Season
|
Maximum Capacity
|
Comments
|
|
Beach Club Villas
|
Studio |
$289 |
$319 |
$379 |
5 |
|
| One-Bedroom
Vacation Home |
$385 |
$425 |
$495 |
4 |
| Two-Bedroom
Vacation Home |
$535 |
$690 |
$870 |
8 |
|
Boardwalk Villas
|
Studio |
$289 |
$319 |
$379 |
5 |
|
| One-Bedroom
Vacation Home |
$385 |
$425 |
$495 |
4 |
| Two-Bedroom
Vacation Home |
$535 |
$690 |
$870 |
8 |
| Grand
Villa |
$1300 |
$1475 |
$1650 |
12 |
|
Fort Wilderness Cabins
|
Wilderness Cabin |
$224 |
$259 |
$289 |
6
|
An additional
charge of $5 for each adult over two adults per home or cabin. |
|
Old Key West Resort
|
Studio |
$249 |
$279 |
$319 |
4 |
|
| One-Bedroom
Vacation Home |
$335 |
$375 |
$435 |
4 |
| Two-Bedroom
Vacation Home |
$469 |
$545 |
$660 |
8 |
| Grand
Villa |
$1015 |
$1130 |
$1270 |
12
|
|
The Villas at Wilderness Lodge
|
Studio |
$269 |
$304 |
$364 |
4 |
|
| One-Bedroom
Vacation Home |
$370 |
$415 |
$485 |
4 |
| Two-Bedroom
Vacation Home |
$520 |
$640 |
$755 |
8 |
|
The Villas at the Disney Institute
|
Bungalow |
$214 |
$244 |
$269 |
4 |
|
| One-Bedroom
Townhouse |
$260 |
$280 |
$305 |
4 |
| Two-Bedroom
Townhouse |
$370 |
$405 |
$425 |
6 |
| Treehouse
Villa |
$390 |
$415 |
$435 |
6 |
| Fairway
Villa |
$430 |
$465 |
$490 |
8 |
| Grand
Vista Homes |
$1125-
$1380 |
$1230-
$1485 |
$1330-
$1590 |
6-8 |
Moderate
|
Resort
|
Room Type
|
Value Season
|
Regular Season
|
Peak Season
|
Maximum Capacity
|
Comments
|
|
Caribbean Beach Resort
|
Standard
View |
$133 |
$154 |
$180 |
4 |
Additional
charge of $15 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Water
View / King Bed |
$148 |
$169 |
$205 |
4
|
|
Coronado Springs Resort
|
Standard View |
$133 |
$154 |
$180 |
4 |
Additional
charge of $15 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Water View /
King Bed |
$148 |
$169 |
$205 |
4 |
| Suites |
Call |
4-6
|
|
Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
|
Standard
View |
$133 |
$154 |
$180 |
4 |
Additional
charge of $15 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Water
View / King Bed |
$148 |
$169 |
$205 |
4
|
|
Port Orleans Resort Riverside
|
Standard View |
$133 |
$154 |
$180 |
4-5 |
Additional
charge of $15 for each adult over two adults per room. |
| Water View /
King Bed |
$148 |
$169 |
$205 |
4-5 |
Value
|
Resort
|
Room Type
|
Value Season
|
Regular Season
|
Peak Season
|
Maximum Capacity
|
Comments
|
|
All Star Movies Resort
|
Standard
View |
$77-87 |
$99-109 |
$109-119 |
4 |
Additional
charge of $10 for each adult over two adults per room. |
|
All Star Music Resort
|
Standard View |
$77-87 |
$99-109 |
$109-119 |
4 |
Additional charge
of $10 for each adult over two adults per room. |
|
All Star Sports Resort
|
Standard
View |
$77-87 |
$99-109 |
$109-119 |
4 |
Additional
charge of $10 for each adult over two adults per room. |
Campground
|
Resort
|
Room Type
|
Value Season
|
Regular Season
|
Peak Season
|
Maximum Capacity
|
Comments
|
|
Fort Wilderness Campground
|
Campsite
with Part | |
