Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels enjoy far more than Mickey ears on the shampoo bottles. While Disney resorts are known for their fun theming, reliable cleanliness, and overall attention to detail, there are many other features that make them a compelling pick for your stay. Disney hotel guests enjoy a wide range of vacation perks that you just can’t get any other way.
1. Celebration buttons at the front desk
Grab a birthday button for added perks
Image: Hazel Estrada, Flickr (license)
Many people overlook this simple perk, but it’s really more valuable than you might realize. On a Disney vacation, every minute is precious. You’ll have to waste time waiting in line if you head to guest services to get a celebration button, but your resort’s front desk has them ready and waiting to hand at out check-in if you’re staying on property.
There are several types of buttons that you can wear, proclaiming everything from your birthday to an anniversary or family reunion. Donning your button lets Cast Members know that you’re celebrating something special so they can offer you those little extras that make the day more magical.
2. Special activities
Head to your resort pool for extra perks
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Many resorts host special activities that are free of charge for guests. These give you an affordable way to fill an afternoon or evening when you want to rest up from park hopping and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Poolside games are available at the main pool for most resorts. These include everything from drawing with chalk to answering Disney trivia. Movies Under the Stars are available at most locations as well. You can check with your front desk or call (407) 939-2273 for a full movie schedule.
Select resorts offer additional perks. You can roast marshmallows around the campfire at:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campsites
Additional perks like special crafts, dance parties, and pin trading events take place at Disney resorts as well. The schedules change regularly, so you should make sure to ask your front desk about the latest happenings. Look for options like Pirate Camp at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Red Carpet Relay Races at All Star Movies, or the Alice in Wonderland themed Gone Mad Party at the Grand Floridian. Some activities require an additional fee.
3. Childcare services
DAK Lodge childcare is available at Simba’s Playhouse
Image: Loren Javier, Flickr (license)
Select resorts have Children’s Activity Centers where kids age 3 through 12 can stay while parents enjoy some adult time alone. These centers are available at four Walt Disney World resorts. If you’re staying at a participating location, you can enjoy Simba’s Cubhouse at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Sandcastle Club at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Camp Dolphin at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. Rates an hours vary by location, and advance reservations are required.
4. Extra magic on your MagicBands
Disney MagicBands
Image: Andrew Balsden, Flickr (license)
If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you’ll receive free MagicBands for your stay. This is quite the perk since MagicBands retail at almost $15 otherwise. For a party of four, that would add another $60 to your vacation, which could surely be better spent elsewhere. Your MagicBands will unlock the door to your hotel room, act as your park ticket at the entrance, let you check in for your FastPass+ reservations, collect ride photos, and connect to Disney PhotoPass pictures. You can also connect your MagicBand to your credit card and use it in place of a charge card to make purchases throughout the resort.
Resort guests receive their MagicBands in the mail prior to arrival. You’re advised to keep them accessible as you travel, since you’ll even use them to check in to Disney’s Magical Express transportation from the airport.
5. Free transportation
Disney’s Magical Express will pick you up at Orlando International airport and transport you to your hotel. From your hotel, you have easy access to any point on Disney property via the busses, boats, and monorail system. These usually drop you off much closer to your destination than you’ll get in a car, bypassing the hassle of the parking lot trams.
Simplified shopping
Are you itching to swipe that MagicBand and take home some new Disney merch, but hesitant to cart the bags around all day? If you’re staying at a Disney resort, you can have all of your purchases sent directly to your resort at the end of the day. This complimentary perk means you can shop to your heart’s content without ever having to cart your purchases around with you.
Improved dining options
As a Walt Disney World Resort guest, you can take advantage of Disney’s dining plan. The dining plan is a money-saving option that lets you include meals in your vacation package. You can choose from over 100 locations, and customize your dining plan to include the type of experience that best suits your needs. Whether you’re interested in quick on-the-go meals or you want to include elegant table service options in your stay, there’s a plan that fits your needs and helps you dine more affordably.
As a resort guest, you can also make your dining reservations 10 days sooner than other guests. While regular guests can only make dining reservations 180 days in advance, you can book as far as 190 days out if you’re staying at a Disney resort. This gives you a jump on others and may help you snag a coveted table at top dining spots.
More chances to play
Resort guests have access to special perks that make it easier for them to squeeze every last drop of fun out of their visit. Extra Magic Hours allow access to the parks earlier or later than other guests. Different parks have different Extra Magic Hours each day, so make sure you grab a schedule when you arrive so you can plan accordingly.
As a resort guest, you can also make your FastPass+ reservations 60 days in advance, while other guests can only do so 30 days before their visit. This gives you a head start securing a coveted spot for the most popular rides, so you’ll never miss out on your top picks.
If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, make sure you’re taking advantage of all the benefits that are available to you. At these locations, you can add extra pixie dust to nearly every part of your stay.
