10 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Walt Disney World Resorts

Staying on property during your vacation at Walt Disney World is a great way to get the most out of your vacation at Disney, but how do you get the most out of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort?

10. Wake Up Calls

It’s difficult not to wake up happy when you have so many exciting things planned for the day ahead, but there is a way that you can add a little extra pixie dust to your morning, and that is using the wake up call service. You can arrange for a Disney character to call you in the morning simply by calling the front desk at your resort, or pressing the wake up call button on the phone in your room. It’s a great surprise for kids too!

9. The Pools

Each resort at Disney has at least one amazing pool! There are three pools at the Art of Animation resort, one of which is inspired by Finding Nemo and is called The Big Blue Pool. At the moderate level resort Coronado Springs, you’ll find the pool surrounded by Mayan ruins, and at the Yacht Club one of the pools even has a sand bottom. The theming of the pools and surrounding areas at each resort gives you plenty to do and see, even if you aren’t much of a swimmer. There are lounge chairs to sit in the sun or under the shade of an umbrella, and even Disney movies under the stars are screened in the pool area.

8. Food

Whether it’s breakfast before you begin your day, lunch, dinner or a late night snack, there are many amazingly delicious options at each resort. There are some items that are only available at certain resorts, such as the beignets at the Scat Cat Club’s Cafe in Port Orleans, or the Zebra Domes at Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. There are also character dining experiences at some restaurants in the resorts. 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian offers a number of magical character dining opportunities. Don’t forget to take a look at the restaurants located at your resort, because you could discover your new favorite dining experience!

7. Transportation

The transportation system at Disney will make your life so much easier while you’re visiting. No need to worry about parking, the buses from your resort will drop you off steps away from the front gates. You can also take the Monorail or Skyliner, which are must-do Disney experiences, and you can even travel by boat. These services are free, and taking different modes of transportation to and from your destination enhances your resort and Disney experience, making sure you get the most out of your trip. And don’t forget to take the Magical Express from the airport to your resort, it’s the best way to start your Disney vacation!

6. The Concierge

The lobby concierge is a wonderful resource at your resort. The Cast Members at the concierge desk will be able to help you answer all kinds of questions you may have, help you make reservations and other arrangements while you are at Disney. Don’t expect miracles, they can’t exactly get you a last minute reservation to Be Our Guest, but they can help you find a reservation if you find you are in need of one. They can answer any questions you might have about transportation or the parks. They can also give you celebration buttons and even exchange foreign currency. If you are in need of help or have any questions, big or small, ask the concierge at your resort.

5. Purchase Delivery and Pick Up

One of the most convenient perks of staying on property is that you can have your purchases sent from the shops at the parks, back to your resort. This means whatever you purchase throughout the day, you do not have to carry around with you! You’ll get a copy of your pick up slip and receipt, which you bring to the shop at your resort to collect your purchases. It’s a simple, but amazing service to use when staying at a resort in Disney World.

4. Explore

Take the time to explore your resort, you may be surprised what you find is available to do and see. You may discover bikes to rent, trails to walk or run, a fun lounge, playgrounds, fishing, boats that will take you to Disney Springs, horse back riding, hidden pathways or even a campfire. There are also small Disney details in each resort, whether it’s in the rooms, in the lobby or by the pool. All this amazing theming is why it’s great to stay in a Disney resort, so don’t pass it by!

3. Check-In

There are two types of checking in that will help you get the most out of your resort. One is the early check-in online before you arrive at your resort. Up to 60 days prior to your visit, you can go online and begin the check-in process. When you arrive at your resort, your welcome package will be ready and waiting for you. This will cut down on the time spent checking in allowing you to get to the parks sooner. The second type of checking in is the airline check-in. This service allows you to check your luggage and obtain your boarding pass for your return flight. No one really wants to think about leaving Disney, but at least they help make it easy and convenient. This is especially helpful if you have time to spend a few hours in the parks before leaving.

2. Entertainment

The parks aren’t the only places with shows and entertainment. There’s character dining, movies and arcades, as well as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Fort Wilderness, a pianist and orchestra in the lobby at the Grand Floridian, and live music at the Scat Cat’s Club in the French Quarter resort, and the list goes on. Ask your concierge what types of entertainment are available at your resort.

1. Relax

Your resort is your home away from home during your stay, so do some relaxing while you’re there! Spend time with your family around the pool, or just hanging out in your room talking about your day at the park, or making plans for the next day. Order room service, take a mid-day break or a nap and recharge for the rest of the day. The resort is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some time with your family away from the crowds.

The resorts at Disney have so much to offer guests. What are some of your tips about the resorts at Disney World?