9 Things You Should Know About Walt Disney World Resorts

It is no secret that guests love spending time on a Walt Disney World vacation. Guests can explore the four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs to experience amazing things like classic and thrilling attractions, shopping, dining, live entertainment, and so much more. The best way to make a Walt Disney World vacation as magical as can be is to stay on property at a Walt Disney World Resort. There are over twenty different Disney Resorts to choose from each falling into one of three price categories including Deluxe, Moderate, and Value. No matter what a guest’s budget is in terms of choosing a Disney Resort, they are sure to love enjoying a unique theme, pools, amenities, guest services, and more. With so many wonderful factors, it is no surprise that guests love to stay at Disney Resorts. Here are nine things that guests should know about Disney Resorts.

9. Early FastPasses

All guests who visit Walt Disney World can enjoy using the FastPass system which works in a similar fashion to reservations, assigning guests a specific time to return to an attraction to enjoy the experience with little to no wait time. Guests who stay off property can book their FastPasses up to thirty days before arriving for their vacation, but guests who stay on property at a Disney Resort can book their FastPasses sixty days in advance. This extra thirty days really gives Disney Resort guests the edge on scoring the most coveted FastPasses at times that are both convenient and easy for them.

8. Free Transportation

Each Disney Resort offers complimentary Disney transportation to guests who are staying there. Depending on which Disney Resort, guests can enjoy traveling on buses, boats, ferries, monorails, and skyliners to the four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs. Disney transportation is reliable, convenient, and relaxing in that it allows guests to kick back and enjoy the ride and not have to worry about maneuvering through traffic or parking.

7. Parking Fees

Disney has recently rolled out parking fees for their overnight Resort guests. This means if you plan to drive to Walt Disney World or rent a car from the airport, you will have an additional fee tacked on to your resort stay. The fee per night varies depending on your resort category: Value Resorts ($15 per night), Moderate Resorts ($20 per night), Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts ($25 per night); Valet at Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts ($33 per night). You do not have to pay the overnight parking fee if you are a Disney Vacation Club member and staying at a DVC resort. Other exclusions include Cast members, guests with disabilities, stays at the campsites at Fort Wilderness, and guests visiting resorts for dining reservations and other activities. Be sure to include this cost in your Disney planning.

6. Package Delivery

A great perk that Disney Resort guests can utilize throughout their entire Walt Disney World vacation is free package delivery. Guests who purchase items in any store throughout Walt Disney World can opt to send their package back to their Disney Resort free of charge. Packages are then delivered and available for pickup at a specific location at each Disney Resort the following afternoon. Guests who stay at a Disney Resort can take advantage of this easy and convenient service each day of their vacation except the one immediately before checking out.

5. Stacey

Each Disney Resort room features a television filled with both regular stations and exclusive ones with Disney content. Guests can kick back and watch channels full of useful information like park hours and weather, information about joining the Disney Vacation Club, and an exclusive channel that plays a fun and entertaining list. Stacey is the host of the Must Do Disney List and brings guests through the four theme parks, two water parks, and Disney Springs to show them all of the amazing must do experiences on a Walt Disney World attraction.

4. Extra Magic Hours

Guests staying at Disney Resorts have access to exclusive times in the theme parks where they can enjoy fewer crowds and lower wait times. Extra Magic Hours occur each day and include one theme park opening an hour early for Disney Resort guests and another theme park remaining open up to three hours later than the general public. Extra Magic Hours are great times for Disney Resort guests to visit the parks and enjoy popular attractions with much lower wait times than during normal hours.

3. YeHaa Bob

Each Disney Resort features unique and enjoyable entertainment that reflects the theme of the location. Many guests might have visited Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort but may not know about a great live show that can’t be missed! YeHaa Bob Jackson performs live on certain nights at the River Roost Lounge and amazes guests with piano playing, singing, and jokes.

2. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show

Another great form of live entertainment at a Disney Resort which is often overlooked is a luau extravaganza at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show is hosted by Auntie Wini and features fire dancers, hula dancers, and an all you can eat buffet that guests can’t get enough of!

1. Boat To Disney Springs

While guests love enjoying Disney transportation, some might not realize that they can take a relaxing boat ride down the Sassagoula River to Disney Springs. Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa are all nestled along the banks of the Sassagoula River and feature small boats which continuously run to transport guests back and forth to Disney Springs. Guests are sure to love the scenic ride!