Over the years and through many Disney experiences, I have come to realise that, like other resorts, Disney World has many Amenities and Activities that are standard across all (or most) of their resorts. In some cases they may have tiny differences due to various reasons such as theme.
Although there are many unique features within each Disney resort, you will still be able to find these familiar and recognisable features.
These are all under the Amenities and Activities Umbrella:
- Food
- Drink
- Rentals
- Experiences
- Venue types
Lets break down each so you are clear on your standard options before you pick or get to your resort.
Overview of Content
Click on any of the Amenities or Activities below and it will take you directly to their oveview futrther down the page.
Amenities
- Online Check in
- Resort Airline Check in
- Designated Smoking Areas
- Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet
- Disney Signature Services
- Laundry Services
- Dry Cleaning and Valet Laundry Services
- Transportation
- Merchandise Delivery and Pick-up
- Mail Services
- Parking
- ATM
- Currency Exchange
- Child Care Services
Food and Drink
Activities
- In-Room Celebrations
- The Playground
- The Arcade
- Movies Under The Stars
- Disney Running Trails
- Basketball
- Bike Rentals
- Surrey Bikes
- Cabanas
- Campfires
- Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew
- Carriage Rides
- Holiday Sleigh Rides
- Community Halls
- Fishing for Largemouth Bass
- FootGolf
- Archery Experience
- Golf Lessons
- Horseback Riding
- Motorized Boat Rentals
- Pony Rides
- Seven Seas Lagoon
- Tennis Courts
- Tennis Lessons
- Volleyball
- Speciality Cruises
Amenities
Online Check in
a simple option that will save time. Check in before arrival via the disney website or the My Disney Experience App. Set up the Unlock door feature in the app or bring a magic band and guests can skip the front desk going straight to their room.
Resort Airline Check in
for those guests that are not able to check in on their phone for their return flight. This option, provided you check in 3 hours before travel time, is currently available at Disney Resort Hotels. It allows guests to check in from their hotel room, collect their boarding passes and drop bags at the Resort Airline Check in desk. Simple go straight to security on arrival at the airport. This service is open 5am till 12pm daily. Checking in at Orlando International Airport is still an option in and outside of these hours. Please check with the front desk for current participating airlines. International flights require a valid passport and domestic guests must present a valid government-issued I.D. with all travellers present at check in.
Designated Smoking Areas
Disney resorts are smoke-free unless in a designated area or stated otherwise. This includes tobacco, e-cigarettes or other products that produce a vapour or smoke. Marijuana is not permitted in any Disney area (including designated smoking areas). You are not permitted to smoke on balconies, patios or hotel rooms. A fee of, between $250 -$500 will be applied to your bill for cleaning or restoring your room to a smoke free condition. Check with the front desk on your arrival for designated smoking area information.
Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet
is available throughout hotel resorts including guest rooms, bus loading zones, pool areas, arcades, convention spaces and the porte-cochere. The same Wi-Fi is available throughout the parks.
Disney Signature Services
available to Club-level Guests at Disney Resort Hotels. This is a service that can help guests plan and schedule custom-tailor experiences such as Enchanting Extras, Private Disney VIP Tours, nature experiences, specialty dining offerings, dessert parties and many more. Get help creating and planning in-room celebrations as well as gifts, making dining reservations or even ordering speciality cakes. Disney Signature Services is accessible 7 days a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. Please call (407) 939-7777 or email disney.signature.services@disneyworld.com.
Laundry Services
available 24 hours a day near the Duck Pond Pool and Fantasia Pool. There are a number of coin operated machines in the laundry rooms. Credit and Debit Cards are also available and when a laundry cycle is complete you can recieve a text to tell you.
Dry Cleaning and Valet Laundry Services
please select “Housekeeping” on your room phone to schedule a pick-up. Laundry bags along with prices are in guest room closets. This is charged to your room and payable at the front desk when your check-out.
Transportation
byDisney bus, Disney’s Magical Express, private taxi services as well as the Disney Minnie Van™ Service Connected by Lyft. Parking is also available at selected hotels. Check the parking section below for more information. Selected Resorts also have access to the Gondola Service which provides fast and easy access, and a birds eye view, to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Additionally, some resorts may have access to Disney Water Transportation. See the resorts below for access information, if any, and if a destination is not mentioned then it is not direct. Connections will be required.
Merchandise Delivery and Pick-up
Purchase merchandise at Walt Disney World Resort shops or via the Shop Disney Parks mobile app and have it delivered to your resort hotel for free.
Mail Services
Receiving: Postcards, letters and pre-packed, pre-labeled packages with postage already applied. Groceries can also be received. Make sure mail is sent to the disney address stated below, if you are staying there. You must also add the word “Guest” and your date of arrival must be clearly written on the mail. A $6 fee will be applied to recieve mail with the exception of grocery delivery which is free of charge.
Sending: Mail can be posted at the front desk or at any mail box in the theme parks. Pre-packed, pre-labeled packages can be shipped from the resort front desk or concierge desk. Postage can be bought at the gift shops.
Parking
is available to registered hotel guests for a fee of $15 per night. This includes any applicable taxes. When visiting resorts for activities such as select dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation experiences complimentary parking is available. So basically if your not staying overnight you can get free parking.
ATM
located near the front desk and is 24 hours.
Currency Exchange
visit Front Desk or Lobby Concierge if you would like to change foreign currency.
Child Care Services
in-room babysitting is available for children 6 months to 12 years from an independent childcare provider called, “Kid’s Nite Out”. They don’t just watch over the kids but do fun activities such as arts and crafts, reading and playing games.
Number of Children | Price (per hour) |
---|---|
1 | $20 |
2 | $23 |
3 | $26 |
4 | $29 |
Additional Charges: A $2 fee per hour is added after 9pm. You are also required to pay a $12 transportation fee.
Did you know? – you can reserve a childcare specialist to accompany you round the parks.
Call (407) 828-0920, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, 7 days a week to make an enquiry or book.
Activities
In-Room Celebrations
surprise your loved one with a personalized room transformation for any special occasion. Whether its a first visit, birthday, holiday or romantic occasion your special person will feel like they have had a special visit from their favourite characters. Enhanced experiences are available such as Disney surprises or keepsakes or you can create a personalized custom gift. Check out this custom Gift Builder on the disney website
The Playground
each facility features immersive environments. With adult supervision, which is required at all times. Little ones can interact and have hours of fun on swings, in tunnels as well as with soft and textured surfaces. Kids can use the facility if they are between 2 years – 12 years old.
The Arcade
with many different types of games including sports, racing, dance, music, puzzles, pinball, air hockey, alien shootouts and many more. Games are appropriate for all ages. A ‘Game Card’ is required and game points can be loaded onto it. These are available for purchase using cash or card at a kiosk inside the arcade itself. The cards can be used at any Disney Resort arcade.
Movies Under The Stars
these are complimentary screenings of Disney Movies which provide something for all ages. To find out what’s on and when ask at the front desk or give (407) 939-2273 a call.
Disney Running Trails
fancy a Jog? having a run can be a great bit of fun and exercise for the whole family. Trails are in 4 resort areas.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area
a 1 mile long path connecting Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort.
A second trail that is 0.75 miles long loops around Lago Dorado at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and leads to the Ranchos and Cabanas. It also reveals an idyllic wetlands area.
Epcot Resort Area
There are several routes in the Epcot area; Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Villas all have several jogging paths, including loops around Crescent Lake.
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort has a 1.25-mile course with views of Barefoot Bay.
Disney’s Riviera Resort has a 1.4-mile trail around Barefoot Bay.
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel enjoy a 0.8-mile loop around Crescent Lake. There is also an option of 2, 3 and 4 mile routes.
Magic Kingdom Resort Area
The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort have a 3.1-mile-long pathway through the woodland trails or on the promenade along Seven Seas Lagoon
Disney Springs
There are many jogging paths Disney Springs and ESPN Wide World of Sports area.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter have a 1.7-mile promenade connecting both Resort areas.
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has paved pathways along Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course that include 1.44-mile and 0.8-mile loops.
Disney’s Old Key West Resort with a 1.37-mile-long path that starts at Conch Flats winding along the mesmerising canals and fairways at Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Disney’s Pop Century Resort has a 1.1-mile or 1.38-mile loop that travels alongside the Hourglass Lake and hotel.
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has a 1.38-mile trail that curves along the Hourglass Lake.
Basketball
these are quarter to full-sized courts available at a hand-full of locations. Equipment and access is complimentary to guests staying at those resort location on presentation of a valid Resort ID.
Bike Rentals
take a relaxing bike ride along promenades and woodland trails. These are available to rent at eight Resort locations and come with complimentary helmets and child seats. Training wheels are also available on a first come first serve basis. Bikes must stay in the resort area they are rented.
Surrey Bikes
rent a 2 or 4 person Surrey Bike and your whole family or party can have a hilarious, fun or relaxing cycle around the resort.
Cabanas
lounge in the sun or retreat to your very own private, premium poolside cabana. These can be rented for full or half days and come with amenities such as padded furniture, a bluetooth speaker, tv, phone, a safe as well as a mini refrigerator with complimentary sodas. Disney sets the standard for luxury in this space.
Make sure to reserve in advance as they are booked up fast and one guest must be 18 years or older. Please note that guests of any Walt Disney Worlds Resort Hotel can book cabanas at both Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Only Guests of Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort can reserve cabanas at that location. Additionally, for an added cost private dining is available. For more information or to reserve a cabana please call (407) 939-7529
Campfires
If you are looking for some old fashioned fun in beautiful outdoor settings your going to want to try this out. Roast marshmellows by a cracklin’ fire, an activity available at a wide range of resorts. Once its finished you can enjoy a Movie Under The Stars. This is all complimentary and great for all the family.
Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew
A swashbuckling dinner for the kids with Captain Hook. Situated at Pirate Hideaway in the Disney Beach Club Resort. This is open to anyone but book as early as possible as there are a limited number of spaces available. It’s available nightly from 5pm til 8:30pm and kids can be dropped off at the earliest 4:30pm.
Foods include Cannon Meatballs with Marinara, Macaroni and Gold Sauce as well as the Treasure Chest Treat or fruit for dessert.
Kids will be able to go on a treasure hunt, learn to talk like a pirate, swab the deck and all the while singing sea chanties.
All children must be fully potty trained to attend and a credit card will be taken at time of booking which, can be done by calling (407) 824-5437. Cost $55 plus applicable taxes
Carriage Rides
This 25 minutes ride is available at 2 resorts Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Area and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Area. It’s open to anyone and each carriage fits up to 4 adults (or 2 adults and 3 small children). Cost $55 plus applicable taxes.
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Area will have you board the carriage at Riverside Levee Marina and travel along the banks of the Sassagoula River.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Area will have you board at the main entrance of Crockett’s Tavern and you will travel through the cypress forest full of pine trees and roaming animals.
Holiday Sleigh Rides
Available in December and similar to the carriage rides. It’s open to anyone and each carriage fits up to 4 adults (or 2 adults and 3 small children). Cost $84 plus applicable taxes. This is available at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort Area. You will board the sleigh at the main entrance of Meadow Trading Post and you will be taking through a 25 minute beautiful forest journey with magical lights and garlands.
Community Halls
Available to guests that are currently staying on specific Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts where the halls are located. Guest can play games including foosball, air hockey, pool, ping pong and darts. They may also make crafts, watch TV, rent DVD’s, check out books and join in “rainy day” activities. Most activities and amenities are free but some may require a fee. There may also be a “variation of selection” between Community Halls.
Fishing For Largemouth Bass
Guided Fishing Excursions are available at selected marina locations for 2 or 4-hours at a time. An extra hour can be purchased on request at the marina (if available at that time). you will sail out on a 21-foot Sun Tracker pontoon boat that can accommodate up to 5 Guests or a tournament-style NITRO® bass fishing boat for upto 2 people.
This is a catch and release program for all levels that includes an experienced guide, rod and reel, tackle, artificial or live bate and non-alcoholic beverages. Please be aware alcoholic beverages are not allowed on board. To book call (407) 939-2277 and make sure you do this in advance as it is highly recommended. A life jacket will be provided for children under 13 that is required and must be worn at all times.
Dockside Fishing is a casting rod fishing experience set at the Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside. This catch and release only activity is great fun. Fishing gear can be rented from the Fishin’ Hole at Ol’ Man Island
FootGolf
Golf and soccer have had a baby and it is called FootGolf. This activity, which is a recognised sport with the course being certified by the American FootGolf League (AFGL), at first glance looks like regular golf…if you were looking at it from a toddlers point of view. The holes are 21inches in diameter so soccerballs can fit. There are 9 FootGolf holes and it’s a “hole” lotta fun!
Golf Lessons
Get one-on-one golf lessons from a PGA professional. Operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management and staffed by seasoned golf professionals. This is perfect for both beginners or those who want to ‘Fine-Tune” their game.
This 45 minute lesson includes private instruction, video analysis, golf and shoe rental. Appropriate attire must be worn. All ages are welcome with lessons taken place between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
To book call (407) 939-4653.
Group lessons are also available including corporate by calling (407) 454-5000.
Cost $75 for adults and $50 for kids
Archery Experience
Available to everyone and anyone that is 7 years and up. This 75 minute session includes a short training lesson on preparing and firing a compound bow. Classes are limited to 10 people so booking in advance is recommended and as early as possible. Walk ups are permit but only if space is available. Friends and family can watch from a designated spot safe from arrows and archery participants must arrive 15minutes before. Sessions run from 2:45 PM to 4:00 PM. Cost $45 plus applicable taxes
Horseback Riding
If you are 9 years or up you can enjoy this relaxing horseback ride through the woodlands at The Cabins and Campsites of Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. This 45 minute ride, costing $55 plus applicable taxes, meets at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. riders must be at least 48inches tall and weigh under 250 pounds.
To book call (407) 939-7529.
Motorized Boat Rentals
Head out on a lake with a personal motorized powerboat. You provide the crew whether its your friends or family. Or maybe you want a bit of quiet personal time. There is a variety of Boats to choose from:
Poweboat | Space | Description | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Sea Raycer by Sea Ray® | 2 Guests | A mini speedboat with a maximum weight of 320 pounds. Drivers must be at least 12 years of age and at least 5 feet tall with under 18’s required to have patent or guardian supervision at all times. | $32 per half-hour |
Boston Whaler® Montauk | 6 Guests | Easy to pilot and roomy boat with a maximum weight of 1,650 pounds. Drivers must be 18 years old and the boat is restricted to the waterway that it was rented. | $45 per half-hour |
Sun Tracker® Pontoon boats | 10 Guests | Perfect for large parties as it is smooth and spacious. With a maximum weight of 1,900 pounds drivers are required to be 18 years old. | $45 per half-hour |
Booking in advance is not required and guests must be 18 or over to rent a boat and present a valid Resort ID plus a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID or Military ID. Smoking is NOT permitted onboard and lifejackets must be worn at all times.
Available at selected marinas.
Pony Rides
Children can ride petite ponies at Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for $8 plus applicable taxes. Kids under 80 pounds, above 48 inches and at least 2 years old, who can hold on by themselves, can be lead round by their parents. The last ride is 30 minutes before closing time and no reservation is needed.
For more information call Call (407) 824-2832.
Seven Seas Lagoon
A man made body of water that offers fishing excursions, boat rides, firework viewing as well as many other activities. To create the area 7 million cubic yards of earth was moved and it is home to 3 islands. These are Blackbeard Island, Beachcomber Island and Castaway Cay. The latter, interestingly enough, has been the launching point for perimeter fireworks at Magic Kingdom park.
Tennis Courts
are found at 7 Walt Disney world resorts. Available on a first come first serve basis and usually open 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM but those hours could vary. You must wear appropriate tennis attire and shoes and equipment such as tennis racquets and balls are available, using your MagicBand or a valid Resort ID, for a fee unless your are a Disney Vacation Club member. In which case, it is complimentary.
Courts can be found at:
Resort | Location | Courts | Equipment Pick-up |
---|---|---|---|
Disney's Contemporary Resort at Bay Lake Tower | adjacent to Bay Lake Tower | 1 Court | Community Hall or Boat Nook Marina |
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani Village | near the shuffleboard and basketball courts | 2 Courts | Community Hall |
Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas | adjacent to Community Hall | 2 Courts | Community Hall |
The Campsites and Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort | the Meadow Recreation Area | 2 Courts | Bike Barn |
Disney's Old Key West Resort | Near the main pool or on Old Turtle Pond Road | 3 Courts | Conch Flats Community Hall or Hank’s Rent ‘N Return |
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa | in the sports courts area | 2 Courts | Community Hall or Horsing Around Rentals |
Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts | near the Admiral Pool | 1 Court | Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness |
Tennis Lessons
Available at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. Taught by tennis professionals catering to your personal level and needs. Group sessions are also available.
You can book with Orlando Tennis at (321) 228-1146.
Volleyball
with 8 sand courts at Walt Disney World Resort hotels and a water volleyball court at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. Any Guest of a Walt Disney World Resort hotel can use the volleyball courts. Equipment can be rented out with a valid Resort ID. Disney Vacation Club members can do this free of charge.
Courts and equipment are found at:
Resort | Location | Equipment Pick-up |
---|---|---|
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort | Sand court at Martinique Village | Barefoot Bay Bike Works |
Disney's Contemporary Resort | Sand court on the beach | Boat Nook Marina |
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort | Sand court near Dig Site pool | Siesta's Pool Bar |
Disney's Old Key West Resort | Sand court near Hospitality House | Hank's Rent 'N Return |
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort | Sand court on the beach | Seven Seas Marina |
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts | Sand court near Tidal Pool | Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness |
The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort | Sand court in the Meadow Recreation Area | Bike Barn |
Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Hotels | Sand court on the beach | Dolphin Health Club or Swan Health Club |
Speciality Cruises
If you are looking for something extraordinary try chartering a private pontoon or yacht from one of the many Walt Disney Resort many Marinas.
Fireworks Cruise
A chartered nighttime cruise for all ages where the Happily Ever After or Epcot Forever fireworks can be seen from a fantastic water viewpoint. Watch the Epcot fireworks at International Gateway near World Showcase Lagoon or sail over to Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake cruises to Magic Kingdom park. The cruise has synchronised audio on board. Other nighttime cruises include Ferrytale Fireworks Dessert Cruise and the Pirates & Pals Fireworks Voyage.
Fireworks | Departure Location |
---|---|
Epcot Forever | - Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort |
Happily Ever After | - Contemporary Marina - Polynesian Marina - Grand Floridian Marina - Fort Wilderness Marina - Wilderness Lodge Marina |
The Captain accompanied charter includes snacks and soft drinks as well as festive banners and balloons. For an additional cost a private dining menu can be provided.
Pricing:
Boat | Price | Seats |
---|---|---|
21-Foot Pontoon Boat | $299 | 8 Guests |
25-Foot Boat | $349 | 10 Guests |
Grand 1 Yacht | $399 | 18 Guests (or 17 if travelling with a butler) |
*Prices may vary or are subject to change
Please note that food is served on cocktail tables and for limited mobility, wheelchair/ECV transfer is necessary. You will also need to arrive 1 hour and 15 minutes before the fireworks start time.
To book please call (407) 939-7529.
Day Cruise Around The World
On a 25 foot pontoon boat from Bayside Marina at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort sail along Crescent Lake and the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot. With your own Captain and room for upto 10 guests as well as complimentary snacks and soft drinks you will have an extremely relaxing time.
If you want private dining this can be arranged for an extra charge. Private Dining can be reached at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts by calling (407) 939-3160.
Day Cruise Around the World cost $149.00 plus tax for up to 10 Guests. Prices may change.
To book call (407) 939-7529.
Grand 1 Yacht
An opportunity to sail along Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon aboard this wonderful 52-foot Sea Ray® Sedan Bridge Yacht. With your own Captain, a deck hand you can just sit back and relax. Private dining and butler amenities are available as well as space for 18 people or 17 if you are traveling with a butler.
If you decide to cruise in the evening you will take in the spectacular views of the fireworks at Magic Kingdom with the added benefit of synchronised audio from onboard speakers so you don’t miss a thing.
The is $399 per hour plus taxes and Prices may vary or change. To book please call (407) 939-7529.
Celebrations and Private Dining
If you are looking for something truly special a celebration cruise can give you that and more. With banners and balloons included in the price of the charter and the option to upgrade to private dining to include options such as personalized cakes, champagne, hors d’oeuvres, miniature desserts, chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit and cheese platters, or even a full meal you will feel like you are king of the world.
Call the Disney hotel you would like to sail from on one of the following numbers:
Hotel | Number |
---|---|
Disney’s Contemporary Resort | (407) 824-2955 |
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa | (407) 824-2474 |
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort | (407) 824-2165 |
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort | (407) 934-3105 |
Electrical Water Pageant
Takes place along the shore at around 9:45 PM (Note that times may differ due due to weather conditions or even be cancelled). This is a nighttime parade that lasts around 15 mins with whimsical sea creatures. Afterwords guests can stay and watch the Happily Ever After fireworks.
Conclusion
Amenities and activities at Disney World Resort Hotels are designed to entertain or heighten a guests experience.
I hope this guide has giving you the information needed and saved you alot of time.
As always have fun!
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