Hotels Guides - BluGenieBlogger

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: FoodDrink RentalsExperiencesVenue 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 inResort Airline Check inDesignated Smoking AreasComplimentary Wi-Fi InternetDisney Signature ServicesLaundry ServicesDry Cleaning and Valet Laundry ServicesTransportationMerchandise Delivery and Pick-upMail ServicesParkingATMCurrency ExchangeChild Care Services Food and Drink Restaurant, Bar and Café BeveragesPizza Delivery and BeyondDisney Resorts Room Service Activities In-Room CelebrationsThe PlaygroundThe ArcadeMovies Under The StarsDisney Running TrailsBasketballBike RentalsSurrey BikesCabanasCampfiresCaptain Hook's Pirate CrewCarriage RidesHoliday Sleigh RidesCommunity HallsFishing for Largemouth BassFootGolfArchery ExperienceGolf LessonsHorseback RidingMotorized Boat RentalsPony RidesSeven Seas LagoonTennis CourtsTennis Lessons VolleyballSpeciality 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 ChildrenPrice (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: PoweboatSpaceDescriptionPrice Sea Raycer by Sea Ray®2 GuestsA 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 GuestsEasy 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 boats10 GuestsPerfect 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: ResortLocationCourtsEquipment Pick-up Disney's Contemporary Resort at Bay Lake Toweradjacent to Bay Lake Tower1 CourtCommunity Hall or Boat Nook Marina Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani Village near the shuffleboard and basketball courts2 CourtsCommunity Hall Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villasadjacent to Community Hall2 CourtsCommunity Hall The Campsites and Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resortthe Meadow Recreation Area2 CourtsBike Barn Disney's Old Key West ResortNear the main pool or on Old Turtle Pond Road3 CourtsConch Flats Community Hall or Hank’s Rent ‘N Return Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spain the sports courts area2 CourtsCommunity Hall or Horsing Around Rentals Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resortsnear the Admiral Pool1 CourtShip 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: ResortLocationEquipment Pick-up Disney's Caribbean Beach ResortSand court at Martinique VillageBarefoot Bay Bike Works Disney's Contemporary ResortSand court on the beachBoat Nook Marina Disney's Coronado Springs ResortSand court near Dig Site poolSiesta's Pool Bar Disney's Old Key West ResortSand court near Hospitality HouseHank's Rent 'N Return Disney's Polynesian Village ResortSand court on the beachSeven Seas Marina Disney's Yacht & Beach Club ResortsSand court near Tidal PoolShip Shape Massage Salon Fitness The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness ResortSand court in the Meadow Recreation AreaBike Barn Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan HotelsSand court on the beachDolphin 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. FireworksDeparture 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: BoatPriceSeats 21-Foot Pontoon Boat$2998 Guests 25-Foot Boat$34910 Guests Grand 1 Yacht$39918 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: HotelNumber 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!