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Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date January 2, 2021

Disney experts pride themselves on their Disney knowledge, but there’s just so much information to remember. We’ve recently been sharing Walt Disney World tips that not everyone remembers. Let’s look at three more tips that most people forget.

You can place mobile order anytime during park hours
You can bring your own food
You can send mail from Walt Disney World

Most Disney-owned quick service restaurants now offer mobile ordering, and are essentially using it exclusively. One way you can save time, and frustration, is to mobile order your food in advance. By the time lunch time actually rolls around your ideal pick-up time may not be available. You can place your mobile order anytime during park operating hours and select any available timeslot.

There’s been times when I have been at my home some 30 miles away and placed my order ahead time so I have one less thing to do when I am actually at the park itself. Be sure to familiarize yourself with how to use Disney’s Mobile Ordering.

Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About — Mobile Ordering at Flame Tree Barbecue

While Disney does have some fantastic food and beverages, some guests may prefer to bring their own food, or at least some of their own snacks. You can bring your own food into the theme parks and water parks, under certain guidelines. No glass or loose ice is allowed. And Disney’s official guidelines state that no preparation can be necessary such as cooking the food in any way.

You can send and receive mail at select locations at Walt Disney World. Every theme park has at least one mailbox at which you can slip in letters or postcards that have postage. You can also visit Guest Relations at the park to drop off letters or postcards to be sent out. The Front Desk at any Disney resort hotel can do so as well. If you need stamps you can purchase them at select merchandise shops. At the Disney resort hotels you can receive mail. You’ll just need to make sure the resort’s address is on the package and your name with the word “Guest” clearly written. There is a $6.00 handling fee for any packages received.

Here’s the first 3 tips we shared, and the second round of 3 tips most people forget about, in case you want to brush up on your expertise.

What are some of your lesser known Disney World tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments.

The post Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Just For Fun, Observations, Trip Planning, disney dining, disney planning, Disney Tips

Tags disney dining, disney planning, Disney Tips, Dos and Don'ts, Just For Fun, Observations, Trip Planning

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What Every Disney Fan Worries About (But Totally Shouldn’t)

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 12, 2020

You’ve been planning your Disney World vacation for months (congratulations!!), and it’s about time to head out the door.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

But, instead of feeling excited, you might be spending more time worrying about things you could forget or what may go wrong during your trip! Whether you’ve gone to Disney once or ten times, it’s totally normal to get those pre-trip jitters.

However, we’re here to tell you about things that you don’t have to worry about the next time you go to Disney World (so you can get to relaxing even more quickly!).

Getting Sick in the Happiest Place on Earth

No matter how much we hope we won’t catch a cold in Disney World, sometimes it just happens (even though it’s a massive bummer when you want to ride Toy Story Mania three times in a row).

Toy Story Mania

Although it can be frustrating when you or a family member gets sick while at the Most Magical Place on Earth, there are still ways to get around feeling ill during your vacation.

Motion Sickness

If you know that you are prone to nausea or lightheadedness after riding attractions, be sure to pack some Bonine or Dramamine with you before you head into the parks. Trust us — it can be a life-saver for the days you feel extra adventurous and ride Tower and Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster back-to-back!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

If you take Bonine earlier in the day, it will probably help relieve some of that motion sickness so you can enjoy more in the parks.

Dehydration

After you’ve spent an entire day in Magic Kingdom in that boiling Florida sun walking 10,000 steps and then some, hydration is KEY to surviving in Disney World. But, when you’re running from Space Mountain to sit on Main Street for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, dehydration can creep up on you quickly if you’re not drinking enough water.

Festival of Fantasy

While we recommend to always have a hydrating drink with you, First Aid Stations are available around the parks if you feel faint or dehydrated. The Cast Members will give you a place to cool off for a bit and sports drink to rehydrate before you go back to pound the Disney World pavement.

Blizzard Beach First Aid

You can find where the nearest First Aid Station is located in each park by using the My Disney Experience app!

Medication Delivery

There’s no sure-fire way to get rid of a cold or the flu ASAP in Disney World, but you CAN have prescription medication delivered to your resort directly or to the First Aid Stations in each park to help curb your symptoms. Remember, if you have a contagious illness, it’s best to wait it out in your room!

Gift Shop Medicine

Gift shops in the parks and resorts also keep a stock of different pain relief, stomach relief, allergy, and cold medications that you can pick up.

Although we’d all like to see and do everything we can in Disney World, one of the best ways to get better is to rest. It’s more important to take care of yourself so you can conquer a new day all rejuvenated and ready to go instead of pushing yourself too hard (and possibly making yourself feel worse).

Mickey Waffles in Bed!

Note: since room service won’t initially be available when the parks reopen, make sure you have a few packaged items in your room just in case you need to spend a day inside!

Packing Every Little Thing You’ll Need

If you’re like us, you might be guilty of waiting until the last minute to pack (like the morning of your vacation sometimes). But, even if you plan and pack way ahead of time, leaving something important behind is a fear for many travelers.

Ears Section of World of Disney

While you may not want to forget the essentials, packing for Disney World doesn’t have to be a daunting thing. After all, you’re going on VACATION, friends!! If you’re not sure what to bring or you don’t want to leave something behind, follow along with the ultimate Disney packing list as you get everything together.

Rose Gold Suitcases

Although we all feel like we might need to pack 20 pairs of socks or eight pairs of shoes, there’s no need to overpack for your trip. If you leave something behind, you can always pop into a gift shop to pick up an extra pair of sunglasses or a new water bottle! (We don’t need to be told twice to go on a Disney World shopping spree! )

Dapper Day Sunglasses

Note there are a few things banned in the parks, so leave items like selfie sticks and toy weapons behind. Who wants to go through the hassle of bringing something they won’t be able to use in the parks, anyways?

Plus, you can leave bulky items like pool towels and hairdryers behind since your Disney resort will provide them to you at no additional cost.

Pool Towels

You can also cut down on the amount you take with you by shipping things directly to your resort. The Disney resorts allow you to have anything from packages to groceries delivered right to your Disney resort.

Art of Animation Lobby

Even if your kid will only eat a certain kind of granola bar or you need enough diapers for two toddlers, you don’t have to worry about packing them. Get just what you need for the length of your trip delivered to your hotel instead of cramming it all in your already-full suitcases!

Wilderness Lodge Lobby

Need even MORE packing advice? Watch our Ultimate Packing List video here!!

The “Perfect” Vacation

This is a big one, folks — things go wrong on vacations all the time. We can’t predict when our kids will have meltdowns or when you’ll be late for an Advance Dining Reservation. It’s important to roll with the flow when you’re in Disney World without freaking out if something doesn’t go exactly to plan.

Rise of the Resistance

Since there are plenty of unexpected factors that can’t be planned around, your plans could always change, depending on what is happening that day. If something DOES go wrong, though, Cast Members are there to help you fix things like dining reservations, ticket mishaps, and more. (Hey, you might even get lucky and snag one of those No Strings Attached Passes!)

Pinocchio Pass

Besides, everyone in your party will not have the same definition of a “perfect” vacation. Your grandmother may just want to chill at one of the restaurants, while your kiddos could love doing all the character meet-and-greets. You may be the person who can hop on every attraction and stay in the parks from rope drop until closing, but someone else with you might REALLY need that afternoon nap.

Rope Drop

You’ll have to consider what everybody you’re with wants to do to make sure everyone has a magical vacation.

Disney World

It’s all about compromise, folks! Even if you DON’T want to watch PhilharMagic for the hundredth time, your family member could consider it one of the best parts of their vacation. Keep everyone’s opinions in mind and make time for each person’s favorites.

Not Finding a Good Spot for the Fireworks or Parades

You know the spiel where you “HAVE” to look for a spot at LEAST thirty minutes or more before the parade or fireworks start, or you won’t have a good place to watch them? If you’re looking for a very specific spot right in front of Cinderella Castle, this might be true. But, for the most part, you can still enjoy that Disney magic without sacrificing your time in the parks.

Happily Ever After

Now, when the parks reopen, there won’t even BE any fireworks or parades, so BAM — problem solved. But once the parades and fireworks come back (and we know they will!), here are a few great tips to create a little more zen for you as you plan.

Fireworks will be canceled temporarily in Disney World, but they’ll be back!

We’ve found a few spots that are GREAT for fireworks viewings that most people don’t hang around during the show! These spots are best for folks who’ve seen the shows at least once before and already had the full experience. Although you might not be able to fully watch the projections, you can get a one-of-a-kind view of the fireworks in each park that offers them in places like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the entrance to Tomorrowland, and next to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Part of the fun of Disney vacations is trying new things, so maybe you can find a NEW favorite spot to watch the fireworks the next time you’re in Disney World!

Parades are a teensy bit different than the fireworks, however, since you can’t always find a spot to stand or sit if it’s crowded.

Festival of Fantasy

In general in Magic Kingdom, the very start or very end of the parade route is typically the easiest to get a close view last minute. But even if you happen to find a last-minute place standing next to a trash can or at the very end of Main Street, the parade is still just as enjoyable. You can take in all the floats, dancers, costumes, and music from wherever you’re at as the show passes by you (don’t forget to wave to Mickey!).

Mickey Mouse

However, if you’re willing to shell out some extra cash for an extra great place to watch a show, there are multiple dining packages in the parks that will give you a VIP viewing section. You can snack on some desserts as you watch Happily Ever After, feast on a great lunch before Festival of Fantasy, or have a nice dinner with your family before watching Fantasmic!

Happily Ever After…Now With Alcohol!

Disney Resorts even offer some great fireworks viewing locations, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort! Dinner and a show sound like a great evening, right??

Although we totally understand the stress of worrying about things that could go wrong during your vacation after all that planning, take a deep breath and ENJOY it! You still get to go to the Most Magical Place on Earth with your family. So, if you’re feeling worried, remember a very important lesson from Timon and Pumbaa — hakuna matata, friends!

For more great tips and solutions to problems…

What are some of the things you worry about the most before your Disney World vacation? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disney Entertainment, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney attractions, Disney fireworks, disney news, disney parades, disney planning, disney rides, Disney Tips, Disney World, Packing List, resort delivery

Tags disney, disney attractions, Disney Entertainment, Disney fireworks, Disney News, disney parades, disney parks, disney planning, disney resorts, disney rides, Disney Tips, Disney World, Featured, Packing List, resort delivery, Walt Disney World

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38 Things You Didn’t Know Guest Services Could Do For You in Disney World

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 3, 2020

Walt Disney World is TRULY a magical place. It almost seems like you can snap your fingers, and a magical moment will occur around you.

Cinderella Castle

Well, technically there are TONS of magical moments happening all around you constantly, thanks to a lovely little thing known as Guest Services.

The team behind those moments are an extensive number of Cast Members across multiple lines of business, ready to assist you. We’re bringing to you THIRTY NINE Things You Didn’t Know Guest Services Could Do In Walt Disney World.

No Strings Attached Voucher

Let’s start this list off with a big ol’ secret! While this isn’t something you can ask for, deserving guests can be gifted with the No Strings Attached Voucher.

No Strings Attached Voucher

This is basically the chance for a Cast Member to make something right by providing a voucher for a priority entrance to meet a character, Disney Dining Plan Snack, FastPass, merchandise, and more. These are typically only given out when something goes wrong, and NOT something you can ask for. But you never know if your day might be sprinkled with a little extra pixie dust!

Check out four super SECRET things you didn’t know happened in Disney World here!

First Aid Mosquito Prevention

Did you know that First Aid Mosquito Prevention is available to all guests and can be found in each of the 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, Disney Springs, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex?

Blizzard Beach First Aid

Walt Disney World does a pretty great job at keeping bugs at bay in public spaces, BUT they also provide complimentary insect repellent for all guests and Cast Members. Just head to a First Aid location or ask a Guest Service Cast Member for assistance.

Notary Public

This is quite an interesting one. Guests at Business Centers at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Coronado Spring Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort can utilize their Notary Services for $10.00 per seal. So, if you need that important doc notarized on your vacation, Disney has got your back!

Resort Airline Check-In

If you are departing from Orlando International Airport with select airlines, you can make travel a breeze by utilizing your Resort’s Airline Check-In Service.

Airline Check-In at Coronado Springs

With this complimentary service, you can check-in for your flight, print your boarding pass, and even check your bags right at your resort from 5AM til 12PM daily. All guests must be present and you’ll need to check-in at least 3 hours prior to your departure time.

Service Your Way

Wanna save a few bucks while on vacation? Opt out of daily cleaning services by contacting guest services to participate in the Service Your Way program.

Slinky Dog Gift Card

When you decline standard daily housekeeping services, which includes making beds, vacuuming, removing trash, and changing linens, you’ll be handsomely rewarded with a Disney Gift Card. You’ll get a $10 credit for each night you stay on property, minus the first night, for a maximum of 14 nights! Note that this is currently available only at Disney’s value and moderate resorts.

Check our MORE Disney World vacation hacks that the pros SWEAR by here!

Basic Office Services

We know it can be hard to fully unplug from the real world while on vacation. If duty calls, Basic Office Services are available in Business Centers located in select Walt Disney World Resorts — Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian, Walt Disney Dolphin Hotel, and Walt Disney Swan Hotel.

Get Work Done While Enjoying Disney’s Yacht Club!

These services range from the basics, like faxing and scanning, but also include printing of Business Cards and even wide-format poster printing.

Get all the details on shipping a package to your resort here!!

Car Rentals

Walt Disney World Guests can inquire at their resort lobby to be connected to the Car Care Center. The on-property center provides guests with car rentals and even provides door-to-door transportation service from your Resort to the rental facility. Participating rental car companies include Alamo and National.

If you’re renting a car, be prepared for some extra hotel parking fees!

Lost Child

If the unthinkable happens, Guest Services is there for you to help you find your lost child. The team utilizes the Baby Care Center in each park as a safe meeting point for younger kids, and Guest Services for older kids.

Find Your Lost Kids at the Baby Care Centers!

Children are looked after by trained cast members and kept safe there until the parents are found.

Learn about lost and found, Baby Care Centers, and MORE here!

Baby Care Centers

Located in each theme park, Baby Care Centers are staffed by Cast Members and provide private nursing rooms, a feeding area, kitchen, television, as well as an on-site store that offers baby care essentials.

Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center

This can be an excellent resource for parents who may have run out of baby supplies or are waiting on lost luggage. Have no fear! Diapers and more can be found here. Plus the staff here we think are some of the best around and always eager to help parents!

Note that Baby Care Centers can also be used by parents or caretakers of older children who just need a little bit of a respite from the craziness of the parks.

Click here to learn more about visiting Disney World with a baby

In-Room Celebrations

Disney does an excellent job of shining the light on any of life’s celebrations! Did you know you could have the fixings for practically an entire party delivered directly to your Disney resort room?

Mickey and Pals Big Birthday Celebration.

With at least a 72-hour notice, you could arrange for a unique celebration right in your hotel room, whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because you’re in Disney World! This includes custom cakes (more on cakes in a moment), gift baskets, flowers, and more!

Fine Art Photography

Through Disney Fine Art Photography, you can set up in-park family portrait sessions. Packages range from Mini Portrait sessions at your resort to in-park with the stunning Cinderella Castle as your backdrop.

©Disney

The ultimate package includes exclusive pre-opening access to Magic Kingdom as you pose in front of 5 locations during your 1-hour session. These services are separate from the recently announced Disney’s PhotoPass Capture Your Moment service, which costs $50 and gets you a dedicated PhotoPass photographer in one of the parks for 20 minutes.

Click here to learn more about the Capture Your Moment PhotoPass option

Lost or Stolen Items

If you lose any personal item while visiting virtually anywhere at Walt Disney World — the theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Resorts, as well as transportation — Guest Services will be on hand to help you track down the item. Lost and Found locations are available in each park. Additionally, If you believe something was stolen, like your wallet, they can assist you in filing a police report.

Here’s How To Get Out of 6 Sticky Situations While At Walt Disney World!

Portable Translators

For guests visiting with limited English fluency, Walt Disney World provides portable translators for certain attractions, this includes over 20 popular attractions and shows like DINOSAUR and The Hall of Presidents.

Don’t miss a beat on DINOSAUR!

Rental is complimentary and available in French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. The narration, hosted by voice actors, is synchronized to the attraction.

Free Buttons!

Celebrating anything special while visiting Walt Disney World? You can stop by any Guest Services location for a celebration button! These complimentary buttons are for milestones and special occasions like Birthdays, Anniversaries, 1st visits, Weddings, or any of life’s celebrations!

Grab your Celebration Button!

What makes these extra special is Cast Members will frequently come up to you and recognize the button you’re wearing and congratulate you!

Check out ALL the souvenirs you can get for FREE at Disney World here!

Currency Exchange

If you are visiting the parks from an international location, Guest Services can exchange your local currency to U.S. currency. The front desk at your resort hotel as well as concierge can assist with currency exchange and cashing traveler’s checks.

Gran Destino Tower Front Desk

Guest Relations throughout the four theme parks can also assist with currency exchange.

Ship Merchandise to Your Disney Hotel

Lots of people will wait until the end of the day to buy merchandise so they don’t have to walk around with a large shopping bag all day. But if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel, you can have your merchandise shipped directly to your resort for free!

Main Street Emporium display

Typically they will require that you are not checking out the following day in order to process the shipment, and your items will show up at your resort’s gift shop the next day. Just ask the Cast Member at the register about shipping to your hotel and they will be able to assist you!

Learn more about what your Disney World Resort hotel can do for you!

Stroller Rentals

A lot of families have young kiddos who need a break from all that walking around the theme parks, but they don’t want to haul their stroller on a plane! Not to worry: Disney has stroller rental services at each park as well as Disney Springs.

Disney Strollers

You can rent a single stroller for $15 per day, or pre-pay for your entire stay at a rate of $13 per day. You can also rent a double stroller for $31 per day, or for the length of your stay at $27 per day.

Don’t forget — once you’ve purchased a stroller for the day, if you decide to park-hop, just bring your receipt to the stroller location at the new park to get one there! Also, strollers will not be allowed out of the park, so even if you’re paying for the length of your stay, you’ll have to get a new stroller at each park you visit each day, and strollers won’t be able to be brought to your resort hotel.

Learn more about Disney’s recently updated stroller policy here!

Umbrella Rentals

There are few things worse than spending a hot afternoon at the water parks and not having any shade to escape to (then getting back to your hotel to see you’re burnt and now look like a lobster!)!

Minnie Mouse Beach Umbrella

At both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, you can rent umbrellas for the day to lounge under! These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This costs about $60 for the day but also comes with two dedicated lounge chairs, two beach chairs, a table, and towels to accommodate four people.

Click here to decide which Disney World water park is right for you!

Locker Rentals

Locker rentals can really come in handy if you have a lot of belongings with you at the parks, like a change of clothes or extra snacks to munch on throughout the day! Lockers are located at the front entrance of each of the parks, including the water parks, and come in various sizes.

The Disney theme parks all have rental lockers.

Small lockers are $10 per day, Large lockers are $12 per day, and Jumbo lockers, available at Magic Kingdom and Epcot only, are $15 per day. Hang on to your receipt if you plan on park hopping because you only have to pay once per day!

Wheelchair & ECV Rentals

Disney also provides wheelchair and ECV (scooter) rentals to those guests who need them. You can rent them by the day or for the length of your stay. Wheelchair rentals are $12 per day, or if you pay for the length of stay, they’ll be at the rate of $10 per day. ECV rentals cost $50 per day.

Stroller and Wheelchair Rental

Similar to locker and stroller rentals, if you are planning on park hopping during the day, hang onto your receipt so you don’t have to pay twice!

Disability Access Service (DAS)

Guest Services provides assistance for guests with disabilities who may require additional help in experiencing all that Disney World has to offer. This service is best for guests who are unable to wait in a traditional queue environment. Guests can receive their Disability Access Service notice, or DAS, at each park inside Guest Relations.

Guest Relations

Once activated, you will obtain attraction return times from each attraction individually. It functions similarly to FastPass in terms of getting individual return times, but with your party’s individual needs in mind.

Travel & Transportation Services

Disney wants to make sure you have as many different transportation options as possible when you need to get somewhere! Whether you’re heading to a theme park, Disney Springs, your resort hotel, or Orlando International Airport, there are lots of complimentary transportation options at your disposal.

Disney’s Magical Express Bus

These include Magical Express to the airport, Skyliner, buses, boats, and the Monorail! Minnie Vans are also available, although it does come with a base fee of $15 plus an additional $2.75 per mile.

What does your favorite Disney World transportation say about you?

Mail Services

You can send and receive mail from your Disney World Resort hotel. There are also mailboxes located throughout the theme parks that you can send postcards and letters from! If you need additional postage, several shops throughout the resort sell postage (see the full list here).

Mailbox in Hollywood Studios

So stock up on those Disney postcards and send them to your friends and family, direct from Disney!

Online Check-In

It’s easier than ever to get an early head start on your Disney vacation before you even arrive at your hotel! You can opt-in for Online Check-In via My Disney Experience. You will receive a notification before your arrival that your room is ready, and you can skip the front desk experience entirely!

Yacht Club Resort Lobby Refurbishment

Note that in order to do this, you’ll need to have your Magic Bands ready, or opt to use the Unlock Door feature on your phone!

Learn more about Magic Bands here!

Business Centers

Some resorts offer business centers, which include computers, imaging services, and incoming and outgoing parcel services. The resorts that currently have business centers are Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Hotel & Spa.

Travel Insurance

Disney does offer their own travel insurance to protect your upcoming trip. This can be applied at any time up until you make your final payment. Please note that this insurance offering is designed for U.S. residents only.

Star Wars United Airlines Plane ©United

Package Pick-Up

Souvenirs from the parks are only one kind of parcel you can claim through Guest Services. Your resort hotel can also receive grocery deliveries from local grocery stores, as well as deliveries from home! For more information on how to send and receive packages to your Disney hotel (including the ever-important “how to address your package” info), click here!

Click here to learn more about mailing packages to and from your Disney hotel!

Laundry Services

Most Disney World Resort hotels have self-serve laundry facilities on property for you to keep your clothes in tip-top shape!

Washer and Dryer

Disney works with an app called LaundryView that allows you to receive alerts when your laundry is finished, so no need to wait around the laundry room the whole time! Disney World’s hotels also offer dry cleaning services for a fee per item.

Read about Disney’s cool laundry technology here!

Disney Ticket Centers at Disney Springs

Whether you’re looking to purchase park tickets, add a Hopper option, or upgrade your ticket to an Annual Pass (or if you have any questions regarding your park tickets), Disney Springs has a ticket center for you to use!

Disney Ticket Center in Disney Springs

You can find this spot right at the center of the Town Center portion of Disney Springs.

Disney Vacation Club Info Centers

Are you curious to learn more about Disney Vacation Club? Disney’s timeshare program has several info centers throughout the property where you can weigh the pros and cons if you are considering signing up.

Disney Vacation Club Sales Kiosk

The main information center at Disney World is located at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

Click here to learn more about Disney’s newest DVC resort, the Riviera Resort!

Order A Cake!

Did you know you can have specialty cakes delivered to celebrate your special occasion? This can happen one of a few ways: you can order a cake delivery as a “Magical Happening” to your hotel room through Disney’s Floral and Gifts, or you can order ahead to have cake brought out at your restaurant of choice! The list of participating restaurants can be found here.

R2-D2 Cake

You can also pre-order a cake from Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs or cupcakes from Sprinkles in Disney Springs!

Learn more about Disney World cakes here!

Magical Extras

Before you depart on your Disney World vacation, you’ll sometimes receive a special package in the mail with some “magical extras.” These are special deals, typically “pre-loaded” onto a card for you to use throughout your trip. Usually these are based on what Disney resort hotel and tickets package you have purchased.

Florida Sunset

Currently, these deals include a free round of mini golf, a voucher for entree into the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and discounts at several Disney Springs food & retail locations.

VIP Tours

If you want to take your Disney World experience to the ULTIMATE NEXT LEVEL, consider a VIP Tour! If your budget allows (in many cases, that’ll be one hefty budget!), you can book a Guest Relations Cast Member to be your own personal tour guide for the day.

VIP Tour Guides

You’ll get priority access to many shows and attractions, premium seating for the fireworks, plus you’ll have a knowledgable guide all along the way. This costs several pretty pennies to book (like $425-$750 per HOUR for a private guide — with a several-hour minimum), but as the name implies, you’ll feel like a true VIP all day long.

More affordable tours are available daily. They’ll still set you back a fair chunk of change but are much more doable if a private guide is out of your budget. We love the Ultimate Disney Classics tour for $249 per person (plus lunch!), or the Taste of Magic Kingdom tour for $99 per person.

Click here to see our review of the Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour!

WiFi Service

Although it can be spotty at times, Disney World has resort-wide WiFi service, completely free at no extra cost! When it works the way it’s supposed to, it can help with things like checking wait times in My Disney Experience, booking and modifying FastPass+ reservations, and Mobile Ordering food!

There’s Wi-Fi on Some Disney Buses Now!

Free wi-fi is available at most locations around Disney World, even some buses now, so be sure to check!

Click here to learn more about wi-fi on some Disney World buses!

Hotel Check-Out Services

If you have a credit card on file at your Disney World Resort hotel room, you can skip the check out process completely! One of the great Guest Services perks at the end of your trip is the convenience of heading straight from your room to the Magical Express, where you will be whisked off to Orlando International Airport.

Disney’s Magical Express Bus

This is a good perk for those of us who choose to wait until the absolute last minute to pack (we just don’t want to go home!).

Will Disney soon have another method of getting to & from Orlando International Airport? Read more here!

Car Care Center

Lots of folks choose to either drive to Disney World or rent a car when they arrive at Orlando International Airport. If you experience any car troubles while you’re there, Disney has their very own car care center where they can service your car!

Cars at Disney World

This is the same location we mentioned earlier where you can rent a car! If you do have your car serviced, they also offer complimentary shuttle transportation to and from the Transportation & Ticket Center, so you can enjoy your day at the parks while Disney handles your car!

General Park Information and Recommendations

And last but not least — Guest Services is comprised of the most knowledgable group of Cast Members you’ll come across. A big part of their job is simply KNOWING all that there is to know about Disney World and how to make sure YOU have the best vacation possible.

Guest Relations Cast Member in Disney Springs

They can give you all sorts of tips and tricks on how to navigate the parks, what certain attractions are like, and where to stand to watch the fireworks! These Cast Members are IRREPLACEABLE, so ask them all the questions! They probably have all the answers!

It’s no wonder that it takes tens of thousands of Cast Members to keep the World going ’round. If you’re needing some magic added to your vacation, never be afraid to just stop by Guest Services and ask! You might be surprised to see just what all they can do for you!

Has a Cast Member ever went above and beyond for you? Let us know!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
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9 WEIRD Things About Disney World NOBODY Told Me Before My Trip!

Post author By disneyfoodblog.com
Post date June 1, 2020

Walt Disney World is basically its own city complete with 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, 1 massive outdoor shopping district, and over 25 resorts. (Oh and did we mention they actually have their own city government, including emergency systems? But that’s another story altogether.) Needless to say, it’s good to know as much as possible before you visit!

Epcot

So, you’re all set with your FastPass+ and Advance Dining Reservations, but there are likely to be a few surprises you may have not expected. There are plenty of things that continue to perplex even the most experienced Disney vacationers. Here’s our list of the Weirdest Things Nobody Told Me Before I Went to Walt Disney World.

Going to Disney is like stepping into a whole other world at times! We’ve got some of the more interesting differences you may spot here that aren’t as common in the “real world.”

Disney Fans LOVE to Plan Their Outfits

There’s way more to Disney style than the casual souvenir t-shirt these days. It’s a full-blown lifestyle for some folks!

Matching Shirts

Matching shirts, hats, and accessories are basically everywhere you look nowadays in the parks. You’ll spot families, groups around Epcot, newlyweds, and even Bachelorette parties in matching looks.

Matching Shirts!

Disney obviously offers a seemingly endless supply of cute t-shirts, but many folks choose to make their own or order from custom retailers online. With the boom of at-home vinyl cutters in the past few years, many people know at least someone who can cut them out an iron-on for some shirts. If you want one of your own (they’re super easy to work with!) this is our favorite model!

Bride to Be Shirt

It’s not at all uncommon to see people or whole families who plan their entire wardrobe for a full Disney trip around matching shirts for each day, even based on the park that they’re in that day! It makes it easy to keep tabs on your crew in a busy park, and shows off that you’re together and possibly celebrating something.

Dapper Day and DisneyBounding

There are even days devoted entirely to dressing up in a particular way. You may happen to visit the parks and notice a ton of guests dressed to the nines. Chances are, you’re visiting on Dapper Day!

Smaller unofficially planned days happen in the parks from time to time, so if you happen to spot a crowd of guests in interesting attire, check it out!

Dapper Day Announcement

For a lot of folks, dressing for a day at Disney World is a full-time endeavor. It’s more than just shorts and a t-shirt! A lot of time and energy is invested in making sure they look their absolute best, and we love seeing families and friends dressed to impress!

When do you HAVE to dress up in Disney World? Find out here!

Some People Take Merchandise Very Seriously!

The Wonderful World of Pin Traders

Ever see folks around the parks with lanyards covered in Disney pins? Or do you ever wonder why there are long lines outside of a gift shop first thing in the morning? Welcome to the world of Pin Trading!

Galaxy’s Edge Lanyard with Pin

Pin Trading may feel like this underground world where pins are currency, but really it’s just a fun hobby for many guests wanting a more unique souvenir. Pin trading is an experience, and it’s one you can continue on each time you visit Disney World.

Pin Trading Board

Why do people do it? Well, some like the hunt for hard to find pins. Some like lines of pins related to their favorite rides or characters. Some like the chance to interact with Cast Members who trade pins. Disney often will release lines of “hidden Mickey pins” just to Cast Members, meaning they have a small Mickey head on the front of them somewhere and you can only initially score them by interacting with a Cast Member!

Pin Trading

Not sure how to get started? Most gift shops sell “starter packs” of pins. If you see a Cast Member with pins, politely ask if they’d make a trade with you. Before you know it, you’ll be trading pins like a pro!

French Quarter Pin Board

Pin Trading boards can be found it lots of places. Guest Relations, retail shops, and the front desk at the Disney World resorts will have some sort of board or book that you can look at! Some spots, like stroller rental locations, often have fun and unexpected forms of pin boards.

Caribbean Beach Pin Trading Board

Many restaurants, like Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom, put out a pin board as the day goes on, so keep your eyes peeled!

Merchandise Mania

The Disney swag obsession goes way beyond pins! The casual fan may not be aware of the full scope of the merchandise scene at Walt Disney World. Those in-the-know tend to follow along as Disney continually releases limited-edition merch.

Space Mountain Ears

Epcot always has new swag to collect for their annual festivals. If you spot an unusually long line at a merchandise shop, those devoted few are likely waiting to get their hands on a limited release item.

Epcot 35 Limited-Release Merchandise

We’ve seen this happen usually in the first few days of the Festivals at Epcot, or the first nights of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Limited Edition MagicBands, Spirit Jerseys, pins, and more are hot commodities when first released!

Check out last year’s Very Merry Christmas Party merchandise here!

The Weather Can Be Crazier Than You Think

It’s no surprise to many that Florida tends to be pretty warm for the majority of the year. First-time visitors may be quite surprised by just HOW warm it is. Thanks to humidity, you’ll likely be sweating from every pore of your POOR body.

Hydate! Hydate! Hydate!

One tip to stay in control of the situation is to stay hydrated! There are water bottle refilling stations at select places throughout property and you can ask at any time for a complimentary cup of ice water from any counter-service spot.

Cups of Water Ready to Take

Many outdoor carts sell misting fans or cooling towels in warmer months, or you can bring some from home. Seriously, staying cool in Disney World in the warmer months is a challenge. You WILL get hot and sweaty…and then it will probably rain and all that warm humidity will make it feel like you’re walking in a straight-up sauna.

Misting Fan

Let’s talk about that rain for a moment. If you’re visiting in the summer months, you can almost guarantee that it will rain during your trip at some point. Expect the raindrops to arrive mid-afternoon. These storms are usually pretty quick (sometimes coming out of nowhere, so REALLY check that weather app before heading out each morning!), but they can be downright brutal if you get stuck in a torrential downpour. Be prepared with your rain gear so your day doesn’t come to a grinding halt!

Rain, rain, go away!

But perhaps the most BIZARRE weather pattern that no one seems to talk about or warn us about is how COLD it can get in Central Florida! If you visit in the winter months, be prepared to feel a little more than just chilly! It can feel downright freezing if you happen to be there during one of Florida’s “cold snaps”, so have a couple of heavier sweatshirts or jackets ready.

Learn more about surviving Disney World’s weather here!

Guest Behavior Can Be…Interesting

Disney does everything they can to ensure you’re going to have a magical time during your trip, but it’s highly likely you’re going to run into some unruly guests at some point. While it seems common knowledge to not block others while riding an attraction with the use of your phone, camera, iPad, or flash (you even get that “please, no flash pictures” speech on EVERY dark ride!), common sense tends to go out the door with some visitors.

Dark rides are notorious for camera flashes!

Read our guide on how to survive Disney’s busiest days here!

Keep in mind that a lot of the time, folks might not even realize what they’re up to! “Vacation brain” is totally a weird thing and it can affect all of us sooner or later. Between the heat, the crowds, the excitement, and perhaps the lack of sleep, we are all known to make questionable choices every now and then!

A VERY Crowded Magic Kingdom

Just keep in mind that Cast Members want you to have a fun vacation, but they also want you to be SAFE while you do so! So if a Cast Member asks you to stand behind a yellow line or to stop running, it’s not because they want to ruin your trip — they just want to keep you safe and smiling.

We’ve ALL been there — read about some of the mistakes we’ve made at Disney World!

Smells On Rides!

Disney World is all about the sights, sounds, and yes, SMELLS! It’s been proven that people strongly associate memories with smells, and Disney brings this to the next level. Ever heard someone still go on and on about the smell of oranges on Horizons in Epcot…in the 1980s?

2020 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Smells can be a powerful memory, and Disney takes advantage of that on their rides! Some are barely noticeable, while others, like the smell of fresh grass or flowers on Soarin’ Around the World, are hard to miss!

Soarin’ Around the World at Epcot

Other rides where you’ll find scents include Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, Spaceship Earth (hopefully before AND after its renovation!), It’s Tough to Be a Bug, Flight of Passage, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Some of Disney World’s resort hotels pipe specific scents into their lobbies (very subtle, but absolutely there). And of course we can’t forget that intoxicating scent of popcorn and waffle-cones-in-progress on Main Street USA! For Disney World die-hards, the smells of Disney World are some of the most triggering messages that you’re back on vacation!

See our FULL list of upcoming rides and attractions at Disney World in 2020 here!

It is NOT a Small World After All

At nearly 40 square miles, the sheer size of Walt Disney World is overwhelming. Even with a comprehensive and complex transportation system — by boat, by roadway, by Monorail, and now by sky thanks to the Skyliner — many casual visitors neglect to factor in just how long travel can take between each location.

Disney Skyliner

Especially for those familiar with the walkable Disneyland property, most places are completely UN-walkable at Walt Disney World. Preparation is key! Learn how to navigate the transportation system like a pro with our tips and tricks.

Cresent Lake Ferry Boat

We always recommend factoring in extra EXTRA time when planning your travel time between locations. Buses break down, Monorails get delayed, and the Skyliner can close unexpectedly. And, depending on what resort you’re staying at, those internal bus loops at some resort hotels can add upwards of an extra thirty minutes to your commute time!

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has a particularly long internal bus loop!

That can seriously add up first thing in the morning when all you want to do is get to the parks. It can also add up at the end of the night when all you want to do is go to bed! Resorts like Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs are notorious for having massive internal bus loops, so keep that in mind when choosing your resort.

It May Be Tough To Meet Your Favorite Character

Due to the sheer size of Disney World, there is simply too much to do it ALL on most vacations. So be prepared to possibly miss out on a ride or two, or that character you wanted to meet, or that snack you wanted to try. Combine the size of Disney World with those massive crowds, and it will be even harder to do ALL the things you want to do!

Remember, character meet and greets are temporarily discontinued upon the initial reopening of the parks. But we expect our Disney friends will be back, so if you’re planning a trip for a further future date, take note of these tips!

Magic Kingdom Crowds

Ultimately, the best way to navigate this scenario is two-fold: plan ahead with your priorities in mind, and be prepared to be flexible. To help, we have COUNTLESS articles on planning your Disney vacation, especially during those busy seasons. We also have a great guide on all things FastPass, to make sure you’re prepared to make those reservations to your must-see attractions.

Flight of Passage

Unfortunately, long gone are the days of just casually stumbling upon your favorite characters. These interactions need to be pre-booked with a FastPass+ reservation, Character Meals, or face waiting in lengthy lines. And the big guy, Mickey, can be the hardest of them all to meet.

Mickey Meet and Greet

Want to meet Mickey while you eat? Read our ranking of the Mickey character meals here!

There are cases when you can happen upon your favorite character, like Character Palooza, but those opportunities are few and far between. If meeting a certain character is an absolute must during your trip, we suggest planning ahead!

Daisy and Donald Duck at the Beach Club Resort

Check My Disney Experience for a list of characters in each park and when and where they meet. You can plan your character interactions out long before you’re standing in the parks, and possibly avoid some of the lengthier waits by booking a meal with characters.

Check out our favorite character meals here!

You Have To Know What You’d Like To Eat 6 Months in Advance

As we mentioned with attractions and character must-dos, planning is crucial. If you’re looking to get those coveted dining reservations at popular spots, you’re going to have to be ready to book them 180 days in advance. YEP. You’ll need to know what you’d like to eat for dinner 6 months in advance. Where else do you need to pick a meal so far out ahead of time?!

Advanced Dining Reservations

If you plan to stick to counter service throughout your trip, then you don’t need to plan quite so far ahead, but we know for many, part of the allure of a Disney vacation is snagging a reservation at popular spots, like California Grill or Be Our Guest Restaurant. If plans change, you can always cancel your reservation up to 24 hours ahead before incurring a fee.

Be Our Guest Ballroom

This is also important to keep in mind — people’s plans change, so if you don’t get that coveted reservation 180 days out, keep checking! You can often find GREAT reservations at some hard-to-get restaurants if you keep checking back.

Read all about booking dining at Disney World here!

You Can Celebrate Halloween in August and Christmas in November!

Disney World takes the holiday season VERY seriously. Those looking to really immerse themselves in the Halloween or Christmas spirit will have an easy way to do so if they time their vacations right!

For Halloween, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a frightfully fun ticketed event, filled with specialty merchandise, food offerings, and of course that Boo To You parade, led by the Headless Horseman!

Headless Horseman is the harbinger of the Boo To You Parade

Read all about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party here!

Getting into the Halloween spirit is pretty easy to do in October and even in September (despite the fact that it’s still sweltering hot outside in Central Florida), but lately Disney has gone a step further and has started the Halloween parties in AUGUST. Didn’t think you’d be trick-or-treating THAT early in the season, did you?

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Likewise, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party starts almost immediately after Halloween, in early November.

Mickey’s Very Merry Parade

So, if you want to celebrate Halloween before the kids even head back to school from summer break, or if you want to celebrate Christmas before you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, you can do that at Disney World!

Learn more about Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party here!

We wish you happy planning on your next Walt Disney World trip and hope these tips remove some of the shell shock you’ll experience while visiting the most magical place on Earth!

With a little bit of research and planning, you will be MORE than prepared to take whatever the Most Magical Place on Earth throws at you. Whether it’s the insane weather, bizarre mad dashes for merchandise, or confusing transportation, you can quickly become a Disney Pro — and then YOU can be the one to warn all your friends about the weird stuff!

Have you been surprised by something on a recent Walt Disney World trip? Let us know!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World, character interactions, dining plans, Disney Tips, Disney Tips and Tricks, disney transportation, Disney World, disney world tips, matching clothes, paper straws, pin trading, smellitizers

Tags animal kingdom, character interactions, dining plans, Disney Tips, Disney Tips and Tricks, disney transportation, Disney World, disney world tips, disney's hollywood studios, epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, matching clothes, paper straws, pin trading, smellitizers, Special Stuff, Walt Disney World