Disney Resort FAQs

Making Reservations at a Disney Resort

Why should I choose a Disney resort? What benefits would I get?
Disney resort guests are entitled to many benefits:

Guaranteed admission to the parks (assuming you purchased park admission), even on the busiest of days when they start turning others away at the gates. (Except when the parks are at their highest level of attendance and closed to everyone.)

You're surrounded by Disney "magic" and service 24 hours a day. Many people say that the level of service, cleanliness and security at the Disney hotels makes them worth the extra expense. Staying off-site can be hit-or-miss if you're not familiar with the various properties.

Resort guests receive a resort ID card which can be used as admissions media, your door key, and/or for charging privileges (this varies by resort and eligibility).

Resort guests have the option of charging meals and purchases to their rooms with their resort ID card.

Disney resort guests can have their purchases delivered directly to their resorts. (Please allow at least 24 hours for delivery.)

Resort guests can make priority golf reservations up to 60 days prior to arrival.

Free parking throughout the theme parks. Parking is now $8/day for non-resort guests.

Unlimited free Walt Disney World transportation , which is really great if you don't have a car to get around. If you're staying off-site, getting around can be very expensive and time-consuming.

Resort guests have the option of keeping pets overnight in Disney's kennel (for an additional fee).

Wake-up calls from Mickey Mouse or one of his pals.

Access to Disney's closed-circuit television information channels, plus the Disney Channel, ESPN, and others.

Free wheelchairs from the resort for the length of your stay, based on availability. (Deposit may be required.)

Resort guests can purchase souvenir mugs that can be refilled for free or a very low price at the resort for the duration of their stay.

You have access to EXTRA MAGIC HOUR, a program that allows you to visit a particular theme park on a designated day beyond regularly scheduled operating hours.

Proximity to the parks and attractions. None of the off-site hotels are as close to the Disney attractions as the Disney resorts.

How do I choose the resort that's right for me and my family?

There are five main criteria you should think about:

1. How much do you want to spend?
2. What activities and recreation will you want to participate in?
3. How many people are in your party and how old are they?
4. What amenities do you want? (a gym? table service restaurants? a hair salon? a whirlpool? a full kitchen? tennis courts?)
5. Do you want to be close to a particular park or area ?

Each resort has is own unique ambiance and amenities. Rooms can range from $79 a night on the low end to $350 a night or more on the high end for basic accommodations. Villas and suites can be more expensive. A number of guide books provide detailed information on the resorts, particularly Walt Disney World for Couples by Rick and Gayle Perlmutter and PassPorter Walt Disney World by Jennifer Watson and Dave Marx. Birnbaum's Walt Disney World (the official guide) offers photos of the resorts. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Bob Sehlinger provides more information on off-site motels and hotels if you are inclined to check those out, too. The AAA travel guide for Florida is helpful, as well. It's also a good idea to go to a travel office and pick up any available brochures that may show color pictures of the exterior and/or interior of the resorts. You can also request a free vacation planning video by calling 407-W-DISNEY and listening to the options. Brochures on specific resorts can be requested at the same number by speaking to a Cast Member.

How do I make reservations at a Disney resort?

You have several options, each listed below in the order of popularity/reliability:

1. Call Disney Reservations at 1-407-W-DISNEY (934-7639). Hours are weekdays from 7 am to 10 pm and weekends from 7 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time. Note: Disney provides no official toll-free number for general resort reservations.

2. Have a travel agent make resort reservations through Disney.

3. Visit the Walt Disney World site and make resort reservations online. The online reservation system operates weekdays from 7am - 10:30 pm and weekends from 7 am to 7 pm Eastern Time.

5. Send a letter to Walt Disney World at Box 10100, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830.

6. If you are driving and need last-minute rooms, you can stop at Disney's Ocala Information Center on I-75 in Ocala, Florida. They sometimes offer great deals on accommodations, but you must visit in person to make reservations. Call 352-854-0770 for directions, hours, and more information.

Is there a deposit required to hold a room?

Once you make a reservation, you have 14 days to post a deposit of one night's hotel charge plus 11% or 12% FL hotel tax. The 14 day courtesy hold is available for reservations out further than 30 days. If you are arriving within 30 days, you will have to provide a deposit upon making your reservation.
Your reservations representative will tell you the amount of deposit required, after which you will receive a written confirmation in the mail with instructions on how to make your deposit. The confirmation will have a reservation number on it. Always refer to that number on any correspondence with Disney and when making changes to your reservations. It's an excellent idea to bring this confirmation with you to check-in, as well as any canceled checks paid to WDW or credit card statements in case there is an error in your reservations or deposits.

Your deposit may be placed over the phone using either American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Diner's Club or Disney Card. If you wish to write a check, turn your reservation confirmation form to the backside, fill in the correct information and mail it in.
If you are reserving a package; the "deposit" or first night's cost is still required within the 14 days. However, the entire package must be paid for 21 days prior to arrival (refunds policies on packages vary so be sure to ask what policy applies to your package).

How far in advance should I make reservations?

As soon as you have decided on dates for your trip, make your reservations. Disney resort rooms book quickly, so the earlier you inquire, the more likely it is that you will get the room and resort you desire.

What if everything is booked for the time I want to go?

Keep calling back; every day if necessary, until something opens up. People cancel rooms all the time so don't give up. Disney releases canceled rooms at 8:00 am Eastern Time, so if you're west of the Mississippi you'll have to get up really early to catch a canceled room, but you'll probably be glad you did.

What if I have to cancel my trip? Will I lose my deposit?

This varies according to the kind of package you have booked (if any) and how far in advance you are canceling. Generally speaking, if you have a room only and cancel no less than five days prior to your intended arrival you will receive a full refund. (This is also five days for the Swan or Dolphin, which are not Disney-operated.) After five days, your refund is at the discretion of the resort and might be prorated.

I'd like to have adjoining rooms on the first floor. How do I make this request?

At the time you make your reservation be sure to make all your requests known to the reservations agent. This is the time to request particulars like adjoining rooms, smoking or nonsmoking, balconies, first floor, etc. The cast member will make notations in the computerized file. When you receive your printed reservation form from WDW , you may not see all of these listed, but they should be in the computer. Also, note that WDW will not guarantee you any of your requests; but they do make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Checking In/Out

What time can I check-in?

All resorts offer an early check-in time of 11:00 am, at which time you can go to Registration and attempt to check-in. You will be able to do most, if not all, of your check-in even if you room is not ready. Official or late check-in times are 1:00 pm at the Fort Wilderness campsites, 4:00 pm at All-Star and Disney Vacation Club Resorts, and 3:00 pm at all other resorts. Your room should be ready by this official check-in time.

What can I expect at check-in?

A cast member will check the computer for your reservation to see what type of room and the kind of package you have. You will be asked for a credit card number to keep on file (if you wish to have charge privileges). The resorts will probably charge your card at check-in for the entire room bill.
You will be issued a resort ID card for each member of your party over the age of 3. Depending on the resort and what kind of package you purchased, this little plastic card will serve as your resort ID, room key, entrance gate key, transportation ID, admissions media , and/or food/merchandise charge card . (Children are not afforded charge privileges on these cards, unless specifically requested.) You will be given a map of the resort pinpointing your room. Some resorts also provide a themed newspaper explaining the resort amenities, park hours, special events, etc.

What if our room isn't ready when we arrive?

You can leave your luggage at the bell stand and the bell service will deliver it to your room later. You are then free to go explore the parks or the rest of WDW. You are given a phone number to call if your room is not yet ready which you can call periodically. Once your room is ready, the Cast Member will give you your room number and you can then use your room key to enter the room. Ask to have your bags brought to your room at this time.
It's a good idea to pack a small bag with a change of clothes so that you don't have to rummage through your luggage before the Bell Captain stores it. This is especially helpful when you are going from one climate to the next. Packing shorts and/or swimwear will help you relax until your room is ready.

Check out is at 11:00 am. What if my plane doesn't leave until much later?

You have two options: Ask for a later check-out (generally 1:00 pm) when you check in and (if necessary) on the morning of your check-out. If the resorts are not booked to capacity, they are generally happy to oblige. If 1:00 pm is still too early for you, check out and leave your luggage at the bell stand, then go enjoy the parks until it's time to leave. You can claim your luggage upon your return to the resort. If your park passes have run out, visit the other Disney resort areas or Downtown Disney .

I'm splitting my stay between two (or more) Disney resorts, but I won't have a car. How will my luggage get to the other resort(s)?

The resorts will move your luggage for you while you're out enjoying yourself. Be sure to ask about this at check-in and again at check-out to make sure everyone knows where you and your luggage should be going. One caveat: Your luggage sometimes moves at a more leisurely pace than you; you might arrive at your new resort ready to take a swim and find that your bathing suit is still somewhere en route. Be prepared with a few things in a tote bag if you think this possibility could interfere with your plans.

Do I have to go to the front desk to check out?

Generally, no. If you've left a credit card number at check-in, by 7:00 am on the morning of your check out date, a cast member will hang an express check-out bill on your door. This bill itemizes all room charges, taxes, food, and merchandise charges made on your Disney Resort card , plus any payments which have been applied. If everything seems to be in order, you're free to leave. (You get to keep the Resort ID card .) If you're at a resort that still has the old fashioned card-key locks, you can leave the card-keys in the room. If there appears to be a problem on your bill, you will have to go to the front desk to check out.

Can I request a crib for my child? How about a refrigerator for insulin or formula?

Cribs for children under 3 are available at all resorts at no extra charge. Rollaway beds are available at some resorts for a $15/night charge. Refrigerators are available at most resorts, either free of charge or for a $10/night charge. Some resorts, like the BoardWalk Villas, Fort Wilderness Cabins and Homes, and Old Key West have partial or full kitchens that include a refrigerator. See the list of resorts with kitchen facilities later in this FAQ.

Are there any specially equipped rooms for the disabled?

Yes. Many rooms come equipped with handrails, roll-in showers, shower benches, handheld shower heads, accessible vanities, rubber bed pads, lower beds, refrigerators, closed-captioned television, door knock and phone alerts, double peep holes in doors, room TTYs, and king-size beds . Be sure to request one of these rooms when you make your original reservations as each resort has a limited number of equipped rooms (see the number of disabled rooms each resort has to offer later in this FAQ). Some resorts can provide you with a wheelchair free of charge for the length of your stay, based on availability.

What is Guest Services?

Guest Services is one of the nicest amenities provided at WDW resorts. Guest Services is staffed with Cast Members who are knowledgeable about the parks, transportation, and events. You can purchase admissions media for the parks, water parks, Pleasure Island, or special events at Guest Services. They should be able to answer your Disney transportation questions. You may also use Guest Services to arrange for dining reservations. Make Guest Services your next stop after check-in. Ask for maps and timetables for all the parks and inquire about special events at your hotel and elsewhere on property. Many Guest Services counters have signs with park and transportation hours and special events notices.

Packages and Discounts

What kinds of packages are available?

As of January 2, 2005, WDW began offering the Magic Your Way vacation packages. To learn more about these packages, visit our Magic Your Way page.

What kind of discounts can I find on Disney resort rooms and packages?

Annual Passholders can sometimes get some great deals on rooms. Discounts may be announced in the quarterly Annual Pass ("Mickey Monitor") newsletters and may also be obtained by calling Disney and asking if there are any Annual Passholder discounts for the period you are planning to visit. Note that the offer period may only a few weeks (or days!!) away from the date you receive the newsletter, so it usually works better to call Disney and ask. Note also that discounts may apply only to certain time periods and certain resorts.

Another way to get a discount on Disney Resort rooms is to try your luck at the Disney's Ocala Information Center off I-75 in Ocala, FL, as mentioned earlier in this FAQ. Walk-ins can sometimes get last-minute deals on rooms; other times there's nothing available.

What is the American Express White Glove Treatment?

The "White Glove Treatment" is no longer available. This changed once Disney branded their own VISA card.

Resort Classifications and Locations

How does Disney classify the resorts?

Value Resorts: All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, and Pop Century.
Amenities: Food courts, pizza delivery, luggage service (hourly), swimming pools, bus transportation

Moderate Resorts: Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside (was Dixie Landings) and French Quarter (was Port Orleans).
Amenities: Full-service restaurants, food courts, room service (limited), luggage service, swimming pools with a slide and hot tub, on-site recreation, bus or boat transportation.

Fort Wilderness: Fort Wilderness Cabins and Homes.
Amenities: Full-service restaurants, kitchen facilities, pizza delivery, luggage service, swimming pools, on-site recreation, front-door parking, flexible room arrangements, bus or boat transportation

Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Old Key West, BoardWalk Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas, Beach Club Villas and Saratoga Springs.
Amenities: Full-service restaurants, kitchen facilities, pizza delivery, luggage service, swimming pools, on-site recreation, front-door parking, flexible room arrangements, bus or boat transportation

Deluxe Resorts: BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Yacht and Beach Club, and Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Amenities: Full-service restaurants, room service, luggage service, valet parking, swimming pools, beach access, on-site recreation, on-site childcare, monorail, boat or bus transportation

Which resorts are located closest to specific parks?

Disney has divided the resorts into four general locations:

The Magic Kingdom Resort Area:

Contemporary
Fort Wilderness
Grand Floridian
Polynesian
Shades of Green
Wilderness Lodge and Villas

The Epcot Resort Area:

Yacht and Beach Clubs and Villas
Caribbean Beach
BoardWalk Inn and Villas
Pop Century
Swan and Dolphin*

The Downtown Disney Resort Area:

Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Port Orleans Riverside (was Dixie Landings)
Port Orleans French Quarter (was Port Orleans)

The Animal Kingdom Resort Area:

All-Star Movies
All-Star Music
All-Star Sports
Coronado Springs
Animal Kingdom Lodge

In addition to the above, seven more hotels in the Hotel Plaza Resorts are considered to be on-property even though they are not owned nor operated by Walt Disney World. These hotels are:

Courtyard by Marriott*
Doubletree Guest Suites Resort*
Grosvenor Resort*
The Hilton*
Hotel Royal Plaza*
Travelodge Hotel*
Wyndham Palace Resort & Spa* (formerly Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa)

* Resort benefits and amenities may vary from those stated in this FAQ; check with the hotel for specifics.

Resort Amenities and Facilities

Which hotels have rooms that will accommodate more than four people?

All rooms will fit four people plus a child under 3 in a crib. The following will accommodate more. Be sure to indicate when making your reservation how many persons plan to stay in a room.

Animal Kingdom Lodge (4-5)
Beach Club (5)
Beach Club Villas (4-8)
BoardWalk Inn (4-5)
BoardWalk Villas (4-12)
Contemporary (5)
Port Orleans Riverside (5 in some rooms in the Alligator Bayou section)
Fort Wilderness Cabins and Homes (6)
Fort Wilderness Campsites (10)
Grand Floridian (5)
Old Key West (4-12)
Polynesian (5)
Saratoga Springs (4-12)
Wilderness Lodge (4-5) and Villas (4-8)
Yacht Club (4-5)

What size are the rooms at the Disney Resorts?

Note that rooms at the Value and Moderate resorts are all the same size, with the exception of Coronado Springs which has some suites available. All other resorts listed have various types of rooms available. The sizes listed for these resorts represent average room size and are shown in square feet.
Value Resorts:

All-Star Movies - 260
All-Star Music - 260
All-Star Sports - 260
Pop Century - 260
Moderate Resorts:

Caribbean Beach - 340
Coronado Springs - 314
Port Orleans French Quarter - 314
Port Orleans Riverside - 314

Fort Wilderness Campground

Fort Wilderness Home or Cabin - 504

Deluxe Resorts:

Wilderness Lodge - 340
Animal Kingdom Lodge - 344
Beach Club - 380
Yacht Club - 380
BoardWalk Inn - 380
Grand Floridian - 400
Polynesian - 409
Contemporary - 422
Disney Vacation Club Resorts:

Beach Club Villas Studio - 356
Beach Club Villas One-Bedroom - 727
Beach Club Villas Two-Bedroom - 1080
BoardWalk Villas Studio - 359
BoardWalk Villas One-Bedroom - 712
BoardWalk Villas Two-Bedroom - 1071
BoardWalk Villas Grand Villa - 2142
Old Key West Resort Deluxe Studio - 376
Old Key West One-Bedroom - 1086
Old Key West Two-Bedroom - 1392
Old Key West Grand Villa - 2265
Saratoga Springs Studio - 355
Saratoga Springs One Bedroom - 714
Saratoga Springs Two Bedroom - 1075
Saratoga Springs Grand Villa - 2113
Wilderness Lodge Villas Studio - 356
Wilderness Lodge Villas One-Bedroom - 727
Wilderness Lodge Villas Two-Bedroom - 1080

Which resorts have concierge service?

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club
BoardWalk Inn
Contemporary
Grand Floridian
Polynesian

Wilderness Lodge
Yacht Club

Which resorts have monorail service?

Contemporary
Grand Floridian
Polynesian

Which resorts feature character meals?

Contemporary (breakfast/dinner)
Grand Floridian (breakfast/dinner)
Polynesian (breakfast)
Beach Club (breakfast)
Swan and Dolphin (breakfast)

Which resorts have table service restaurants?

Animal Kingdom Lodge (2)
BoardWalk Inn and Villas (4)
Caribbean Beach Resort (1)
Contemporary (3)
Coronado Springs (1)
Fort Wilderness (1*)
Grand Floridian (5)
Old Key West (1)
Polynesian (3*)
Port Orleans Riverside (1)
Swan and Dolphin
Wilderness Lodge (2)
Yacht and Beach Club (3)
* Includes the dinner show

Which resorts have food courts?

All-Star Movies
All-Star Music
All-Star Sports
Animal Kingdom Lodge (limited)
Caribbean Beach
Coronado Springs
Pop Century
Port Orleans Riverside
Port Orleans French Quarter
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge (limited)

Which hotels have room service?

Animal Kingdom Lodge
BoardWalk Inn and Villas
Caribbean Beach (limited)
Contemporary
Coronado Springs (limited)
Grand Floridian
Polynesian
Port Orleans French Quarter (limited)
Swan and Dolphin
Wilderness Lodge
Yacht and Beach Club

How many pools are there at my resort?

All-Star Movies (2)
All-Star Music (2)
All-Star Sports (2)
Animal Kingdom Lodge (1)
BoardWalk Inn and Villas (3)
Caribbean Beach Resort (7)
Contemporary (2)
Coronado Springs (4)
Fort Wilderness (2)
Grand Floridian (2)
Polynesian (2)
Pop Century (3)
Port Orleans French Quarter (1)
Port Orleans Riverside (6)
Saratoga Springs (3)
Wilderness Lodge/Villas (2)
Yacht and Beach/Villas Clubs (4)

Which resorts have the best pools?

Caribbean Beach Resort
Coronado Springs
Polynesian
Port Orleans French Quarter
Wilderness Lodge
Yacht and Beach Club

Which resorts offer childcare?

Reservations can be made for childcare up to 60 days in advance by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE. Or contact us at 636-931-3801

Animal Kingdom Lodge (Simba's Clubhouse)
BoardWalk Inn and Villas (Little Toots)
Contemporary (Mouseketeer Clubhouse)
Grand Floridian (Mouseketeer Clubhouse)
Polynesian (Never Land Club)
Dolphin (Camp Dolphin)
Wilderness Lodge (Cub's Den)
Yacht and Beach Club (Sandcastle Club)

Note: Guests in all resorts can also make arrangements for in-room babysitting for an extra charge by calling KinderCare at 407-827-5444.

Which resorts have kids' programs?

BoardWalk Inn and Villas runs the Harbor Club, a seasonal day program for kids ages 6-12.
Fort Wilderness features a free nightly sing-along, marshmallow roast, and Disney movies. All WDW resort guests are welcome.
Grand Floridian has several programs for children

Which resorts have health clubs?

Animal Kingdom Lodge
BoardWalk Inn and Villas
Contemporary
Coronado Springs
Grand Floridian
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge Villas
Yacht and Beach Club

Which resorts have kitchen facilities?

Full Kitchens:

Beach Club Villas (except studios)
BoardWalk Villas (except studios)
Fort Wilderness Cabins and Homes
Old Key West (except studios)
Saratoga Springs (except studios)
Wilderness Lodge Villas (except studios)

Refrigerators:
Key: C = charge - $10/night. All others have a refrigerator included in the room.

All-Star Movies (C)
All-Star Music (C)
All-star Sports (C)
BoardWalk Inn
Boardwalk Villas
Caribbean Beach Resort
Contemporary
Coronado Springs
Riverside
Fort Wilderness Cabins and Homes
Grand Floridian
Old Key West
Polynesian
Pop Century (C)
French Quarter (was Port Orleans)
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge
Yacht and Beach Club

Microwave ovens
Key: R = on request. All others have a microwave included in the room.

Beach Club and Villas
Boardwalk Villas
Fort Wilderness Cabins and Homes
Grand Floridian (R)
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge Villas

Minibars:

Grand Floridian
Yacht and Beach Club

Which hotels have in-room safes?
Key: (L = Limited to some rooms)
Note that these safes are very small wall safes that generally will fit your airline tickets, money, keys and not much more. For larger valuables, be sure to inquire at the resort's front desk for additional services.

All-Star Movies
All-Star Music
All-Star Sports
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boardwalk Inn
Boardwalk Villas
Caribbean Beach Resort
Coronado Springs
Contemporary
Riverside (was Dixie Landings) (L)
Grand Floridian
Old Key West
Polynesian
Pop Century
French Quarter (was Port Orleans)
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge
Yacht and Beach Club

Which resorts have a boat marina and/or water sports?
Key: D = Dock only

Boardwalk Inn and Villas (D)
Caribbean Beach Resort
Contemporary
Coronado Springs
Fort Wilderness
Grand Floridian
Old Key West
Polynesian
Port Orleans French Quarter (D)
Port Orleans Riverside
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge and Villas
Yacht and Beach Club and Villas

Which resorts have tennis courts?
Key: C = Charge

Boardwalk Inn and Villas
Contemporary (C)
Fort Wilderness
Grand Floridian (C)
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Yacht and Beach Club

Which resorts have bike rentals?

Boardwalk Inn and Villas
Caribbean Beach Resort
Coronado Springs
Fort Wilderness
Old Key West
Port Orleans Riverside
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge

Which resorts have hot tubs (spas)?

Animal Kingdom Lodge (2)
Boardwalk Inn and Villas (3)
Caribbean Beach (1)
Contemporary (1)
Coronado Springs (1)
Disney Institute (4)
Grand Floridian (1)
Old Key West (2)
Port Orleans French Quarter (1)
Port Orleans Riverside (1)
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge (2) and Villas (1)
Yacht and Beach Club (5)

How many disabled-accessible rooms are available in each resort?

All-Star Movies (96)
All-Star Music (96)
All-Star Sports (96)
Beach Club (10)
Boardwalk Inn and Villas (51)
Caribbean Beach (22)
Contemporary (6)
Coronado Springs (99)
Fort Wilderness (8)
Grand Floridian (5)
Old Key West (67)
Polynesian (17)
Port Orleans French Quarter (12)
Port Orleans Riverside (22)
Wilderness Lodge (37)
Yacht Club (10)

Which resorts offer refillable mugs?

All Disney resorts offer a refillable mug program.

Resort Transportation

I'm not renting a car. How do I get to my resort from the airport?

The Walt Disney World Resort does not provide transportation from the airport to its hotels. There are several options available including Mears Shuttle, taxis, and a rental car. Some packages come with prepaid transfers on Mears Motor Shuttle. Disney reservation confirmations may be accompanied by a Mears Shuttle Discount coupon.

How do I get to the parks from my WDW Resort?

The Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian all have direct monorail service to the Magic Kingdom and transfer monorail service to Epcot at the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC ). To get from these resorts to Disney MGM-Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach, or Typhoon Lagoon board a correspondingly-marked bus outside your resort to your final destination. Guests at Fort Wilderness have a direct Animal Kingdom bus; a boat to the Magic Kingdom -- all other parks are reached by taking a bus to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and transferring to another bus or monorail. All other resorts offer either direct bus or boat service to the parks.

I have dinner reservations at another resort. How can I get there and back without a car?

The easiest way is to take the bus/monorail/boat to the nearest open park and transfer to the correct resort bus. This can get tricky after the parks close, in which case you should travel to Downtown Disney and then transfer to a bus to your resort. Keep this in mind when making dinner reservations. Always plan a minimum of one hour to reach your destination.

NOTE: It's a very good idea to ask for a Disney Transportation Guide and a full property map at check-in. The guide is a chart that shows you how to get to and from any two points in WDW. The reverse side has a detailed map of the WDW property. If you are unfamiliar with the Disney properties and the transportation system, always carry it with you. As a final option, you may want to have the Bell Captain call you a cab (at your expense of course).

I am disabled and use a wheelchair. Will I be able to use Disney Transportation?

Many Disney buses have wheelchair lifts at the rear door. The buses equipped with lifts can be identified with a blue emblem on the front bumper and back door. The driver should help you board the bus.

What if I decide to rent a car after arriving at my WDW resort?

National Car Rental has an office located at the Car Care Center outside the Magic Kingdom. Shuttle service (which I have found terribly slow and inefficient) is available from all resorts and must be reserved at least one hour in advance. National is open seven days/week from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. The phone number is 407-824-3470 or 800-227-7368.

Is there a charge for parking my car at the resorts?

There is no charge for parking your car at the resorts if you self park. There is a $7 charge for valet service (+gratuity). If you have a handicapped sticker or license plate, valet parking is free. If you are a Disney Vacation Club Member staying parking at a Disney Vacation Club Resort, show your card for complimentary valet parking. If you are a Florida Resident with a Disney Dining Club card, your parking may be free also.

If I want to visit another resort, will I have trouble getting past the security gates?

Generally, you won't have any trouble if you show a valid Disney resort ID to the guard at the gate. If you're arriving for check-in, you may be asked for your name. If you're not a Disney resort guest but you have dinner reservations at the resort, you may be asked to show photo ID at the gate. The guard may also record your car's license number.

This FAQ was originally authored by Andrea McKenna and has been contributed to by Jennifer Watson.