The Most Common Disney World Questions - Answered!

It has been a while since we last posted, and for that we apologize. Things have been a little crazy lately. I’m in the final stretch of my last college class, we have our trip coming up in TWO WEEKS so we’ve been getting ready for that, and I’ve been running a lot of the weekends. (I completely the runDisney Virtual Star Wars Half Marathon two weeks ago!) We’re back now, and have a post that we’re sure will help you out when it comes to planning your next magical Disney World vacation!

As a travel agent I get a lot of questions about Disney World and today I’m here to share the answers to some of the most commonly asked Walt Disney World questions.

Commonly Asked WDW Questions

Why should I stay onsite?

The Walt Disney World Resort offers more than 20 resort hotel options with more on the way! There is an option for every budget – Campground, Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts, and Villas. Staying at a Disney World Resort hotel offers great perks that include:

·         Magicbands included in your package

·         Free transportation between the airport and your hotel

·         Free transportation to the Parks

·         The ability to add the dining plan

·         Extra Magic Hours*

·         60 Day Out Fastpass+ booking window*

* These are available at select Disney Springs area hotels as well.

Is the dining plan worth it?

This question is difficult to answer. I personally believe that the dining plan is worth it for my family! It can vary from family to family. Disney World offers three dining plans – Quick Service, Plus, ad Deluxe.

Quick Service – Offers two quick service meals and two snacks per person per night of your stay.

Plus Dining – Offers one table service meal, one quick service meal, and two snacks per person per night of your stay.

Deluxe – Offers any combination of three meals per night of your stay.

We like the ability to have our meals paid for, with the exception of tips, before we arrive for our vacation. This makes it so that we can order whatever we like without having to look at menu prices. We have done trips with and without the dining plan. On the two trips that we did not purchase it we found ourselves looking for the least expensive thing on the menu. With the dining plan we can order what sounds good, not what has a price that sounds good. We also love the refillable mugs that are included as part of the dining plan.

The dining plan may not be worth it for everyone, but it is worth it for us.

Is there free transportation?

Yes! There is free transportation between all of the Disney World Resort hotels and the Theme Parks, Water Parks, and Disney Springs. Buses depart approximately every 20 minutes. There are screens with approximate arrival times at the resort bus stops, and these times are also available on the My Disney Experience App.

There is also free transportation between the Resort hotels and the Orlando airport.

What is Magical Express and how does it work?

Magical Express is a free motorcoach service that transports Disney World Resort hotel guests from the Orlando airport to their hotel and back to the airport again at the end of their stay. The service also always you to apply luggage tags to your checked bags at your departure airport and having them arrive in your resort room! You can find out more information here.

How do Fastpasses work?

Fastpasses allow you to bypass the standby line for your favorite attractions! When you book a Fastpass you are selecting a one hour window during which you will arrive at, or return to, the attraction. Up to three Fastpasses can be booked in advance – 60 days out for onsite guests, 30 days out for others). Once these Faspasses are used you may book more, one at a time, using the My Disney Experience App or in park kiosks. Some restrictions apply.

What counts as a snack on the dining plan?

We love Disney snacks! We love using our snack credits! We actually have our snacks planned out for our trip in two weeks! (This is not necessary, but we like to have a plan in place so that we get the most out of our snacks!)

There are so many delicious treats and savory eats around the Walt Disney World Resort that can be purchased with a snack credit. They can be found in the parks, resorts, and at Disney Springs. Some delicious options include:

Epcot Festival Food Booth Food Items

Ice Cream

Cookies, Cupcakes, Brownies

Fresh Fruit

French Fries, Popcorn

Single-Serving Beverages

Chocolate, Candies

These are just a few examples!

Do I need dining reservations?

Quick Service restaurants, with the exception of Be Our Guest breakfast and lunch, do not accept reservations. All Table Service restaurants accept, and encourage reservations. Many table service locations may have day of availability, but reservations insure that you can eat where you would like. Reservations can be booked up to 180 days in advance. 

How far out can I book a trip?

Trips can be booked up to 499 days in advance. (The last day of a trip can be no more than 499 days out at booking.) It’s never too early, or too late, to start planning, though! Packages for the next year are normally available in June. (Ex. 2020 packages should become available for booking in June 2019.)

Can I make payments on my package?

Yes! This is one of the best parts! Walt Disney World vacation packages can be secured with a $200 deposit. You can make as many payments after that as you like up until the total is due 30 days before travel.

Can I use Disney Gift Cards?

You sure can! You can use Disney Gift Cards to pay for your trip and at various food and merchandise locations throughout the parks and resorts!

What is Disney Springs?

Disney Springs offers shopping, dining, and fun all available without a park ticket! It is just a short bus, or in some cases boat, ride from the Disney World Resort hotels.

Does Disney own Universal?

No. They are two separate companies and are two separate theme parks.

What are Magicbands?

Magicbandsare colorful wristbands with an RFID pod in the center. They act as your room key and park ticket. They are also used to redeem dining plan meal and snack credits, check in for Fastpasses, charge things to your room account, claim Photopass photos and more. You can customize the color and the name on the back before your trip!

What is Memory Maker?

Memory Maker allows you to have unlimited downloads of all photos taken by Disney World Photopass photographers! This includes photos around the parks, attraction photos and more.

When is the best time to go?

This really depends. There are not really low crowd times any more, but you may find lower crowds and lower rates in September, early May, January, and February. The best time to go isn’t always dictated by price, though! If you’re a holiday lover, the best time to visit may be during the holidays! If you can only visit during school down times, then that’s the best time to visit! There is no bad time to visit the Walt Disney World Resort.

Should I wait until my kids are older?

This is entirely up to you. There are, however reasons to go while your little ones are still little. A lot of people say that they want to wait until their kids are old enough to remember the trip to take them. My 4.5 year old still talks about trips that we took when he was two! His first trip was when he was six months old, and no he doesn’t remember it, but we do! We have some amazing memories, and photos, from that trip. It is really something special to see the magic through the eyes of a child! An added bonus is that kids under three are FREE!

Is there a military discount?

Yes! Disney offers a military discount for their resort hotels. These are based on availability, but if you have an Active Duty, Retired, or Spouse ID you can book these and the savings are worth it! You can also purchase discounted tickets from your local base!

Why should I book with a travel agent?

·         There are a lot of great reasons to book with travel agent!

·         It costs the same to book with me as to book on your own.

·         I get up early to book dining and Fastpass+ reservations for you.

·         I’m constantly looking for discounts to save you money!

·         By booking with me you are supporting a small business!

Are you ready to book your next magical vacation?! I’d be happy to help! Contact me at miriyawhitaker@worldofmagictravel.com for your FREE quote and to get started! For more Disney and travel information follow me on Facebook.