Refillable Mugs—All Disney resorts sell mugs that can be refilled for multiple days, up to the length of your stay (which must be consecutive). The Rapid Fill mug contains an active RFID chip that allows refills at any Disney resort’s soda station during the term of your stay (with a 2-minute mandatory wait time between refills). Cost is $17.99+ tax for your length of stay (up to 14 days). Guests on the Disney Dining Plan will receive the mug for the length of their stay. Neither milk nor juice is a refill option unless it appears on the soda fountain (but coffee and tea are available).

Refrigerators—In-room mini-refrigerators (without freezers) are provided free in Disney’s resorts. One-bedroom and larger villas and Fort Wilderness cabins have full-size refrigerators.

Room Service—The deluxe resorts and some of the moderate resorts offer in-room dining. Most resorts offer a pizza delivery service in the afternoon and evenings. 

Security—A gatehouse guards entry into every resort. If you arrive by car, plan to show your MagicBand and/or photo ID and explain that you are checking in, dining, or using the resort’s recreational facilities. All resort rooms have electronic locks that open with your MagicBand or resort ID for added security. In addition, you can store small valuables in your in-room safe (most, though not all, rooms have them) or with the front desk.

Smoking—All Disney resort guest rooms (including patios/balconies) are nonsmoking. Designated outdoor smoking areas are indicated on resort maps.

Spa—Disney-speak for a hot tub. There’s at least one spa at every Disney resort, with the exception of the value resorts (Polynesian Village finally got one in 2015). Traditional spa facilities (massages and manicures) are available in some resorts.

Tax—Sales tax is 6.5% in Orange County (most of Walt Disney World) and 7.5% in Osceola County (Pop Century, Art of Animation, and some parts of All-Star Resorts); sales tax is charged on all purchases and lodging. Theme park and water park tickets purchased at the Disney resorts in Osceola County are only charged the Orange County tax rate of 6.5 percent. An additional lodging tax is 6% in both Orange and Osceola Counties.

Telephones—All rooms have a phone and information on how to use it. Local and toll-free calls are free; long-distance calls are the cost of the call plus a 50% surcharge. Use cell phones instead. Incoming calls are free.

Turndown—Available at the deluxe resorts—request it from housekeeping.

Tipping—It’s customary to tip valet parking attendants $1–$2 upon arrival and departure, bell services $1–$2/bag upon delivery and pick-up, and housekeeping $1/person/day. Tip: Leave your housekeeping tip daily with the housekeeper’s name card so it’s recognized.

Transportation—Every resort provides free transit to and from the parks via bus, boat, monorail, and/or pathway. We list each resort’s options and in-transit times in this chapter.

Wheelchairs—You can borrow a wheelchair from any resort (inquire at Lobby Concierge or Bell Services). A deposit may be required; availability is limited. Motorized wheelchairs (ECVs) and a limited number of ESVs (electric standing vehicles) may be rented at the parks for in-park-only use. You can rent ECVs at the BoardWalk Resort for use anywhere from Buena Vista Scooters (866-484-4797, http://www.buenavistascooters.com). Note that only authorized vendors (Apple Mobility, Best Price, Buena Vista, C.A.R.E, Scooter Bug, Orlando Stroller Rentals, Kingdom Stroller, and Magic Strollers) can leave a rented ECV or stroller at a resort—unauthorized vendors must deliver and pick up from you in person.

Wi-Fi—See Data Services on page 33.

Voice Mail—Every resort offers free voice mail that can be retrieved from your room or any other phone in or outside of Disney property. You can personalize the message callers hear. If you are on the phone when a call comes in, the system still takes your caller’s message.