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Walt Disney World Resort Reservation FAQ

How do I make a reservation at a WDW resort?

You can make a reservation at any WDW resort by either:

  • Resort Room-only Bookings  (407) 939-7429
  • Vacation Package Bookings  (407) 939-7675
  • Through most Travel Agents

What's the difference between CRO and WDTC?

CRO is Disney's Central Reservations Office.

WDTC is Walt Disney Travel Company. Both are on the same number, and in the same building.  When you call you can't choose whether you get a CRO Cast Member or a WDTC Cast Member, although many are now cross-trained.

CRO Cast Members can make room only reservations, and can also make discounted room only reservations, such as discount codes, or Annual Passholder discounts.

WDTC Cast Members can book packages, air travel, insurance and transfers.

The Swan and Dolphin, Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels, and the Disney Good Neighbor Hotels can be booked by both CRO and WDTC depending on whether you want room only or a package. Packages are now booked only through WDTC, but room only for Swan, Dolphin and Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels may still be booked through CRO.


How can I get a discount on rooms at WDW resorts?

There are various ways of getting a discounted room, but they are only offered for certain periods each year and only a limited number of rooms are available at the discounted rates.

  • Annual Pass Holders can get discounts off room only prices.
  • AAA members can get discounts on room only and package prices (also applies to UK AA members)
  • Disney Visa Card holders can also get discounts.

What happens if I can't get a reservation for the dates I want?

If the date you require is not available then keep on calling Disney back. Reservations are cancelled all the time and rooms may become available at the resort of your choice on a daily basis. Alternatively, try making a reservation with another source, e.g. Travel Agent etc. It may also be worth considering a different resort, or even slightly different dates.


What happens once I've made a reservation?

When booking a room only reservation (through CRO), you are subject to very few restrictions:

  • You must pay one night's room rate as a deposit within 14 days of reserving your room.  The final payment of the remainder is due at check-in.
  • You may cancel your reservation up to 6 days prior to check in and will have your deposit refunded in full. Cancellations after 6 days will be charged the one night's deposit as a penalty. Any additional amounts that may you have been paid on the reservation will be refunded in full.
  • There is no time limit on when you can make modifications to an existing CRO reservation with no additional charge. This can be done right up to arrival.

When booking a Vacation Package through WDTC (including a room only basic package) you will be subject to the following rules:

  • You must pay a $200 deposit within 14 days of reserving your package.  The final payment of the entire remainder is due 45 days prior to check-in. You have to pay in full right away if you are booking less than 45 days in advance.
  • You can change or cancel your reservation without penalty up until 45 days in advance. From 6 to 44 days in advance, there is a cancellation fee of $100. If you cancel 5 days or less in advance, you pay a $200 penalty.
  • Any changes that result in a rate change, such as applying a discount code, reducing number of days and/or changing to a differently-priced resort, made 45 days or less prior to arrival, are subject to a $50 fee.

Please Note:  WDTC usually adds nonrefundable travel insurance to your package by default. If you don't want this you will need to tell them while you are making the reservation. Once you hang up, it's too late.


What happens if I don't pay the deposit within the required time?

You will lose the reservation.


What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?

Call a Disney Reservation Agent on 407 939-6244  or contact the Travel Agent you booked through.


How can I change or update a reservation?

To change a confirmed Reservation, call a Disney Reservation Agent on 407 939-6244  or contact the Travel Agent you booked through.


Can I request a specific room?

When you book the room, let Disney know your requests (e.g. nonsmoking room, disabled room, first floor, etc.). They cannot guarantee requests will be met, but will do their best. You can also call or fax the room assignor at your resort four days before you arrive, to make your requests. Make sure you list your preferences in order of priority.


What time can I check in at the resort?

Check in times are:

  • 4pm for the All-Star Resorts, Saratoga Springs, Boardwalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge & Old Key West;
  • 1pm at Fort Wilderness;
  • 3pm at all other Resorts.

If you arrive earlier than the above times you should still be able to go through the check-in process, but your room may not be ready. You can leave your luggage with Bell Services, go off and enjoy the day. When you return to the Resort you can either return to check-in or call the number they gave you to find out your room number.


What time is check out?

Check out is 11am, although you can request a late check out time of 1pm (subject to availability). Make this request when you check in. You can also leave your luggage at bell services after you've checked out.


What is Express Check-out?

To save time when checking out, if you've left your credit card details at check-in, you can use Express Check-out. On the morning of check-out you will find an envelope hung on the outside of your room door, which will contain a breakdown of everything charged to your room. If it is all correct you can just leave the Resort without going to the front desk.


I'm staying at more than one Disney Resort during my visit, do I have to transfer my own luggage?

No you don't. When you're ready to leave the first Resort, call Bell Services and tell them you're transferring to another Resort. They will come to your room, take your luggage, and arrange for it to be transferred to the new Resort. When you've checked into your new Resort, call Bell Services and explain your luggage was being transferred from your old Resort. They will then bring it up to your room for you.


What facilities do the resorts offer for disabled guests?

Disabled rooms are available at all resorts, which are equipped with king-size beds, roll-in showers, handrails, etc. Complimentary wheelchairs are also available to hire at all resorts (a deposit may be required).


Can I hire a refrigerator at the resort?

Refrigerators are provided free at moderate and deluxe resorts. They are available to hire for $10 per night at value resorts.


Which resorts offer rooms that accommodate more than four people?

Animal Kingdom Villas - up to 12 people
BoardWalk Inn - up to 5 people
BoardWalk Villas - up to 12 people
Contemporary - up to 5 people
Saratoga Springs - up to 12 people
Port Orleans Riverside (Alligator Bayou) - up to 5 people
Fort Wilderness Cabins and Homes - up to 6 people
Fort Wilderness Campsites - up to 10 people
Grand Floridian - up to 5 people
Old Key West - up to 12 people
Polynesian - up to 5 people
Wilderness Lodge - up to 5 people
Yacht and Beach Clubs - up to 5 people

There are also Family Suites now available at All Star Music Resorts which sleep up to 6 people.  It also has a kitchenette.

Make sure you specify the number of people when you make the reservation.


Can I use the pool at another resort?

Generally, no. You can only use the pool at the resort in which you are staying, with the exception of Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter which share two pools. You may be asked to show your resort ID whilst using the pool, especially at Stormalong Bay at the Yacht & Beach Club, as it is very popular.


I've heard that I can get purchases I make in the parks sent back to my hotel room, how does this work?

When you make a purchase at any WDW owned shop in the parks, or at Downtown Disney, just tell the Cast Member you would like it sent back to your resort.  The package will arrive the next day, & will be delivered to the Resort's shop.


Can I make Charges to my Room?

Disney Resort Guests can take advantage of charging privileges available with your Disney Resort ID. You can charge select Disney purchases (i.e. meals, merchandise and tickets) to your room.  You will need to leave credit card details at the front desk to be able to do this.


Can I get mail delivered while I am staying at a WDW resort?

You can have mail delivered to you at your hotel, have the envelope addressed like this-

Mickey Mouse(guest)
Disney's Polynesian Resort
PO Box 10,000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-1000

HOLD FOR ARRIVAL <<<<---- This goes in the lower left corner

(List Scheduled Date on the envelope.)

 


 

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