Sometimes it isn’t easy to find the answers to all your questions before your Walt Disney World Vacation. We have batched together a selection of useful information about Walt Disney World, which you will not find elsewhere on Modern Life is Good. Our Walt Disney World Useful Information, updated for 2021, will answer many of your queries. The guide has been updated with all the latest reopening information.
Walt Disney World Useful Information Contents
If you are looking for specific information the links will take you straight to the advice.
- Tipping at Walt Disney World
- Guest Relations at Walt Disney World
- Theme Park Rules & Prohibited Items at Walt Disney World
- Dress Code at Walt Disney World
- Strollers at Walt Disney World
- Locker Hire at Walt Disney World
- What you should pack in your Walt Disney World Park Bag
- Walt Disney World Tours
- Disney’s VIP Tour Services
- Walt Disney World Firework Cruises
- Specialty Cruises at Walt Disney World
- Payment for Goods at Walt Disney World
- Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
- Lost Children at Walt Disney World
- First Aid at Walt Disney World
- Accessing the Internet when visiting Walt Disney World
- Lost & Found at Walt Disney World
- Smoking at Walt Disney World
- Charging your Mobile Phone at Disney World
- Celebrating birthdays at Walt Disney World
- Walt Disney World’s Celebration Buttons
- Gifts, Flowers & Cakes at Walt Disney World
- Ears to the World, Disney Show Translator
- Additional Information for guests who are not fluent in English
- Ricoh Business Centers
- Pregnant at Walt Disney World
Tipping at Walt Disney World
Tipping when visiting Walt Disney World can cause guests confusion especially for those guests visiting from countries where tipping isn’t customary. However, tipping is expected in several situations and should be budgeted for in your vacation planning. We have created a Guide to Tipping at Walt Disney World which has all the information you need.
Guest Relations at Walt Disney World
Guests Relations are located at all Walt Disney World parks. Guest Relations provide assistance to all guests visiting Walt Disney World including help with reservations and general information.
The following more specialist support is available from Guest Relations:
- Accessibility information
- Ticket Questions
- Concerns & Complaints
- Foreign currency exchange
- Lost and Found
- Lost Guest retrieval
You can locate Guest Relation on park maps, the Walt Disney World My Disney Experience App, or ask any Cast Member. Remember, during social distancing that many of your most common queries can be answered by checking the My Disney Experience App.
Theme Park Rules & Prohibited Items
Walt Disney World Theme Parks have several rules to ensure guest safety & protect the park environment. Also, there is a list of items that you are prohibited to bring into any park. These items have recently changed with new restrictions on strollers.
All guests & their bags are subject to screening before gaining entry to a park. Visit our guide to learn more about what is banned at Walt Disney World.
Dress Code at Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World reserves the right to refuse admission to guests who they feel are dressed inappropriately.
Proper attire, including shoes and shirts, must be worn at all times. Perhaps surprisingly, this includes the wearing of costumes by all guests over the age of 14.
Currently, face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) and must be worn in all public areas, except while swimming or dining.
Strollers at Walt Disney World
If you think the kids might need a stroller, then you should bring your own. Walt Disney World includes a lot of walking & late nights, and even the most independent small person might get a little tired.
If you find you need a stroller after you arrive, hire is available at all Disney World parks. Current charges are $15 a day or $13 for multi-day hire. Strollers are not able to be removed from a park.
If you are bringing your own stroller, new rules have recently been introduced. Wagons, including stroller wagons, are now prohibited inside parks. Also, strollers should be no larger than 31” wide and 52″ long when measured across the widest and longest points.
Locker Hire at Walt Disney World
Most guests do not need to take much into Walt Disney World parks. The only exceptions being if you have either a medical problem or traveling with a baby/toddler.
If there are items you must take but do not wish to carry, lockers are available near each park entrance. All lockers are subject to availability and come with the following daily charge:
- Small $10 a day (12″ x 10″ x 17″)
- Large $12 a day (15.5″ x 13″ x 17″)
- Jumbo (Magic Kingdom park and Epcot only) $15 a day (17″ x 22″ x 26″)
There are standard and large lockers available at the water parks priced at $10 or $15 a day.
What you should pack in your Park Bag
Not sure what you should bring into the park at Walt Disney World?
Our Guide to the perfect Walt Disney World park bag has all the essential information and been updated for park reopening.
Walt Disney World Tours
The majority of Walt Disney World Tours are currently unavailable. However, the very expensive Disney Private VIP Tours are available. Visit the Disney World Website for the latest information.
Walt Disney World runs several tours daily, which include opportunities to explore backstage areas. They do offer a fun opportunity to do something different while on your Walt Disney World Vacation.
However, Walt Disney World Tours are not cheap, and payment must be made in advance and is in addition to your theme park admission. The cheapest tour is the ever-popular Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot’s Land pavilion($25). Other tours can cost several hundred dollars.
There are also no guarantees how many other guests will be accompanying you on tour. These are not private tours, and maximum capacity can be quite high. However, when we did The Family Magic Tour, we were the only guests on the entire tour and benefited from “a VIP Tour” at a fraction of the cost.
Disney’s VIP Tour Services
Although VIP Tours are currently operating services might be reduced.
If your budget can stretch out, Private Tours offers the ultimate way to experience Walt Disney World. Priced between $425- $625 per hour depending on the season, your VIP Tour Guide will design the ultimate tour based on your preferences.
Disney’s VIP Private Tours are for up to 10 guests and last a minimum of 7 hours. Despite the price they are popular, and you must arrange them early.
Disney’s VIP Tour Services also arrange several predesigned tours, which are more reasonably priced. However, these tours may be shared with other guests.
Finally, everything at Walt Disney World has a price, including private character meetings! If you have a dream experience, ask.
Click here to learn more about Disney’s VIP Tours.
Walt Disney World Firework Cruises
Currently firework cruises are not operating at Walt Disney World.
There are 2 shared firework cruises available at Walt Disney World:
- Ferrytale Fireworks: A Sparkling Dessert Cruise signature drinks and desserts are served as you watch the Magic Kingdom Fireworks from a Ferryboat on the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- Pirates & Pals Fireworks Dessert Voyage leaves from the Contemporary Resort and includes desserts, drinks, games and the opportunity to meet some famous characters. Guests will get a great view of the Magic Kingdom Fireworks
In addition guests can hire a private charter to view the fireworks at either Epcot or Magic Kingdom. Current advertised options are:
- The 21-foot pontoon starts at $299 plus tax (seats 8 Guests)
- The 25-foot boat starts at $349 plus tax (seats 10 Guests)
- The Grand 1 Yacht starts at $399 per hour, plus tax (seats 18 Guests—or 17 if traveling with a butler)
Pricing is subject to change and may vary by time of day. Food, drinks, butlers and other enhancements have an extra charge.
Specialty Cruises at Walt Disney World
Speciality Cruises are not operating at Walt Disney World.
Do you want to have a very special experience when at Walt Disney World?
A luxurious option is chartering one of the Walt Disney World’s pontoons or yachts. This luxurious experience can even come with your own butler.
However, this experience is not cheap! Follow the link for further information on Walt Disney World Specialty Cruises.
Payment for Goods at Walt Disney World
During the reopening of Walt Disney World, guests are being encouraged to use cashless payments. Options available include debit cards, credit cards, and Disney Gift Cards. Guests with Magic Bands & staying in a Disney Resort can set up a charging facility for purchases inside parks & Disney Springs.
All of the Disney Resorts and Guest Relations at the Theme Parks offer International Currency exchange. However, there might be limits on how much you can exchange, and rates are not usually good.
ATMs are located throughout Disney World and can be located on park maps and the My Disney Experience App.
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
Baby Care Centers are located in all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks. These centers are complementary and offer a comfortable environment to care for your little one. Changes have been made inside to support social distancing.
Facilities at the Walt Disney World Baby Centers include:
- Private nursing room
- Changing room
- Unisex bathroom
- Feeding area with highchairs
- Kitchen with microwave, oven and sink
- Main room with television, table, chairs and sofa
- On-site shop offering formula, baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen, over-the-counter medications and clothing for purchase
You can locate the Baby Centers on park maps & through the My Disney Experience App.
Lost Children at Walt Disney World
There are so many things for small children to see at Walt Disney World; some will inevitably wander away from their parents. All Walt Disney World Cast members are well versed on what to do when discovering a lost child. The child will be taken to the park’s Baby Care Center to be looked after until their parent arrives.
If you should happen to lose your child alert any Cast Member who will provide assistance including making contact with the Baby Care Center.
First Aid at Walt Disney World
First Aid centers are available at all Disney World parks. The centers are staffed by trained nurses and are open during regular park hours. Facilities available include over-the-counter medications, bandages, and other quick remedies.
Services are also available at all Walt Disney World Resorts, and you can access First Aid by dialing the front desk.
For more urgent problems Disney World provides complimentary transport to the Florida Hospital Centra Care Walk-In Urgent Care Centers.
If there is a genuine emergency dial 911 from any resort phone.
Accessing the Internet at Walt Disney World
WiFi is now available throughout Walt Disney World.
There are occasional black spots eg in lines, but coverage is almost universal within parks & resorts. However, the speed isn’t the fastest, and there are regular dropouts. We have noticed the service is less reliable when parks are busiest.
In our opinion having the ability to access WiFi is essential at Walt Disney World, and we previously named it our Number 1 Walt Disney World Tip.
Lost & Found at Walt Disney World
It is easy to lose things at Walt Disney World, but perhaps amazingly, things often do get found. Although, nothing we have ever reported has been!
If you lose anything, it is important to report it straight away. Information on how to report your lost items is located here.
Smoking at Walt Disney World
There have been recent changes to smoking at Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, water parks, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex are now smoke-free. The ban was introduced on May 1 and included vaping. Designated smoking areas are available outside of the parks, but all internal points have been removed.
In addition to theme parks, smoking is not permitted within resorts, including balconies. There are small designated smoking areas inside all resorts. If you get caught smoking in your room, you face a hefty cleaning charge.
Charging your Mobile Phone at Disney World
Kiosks are located throughout Walt Disney World selling FuelRod portable chargers. Currently, these kits cost $30. Kits include adaptors for all Apple and most Android devices.
Once your charger needs replacing, you swap it at a kiosk for a new FuelRod. Previously replacement chargers were provided free, but now the situation is far more complex. Various law cases have resulted in the current situation.
Another option is bringing a portable charger to the park each day, but you will have to recharge it every night and not have replacements during the day. However, due to the likely cost of replacements, it will probably work out cheaper bringing two chargers with you!
Celebrating Birthdays at Walt Disney World
Are you celebrating a birthday when at Walt Disney World?
Visit our Guide to Birthdays at Walt Disney World. Note not all services are available currently.
Celebration Buttons
Are you celebrating something during your visit to Walt Disney World?
Whether it is a birthday or just your first visit, a celebration button will let everyone know. Disney Cast Members will even pay you special attention. The following buttons are currently available:
- Happy Birthday
- Happily Ever After
- 1st Visit
- I’m Celebrating:
To collect a celebration button visit Guest Services or your Disney Resort reception.
Gifts, Flowers & Cakes at Walt Disney World
Certain offerings currently have been modified, unavailable, or are subject to limited availability or cancellation.
If you are celebrating while at Walt Disney World or arranging something on behalf of someone who is visiting, you can order gifts in advance. The gift options at Walt Disney World are impressive, but they are not cheap.
If you are looking to arrange flowers or a gift to be delivered to your resort, visit Disney Floral and Gifts, the online Walt Disney World gift shop.
There are several options for arranging a birthday cake and not all have to be booked in advance. The majority of restaurants have cakes available at the podium, but you are advised to order in advance. To learn more about arranging a birthday cake at Walt Disney World, click here.
One thing you will struggle to purchase at Walt Disney World is a birthday card. Despite the large number of Disney-themed cards you can purchase outside of Walt Disney World, they are not available in the resort. We strongly recommend bringing cards with you on your vacation.
Ears to the World, Disney Show Translator
Translation devices are available to translate attraction narration at Guest Sevices in all parks. These complimentary devices translate for all the most commonly spoken languages. Over 20 Walt Disney World attractions have a translation available.
A refundable $25 deposit is required to obtain an Ears to the World, Disney Show Translator.
Additional Information for guests who are not fluent in English
While English is the official language of Walt Disney World, it does not mean you have to be fluent to have a great time. There are thousands of international guests visiting Walt Disney World every day.
Maps are available at Guest Services, and usually at the park entrance, in Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Japanese. The majority of restaurants will also have menus in different languages available.
Many cast members speak more than 1 language. Those who are bilingual have a tag on their badge to indicate what languages they speak. However, it worth noting that many international cast members are not currently working at the resort.
Ricoh Business Centers
Can’t keep away from the office or have some urgent unexpected business?
There are business centers inside the conference centers of Disney Convention Hotels. You do not have to be a guest of the resort to use facilities and services include computers, photocopying, posting, and other office services.
Rioch Business Centers are located at the following resorts:
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort (shared)
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Pregnant at Walt Disney World
Being pregnant is not a reason to stop a visit to Walt Disney World. However, there are a number of attractions in every park which pregnant guests are advised not to ride.
Signage posted at every attraction highlights which rides are not suitable for expectant mothers. The signs also provide information on height requirements, health and safety advisories, and accessibility guidelines.
While the list can change the following attractions Disney advises against riding while pregnant:
- Magic Kingdom: Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain, The Barnstormer, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train & Tomorrowland Speedway
- Epcot: Test Track & Mission Space
- Hollywood Studios: Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, Star Tours, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run & Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
- Animal Kingdom: Avatar Flight of Passage, Expedition Everest, Dinosaur, Kali River Rapids, Kilimanjaro Safari & Primeval Whirl
You can still have plenty of fun at Walt Disney World if you are pregnant. You can still enjoy plenty of attractions, but there will be some attractions you will have to skip on this visit. You are welcome to call (407) 939-5277 for further information.
Learn more about Walt Disney World
Visit our 2021 guide to Walt Disney World for Beginners for more essential tips.
This Guide is part of our “Road to 2021 at Walt Disney World” series. Check out the rest of the guides for the latest information.
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