3 Things I Learned the Hard Way After a $3000 Disney World Hotel Stay

It’s no secret that a Disney World vacation with a hotel stay can be an expensive proposition. Even a stay at the comparatively cheapest Value Tier Resort will set you back nearly $200 a night, meaning a week-long stay with theme park tickets is going to cost thousands for a family of four, and that only goes up with the Moderate and Deluxe Tier Resorts. However, even after paying those prices, not everything is perfect. Far from it, in fact.

Recently, we took to our Facebook page to ask our readers, “What’s a lesson you had to learn the hard way about staying at a Disney World hotel?” We got A LOT of answers, but these in particular jumped out to us.

Tiers Are Subjective

Several readers discussed the aforementioned differences among Disney’s hotel tiers, with some expressing the view that Disney’s most expensive hotels might not be its best offerings. Reader Lisa wrote, “Staying in a luxury resort doesn’t mean it will be your favorite experience. I had a very unhappy stay at the Grand Floridian, and yes, in true Disney fashion, they made it up to me. I wasn’t dissatisfied with the customer service, but I’ll also never go back to the Grand Floridian.”

On the other side of the coin, Reader David praised Disney’s Value Tier, writing, “I’ve learned staying at Pop Century is way better than Moderate resorts. The value is in where I sleep and rest. The walls are the same thickness, pools are the same depth, and Disneyfied theme matters to us.”

Late Night Options are Limited

If you’re making your way back from one of Disney World’s theme parks late at night, be prepared to find some amenities unavailable. As reader Rachel put it regarding the Fort Wilderness campsites, “Their quick service location closes at like 9:00 PM! No quick trips for fries and tenders after we got back from the parks!!!”

However, the truth is this goes beyond the campsites, as quick-service dining locations and food courts at Disney hotels generally close at 11:00 PM (including Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian), while table service dining seating generally ends at 10:00 PM. So, depending on your hotel’s location and which park you’re coming from, you may not be able to stay until close and make it back to your resort in time for a snack.

However, food isn’t the only perk unavailable late at night. Disney World hotel pools are generally open until 10:00 or 11:00 (with the latter in the warmer months of the year), so you may need to leave the park early to squeeze in a late dip depending on your hotel’s location.

As reader Karen put it, “What we learned the hard way: if you’re planning on taking a quick dip after all day in the parks, make sure you know the pool hours. On the plus side: having a room near the pool makes a quick swim possible (even when you only have 5 minutes until the pool closes).”

There’s No Fridge in Your Room

As reader Christina explained,  “It’s not a fridge but a beverage cooler. The half gallon of milk we bought at the resort gift shop spoiled before we drank it all.” Beyond milk, these beverage coolers run at about 40 degrees, making them cool enough for drinks, but not cold enough to safely store items like medications, breastmilk, formula, or most refrigerated food items.

Bear that in mind when considering the essentials you’re packing for your hotel room, and contact Disney for accommodation of any medical needs before your trip.

Walt Disney World vacations are far from cheap, especially when staying at an on-property hotel. Keep these things in mind for your next visit, and if you’re interested in sharing your thoughts on this, or any other Disney or travel-related topic, follow us on the AllEars Facebook to join in on the next conversation!

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What’s the biggest eye-opening experience you’ve had at a Disney hotel? Let us know in the comments below.

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