How do stuff work at disney world?

Danny K said:
I need to know how stuff work at disney. Here is a list of stuff I want to know:
Based on the questions in the original post, it appears you would benefit greatly from either the advice and services of a good Travel Agent (should be no additional charge to you) or, yes, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Either source would also be able to advise you on restaurants.

Respectfully, you seem to be asking people on the DIS to virtually hold your hand and explain every aspect of your trip to you. That's what a Travel Agent should do for you. Lacking that, read the danged book! If $12 is out of your budget or more than you want to spend, this probably isn't the right time to plan a multi-thousand dollar vacation.
 
what do you mean by that?

There are lines for pretty much everything, and it's very easy to think things are taking longer than they should. Dining Reservations are a good example, as pretty much all the ADR means is that's the time they're start trying to seat you, but you may end up waiting in the TS lobby for 15 minutes while they try to get a table ready.
 
Based on the questions in the original post, it appears you would benefit greatly from either the advice and services of a good Travel Agent (should be no additional charge to you) or, yes, The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Either source would also be able to advise you on restaurants.

Respectfully, you seem to be asking people on the DIS to virtually hold your hand and explain every aspect of your trip to you. That's what a Travel Agent should do for you. Lacking that, read the danged book! If $12 is out of your budget or more than you want to spend, this probably isn't the right time to plan a multi-thousand dollar vacation.

Whooo-Wheeee...I certainly agree! :rotfl2:

Amazing how you know about so many things but do not know the simple answers to most of your questions. Also amazing that you have made 109 posts on here and still have no clue. :confused3
 
I am sorry if this didn't go under the right category, but I really didn't know what to put this on and I think disney resorts is the closest.

I need to know how stuff work at disney. Here is a list of stuff I want to know:

Hotels:
I am staying at All Star Music Resort, and want to how it works. First of all how do they get my bags to my room? Do people explain the hotel to people when they first arrive? Since you are not coming from the airport most likely you will bring your bags to your room yourself. You could leave your bags with luggage service to be delivered to your room, but the service is not like typical bellman/valet service. Luggage is delivered to groups of rooms at a time, so it could take awhile (hours) for your bags to be delivered.

Disney Transportation:
When going to Disney I am not coming from the airport I am just coming from another place in orlando. How do I explain it to them? And how does the transportation work? when I leave Disney I will be going to the airport, so how does the transportation work? Also when getting from hotel to theme park and back how does disney transportation work to, do you need to tell people which hotel you are going back to or what? How often do busses run from hotel to park. And is it likely to be a large line or what? Also am I likely to not get on the first bus there is if there is a huge line, how big rare the busses? Also is there transportation from hotel to hotel? If so please tell me how that works to? If not how to get from hotel to hotel? So please help me a lot with transportation? If you're not taking Magical Express from the airport you would drive or be driven to the resort entrance, tell the gate attendent your checking in and they would give directions. When leaving, if you requested Magical Express, your get an envelope on your door with instructions. For bus transportation, queues and buses are marked with where they are going. There are no buses hotel to hotel. You can take a cab from hotel to hotel, or do bus transfers (bus to park and then bus to hotel). For early morning character breakfast I've read there are special busses, I've never used these. Buses run every 20 minutes or so. At park opening and closing times there most likely will be big lines for the buses.

ESPN Sports Complex, Golf Course, and Mini Golf:
How much does it cost to play golf or go to ESPN sports complex? I don't want to add it to the ticket, because its only one person going to sports not the whole family. Please give me some prices here? Also what kind of things are at sports complex, can you give me and explanation of ESPN sports complex? Look at the Disney website for golf prices ($50-$100 depending on when you go) and ESPN info. You can get complimentary cab service to Disney golf courses from your resort. Give the driver a tip.

Disney Restaurant Reservations and Strategies:
I have all my reservations made. How do they work. When you walk in how to prove you have a reservation, also how long is usually the wait for TS dining if you have reservations? Also for Cinderella's Royal Table how do reservations work there? For a picture with Cinderella, how do reservations work, and how long do you have to wait for a picture with cinderella, then how long usually is the wait to get seated? And also how much time with characters do you get if characters at CRT and Crystal Palace? Its good to have your confirmation number with you in case there are problems, but usually they just ask for your name and time. Time with characters varies, could be very rushed or a few minutes longer.

FASTPASS System:
How do you get fastpasses? And I have heard that once you get a fastpass you have to wait a certain time to get another one? Is that true? If it is true how long is usually the wait between 2 fastpasses? Yes, and the time varies.


Did I miss anything? If there is any other stuff I need to know please tell me?
If you think I should put this under another category to please tell me that, and I will put it under another one.
Buy the Unoffical Guide to WDW, its well worth the $. Look at All Ears website, some info is outdated but most is very good.
 

Buy the Unoffical Guide to WDW, its well worth the $. Look at All Ears website, some info is outdated but most is very good.
:thumbsup2 For a minimal fee, it has tons of great information and some wonderful tips!! It has the maps of the resorts and the parks. They have information on characters and the restaurants and what events are going on what season. It is definitely worth it! You can even bring it with you when you go to Disney. I always do! Even if I already know the answers to my questions, I still read the book. Since I am a Disney fanatic, I don't mind reading the book over and over again. I know, I'm crazy like that! :rotfl:
I like reading the "unofficial" book. There are some saving tips and other suggestions that the "official" will not tell you. :) You won't be sorry if you buy the book! Everything you need to know in one book! :goodvibes
 
Look like you have received some good information right here - you can find out everything you need here on the DIS IMO but there are handy guides out there. One of the things I like about WDW is that Disney Cast Members (staff) are generally very good at helping if you have a question or need more information. Learn as much as you can beforehand but I wouldn't hesitate to ask a CM if you have questions about how to do something.:)

Also I think I watched some travel channel videos about WDW I downloaded off of itunes before one of my trips - it was really good at explaining how a lot of stuff works at Disney World! There were a few of them and all of them very helpful.
 
Danny K, PM me your address and I will send you my 2012 Unofficial Guide.
:)
 
I am sorry if this didn't go under the right category, but I really didn't know what to put this on and I think disney resorts is the closest.

I need to know how stuff work at disney. Here is a list of stuff I want to know:

Hotels:
I am staying at All Star Music Resort, and want to how it works. First of all how do they get my bags to my room? Do people explain the hotel to people when they first arrive?
When you arrive at the hotel, if your room is all set, you can take your bags with you, to the room. If your room isn't ready yet, you can leave the bags with Luggage Assistence and then get them when the room is ready. You will be given a packet of info that pretty much answers any questions you may have about the resort.

Park Tickets:
Where do I get my park tickets? Do I get them at the hotel or they have to ship them or what? Also how do they work? When I first enter the park, where do I put my tickets and how do I give my tickets to go in?
It depends on whether or not you booked a package. If you booked a package, then you will get your park tickets when you check in at the resort. If you booked just a room, then you will have to buy your tickets at a park, or possibly at the resort. When you get to the park, you will line up at the entrance turnstiles. When you get to the ticket machine, you will put your finger in the finger scan machine, and then slide your ticket into the ticket slot. The ticket will come out the other side, and the CM will tell you to go right in!! The CMs are very helpful and will give you any help you need.

Dining Plan:
I know what you get on the DDP, but want to know how it works and stuff. First of all how to you get the card, or how to prove you are on the DDP to a restaurant? If you have a card, where do you get it? And do I have to specify what meals to take off per person? How does the restaurant take meals off? Also how can I find my meal balance?
Your dining plan will be on your Keys to the Kingdom card. The computer system will track the meals for you. You will see the balance on your meal receipts each time you use it.

Key to the World Card:
I have heard that you get a key to the world card, but what does it do, and how does it work?
This is your room key, it can contain your park passes as well as dining plan. You use it to get into your room, to gain access to the parks (if that is how you chose to place your park passes) and your dining plan for each meal.

Disney Transportation:
When going to Disney I am not coming from the airport I am just coming from another place in orlando. How do I explain it to them? And how does the transportation work? when I leave Disney I will be going to the airport, so how does the transportation work? Also when getting from hotel to theme park and back how does disney transportation work to, do you need to tell people which hotel you are going back to or what? How often do busses run from hotel to park. And is it likely to be a large line or what? Also am I likely to not get on the first bus there is if there is a huge line, how big rare the busses? Also is there transportation from hotel to hotel? If so please tell me how that works to? If not how to get from hotel to hotel? So please help me a lot with transportation?
You will just head to your resort. Not sure how you are getting there, but you say you are not going to the airport first. YOu do need to book a reservation for Disney's Magical Express to get back to the airport. YOu can do that now, or wait until you get to your resort. As far as transportation to, and from, the resorts to the parks?? YOu will go to the bus stop at your resort. Each arriving bus will have the name of it's destination on the front top of the bus as well as along the side, at the top. Just hop o board. When you are ready to leave the park, you will go to the designated area for your destination....there will be signs for each resort, as well as some other parks. The wait times are usually under 20 mins between buses.
There isn't transportation between resorts via the buses. You would have to head to a park and then transfer to the bus for the resort you want to go to. That can take a bit of time. You can find a lot of info regarding Transportation over on the Transportation board.


ESPN Sports Complex, Golf Course, and Mini Golf:
How much does it cost to play golf or go to ESPN sports complex? I don't want to add it to the ticket, because its only one person going to sports not the whole family. Please give me some prices here? Also what kind of things are at sports complex, can you give me and explanation of ESPN sports complex?
Can't help you much on this one...sorry.

Disney Restaurant Reservations and Strategies:
I have all my reservations made. How do they work. When you walk in how to prove you have a reservation, also how long is usually the wait for TS dining if you have reservations? Also for Cinderella's Royal Table how do reservations work there? For a picture with Cinderella, how do reservations work, and how long do you have to wait for a picture with cinderella, then how long usually is the wait to get seated? And also how much time with characters do you get if characters at CRT and Crystal Palace?
YOu just need to bring the confirmation number with you. They should have it in their system..but there have been times that they didn't put the right name with it. Somehow they got my name all misspelled but since I had the ADR confirmation number in hand, they were able to see it there, quite easily. The wait time can be as long as 20 mins before being seated...depends on time of day and the restaurant. You can get a photo with Cinderella easily. She has been in the lobby area, and you will be called up to the area when it's your turn to have a photo.
The characters at the meals tend to spend a couple of minutes at each table. Again, it depends on the ages of the guests and how many are there.


FASTPASS System:
How do you get fastpasses? And I have heard that once you get a fastpass you have to wait a certain time to get another one? Is that true? If it is true how long is usually the wait between 2 fastpasses?
You will find the explanations for Fast Passes when you get there. There will be signage at each attraction that will tell you the return times for the currently distributed FPs..that way you can decide if the timing will work for you before you take one. It is usually 90-120 mins before you can get another one. There should be a time listed on the FP as to when you can get another one. The FPs are distributed at each attraction, from a machine.


Did I miss anything? If there is any other stuff I need to know please tell me?
If you think I should put this under another category to please tell me that, and I will put it under another one.

I will say that you should spend the money for a guidebook. I would get the PassPorter, vs the UnOfficial guide. It's more interesting to read and understand as a first timer. Yes, they can cost up to $20 or so, but in all reality, this is no time to be pinching pennies. IF you are going to WDW, and you are not knowledgable, you are going to miss out on a lot of stuff, not to mention that you may not have nearly as good a time as you could have. Buy that guidebook ,take it with you.
 
I benefited greatly by using a Travel agent my first three trips.

After that, it was fairly easy to do my own and I was able to gleen the information that I did find out there a bit better.

But I think you would be best served by finding a Travel Agent who specializes in Disney, that can walk you through every aspect of your trip. And do make sure they are very well versed in Disney.
 
Okay I will just purchase the guide and book then to help me.
Look back. A very generous poster is offering to give you a guide book; you just need to provide shipping information.

The people here never cease to amaze me! That's a very kind, generous offer
 
Danny, JeanfromBNA has given you a very generous gift.:) I would accept this gift with much gratitude. When you get it, do us a favor and read, read, read!
There are so many books available and the Dis boards are a wealth of information. You just have to take the time and read it all. Apparently, you have plenty of time to do this as you say you are not going until August of 2013. Do your homework before you start inundating the boards with your questions.
We cannot decide for you whether one restaurant is better than another. We cannot tell you if the portion size will fill your stomach. We can only give opinions about our own experiences.:confused:
Read the stickys; read the FAQ's; read the hotel/ restaurant reviews; read some trip reports; read the books! :coffee: And when you are done with all of this and still have questions, then by all means, come back and ask. We will be glad to help. But for goodness sake, do your own homework!!! ::yes::
 
Either that or he's just a kid, hoping he can talk his parents into taking him to Disney.

Guidebook cost $12.00 -- that is what, 2 bottles of water in any of the parks? Seriously?????? Just log onto www.disneyworld.com and spend a few hours reading -- everything and anything is on there, as well as on here. My 17.99 investment in Birnbaums Offcial Guide to Disneyworld got me 10% of our Dolphins In Depth program -- $37.80 savings, 10% of House of Blues dinner -- $22.00 savings and 15% off dinner at Planet Hollywood, another $30.00 savings -- which means my 17.99 guide put $71.81 of CASH back in my pocket!

Tom
 
I said I already bought the official guide for 2012. I didn't get it delivered yet but I bought it.
 
Look back. A very generous poster is offering to give you a guide book; you just need to provide shipping information.

The people here never cease to amaze me! That's a very kind, generous offer

[/QUOTE]Look back. A very generous poster is offering to give you a guide book; you just need to provide shipping information.[/QUOTE]

[/QUOTE]The people here never cease to amaze me! That's a very kind, generous offer[/QUOTE]

I don't mean to be rude or anything, but if someone just random asked for your address, would you really give it to them seriously. honestly who would EVER give someone they don't know their own address.
 
Folks, come on. The age of the OP is not relevant, and we don't require people to study before they ask questions on the DISboards. If you don't care to answer a question, then just move on to a thread that's more to your liking.

As long as posts are in keeping with the DISboards guidelines, any and all questions on Disney resorts are welcome here, no matter how basic, and no matter how many people have asked them in the past. :)

OP, go ahead and ask all the questions you like! :thumbsup2
 





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