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Disney's Contemporary Resort

Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels enjoy far more than Mickey ears on the shampoo bottles. While Disney resorts are known for their fun theming, reliable cleanliness, and overall attention to detail, there are many other features that make them a compelling pick for your stay. Disney hotel guests enjoy a wide range of vacation perks that you just can’t get any other way.

1. Celebration buttons at the front desk

Disney birthday button

Grab a birthday button for added perks
Image: Hazel Estrada, Flickr (license)

Many people overlook this simple perk, but it’s really more valuable than you might realize. On a Disney vacation, every minute is precious. You’ll have to waste time waiting in line if you head to guest services to get a celebration button, but your resort’s front desk has them ready and waiting to hand at out check-in if you’re staying on property.

There are several types of buttons that you can wear, proclaiming everything from your birthday to an anniversary or family reunion. Donning your button lets Cast Members know that you’re celebrating something special so they can offer you those little extras that make the day more magical.

2. Special activities

Pop Century Pool

Head to your resort pool for extra perks
Image: daryl_mitchell, Flickr (license)

Many resorts host special activities that are free of charge for guests. These give you an affordable way to fill an afternoon or evening when you want to rest up from park hopping and enjoy the amenities of your hotel. Poolside games are available at the main pool for most resorts. These include everything from drawing with chalk to answering Disney trivia. Movies Under the Stars are available at most locations as well. You can check with your front desk or call (407) 939-2273 for a full movie schedule.

Select resorts offer additional perks. You can roast marshmallows around the campfire at:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campsites

Additional perks like special crafts, dance parties, and pin trading events take place at Disney resorts as well. The schedules change regularly, so you should make sure to ask your front desk about the latest happenings. Look for options like Pirate Camp at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Red Carpet Relay Races at All Star Movies, or the Alice in Wonderland themed Gone Mad Party at the Grand Floridian. Some activities require an additional fee.

3. Childcare services

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

DAK Lodge childcare is available at Simba's Playhouse
Image: Loren Javier, Flickr (license)

Select resorts have Children’s Activity Centers where kids age 3 through 12 can stay while parents enjoy some adult time alone. These centers are available at four Walt Disney World resorts. If you’re staying at a participating location, you can enjoy Simba’s Cubhouse at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Sandcastle Club at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Camp Dolphin at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. Rates an hours vary by location, and advance reservations are required.

 
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Comments

If you update this article, you ought to correct the now-outdated statement that WDW resort hotels offer free parking. Alas, no longer (as I'm sure you know): Disney has found another way to gouge its guests—and ensure that the Magical Prison-on-Wheels (AKA Express) prevents them from leaving property to spend a penny anywhere else in Florida. Also inaccurate (from our experience) is the statement that merchandise can be shipped directly to one's WDW resort hotel room. In our experience, it was delivered to the resort's gift shop... and could make up to 2 days to arrive, meaning that the perk isn't reliable in the last two days of a WDW vacation... when one might be doing more shopping.

Thanks Christian for the information regarding parking and merchandise delivery. It now looks like it can be delivered to your Resort hotel rather than your room. I have now updated this article.

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