A Walt Disney World vacation is a dream come true for many families, but even the most carefully planned adventures can come with a few surprises.
Knowing how to handle these situations can make all the difference from hydration issues to lost items. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Here’s a guide to some of the most common problems guests face at Walt Disney World and the best ways to solve them.
What to Do if Your Disney Resort Room Isn’t Ready
You’ve arrived at Walt Disney World early, eager to start your vacation, only to find that your resort room isn’t ready yet. Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time while you wait.
- Drop Off Your Bags at Bell Services: Arriving early or leaving late? Leave your luggage at your hotel’s lobby and enjoy the parks or Disney Springs hassle-free. Pick it up when you’re ready, and keep the magic going!
- Relax at the Resort: Many hotels offer beautiful lobbies, quiet lounges, and scenic outdoor seating areas where you can unwind and take a break from the crowds. If you’re visiting a Disney resort, take advantage of the immersive theming, explore, and snap some photos to make the wait more enjoyable.
- Make a splash: Most resort pools have changing areas, so you can grab your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip. If you’re staying at a Disney resort, don’t forget that access to the water parks is included on your check-in day—perfect for cooling off before your room is ready!
- Enjoy Resort Activities: Check out your resort’s schedule for fun activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, or movie nights.
Tip: If you purchased a Disney resort package, make sure to take advantage of the “magical extras,” including a free mini-golf session.
Staying Hydrated Without Overspending
Keeping your family hydrated at Walt Disney World is essential. However, buying bottled water at the parks can quickly add up. Fortunately, there are several ways to stay refreshed without breaking the bank.
- Free Water at Quick-Service Locations: Most quick-service park restaurants offer complimentary cups of ice water. Simply ask a cast member at the counter.
- Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Many water refill stations are available throughout the parks, making it easy to stay hydrated on the go.
- Use a Grocery Delivery Service: If your family prefers bottled water, consider ordering a case from a grocery delivery service and sending it to your Disney Resort hotel.
TIP: While at EPCOT, stop by Club Cool, a Coca-Cola-themed shop next to Connections Café. Here, you can enjoy unlimited free samples of soft drinks worldwide! Some flavors are sweet, others are unexpected, but all are worth a try!
Avoid Sore Feet at Disney
Walking 10+ miles a day at Walt Disney World is common. If you’re not prepared, sore feet can damage the fun. Here’s how to keep your feet comfortable throughout your trip.
- Wear Comfortable, Broken-In Shoes: Avoid wearing brand-new shoes; stick with tried-and-true sneakers or walking sandals.
- Take Breaks: Schedule downtime to enjoy a show, a meal, or a scenic resting spot.
- Pack Foot Care Essentials: Bring moleskin, band-aids, and blister relief to treat hotspots before they worsen.
- Soak Your Feet: After a long park day, soak your feet in warm water or elevate them to reduce swelling.
What to Do If a Member of Your Party Gets Sick or Hurt
Excitement at Walt Disney World can sometimes lead to minor accidents or unexpected illnesses. Knowing where to go for help can save time and ease worries.
- First Aid Stations: Each theme park has a dedicated center staffed with medical professionals who can assist with minor injuries and provide over-the-counter medications free of charge.
- Baby Care Centers are excellent resources for families with young children. They provide changing tables, nursing rooms, and basic baby supplies, such as baby medicine and formula, for purchase.
- Mobile Medical Services: Several companies offer this service if you need a doctor or prescription medication delivered to your hotel or park.
- Seek Help from a cast member: Disney Cast Members are trained to assist in emergencies. They can quickly call for medical help or direct you to the nearest First Aid location, ensuring you get the necessary care.
How to Keep Your Phone Charged
Your phone is essential for a smooth Disney day, whether you’re using the My Disney Experience app or capturing magical moments. But with constant use, your battery can drain quickly—here’s how to keep it powered up all day!
- Bring a Portable Charger: A power bank can be a lifesaver for keeping your phone charged throughout the day.
- Use FuelRod Stations: Found throughout the parks, these kiosks let you purchase a portable charger and swap it for a fully charged one anytime. If you already own a FuelRod, bring it along and enjoy unlimited free swaps!
- Find Charging Stations: Some areas have designated charging spots, such as inside Connections Eatery at EPCOT or near certain quick-service restaurants.
Lost and Found at Disney
Losing an item at Walt Disney World can be stressful. But there’s a good chance you’ll get it back if you act quickly.
- Check Nearby First: If you notice something is missing right away, return to the last location you were at and ask a cast member for assistance.
- Use Disney’s Lost and Found System: Items lost in the parks, resorts, or Disney transportation services can be reported online through the official Disney Lost and Found system.
- Visit Guest Relations: If your lost item isn’t where you last left it, don’t lose hope! Stop by a Guest Relations location to check if it has been turned in. Cast Members regularly collect lost items—especially those of monetary value—and ensure they make their way to the Guest Relations lobby.
TIP: If you realize you’ve lost an item after leaving your vacation, don’t worry! Contact Disney’s Guest Services—they’ll do their best to help track it down and reunite you with your belongings.
Expect the Unexpected Plan for the Best!
Planning is key, but unexpected moments are part of the magic of your Walt Disney World vacation. However, with these solutions in mind, you’ll be prepared to handle any bumps along the way while keeping the magic alive.
Disney Cast Members are always happy to help, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need assistance. With some preparation, your trip can remain stress-free and full of unforgettable memories!
Do these challenges sound familiar? If so, share your story with us. We’d love to hear how you overcame them!
