Explore our Etsy shop brimming with fun Disney items.

Disney Parks Podcast

All the Disney Parks in One Podcast

INFO: How to Order Groceries at Your Resort

By

All of Disney’s resorts have shops that carry a variety of foods and goods- everything from cereal and bread to diapers and aspirin. Yet, the variety is somewhat limited and the prices aren’t the lowest- it is, after all, there for your convenience. And we pay for conveniences. Take water, for instance. Unless you use the refill stations or request free ice water at Quick-Service locations, buying bottled water can hurt a budget at $3.50 each. That said, it just makes sense to have access to an outside source and maybe buy an entire case to keep in your room. If you’re considering ordering groceries during your stay, here are just some of the better known grocery services that deliver to Walt Disney World Resorts:

Garden Grocer. Order online or on the app for anything from food to deodorant, gluten free snacks to sunscreen, and alcoholic beverages, too. There is a $40.00 order minimum.

Magical Vacation Grocers. Buy individual items or a very convenient, customized, pre-packaged parcel for your needs (breakfast, lunch, dinner, baby, rainy day, etc.). There are no minimums and perishables are delivered in insulated bags. They can also put together treat gift boxes for special occasions.
By the way, the founders were once Walt Disney World Cast Members and are Disney Vacation Club Members, too!
Amazon Prime Now. Available for Prime Members. Orders over $35 deliver for free.

Instacart. If you’re not familiar with this service, local stores provide the goods and there’s real-time updates and communication via the app for substitutions and delivery. Stores include Publix, Costco, Aldi, Target, Total Wine, and many more in the area.

Walmart. Choose from pick-up or delivery for this very convenient, practical source. Keep in mind, though, of the Walmart store from which you make the order as product availability and delivery varies.

Note that most all resorts accept grocery deliveries, except for Swan & Dolphin Hotel. Not only do they not accept responsibility for grocery delivery inside (you would have to schedule to accept your own package outside), companies like Garden Grocer do not provide any delivery service here. Also, requests for room delivery does incur a $6 per package handling fee for each package. Yet, if you pick up your order from Bell Services (not the Front Desk), that fee does not apply.

Some deliveries require your presence and show of i.d. per company policy, especially if the order includes alcoholic beverages. As for packages from USPS, UPS, or any other mail service, including Amazon, shipments to Disney convention hotels may be delivered to the Ricoh Business Center and not the Front Desk. Check with your resort for more information before your arrival to find out where to retrieve your mailed packages.

As for ordering perishables, like milk- no worries! Bell Services will keep your items cool, either in a refrigerator or freezer, as needed. However, be aware that not all resort rooms are equipped with freezers, and most only have mini-refrigerators with minimal capacity. Only the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness and the Villas (not Studios) at Deluxe Villa properties feature a Full-Size refrigerator with freezer.

Have you ever had groceries delivered during your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort? 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

 

INFO: Resorts Best Suited for a Family of Five

By

Most hotel rooms, no matter the tier nor destination, accommodate up to 4 guests. This is fine for the majority of traveling parties vacationing as couples or fit the typical family with one or two kids. Yet, what about larger groups or families of 5 or more?

Luckily, many resorts at Walt Disney World (and all Disneyland Resorts) have rooms for parties of 5 or more- and they won’t all break the bank! Since expense is the main concern for larger groups, it would be impractical to mention Deluxe Resort Villas and Suites- even though these categories do accommodate anywhere from 5 to 12 Guests. They would be best for family reunions and that rare occasion when everyone pitches in on the bill! (Note: Standard Rooms at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Polynesian Village, and Yacht and Beach Club Resort sleep up to 5 adults).

So, which Walt Disney World Resorts are best suited for families who break the mold, exceed maximum room capacity at most hotels, and are in want of budget-friendly lodging? 

Here’s an overview of resorts by tier:

Value Resorts

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. Family Suites. Yes, it’s a suite. Yet, a stay here is affordable in comparison to Deluxe Resort Suites. After all, this is a Value Resort. The main room, upon entering, has two Murphy beds that pull down from above the sofa and dining table, and sleep up to 4 adults. In addition, a master bedroom offers more privacy for 2 adults. That’s 6 adults total (plus infant under 3 with a pack ‘n play). The suite features two full bathrooms and a separate kitchen area with full refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and sink. 

Disney’s Art of Animation. Family Suite. Finding Nemo. Photo courtesy Disney.

Art of Animation. Family Suites. No matter the theme- Lion King, Cars, and Finding Nemo- these suites sleep up to 6 adults (plus infant under 3 with a pack ‘n play) and feature a master bedroom, pull-down table bed, sleeper sofa and two full baths. The kitchenette area is compact, yet is furnished with all the basic essentials like a mini-fridge, microwave oven, and small sink. 

Moderate Resorts

 

Wilderness Cabin at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Photo courtesy Disney.

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Not only do the cabins accommodate groups of up to 6 adults, they are also furnished with full kitchens that feature a full refrigerator, microwave, sink, 2 countertop burners and a dishwasher! The sleeping arrangement, however, may not offer the same privacy as in the family suites mentioned above- the main bedroom contains both the queen bed and bunk beds (sorry parents, you’re not alone). Also, if there’s a shower hoarder in the family, the only one full bathroom may require the troop to run on a tight schedule. Still, the cabin has everything a family needs, including a spacious and private outdoor patio and a grill.

 

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside. 5th Sleeper. Photo courtesy Disney.

5th Sleeper, child-size pull down bed. Photo courtesy Disney.

Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Both resorts feature rooms with what’s called a 5th Sleeper option. This means that a party of 4 adults and 1 child (not 5 adults) can comfortably stay in these rooms. The 5th sleeper is a pull down bed that measures, approximately, 33” wide by 66” long. That said, this bed is most comfortable for a child of up to about 5ft in height. (Note, Disney will not permit booking of these rooms with 5 adults.)

 

 

 

Has your family of 5 or more stayed at any of these resorts?

Do you prefer for everyone to stay in one room, or do you find it most convenient to request separate, connecting rooms?

 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.

 

INFO: Bringing Your Pet to Disney World

By

If there’s one positive outcome of the pandemic, it’s the surge of pet adoptions over the past year, right? Maybe you’re one of the many who now have a four-legged best friend that kept you from insanity as we all stayed indoors.
Now, the part you didn’t think through when you adopted: how to go on vacation. Better yet, a Disney vacation. You may have heard some horror stories from the local pet hotel (Cruella is real!), or there’s no one available to watch Fido while you go on your Disney getaway (they really just don’t want the responsibility). Now what?
Alas! Worry not! There are a select few Disney resorts that have dog-friendly accommodations! 
There are a few restrictions. Dogs are the only pets allowed (sorry cat lovers). Have two dogs? That’s ok, as two is the maximum permitted per room. Also, other than service animals, dogs are not allowed in any of the theme parks nor common areas at your resort (restaurants, pools, etc.). Yet, your dog can stay at your room, which will have access to designated spaces and walkways for pet relief and exercise. You’ll even receive a special welcome- dogs and their owners are greeted with a Pluto’s Welcome Kit! How sweet is that? The kit includes a mat, bowls, puppy pads, dog walking maps, and more. There’s even a “Do Not Disturb” Pluto door hanger to alert staff that your pampered pooch needs privacy.
More important facts to know:
  • Dogs cannot be left unattended in the room for more than seven hours, and must remain silent
  • Housekeeping services must be scheduled while you are in the room
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times
  • Furniture is off-limits in public areas
  • Vaccinations must be up-to-date and documents at hand
  • Dog food is not provided
Resorts with designated rooms for families with dogs are: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Interested in Disney’s campsites? Simply request a pet-friendly loop ($5 per night). Additional charges apply per night for each resort, starting at $50 per night. 
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is both cat and dog friendly, yet their policy limits to only one pet up to 25lbs.
Don’t forget to alert your Disney resort of your four-legged guest (or leave that to your Disney Travel Agent), and be sure to bring a pet carrier if using transportation.
Note, only service animals are permitted on the monorail, skyliner, and boats. 

Best Friends Pet Hotel

Best Friends Pet Hotel

Afraid your dog won’t behave if left alone while you have fun at the parks? Best Friends Pet Hotel may be a better option. The animal care facility at Disney World welcomes other small animal friends as well. There are web cams that allow pet owners to check in on their pet, and side yards for popping in on their dogs as well. VIP Suites include a television, raised bedding, and a private yard. Boarding starts at $47, and daycare starts at $28 per day.

 Have you ever brought your pet on a Disney vacation? Would you consider it for your next trip?

 

 Thinking about booking your next Disney Destination Vacation?
I can help you in the planning and the making of a magical getaway! Send me an email adrianabonetti@d2travel.com
                                                                                                                         You can also find me on Facebook Destinations To Travel With Adriana Bonetti and Instagram @D2TravelAdriana.