One of the biggest assets that sets Walt Disney World apart from its competitors is the level of service the company delivers to guests. It’s no secret that the iconic resorts offers exclusive hours and transportation, but here are 10 lesser-known services offered by the House of Mouse.
1. Baby Care Centers
The four theme parks each have a Baby Care Center equipped with all parenting necessities. They're complimentary to use and have private nursing rooms with rocking chairs, changing room tables, a unisex bathroom, and feeding area with high chairs – as well as a kitchen with microwave, oven, and sink. If you need time to unwind with your tot, there’s a room with a TV, table, chairs, and sofa. There's even an onsite shop that stocks formula, baby food, and diapers.
2. Phone-charging stations
No need to freak out if you find yourself in the Magic Kingdom and your phone battery is running low. An area in Fantasyland has a charging station with several outlets. Hint: Bring along your own charger.
3. Package pick-up/delivery
Families lugging around bags of souvenirs probably don’t know that Disney World has a complimentary package pick-up/delivery service. Whatever merchandise you purchase throughout the day in the parks can be delivered to a location near the front so that you can pick up parcels when you exit. Just let a Cast Member know at the time of purchase that you’d like to do a package pick-up. Guests staying at a Disney resort hotel can even arrange for their purchases to be delivered to the hotel, though this takes a bit longer and isn’t recommended if you’re checking out the next day. (Note: These services have been suspended during the pandemic, but we hope they will return soon.)
There’s even home delivery, where your merchandise can be shipped via UPS or FedEx for an additional fee.
4. Children’s Activity Centers
Head to the Dolphin Hotel's Children’s Activity Center where you can drop off the kids. The centers, which are open in the afternoon and evenings, have crafts, games, dinner, and more. Kiddos must be ages 5-12 and be fully potty-trained. Services are not complimentary, and reservations are required.
5. Custom cake orders
If you’re celebrating something special at Disney World, you can place a custom cake order. Requests must be made 72 hours in advance, and cakes can be presented at most table-service restaurants.
6. Floral arrangements and decorations
Who knew there’s a Disney Florist? These guys have something to commemorate just about any occasion. Choose from floral arrangements, baskets, and balloons to surprise a loved one either at the resort or at home. You can even opt for an “in-room celebration,” where a Cast Member will decorate your hotel room with a theme of your choosing.
7. Pet boarding
If you’re traveling with four-legged friends, you can set them up at the onsite Best Friends Pet Care. The facility has accommodations for dogs, cats, and other smaller pets. You can book Fido in a suite ranging from 32-226 square feet in size, and kitty can have a home away from home in a two- or four-level condo. Guests toting smaller pets must bring their own enclosure.
8. Special dietary requests
You can enjoy your trip to Disney World knowing that your special dietary needs will be taken care of at a number of restaurants. Just let the Cast Member know of your requirements when making reservations over the phone.
9. Disney’s Memory Maker
Disney World has a photo service called Memory Maker that allows you to view and share photos taken by park photographers. The service is pricey, starting at $69 for the one-day option and $169 for the entire trip. There’s a 45-day window to download your photos – though you can do it as many times as you wish. Many guests feel that the biggest benefits of the service is having all members of the party in a photo, along with leaving getting the right angle to the pros.
10. Harmony Barber Shop
Not many people can say they’ve had their hair cut at the Magic Kingdom. Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street USA has the charm of an old-fashioned barber shop, complete with striped pole. Guests of all ages can get cuts here, but it's especially fun for the littlest ones. For those getting their hair trimmed for the first time, there’s a My First Haircut package for $25 that includes a certificate and pair of Mickey Ears. (Note: This service have been suspended during the pandemic, but we hope they will return soon.)