Walt Disney World Questions

Most visitors to Florida will head to Walt Disney World. It's a huge place with a never ending list of things to see and do there. We've selected some key information that we think will help you plan your trip. If you cannot find the answer to your question please call us on 0800 389 0582 or send and email to [email protected]

• Q. Where can we meet Disney Characters?

  Get the latest Daily Entertainment Schedule at the International Information Centre at City Hall in the Magic Kingdom Park and be sure to catch all the Characters!

  Here’s some tips: Mickey Mouse at the Judge's Tent; Minnie Mouse in the Toontown Hall of Fame; various Disney Characters in the Toontown Hall of Fame.

  • Captain Hook and Mr. Smee at Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Visit the "stars" of Cinderella's Surprise Celebration in Epcot
  • Discover Disney Characters on holiday everyday at the Fountain of Nations Disney at MGM Studios

• Q. Where are the parades and fireworks?

  All over the place! Get the latest Daily Entertainment Schedule at the International Information Centre at Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

• Q. Is there language assistance available?

  Disney cast members speak multiple languages. Check their name tags for flags representing the languages they speak. If you need assistance and you can't find anyone who speaks your language, a cast member can contact a language assistance line or you can return to the International Information Centre near the Park entrance for immediate assistance.

• Q. May I bring my own food and beverages into the Water Parks?

  Picnic areas are located in each Water Park, and coolers are welcome! But please, no glass containers or alcoholic beverages.

• Q. Is the water heated at Disney's Water Parks?

  The water at all of Disney's Water Parks is temperature controlled year-round, so it's tropically toasty, even on cool days!

• Q. Are life jackets available at the Water Parks?

  Yes, all of Disney's Water Parks have life vests available at no additional cost, but guests must leave a deposit.

• Q. When is the best time of day to visit the Water Parks?

  It's always a good idea to arrive early at the Water Parks, especially if you want to get a sunbed! It's best to get there before noon.

• Q. Is it possible to surf in the surf pool at Typhoon Lagoon?

  Sure, for an additional cost. Typhoon Lagoon offers surfing lessons every Wednesday morning before the Park opens.

• Q. Is tipping expected at hotels?

  Bellhops or porters should get US$1 per bag. You do not have to tip hotel maids, although US$1 a day per person is appreciated for good service.

• Q. How much should I tip at the restaurants?

  Service charges or gratuity (tips) are not usually included in your bill in the United States, and tips are always expected. For most restaurant waiters and bartenders, the average tip is 15 to 20%.

• Q. Can I use my credit card to shop and dine and what about currency exchange?

  Both are possible at Walt Disney World, where any one of these credit cards is accepted everywhere (with the exception of cart vendors and some stores): VISA, VISA Electron, Japanese Credit Bureau (JCB), Diners Club, Discover Card, MasterCard, American Express & The Disney Credit Card. Visitors who wish to convert currency into U.S. dollars can do so at any Disney resort hotel or theme park guest relation counter. Please note that there is a limit to the amount of currency that can be exchanged in a single session. Enquire upon arrival for more details.

• Q. What do I do with all of my purchases?

  Walt Disney World provides a service to Disney resort hotel guests whereby you can have your purchases delivered directly to your hotel. Because delivery may require one and a half days, this service is not recommended for guests who are departing on the following day. This service is not available for some purchases (please enquire at time of making a purchase). Guests may not have personal items delivered, only purchased items.

• Q. What banking facilities are available at the Walt Disney World Resort and where are they located?

  Currency exchange and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available at all four Disney Theme Parks and at all Disney's Hotels.

• Q. Do the ATMs accept international banking cards/credit cards?

  Yes. Cirrus, Star, Honor and Plus banking systems are recognized by the bank machines, or ATMs, in Disney Parks; Visa MasterCard and American Express are also accepted for cash advances, provided you have arranged in advance for cash advance eligibility with your bank.

• Q. Is smoking allowed in the Theme Parks?

  There are designated areas within each Theme Park where smoking is permitted. All the Walt Disney World restaurants however, are non-smoking.

• Q. How do I book a Disney Character Breakfast?

  Bookings for all Disney dining options, character breakfasts or table reservations in any restaurants etc can be booked using the Disney Priority Seating Number:

  When calling from the US - 407 939 3463

  When calling from the UK - 001 407 939 3463

• Q. I want to book a meal at Disney - who should we call?

  You are encouraged to take advantage of this service to save yourself some waiting time at certain restaurants. When you call you will get a Priority Seating number. Upon your arrival at your dining location, please present your name and Priority Seating number at the podium. This is not a reservation and your party will be seated at the next available table that will accommodate your party size. Telephone numbers:

  If calling from the US - 407 939 3463

  If calling from the UK - 001 407 939 3463