12 Tricky NEW Disney World Hotel Hacks

It’s not just the Disney World parks you need to know the BEST tips and tricks for - it’s the Disney hotels, too! And we’re here with the latest and greatest Disney hotel hacks for ya to use during your next Disney World vacation.
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[@justinschrank4806]

We just got back from 8 nights at Yacht Club for our 10 year anniversary (stayed there on our honeymoon). We noted anniversary when booking the trip and paid for the resort view. When we arrived, we were upgraded to an incredible water view that completely changed our entire trip. We watched epcot fireworks from our balcony at night and the view was even better than savannah at akl. We got to the hotel at 10am, so I don't know it that helped us to get upgraded.

[@dfbbreea]

Aww, that’s so magical!

[@wdwexploreandchill]

Happy Anniversary! 🎉

[@jayneestrycker7453]

You are so lucky! We just returned from ten days at OKW. We let them know in advance we were celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and two birthdays. We got nothing😢 Was really hoping we would be surprised.

[@BrandonIslander]

Happy Anniversary and happy to hear about the upgrade!

[@MossFamilyTravels]

@@jayneestrycker7453OKW rarely does things special in my experience. It goes out of its way to be difficult and handing out buttons seems like more of a hassle/chore to them than anything else.

[@alibutterfly82]

My own laundry bag hack: use an old pillowcase as your "hamper" for the trip, then just dump it straight into your actual hamper once you get home. Easy and uses stuff you already have on hand at home (and that can be folded down very small into your suitcase), so it doesn't cost you any additional money.

[@dfbbreea]

I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.

[@jeanettesmith765]

That's a good idea.

[@Mrtfarrugia]

Large clear plastic bags are what we use. Usually bring down 2 so the whites and colours get pre-sorted.

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

Counting steps? are YOU kidding me. DFB staff is the best, led by the best!

[@dfbbreea]

We’ve got a solid team! 😤❤

[@Liljmonster]

10/10 recommend staying at the Swan! Being so close to Epcot and Hollywood studios (plus the skyliners from both parks), all the fun on the boardwalk, and extended evening hours can’t be beat.

[@dfbbreea]

YESSSSSSS

[@chloesatchwell2726]

We adore the refillable mugs - always stop for a hot cocoa on the way to bed after a long park day!

[@QUEENLOLATV]

This is one of your best videos yet. You just refuse to gatekeep at all on this one! Myself and other viewers were having a discussion about DFB, at port Orleans Riverside in April. KEEP DOING THE EXTRAORDINARY WORK❤

[@dfbbreea]

This means SO MUCH TO US!! Thanks for being here!! 😍

[@faithmoreno1142]

I’m getting to stay in my one bucket list room for my late bachelorette party in 9 days!!! Little Mermaid here I come!!!

[@dfbbreea]

Have so much fun!!

[@SoniaDekker]

My 79 year old mother and I did a little resort tour on our departure day (she ROCKED the parks btw, getting in 20,000 steps a day for 2 days!). We were staying at the Riviera, which was great for skyliner access and Topolinos etc. But we took an Uber to Sanaa for lunch, then took the bus to Magic Kingdom to hop on the monorail to check out all the hotels on that loop. Side note: I found the cutest little swim set for my baby grandson at the Poly. Side-side note: we used to stay at the Poly when I was a kid in the 70’s, so it was very nostalgic for my mother and I to visit again & we got the delicious Kona coffee while there to fuel our tour! After getting off the monorail at the TTC, we took an Uber to Wilderness Lodge. I absolutely LOVED the Wilderness lodge. The interior was super cool; grand, yet COZY, and the grounds and gardens were so incredibly beautiful and peaceful. We saw the cutest bunny, just hanging out in the gorgeous flower bed, about 15 steps out the back door of the lodge. We are going to Tokyo Disneyland in February (as a side step to a snowboarding trip), so I am LOVING your videos on the new Fantasy land!!!! BUT other than that, Wilderness Lodge is definitely on my plans for our next stay. A Bucket list stay would be those amazing cabins there on the water with the gorgeous sunset views overlooking the lake from the many windows. I’m brain-farting on the name, maybe copper creek? Idk, but they’re super expensive, so I’d have to use my Disney Rewards card for everything for about 5 years to make that happen, lol.

[@lou4057]

I personally wash all clothes when I come home from vacation and leave my bags in the garage for a few days. Don't want any surprise guests coming home with me 😅

[@janeleslie4192]

Same can’t be too careful.😉

[@richardmercer2337]

IIRC, If you stay at the Swan/Diolphin, you are within walking distance (1.5 mi) of HALF of Disney Worlds's table service restaurants!!

[@kristinavalcarce2404]

The Polynesian Village Resort is the only Walt Disney World hotel I've stayed at not once, not twice, but THREE times. And I can't wait for number four!

[@dfbbreea]

Ooh are you going to try and stay in the new DVC tower when it opens?

[@kristinavalcarce2404]

@@dfbbreea We own DVC there (and at the Grand Californian) so maybe!

[@shannonfrancorandall4076]

We are staying there for the first time later this summer. I’m excited to stay there.

[@Cody_Codi_Code]

DFB’s videos, guides, and expertise are priceless!

[@dfbbreea]

Awwww thank you!! 💞

[@Cody_Codi_Code]

@@dfbbreea plan a Disney vacation without DFB guidance at your own risk!! ⚠️

[@Cody_Codi_Code]

@@dfbbreea plan a Disney trip without DFB tips/tricks at your own risk!!!⚠️

[@kimsanders8832]

We love Port Orleans Riverside!!!! ❤❤

[@dfbbreea]

SAME!!!!!

[@annc7550]

I am so happy to see this comment!!! We have stayed at various resorts over the years, but are headed to PO Riverside this summer for the first time!!

[@SerenityNowTS]

The self-serve DoleWhip at Fuel is amazing! Went there every night for dessert on our vacation last month!

[@dfbbreea]

Living my DREAM.

[@gailmueller174]

Love Wilderness Lodge! We stayed there for our honeymoon in 1995. 7 nights, park hopper tickets, food & fun card (which included the tips back then) all for just over $1900!

[@afbrat1986]

My friend and I are planning for 2027, hopefully sooner. It takes time to save up. Anyway, we're looking at one of the All-Star resorts or possibly Shades of Green since I'm former military. I also want to say thank you so much for this channel. Planning for Disney has been overwhelming for me. This channel has been made the planning much easier with your tips and tricks, and what different snacks ans meals are and where to find them all. I have only been to Disney World once, in 2002 with my high school's marching band. Thank you again for making Disney World planning a lot easier to handle.

[@dfbbreea]

Thanks for being here! We’ll keep helping ya prepare for that 2027 trip!

[@afbrat1986]

@dfbbreea I look forward to it, thank you 😊

[@christianallan5674]

If you stay at All Star Movies Resort in the Mighty Ducks section it is actually a shorter walk for you to head over to All Star Music to catch a bus or hit the food court.

[@annlavine3576]

I saved $ by getting the free water

[@marthaalvarado5427]

We're staying at movies this summer. Good to know!!!

[@frankieo7896]

Staying there in a few weeks. Thnx for the info:)

[@elainemeils3795]

Plus Mighty Ducks has a pool and close to laundry.

[@betsyfick7232]

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at all three of my bucket lists (Riviera, Poly, and Beach Club - club level for that one - what a treat!!) and Riviera and Poly are fighting for my heart. We’re headed back for a 2week split stay at POR, CBR, and finishing it out at Riviera in just a few weeks and I can’t wait!

[@tarazieminek1947]

Thanks for the room step counts!

[@brittanywilliams8881]

LOVE AoA, Coronado is on my bucket list and Animal Kingdom is my dream! 😍

[@lou4057]

I like hearing about AJ's life and places she has lived. Fun facts

[@disneystarmichaeltownes]

My Favorite Disney World Hotel Is The Contemporary Resort Because You Can Just Take A Miniature Walk To The Magic Kingdom

[@beverlybeisgen3822]

We love the Beach club- it just feels like home to us. We love the proximity to Epcot- its easy to come back for a swim, the incredible pools, dining options, you can walk or boat to Hollywood Studios and the Boardwalk is close by

[@mrsmagicalmonica]

We stayed at the Riviera last year and it is by far our favorite!!

[@dfbbreea]

I love going to the Le Petit Cafe and just chilling on my break days 💖

[@lovedfriend2020]

Now the question is did you start from each room door or the bed?

[@dfbbreea]

Door! 😆

[@abbyrittberg812]

I would LOVE to get pixie dusted and stay at the Polynesian when we go in a couple of weeks. That is a dream of mine!

[@dfbbreea]

✨ 🌴

[@amjoyful6057]

Wow we just booked Drury and Swan for the first time! Thanks for the vote of confidence ~ you’re the best!

[@dfbbreea]

Have so much fun!

[@nlcauble]

Got my tix for my first ever not so scary Halloween party!

[@tcoat1305]

Favorite hotel is by far the Swann Reserve, love the location and rooms, proximity to Epcot.

[@sparklejennings318]

Favorites: wilderness Lodge or French Quarter, dream?? Polynesian or one time Fort Wilderness ❤

[@birbluv9595]

Another thing: i did not know about the Port Orleans Mardi Gras activities and parade! This is so cool! Maybe next trip i can do a split stay and spend a few nights at my old favorite haunt, POR. You guys rock!

[@dfbbreea]

It’s a very limited time event, but a cool one if you can catch it!

[@debracartier2947]

I’m staying at the Pop Century in about two months. Can I request one of those rooms closest to the skyliner right now?

[@AndreJungermann]

My bucket list hotel is definitely Boardwalk. One day I'll stay there but for now Marriotts and All Star Resorts

[@user-pk2xq6dq4h]

I loved Animal Kingdom Lodge-savannah, as I was there with my goddaughter who wanted to spend a lot of time watching the animals. She didn't need much time at the parks. I liked the Wilderness Lodge as well. But for me and a more modest budget, my absolute favorite is Caribbean Beach Resort. At least before the big renovation 5-10 years ago. Can't remember when, but pre COVID.

[@dfbbreea]

Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge are both places I could spend an entire day at. They’re BREATHTAKING.

[@betsyfick7232]

A coffee on the balcony watching the Savanna at AKL is morning goals!

[@mccod035]

My favorite stay so far has been at Animal Kingdom Lodge I got the Arusha View and it was amazing. I one afternoon did room service and just watched the animals. It was the best!!! I also love the restaurants and lounges!!! Seriously best Resort ever!!!

[@dfbbreea]

It’s not every day you get to wake up and see a FULL SAVANNA out your window!

[@davidanddawnw3589]

Just got back from a stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort..stayed in Jamaica 42…the best stay for the sky Liner!!! Jamaica 41,42,43 are right at the main hub for the sky liner!! Two minutes of walking and you can pick Studios or Epcot!! The resort is great and definitely a great vibe of relaxation!! Movies on the beach and great food at their quick service and Sebastian’s. Plus ate at pool bar..it was awesome too! Dream resort would be the Polynesian Bungalows 🏝️.

[@RegularPersona]

My favorite resort is the Polynesian Bungalos. I have stayed there twice and it is perfect!

[@dfbbreea]

Ahh… I bet that little private plunge pool was SO NICE.

[@RegularPersona]

@@dfbbreea Even better is the hot tub in the copper creek cabins. After a long day going back to your own hot tub is pure bliss. This is one of the advantages of owning DVC. You can stay in the better places for less money in the long run.

[@MeMyselfAndUs903]

11:03 this is an appealing (aka., distinctive) event/restaurant place at Grand Castino based upon the video. I always appreciate unique.

[@birbluv9595]

One thing i love about you, AJ and DFB team, is how you tell us about all the extra costs like delivery fee and expected tip. Especially when i was younger, not getting whacked with unexpected fees and expenses was very important to me. Now that i am old and have specific needs, i have to swallow whatever things cost, so there’s no point in getting my knickers in a twist about a hidden $4.95 fee. You are wonderful in explaining ways to save money, especially those that aren’t commonly known.

[@dfbbreea]

We’re like you - we’ve been hit with those fees one too many times in the past 😅 Just gotta warn everyone so they don’t get hit with the sticker shock too!

[@rynn0077]

I cannot wait for September! The. Hopefully next August for my 50th!

[@christopherboydandmartinsc9322]

I got tickets for my mom and I for the Halloween party on august 13th. Hopefully it isn’t storming then. I surprised her with this trip for her birthday. We went over 10 years ago when I was 15, and we only saw animal kingdom and Hollywood Studios. We’re going to see all four parks this time. We’re also staying at art of animation.

[@nodrogytsirk]

Leaving in just a few days for a Disney wedding. So excited! 20 of us. The bride is beautiful, her mom is one of my dearest friends. I can’t wait! Haven’t been to Disney in 30+ years! I remember going when Epcot was new! I’ve been binging videos! We are staying in the African Lodge…can’t remember what it is called lol! So many things I want to see and do and buy!

[@dfbbreea]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is GREAT! Have a great time!

[@nodrogytsirk]

It was an awesome time! Can’t wait to go back!

[@joehothousejr8370]

Animal kingdom lodge is the hotel I dream about,lol. The balcony right there by the wild life. But in 2 days it will be my first time staying inside Disney and my granddaughters first time down there. We are very hyper for it. She looooves Mickie Mouse lol. It's in countdown mode tonight, going to get all packed and then for the 17 hour drive down. Funny, even after the drive,once we hit Disney, I'm good to go lol.

[@dfbbreea]

Oh, I TOTALLY get that. I grew up in the Midwest and my dad ALWAYS insisted we drive to the parks instead of fly - which was EXHAUSTING. But one we crossed into the Disney bubble, suddenly my energy would magically return 🤣

[@ravinp371]

You just showed the room I stayed in at Pop Century!! 🥺🥺 take me back!!!

[@dfbbreea]

It’s like saying hi to an old friend 🤗

[@nancyleeds4002]

Grand Floridian!

[@dfbbreea]

🎶Fancy livin’, here we cooooome…🎵

[@annlavine3576]

The reporters rock

[@dfbbreea]

For real though 🤩

[@marthaalvarado5427]

You should do a video about amc at disney springs!!!!

[@Helen-jv8ye]

Grand destino tower is my fav…why does it smell so good in there!?

[@dfbbreea]

Like SO GOOD.

[@ohanabookspublishing2413]

Will the self serve Dole Whip be considered a "snack" in the Disney dinning plan?

[@MossFamilyTravels]

Not likely since Disney does not own it. Marriott does.

[@PrairieDad]

A relative booked our trip with a room in the Kidani Village without looking at how the hotel is set up. She was stunned by the walk we did every day to leave and return to our rooms.

[@dfbbreea]

I feel that pain 😩

[@lizciampa]

My best tip is to pack two pop up hampers to use in the room. Bring an empty duffel bag to throw all that dirty laundry into at the end. We also bring a third pop up hamper and full sized garbage bag to turn it into a big trash can. I never find those tiny provided trash cans sufficient.

[@mddd20091]

Im spending 10 days at pop century june 1st.

[@dfbbreea]

Have fun!

[@mddd20091]

Breea I hope we may see you there.

[@jeanettesmith765]

10 days? Lucky.

[@JJskiddy]

we're headed there in 2 weeks !!!

[@MLTDOWN78]

I really want to stay at the animal kingdom lodge😊

[@keirabrown8437]

At 4:51 is that some cruise ship B roll? I was like wait - what Disney hotel is that??

[@lynnhollard7450]

If you want to stay at Art of Animation but can only afford the little mermaid rooms (ahem, like me), on a busy morning make sure you walk around the back of hourglass lake not through art of animation to the skyliner station. The line for the skyliner grows long down the pop century path side, so if you go up art’s side, you’ll only then have to track back the length of the line and have walked 3/4 of the way around the lake.

[@Lvebug]

Honest question, how can I work for DFB Guide? Thank you

[@smlshawna]

Does being closer to the skyliner make it louder in your room? Being close to an elevator in a regular hotel always makes your room lpuder

[@MossFamilyTravels]

Kind of, if you are on the pool side then yes it does

[@darrinjessop2585]

When i went to Contempo Cafe they required your room number to serve. We were not allowed to purchase anything. Has this changed?

[@louisearellano5427]

I plan to stay at the swan and dolphin hotel

[@sbk123411]

I would LOVE to stay at the Polynesian some day, but I’m afraid it’s too far out of my price range.

[@dfbbreea]

That’s why I’m glad I can still visit without always getting a room 😅 Love that place too, but my wallet sure doesn’t 🙃

[@MossFamilyTravels]

You’d be surprised. I priced out a dvc timeshare room and it pays for its fee in droves.

[@Mrtfarrugia]

Question that Swan and Dolphin nurses rate, is that only for US nurses or nurses in general. Because my wife's a nurse in Canada.

[@MossFamilyTravels]

Usually it is just US though I have heard some people get away with it. I would approach it as you are not getting it but it would be the cherry on top if you did.

[@NortherlyK]

Baby steps to the Skyliner. Baby steps to the Monorail. Baby steps to the internal bus loop.

[@user-zw3td5mm8j]

I know DFB loves to push the Swan or Dolphin but you rarely highlight the big negative. I recently stayed in the Boardwalk Inn and walked over to these hotels. I was surrounded by hoards of business suit wearing folks. These hotels have lots of convention guests. Not family friendly. In addition I had a hard time finding hotel staff to answer questions. That never happens in a WDW hotel

[@andyharvey49]

I love DFB but I'm not sure why they are such fans of the Swan/Dolphin. I can always find better discounts at other Disney hotels and the resort fee is ridiculous.

[@flipcoin6301]

Use Marriott Bonvoy points

[@mddd20091]

I always carry a couple of trash bags with me. 1 keeps the dirty close seperate from the clean clothes. 2 jeeps thebwet clothes seperate from thebdry clothes. And they take up virtually no room at all.

[@mdf3530]

It’s not as scientific as your methods, but for Old Key West you want to stay near the Peninsular Road bus stop. It’s close to the main area and it’s the first stop when you’re coming back from the parks.

[@JJskiddy]

As far as Dolphin hotel all i can say is WOW>....we have stayed there for many trips for decent not cheap but cheaper that Disneys......BUT WHOA i have no idea what happend this year but their prices have gone sky high....as high as a Disney resort which is a bummer for us.....Times sure have changed in a year for sure......so its Disney hotels for us......

[@gadfly4190]

This video was where I learned that extra magic hours is only for deluxe resorts, no longer moderates. That’s another loss of a perk compared to our last trip (Caribbean). That’s kinda raw :( Any hacks for that?

[@dfbbreea]

Moderate resorts still have PART of the old extra magic hours perk! While you won’t be able to use the extended evening hours (which are for deluxe resort guests only), you WILL be able to use early theme park entry (which allows you to enter any park on any day 30 minutes before the general public). This can still give you a nice head start to the day to get on your priority ride before the park opens!

[@gadfly4190]

@@dfbbreea thank you. We’ve done early rope drop. Frozen was a long sprint with a kid on my shoulders LOL. Our previous visits to Caribbean let us use the extended evening hours. We booked for Oct 24, assuming that was still the case. We have MNSSH tix, though!

[@MossFamilyTravels]

You can always call a switch to a deluxe. They haven’t had those perks for moderates since before COVID

[@TheDeloutre]

Split stay (on the extended magic hours day?) Just a thought?

[@mariaalejandrahongbeirute878]

*Real question* I tried getting a quote with an agency for the Disney package but I crunched the numbers and I found it to be cheaper when I did it myself... Is it because I'm planning more than a year ahead? ... anyone any help?

[@andrewjames1817]

What hotel havent you guys stayed at yet

[@stevenpalazzolo717]

My experience at the dolphin wasn’t good I really doubt I’ll ever stay there again.

[@abbuhlcharles4006]

Pop Century and Art of Animation art the best. Why stay at a Disney resort hotel that lacks any of the Disney characters. If want a hotel with absolutely no hint of Disney movies I'll stay off property for 1/3 the cost.

[@dfbbreea]

A win-win!

[@vincent412l7]

AllEars counted 125 steps from Yacht & Beach Club to Epcot? We need a video of the step-counting.

[@caraquillin7168]

Wait we can book certain rooms? I thought they were like all other hotels and you didn't get to choose your room.

[@caraquillin7168]

Ohhhh did you just tell me I can save 10%..... I'm a Corrections Officer and here in MI at least it falls into Law enforcement

[@MossFamilyTravels]

@@caraquillin7168It depends on what the cast members determine at check in.

[@SCUBA_5teve]

Why does no one talk about Garden Grocer anymore? Support local!

[@thecarpenter4]

Your Refillable Mug fact wasn’t much of a fact. I thought it was common knowledge- can be used at all resorts.

[@michellemccauley4407]

The first responder discount at Swan/Dolphin is literally never the lowest generally available discount. It’s such a slap in the face.

[@yettiissa]

1st :)

[@vincent412l7]

33,262nd

[@destinycaptain247]

You know… Steps vary based on size of human and their gate. I suspect the mid to low 5ft range of human was well represented by the testers in these calculations. Which is fine, I guess. Maybe a measuring in standard feet would have been more empirical.

[@lovedfriend2020]

or if you are in a wheelchair or power chair or ECV!

[@dfbbreea]

Yup! It’s gonna DEFINITELY be different for everyone! This is just our reporters going the extra mile to illustrate how much closer these rooms actually are to those main amenities!

[@3NDER24]

@@dfbbreeaI appreciate it! Going for my honeymoon in June and it’s our first time staying at Poly, all of this channel’s vids are a life saver.

[@nancy9478]

A measuring wheel like contractors, landscapers, surveyors use would be perfect for this.

[@MeMyselfAndUs903]

9:13 Kroger option would be best for me!

[@fayevalentine5688]

What is the average height and gait of your reporters? Jk Jk! 🙃Thank you for all that you and the team do!

[@zacsakacsi]

Hack #1 don't go