FAQs

Question

Why can't I find the hotel I want to stay at on the room block website?

Answer

The website is extremely finicky and will only show EXACTLY what we booked in our room block. When we created the room block we completely estimated where and when people would be staying, as we had no idea at that point what everyone's preferences would be. So if you are looking at staying at a particular resort and have included any nights in your search that we haven't blocked that resort for, it won't show up on the website. If what you're looking for is not showing up on the website, call (407) 827-6799 and mention the Hiemstra/Gravelle wedding. Over the phone you will be able to book in any of our resorts on either side of what's been blocked. Don't be surprised if the phone agent has to get a manager to approve your reservation. We will do our best to add rooms to the room block if it starts to fill up, but as long as there is still availability at the resort, you will be able to book using our room block rate, even if our block is technically full.

Question

How do I get to my Disney resort from the Orlando airport?

Answer

Disney’s Magical Express is a complimentary service provided to guests flying into Orlando Airport and staying at a Disney World Resort. Luggage tags are mailed to you; attach these tags to your bags before you check them at the airport – this is the last time you’ll see your luggage until it is delivered to your hotel room. When you arrive at the Orlando airport, head to the Magical Express kiosk and get on your resort's bus. The coach bus will transport you right to your resort lobby to check in. Your luggage will be delivered to your room in the next few hours, and you do not have to be there when it is delivered. When checking out, some resorts have a Resort Airline Check-In service, where you can check your bags and check into your flight. Then you hop back on DME and head straight to security at the airport without worrying about your bags. Book the Magical Express here or by calling (407) 939-1936: https://secure.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/dme/dmeform

Question

How do I get to the wedding?

Answer

Transportation will be provided from Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, and Disney's Pop Century Resorts. When the wedding gets closer, we will post when and where to be to get picked up. Those not staying at one of these resorts will need to find separate transportation to one of these resorts or the Wedding Pavilion on the morning of the wedding. There is free parking at the Wedding Pavilion for those with cars. If you do not have a car with you, you can also take a taxi or Uber/Lyft to the Wedding Pavilion. The last option for those staying onsite (but not at one of the blocked resorts) is to use Disney's complimentary internal bus system. Be sure to give yourself lots of time (at least an hour) if you use this option. Board the Magic Kingdom bus from your resort. From the Magic Kingdom, board either a boat or the monorail to The Grand Floridian, and walk from the Grand Floridian to the Wedding Pavilion.

Question

Do I need a park ticket to get into the wedding/dessert party?

Answer

No! The wedding ceremony and reception are not taking place in a park. The dessert party is a private event at Epcot, and a guide will escort us from the entrance of the park to the party - no ticket necessary!

Question

What is the My Disney Experience app?

Answer

If you plan on visiting the parks, you will definitely want to download the My Disney Experience app for your trip. You can use this app to book or cancel dining and FastPass reservations, create itineraries, connect with family and friends, and check attraction wait times. You can also place food orders for certain restaurants directly from the app to pick up at your convenience.

Question

What are Magic Bands?

Answer

Magic Bands are actually magical. They can act as your park tickets, room keys, and FastPass entry. You can also use your Magic Band at any shop or restaurant to charge your purchases to your room - which can get dangerous after a few drinks at the Food & Wine Festival! If you are staying onsite, you can choose Magic Band colours for each member of your party free of charge, or pay $10-15 for an upgraded Magic Band with a design. Magic Bands are free to onsite guests, and can be shipped to a US address prior to your trip. Those without a US mailing address can pick up their Magic Bands at the resort at check-in. If you are staying offsite, you do not receive a free Magic Band. You can purchase one in the park, but it isn’t necessary; you can use your ticket card in the same way.

Question

What is FastPass+?

Answer

FastPass is Disney’s free program for reserving front-of-the-line access to attractions in the parks. Disney veterans may have noticed our Save-the-Dates resemble the original paper FastPass style, but everything is now electronic. Book FastPasses using the My Disney Experience app or web site, and head to the attraction during the allotted time frame. At the attraction, go to the FastPass lane, scan your Magic Band or park ticket, and head to the front of the line! You get 3 FastPasses per day, and once you have used those 3, you can add one at time for the rest of the day. NOTE: Those staying on Disney property can book FastPasses up to 60 days in advance, while those staying offsite can book up to 30 days in advance. FastPasses for the most popular attractions run out quickly, so be prepared to book for those as far in advance as possible. More detailed info here: http://www.disneytouristblog.com/fastpass-plus-disney-world-guide/ https://touringplans.com/walt-disney-world/fastpass

Question

Does Disney provide child care?

Answer

Walt Disney World provides some child care services. While your children are more than welcome at all of our events, these are options if you would like time to yourselves. Kid’s Nite Out (ages 6 months to 12 years): An in-room babysitting service, which provides qualified babysitters directly to your hotel room. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, reading, and games. Camp Dolphin: Located at the Swan and Dolphin hotel (near Epcot), kids receive dinner and snacks, and enjoy games, movies, crafts, etc. $15 per child. Captain Hook's Pirate Crew: Located at Disney's Beach Club Resort, kids receive dinner and dessert, learn how to be a pirate, and receive their very own pirate name! Reservations required. $55 per child. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/recreation/captain-hooks-pirate-crew/ More info on child care here: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/guest-services/child-care-services/ http://www.wdwinfo.com/just_for_kids/childcare.htm

Question

Do I need to bring a car seat to Disney World?

Answer

If you plan to use Disney transportation exclusively, you will not require a car seat. Disney's Magical Express is a coach bus, and a car seat is not required if you are using this (free) transportation from the airport to your Disney resort. In fact, you will be asked to store car seats in the luggage compartment, and will not be able to bring them on the bus. Additionally, car seats are not required (or permitted) on onsite Disney transportation. This includes buses, the monorail, boats, and the new gondola. If you would prefer a vehicle with a car seat, Disney has a new service called "Minnie Vans," which is similar to Uber, and will take you anywhere on Disney property for a fee. Minnie Vans are all equipped with car seats. https://tripswithtykes.com/car-seat-for-disney-world/ If you don't plan on using Disney transportation and are renting a car instead, you should also be able to rent a car seat with it.

Question

Strollers and Cribs

Answer

If you don't want to travel with your stroller, you can rent one directly from Disney, as well as from third party companies in the area. Many websites recommend you add a distinctive decoration to your stroller so it's easily identifiable in "Stroller Parking." Strollers larger than 31” wide and 52” long, and stroller wagons, are no longer permitted. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/guest-services/stroller-rentals/ https://wdwprepschool.com/disney-world-strollers/ https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/using-stroller-disney-world/ A limited amount of travel sized cribs are available at some deluxe and moderate Disney resorts; it's recommended that you request one when you book. Disney also has Pack 'n Plays and bed rails available, which can be requested upon booking or when you check in. Cribs and playpens are all complimentary. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/guest-services/cribs-and-playpens/ http://disneyunder3.com/cribs-and-toddler-beds-on-your-disney-vacation/

Question

Can I get groceries to my Disney hotel room?

Answer

Yes! This is a great way to save money (and room in your suitcase!). Disney allows you to bring your own food into the parks, so having snacks that you can toss in your bag for later comes in handy. There are a few places you can order groceries from, including Amazon, Shipt, and WDW-exclusive: Garden Grocer. We have ordered from Garden Grocer (https://www.gardengrocer.com/) before and it was great. We ordered what we wanted in advance of our trip, and it was delivered to our resort the day we arrived. You can even order beer and wine! Bell services has refrigerators to keep your perishables cold until you are able to pick up your order. More detailed information: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/groceries-disney-world-buying-tips/

Question

Do I need to bring life jackets for my kids?

Answer

No! All Disney pools and water parks provide complimentary life jackets for children.

Question

What kind of ID do I need to bring to purchase alcohol?

Answer

US residents only need to bring their government issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID). The rules are stricter for Canadians! We need to have one of the following: - Original passport - Copy of passport (either on paper or captured on a mobile device), along with a government-issued photo ID (foreign driver's licenses are not accepted by themselves) that can verify the person and birth date shown on the copy - NEXUS card Basically, if you're Canadian and don't have a Nexus, make sure you take a picture of your passport with your phone and have your driver's license with you before you try to order a drink! Or you will be very, very sad.

Question

Where did the hashtag "#JerWantstheRedhead" come from?

Answer

In the original version of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, there was a "Take a Wench for a Bride" scene, in which the pirates were auctioning off women. The most popular "bride" was a redhead, but the auctioneer hadn't gotten to auctioning her off yet, which caused the pirates to chant "We wants the redhead!" In 2017, Disney decided (rightfully) that this scene was inappropriate, and made some changes. Now the scene is of a standard auction (for things like chickens and rum), but Redd is still the highlight - now she is working as one of the pirates running the auction!

Question

Is Mickey going to officiate?

Answer

No. That's not a thing.