We love staying at Disney World hotels!

There are a lot of options when you’re looking at Disney World accommodations, and the hotel rooms can vary a lot from hotel to hotel (and even within the same hotel!). We don’t want you overlooking ANY important details, so we’re taking you through 13 Disney World hotel room features you’re forgetting.

1. Storage

First up, you might not be thinking about storage! If you’re only in Disney World for a few days, this might not be a concern. But if you have a trip length of a week or more, or you are traveling with a larger group, storage space in the room for unpacking clothes is something you’ll want to consider.

Most rooms come equipped with closets but in some value resort rooms, you may only have a clothes rod in the bathroom. Similarly, not every room is created equal when it comes to drawer space or under-bed space. Take a look at Disney’s official photos and room tours here on DFB to be sure a room has the storage you need.

Click here to see some seriously WORTH IT Disney hotels!

2. Outdoor Space

Another amenity you may not be considering is outdoor space! Access to a private outdoor area can vary significantly. For instance, value resort rooms and lower-priced rooms at moderate and deluxe resorts may not have any outdoor space off the room at all.

For those that do have outdoor space, you’ll want to compare the size of balconies and whether you have a preference between a patio space or a balcony (these options are most common at suite-based resorts like Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort). Disney’s Beach Club Resort even has different-sized balconies from room to room!

Outdoor space can be important for those who have a resort day planned or who like to take breaks mid-day. It can be a relief to step out on the patio for a breath of fresh air or to read a book!

Want to see some ridiculously awesome Disney hotel rooms? Click here!

3. Distance from Stairs/Elevator

We often give the tip that you may need to be aware of your room’s distance from the lobby. Especially in the larger hotels, it can be a TREK to reach the main lobby building. Two particular examples are the farthest rooms at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. You could be looking at a 15-minute walk each time you need to head to the front!

One thing you might NOT be thinking about is how far your room is from the stairs or the elevator. This can definitely be something to consider if someone in your party has mobility issues, and even if not for convenience-sake! If you’d like to make sure you’re close to the stairs or elevator, consider putting in a room request when you check-in. Or maybe you want to be far away from the elevator to avoid noise, so make sure you think about that as well!

This hotel room near Disney World is bigger than a house…and costs more than one, too.

4. Adjoining Rooms

Got a large party? You may want to consider booking a hotel that features adjoining rooms! Many of the value resorts have this option. For many families of five people and above or for those with older kids, having two rooms can be a great solution.

Maximize convenience by booking a resort room that does have the adjoining room option. Remember, this feature is dependent on availability but can be a great way to make sure your larger party is accommodated.

Click here to learn more about traveling with larger groups!

5. Desk Space

This next one may not be a concern for some groups, but it can be a MAJOR point to think about for those who are going to need some desk space during their trip — perhaps to knock out some work!

Some rooms have ample table space — especially the larger ones. You might find very limited desk space in value resort rooms. For instance, recently renovated rooms like those at Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s All-Star Resorts feature Murphy beds that, when lowered, remove all the desk space from the room.

Want to learn more about things your hotel can do for you? Click here!

6. Thermostat

Every Disney World Resort hotel is equipped with a thermostat! So, this isn’t one that you’ll need to make sure you think of in advance, but it is important to remember during your trip.

Like your room a little chillier? Or feeling the cold a little too much? You can change it. Typically, thermostats are set to 68 degrees on arrival so go ahead and set it how you’d like.

PHOTOS: Disney World’s All-Star Movies Resort standard room

7. Lighting and Outlets

For some, the lighting and outlets are something to be aware of when booking! Some rooms, for instance, are on the darker side, which might bother someone in your party. We noticed this is true with the lighting in the Pirate Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Plus, you may want to make sure that there is separate bedside lighting from the main lighting in case one person wants to read while another sleeps.

And outlets are WAY important. Newer rooms, or those that are newly renovated, tend to have many outlets and even some built-in USB ports in the furniture, walls, or lighting fixtures. In an older room, you might not have as many outlet options as you’d like.

Full Tour: Moana Rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

8. Bathroom Amenities

Bathroom amenities absolutely do vary from hotel to hotel. Sure, in most instances you’ll have access to the basics, but some bathrooms are going to be better outfitted than others.

Do keep in mind that in most cases, you’ll have some toiletries, a full-length mirror, a hairdryer, and an iron and ironing board in your bathroom. These can really come in handy if you need them! But, if you’re looking for a robe, you’ll probably need to book a deluxe resort.

Want to see some of the best bathrooms in Disney World? Click here!

9. Shower Pressure

Speaking of the bathroom, showers vary in Disney World too! We’ve found that pressure is good in most Disney hotels. If you’re looking for a high-pressure shower, you might be out of luck, but the pressure is passable.

Some rooms do come outfitted with a handheld shower wand. This might be something you want to look for when you book or be aware of when you check in to your room. After all, you’ll want to have the best shower experience you can after a theme park day.

To see some of the best Disney World rooms, click here!

10. Proximity to Pool

This is a big one that you may not think about. If you’re staying in a room that has the pool right outside, you might find yourself dealing with some serious noise. The pools often play music or have trivia during the day (and even at night). If you’ve got a napping kid, being close to the pool will NOT be fun.

When you check-in, you can make a room request to be located away from the pools. In some cases, preferred rooms (available at some resorts for a slightly higher rate) may be away from pools as well. Consult a resort hotel map when making your reservations! 

Want to see the best hotel pools in Disney World? Click here!

11. Vanity Space

Alright, we’ve got another bathroom feature to consider and this is especially important for those who have a more involved skincare routine, wind-down routine, medicine routine, or anything else that might mean you need some counter space.

Some resort hotel bathrooms have VERY limited vanity space. One example that springs to mind is that rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort have two HUGE sinks and barely any counter in the middle. That means nowhere to put your contacts, makeup, or whatever else. We recommend checking out photos of the bathroom in advance if this is a concern! 

PHOTOS: Go inside a TINY and EXPENSIVE hotel room in Disney World with us!

12. Renovations

Alright, as we’ve mentioned a few times, some resorts have had their rooms renovated relatively recently. We’re looking at you, Moana rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and updates at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

So, you might want to know which rooms have been renovated at hotels so that you can request those! When you book, speak with a Cast Member from Guest Services about whether or not any buildings or areas have been renovated recently, and then add them to your room requests during check-in.

Full Room Tour: Go Inside the New Incredibles Rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

13. Exterior Hallways

Finally, you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re getting into when it comes to your hallway. Yep, it can matter! There are SEVERAL Disney World Resort hotels that have exterior hallways so your door might open directly to the outside. Your walk to the lobby? All outside, too.

In the dry season, that might be A-OK, but you might find it a BIG hassle during hurricane season. Need to run to the lobby to grab something from the gift shop? Headed to your resort’s restaurant for dinner? Dealing with exterior hallways means you could end up drenched.

Want t learn more about hurricane season in Disney World this year? Click here!

There you go! Now you know 13 more things to keep in mind when you’re deciding where to stay in Disney World. If you have any questions, please ask away. And also know that a Disney World Cast Member or our friends at Small World Vacation can help as well! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest Disney tips and updates!