Has full housekeeping returned to Disney World? What we see.
We are seeing more and more things going back to normal at Walt Disney World. Parades and buffets are back, as are live performers and crowds.
But there’s one big thing that hasn’t returned to normal, and it could impact your trip to Disney World!
Disney is still notifying guests that their experience may be altered due to additional health and safety measures and, as you can imagine, cleaning and sanitation are important parts of those changes.
As Disney World resorts have reopened, we’ve seen a reduction in housekeeping service, and our most recent report found you still can’t expect full service throughout your stay at most complexes.
How is cleaning at Disney World different?
Disney says you can expect a thorough pre-check-in cleaning at its resorts, including special attention to high-touch areas like TV remotes and doorknobs. You can expect certain items in your room, such as the TV remote and cups or utensils, to be sanitized and sealed in plastic.
Now, when staying at most hotels, it’s slightly different than you might expect. Disney says you’ll receive “light housekeeping” every other day. This light housekeeping service includes removal of trash and used towels, restocking of towels and other amenities, cleaning of vanities and counters, and vacuuming as needed.
If you’re someone who expects full cleaning service and beds made daily during a hotel stay, it’s good to know about the reduced service before your trip.
Also note that you can choose to opt out of housekeeping services entirely at Disney World Resort hotels. Simply let a Cast Member know your preference at reception.
If you’re a DVC member who uses points to stay at a DVC hotel, your room will be cleaned on days 4 and 8 of your visit, according to Disney’s website.
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Why is cleaning always different?
Initially, Disney changed housekeeping procedures to limit contact between guests and cast members and to accommodate a lower than normal number of hotel employees.
But now that many other things at Disney World have returned to normal (including self-serve buffets) and others are returning soon (like traditional character interactions), why didn’t housekeeping- doesn’t he do the same?
According to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, Disney has struggled to recruit enough staff for its hotels. On an earnings call, Chapek noted that “the two areas that have been difficult are hospitality [and short-order cooks]. And right now, 90% of our hotels at Walt Disney World are open. So apparently Disney hasn’t been able to fill the housekeeping staffing gap just yet.
This reduced staff means that Disney must reduce its housekeeping expenses. As Disney hires more people and hotel staff increases, we may see more traditional housekeeping services return.
Learn more about Disney’s recruiting struggles here.
What REALLY goes on in every hotel?
The AllEars team has made inquiries with several Disney World resorts to find out the current status of housekeeping at Disney World. Here is what we found:
Contemporary Disney Hotel
A cast member told us that housekeeping is still done every other day, but they now make beds in addition to the light cleaning services we listed above.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
A cast member reports that Polynesian guests now get a full room cleaning every other day. Customers may choose to decline housekeeping services entirely and receive a credit to their account instead.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
According to a cast member, guests at Grand Floridian resorts receive a thorough cleaning every day. Disney Vacation Club guests receive service every three days.
Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
A cast member told us that housekeeping was always changed and supplied every other day.
Disney Wild Pavilion
Guests receive maid service every other day, but recently the level of this service has increased to make beds, vacuum and other services.
Disney’s Riviera Resort
A cast member said the rooms were still getting limited cleaning every other day. As this is a DVC Resort, the housekeepers do not make the beds every day. Cast Members will provide clean towels if needed.
Disney BoardWalk Hostel
According to a cast member, guests of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn still get a modified housekeeping service every other day.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Cast members told us that housekeeping was available all day and that if guests called, they could have their room prepared upon request.
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
Although this resort is not owned by Disney, employees told us that Swan guests also receive limited housekeeping. Swan staff are focused on cleaning and sanitizing rooms before you check in. If you wish to benefit from a cleaning service during your stay, you must request it.
Will full, unmodified housekeeping return to Disney World resorts? Some of them seem to be slowly returning to normal! Follow us here at AllEars.net for updates.
Click here to see what the new normal looks like at Disney World!
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Are you ok with modified housekeeping at Disney World resorts? Let us know in the comments!