Hi Ilene!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Disney's Parks and Resorts worldwide have stepped up their conservation efforts in numerous ways. Unlike Kermit, Disney is finding areas where it's easy to be green.
Some of the most noticeable efforts and updates are that
Walt Disney World Value and Moderate Resort Hotel bathroom amenities are now large, wall-mounted pump containers of shampoo, conditioner and body wash vs. small individual bottles. Plastic straws have been swapped out for paper. Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags, but if you forget (or you simply love collecting all-things Disney) each Theme Park sells three different sized bags in a park-specific design. Water Bottle Refilling Stations are starting to pop up all over the Theme Parks. And lastly, cold beverages from Quick-Service Dining Locations are served lid-lessly. (Kids' beverages still include lids, and adults can request them if needed.)
Only
Disney Resort Hotel rooms that feature kitchenettes include disposable dining products like paper plates or plastic cutlery. These are, like you mentioned, Family Suites at
Disney's Art of Animation Resort Hotel,
Family Suites at Disney's All-Star Music Resort Hotel, and suites and villas at Disney's Deluxe Resort Hotels. Another option of having everything you need within your guest room are
The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. These log houses feature a fully stocked kitchen with everything you need to both cook your dinner and eat it too. My dear friend and fellow Panelist Veronica even made an entire traditional Thanksgiving dinner in her cabin last year!
Disney Resort Hotel Rooms that have coffee makers do supply paper travel cups plus all of the coffee essentials to make a cup of joe on the go. And another option that includes all of your dining needs for that meal would be
In-Room Food & Pizza Delivery.
Should you require access to a microwave or a toaster, or need to pick up a few pieces of plastic cutlery, head to the Quick-Service Dining Location of your Resort Hotel. If you'd like more than a few spoons or napkins for your room, the shops and stores that are located near these food courts sell "family meal packs" in sets of 8 of everything you need to dine in your room. (Plates, knives, forks, etc.) And lastly, it might benefit you to
mail a box of room snacks and paper products ahead of time. Do note that there is a small per-package handling fee, but it beats taking up room in your luggage!
I hope this helped to plan your upcoming Disney Days, Ilene, and if you have any other Disney vacation planning questions for us, we're all Ears!
~Kristen