Guide to Disney Resort Hopping at Disney World UPDATED

Thinking of Resort Hopping at Disney World? While we love the parks, the Disney Resorts sometimes offer even more Disney Magic, and a way to get out the crowds too. With Disney themed hotels, restaurants and activities at each, there is always plenty to do on a non-park day during your WDW vacation. But with the recent transportation policy changes, and reiteration in the announcements during Halfway to the Holidays, resort hopping is changing. Here are all the details and everything to know before you go!

With a long tradition for Disney Resort Guests, Orlando Locals, and Casual Theme Park Visitors, Disney World Resort Hopping has become a bit of a habit. But, things, they are a changing. With the most recent news about the Transportation Changes at Disney World, and the Halfway to the Holidays Announcements come some hard truths. Namely, that if you plan on visiting Disney Resorts, it is expected that you are staying at a Disney Hotel OR have a Dining or Experience Reservation.

Disney World Resort Hopping and Transportation Changes

Just so we’re all on the same page before we share all our favorite ways to experience the resorts at Walt Disney World, here are the changes that may affect your next Disney trip, as shared by Disney.

“Walt Disney World Transportation service from Disney Springs to Disney Resort Hotels is available for Guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel or visiting one with a valid Dining or Experience Reservation”

Originally, we thought this just affected those folks traveling in from Disney Springs, but it seems that Disney is bringing down the gavel on this one, with it’s latest note about seeing the Holiday Decorations at Disney World Resorts.

“For guests staying at the resorts or for those with valid dining reservations, the Disney Resorts Collection offers a wide array of bright and merry holiday decor. With more than 25 hotels to choose from in the Disney Resorts Collection, there are plenty of ways to make this holiday season special for you and your loved ones while staying or dining with us.”

Does this mean that your MagicBand will be scanned when you enter a Disney Resort? How will they possibly keep track of the 100k+ people a day coming in from the parks? Does this mean that if you paid for a park ticket, and want to go to the Polynesian, that you are no longer allowed without a Dining Reservation or Tour Booked? Does a park ticket count as an experience reservation? Soooo many questions.

In the past, prior to the transportation changes, we were able to talk about Resort Hopping at Disney World for all people. Whether you were staying at a Disney hotel or not, you were able to come and go at the resorts as you please. For the purposes of this post, we will now assume, and frame everything as if you are a Disney Resort Guest Only. Because, while you may be able to do some crafty finagling with Disney Dining Reservations at 3 or 4 Disney hotels a day, so you can visit them…. we’re not entertaining that strategy here.

Disney World Resort Hopping Details

As a Disney Hotel Guest, everyone’s idea of a vacation is different. Some look at it as a way to get away and relax; others may look at it as a way to explore something new and some people are just happy that they’re not at work. We are a mix of all those things. This is why Resort Hopping at Walt Disney World is something we love to do. Because we get a little bit of all those things. A little relaxation, some exploring, and a feeling that we had “more” vacation on our time off work. Because as long as you’re staying at a Disney Resort (even the cheapest one) you can freely explore all the Disney World Resorts, without worry.

Why Resort Hop at Disney World?

You may be thinking, why go through the trouble of visiting a Disney Resort that is not your own? At which point we would say, because they are all worth seeing and magical in a way you don’t get in the parks. They all have different themes, restaurants, gift shops, and experiences! And by visiting more of them, you can get to experience it all. You can always visit a Disney Resort for free and take advantage of certain things open to visiting guests. Strolling the gift shops, lounging in the lobby, and eating at the restaurants and lounges, are all options. Plus, many of the Disney Resorts have trails to roam, surrey bikes to rent, and beaches for dipping your toes in the sand. 

What are the Best Disney World Resorts for Resort Hopping?

Certain resorts, like those that share transportation or are within walking distance of the parks work best. Here we share the Best Disney Resorts to visit on your resort hopping days, so you can maximize your time. Whether you’re excited to explore more of Disney World, or just want something to fill your Disney non-park day, here’s all our best tips for resort hopping at Disney World.

• Disney Monorail Loop Resorts
• Wilderness Resorts
• Disney Boardwalk Resorts
• Disney Skyliner Resorts
• Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort
• Port Orleans Resorts

What Can you Do at the Disney Resorts?

As a Disney Resort Guest, you can visit any Disney Hotel to browse the gift shops, eat at the restaurants, and take part in the resort activities. This means you try the s’mores at the campfire, watch the Movies Under the Stars, and see the Holiday Decorations. You cannot, however, use the pools. Each resort, also has things that require a little extra money, but are still open to Disney Resort Guests. Playing games in the Arcade, booking the carriage rides, or fishing excursions, and some craft events cost extra, but are open to Disney Resort Guests, regardless of resort. Disney Hotel Pool Use, however, is limited to guests staying at each resort, only.

How do you Resort Hop from One Disney Resort to Another?

To resort hop from one resort to another, its best to just use the Disney transportation; buses, monorail, skyliner, and ferry. Because, using the internal transportation to get you to and from keeps things simple, and free. You can also use the walking paths at Disney World for resorts that are close to each other.

• For instance, Disney Skyliner Resorts are all along the Disney Skyliner line. As such you can simply hop on and hop off the Skyliner at each resort as you go.
• Same goes for the Monorail Resorts. Just hop abord the Resort Monorail at the entrance to Magic Kingdom and get off at each Resort along the way.
• Disney Ferry Resorts include both the Wilderness Area resorts and the Port Orleans Resorts, so you can just take the ferry to each along each route.
• Disney Boardwalk Resorts are located between Epcot and Hollywood Studios and are connected by a Walking Path.

Can you visit a Disney Resort without Staying There?

Yes, but ONLY if you are a Hotel Guest at another Disney World Resort, OR have a valid dining or experience reservation. While we’re unclear as to how Disney is enforcing this new policy, the assumption is that a Disney hotel reservation, dining reservation or experience reservation MUST BE attached to your My Disney Experience Account and able to be verified through the mobile app, or by scanning your Magic Band.

Disney Monorail Loop Resorts

The Disney Monorail Resorts are Disney Deluxe Resorts and all have great restaurants, gift shops, beaches, and lounge spaces. You can include a resort restaurant reservation in your vacation and then take some time before or after your meal to explore. If you’re not dining at one of these resorts, however, even just getting a glimpse of these gorgeous grounds is worth the trip. And a great way to get a break from the busy parks. At these resorts you can See the Electrical Water Pageant at any of the resort beaches on Bay Lake, later in the evenings.

The Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary Resort has a couple of great gift shops, California Grill, and one of our favorite places at Disney World to each lunch, Contempo Cafe. Youcan also grab a great breakfast at Steakhouse 71 or a Coffee from the Joffreys Counter in the lobby.

The Polynesian Resort

Here you can live your best Hawaiian life. Grab a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian Resort. Or Try the Lapu Lapu at the Tambu Lounge. We best like just lounging on the beach, and watching the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle in the evenings.

Grand Floridian Resort

At Disney’s most elegant resort you can count on piano music in the lobby ( typically starting at 3pm), a variety of great shops to browse, and some of the best Disney Cocktail Lounges on property. Citricos, and Enchanted Rose Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian are always a treat. And during the holidays, you can see chocolate, and gingerbread creations for Easter, Halloween and Christmas.

How to Get to the Monorail Resorts

Adjacent to Magic Kingdom, the Monorail Resorts can be visited by walking path, or monorail. The Contemporary, The Polynesian, and The Grand Floridian are just a quick monorail ride to and from the Magic Kingdom and can be accessed by looking by following the “Resort Monorail” sign at the Magic Kingdom entrance. You don’t need a ticket, or reservation to use the monorail. And don’t worry, the monorail resorts are on a loop, so you will simply come back from where you started.

If you are a military family, the Shades of Green Resort is also accessible from the Magic Kingdom to Polynesian Walking Path. And The Contemporary is only about a 10-minute (or less) walk from Magic Kingdom. 

Wilderness Resorts Tour

Resort Hopping from Magic Kingdom. One of our favorite places to Resort Hop at Walt Disney World is Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  And if you’re headed to the wilderness, why nto add Fort Wilderness Campgrounds too? We most love resort hopping these resorts at night. Because if we can time it right, we can settle in near the waterfront to see the Electrical Water Pageant Parade.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

At Wilderness Lodge, you can explore the grounds, and resort lobby, browse the gift shop and stop by the Roaring Fork Cafe for a coffee, snack, or meal. They even have a Hidden Mickey Scavenger Hunt Game that challenges you to find the hidden mickey’s at the resort. You can also grab downtime on the terrace with a s’more’s coffee, or head to the Territory Lounge for a drink. And if you’re here at night, head to Geyser Bar and Grill for dinner or a drink, and watch the water pageant.

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground has become one of our favorite places to stay at Walt Disney World. We love the coziness here. You can browse the gift shop, walk the trails, visit the horses, rent a canoe and more. You can even head to the beach to hear the Happily Ever After Fireworks Show piped in over the speakers. Fort Wilderness also has a variety of special activities that are unique to this resort. Things like the Archery Experiences, Chip and Dales Campfire Sing Along and Cowboy show, Horseback riding, and the Hoop dee do Revue are all options for your visit.

At Halloween and Christmas, the camper’s displays are well worth the trip over! This is well worth the visit and a great way to escape the crowds. While here we highly recommend the Chip and Dale Campfire Sing Along at the outdoor Movie Theater and walking the trails to see the campsites. 

How to Get to the Wilderness Resorts

To get to Wilderness Lodge just take the boat from Magic Kingdom at the boat launch. There is also a bus that goes directly between the Wilderness resorts as an alternative. 

Disney Boardwalk Resorts Tour

Resort Hopping from EPCOT Park. The Disney Boardwalk Resorts include The Yacht Club, Beach Club, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. Each hotel brings something different to the experience.

The Beach Club

The Beach Club offers up a calming atmosphere and include great gift shops, both with food-to-go options and seasonal coffees. On your resort hopping day be sure to take some time to pop into each resort. You can even catch the movie on the beach at The Beach Club. Plus, you can snag a gourmet milkshake at Beaches and Cream if that strikes your fancy. Note we sometimes catch Chip and Dale dilly dallying here, so keep an eye out!

The Yacht Club

The Yacht Club is sophisticated and elegant, but still offers up cute shops, and the fantastic Ale and Compass Restaurant is right off the Yacht Club lobby and is wonderful for a sit-down breakfast. You can also head to the Ale and Compass Lounge for drinks and small plates. And during the holidays, the Yacht Club includes Christmas Trees and a Lighthouse.

Boardwalk Inn

The Boardwalk Inn features classic boardwalk charm a la the 1940’s and is home to Trattoria al Forno , The Pizza Window, and the AbracadaBar. Plus, this part of the Boardwalk has midway Fair games, a corn dog stand, Joe’s Margaritas, Yoga on the Lawn and surrey bike rentals. You can even watch the jugglers and magicians outside the Boardwalk Inn if you visit during the evenings, almost always seen Friday-Sunday.

How to Get to the Disney Boardwalk Resorts

These Resorts are all within walking distance of Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If you’re staying at a Disney Skyliner Resort, you can also grab the skyliner to the International Gateway at EPCOT to get to this area. If you’re staying at Hollywood Studios you can just take the walking path from Hollywood Studios to Epcot, which brings you right through the Boardwalk Area.

Disney Skyliner Resorts Tour

Resort Hopping from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT Park. If you’re at Hollywood Studios and looking to add a little more fun to your day, or even just looking for your next meal, you can hop on the skyliner. Disney Skyliner Resorts include Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Disney’s Riviera Resort. You can check out our post on visiting the Disney Skyliner Resorts for tips on the restaurants and activities at each resort. We most love the beach time at these resorts and the amazing things you can enjoy.

Pop Century

By far one of our favorite resorts at Disney World, Pop Century Resort has an easy vibe, with walking trails, a great commissary, gift shop and snacks. They even have a pizza counter. Plus as it’s connected to Art of Animation by a bridge you can explore two resorts at once.

 Art of Animation

At AOA we highly recommend you roam the grounds and admire the buildings. The themed Disney Resort spaces at Art of Animation Resort are some of the best. Then, you can head inside and grab specialty coffee at the coffee counter, rent surrey bikes or stay for s’mores at the firepit.

Caribbean Beach

You can add a little island time to your Disney trip at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Just take the trail around the lake, explore the Caribbean Cay area, grab snacks at Spyglass Café or relax on the beach. You can even head to Banana Cabana for a drink, or stay for the outdoor movie. We love grabbing dinner at Sebastians Bistro here for the budget friendly and casual dining experience.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

One of our favorite places to visit is the Le Petit Cafe coffee shop at Disney’s Rivera Resort. This little café has an always-full pastry case, some of the best seasonal snacks, and treats, and a variety of specialty coffees. Plus, if you’re looking for extra extra special, you can head to the rooftop restaurant, Topolino Terrace for a Disney Character Breakfast or a great dinner.  

How to Get To The Skyliner Resorts

The Disney’s Skyliner can be accessed at both EPCOT’s International Gateway and Hollywood Studios and travels to all the Skyliner Resorts mentioned. Then just hop on the skyliner to make your way to the next resort.

Port Orleans Resorts Tour

Resort Hopping from Disney Springs, ( you must be staying at a Disney World Resort Hotel). Craving world-famous Beignets, straight out of The Princess and the Frog? Head to the Port Orleans Resorts, as both are great resorts to add to a midday break. We love these resorts for the laid-back feeling and beautiful scenery. You can even walk the pathway along the river for an easy breezy break. Plus, with boat transportation to Disney Springs, you can explore even more on your resort hopping day.

Disney’s French Quarter Resort

Disney’s French Quarter Resort is home to, not only beignets, but unique gift shops, trails and walkways. Or head to the Scat Cat’s Lounge for drinks or stay for the live Jazz Music through the weekends.

Port Orleans Riverside Resort

Did you know that Port Orleans Riverside has two sides? You can stroll the Magnolia Ben area filled with plantation style buildings, fountains and quiet shaded spaces. Or head to the Alligator Bayou for swampy surroundings and lots of shade. You can grab lunch here, browse the shops and rent surrey bikes.  

How to Get to the Disney Port Orleans Resorts

One of the more secluded parts of Disney World property, you can grab a leisurely boat ride from Disney Springs over to French Quarter and Riverside. You can even take the boat between the two resorts. Or go back and forth between the resorts by using the Walking Path between Port Orleans and Riverside.  You can also grab any Disney Bus from the parks headed to these resorts. Just remember that since Resort Buses don’t travel between resorts, if you’re here late, you will have to take the bus back to a park, and then take your own Disney Resort Bus from the park back to your Disney hotel.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort Tour

Resort Hopping From Animal Kingdom Park. Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our favorite places and includes two buildings; Kidani Village and Jambo House. Each has its own set of amenities and there is a walking path at Animal Kingdom Lodge that connects the two. Want to relax in a giant rocking chair while watching giraffes and zebras graze in your backyard? Head to Jambo House for savannah views, Boma, The Mara, and the larger gift shop. Interested in visiting Sanaa for their famous bread service instead? Head over to Kidani Village to see the animals from the restaurant. Head to the Sunset Lounge for activities, Play the Wildlife Spotting Game, Visit the Flamingos or settle in at Orgun’s Firepit for stories and starlight. Through the holiday season you can experience Christmas at Animal Kingdom Lodge with Christmas Trees, and gingerbread displays.

How to Get To Animal Kingdom Lodge

Take the bus to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. You can even check out all the fun and free Animal Kingdom Lodge activities you can do as a Disney Hotel guest, even if you’re not staying at this particular Disney resort. When finished just hop on board the bus to any Disney Park of choice to transfer and make your way home. 

Disney Resort Hopping Tips

Truthfully, we love so many of the resorts at Walt Disney World how could you not add a resort hopping day to your vacation? While the options really are endless, there are several important things to remember.

1. You have to be a Disney Resort Guest with a valid room reservation to explore the resorts and use the Disney Complimentary Transportation, at will.
2. Unless you’re staying there, you will never have access to another resort’s pool.
3. Always make sure you know your transportation options. And can get back to your own Disney Resort when you’re done hopping. Not all forms of transportation within Walt Disney World run continuously.
4. Disney Resort Buses bring you back to the parks, not to other resorts, so you will always have to return to the parks to catch your resort bus. It’s for this reason that the Monorail, Boardwalk, and Skyliner resorts are easier for daytime resort hopping.

Disney Resort Day

There you have it! Everything to know about visiting the resorts at Disney World. Are you also thinking about actually staying at more than one Disney Resort during your trip? We love this strategy as a way to save money, see more and gain new experiences. And we cover it all in our Splits Stays at Disney World post.

Whether your resort hopping or entertaining the idea of a Split Stay, whichever method you choose offers a whole new level of fun and options for some of the best experiences Disney has to offer. New foods, activities, views and experiences await at Disney Resorts.