Best areas to walk

[bellaminnie]

What are the best areas to walk around the resorts? Is it possible to do this without actually staying at a resort or having a dining reservation? Would you have to pay for parking? If I did have a dining reservation how much is parking to dine at a resort? Thanks.

 

[Karl66]

There is no charge to park for a dining reservation.

 

[Marionnette]

What are the best areas to walk around the resorts? Is it possible to do this without actually staying at a resort or having a dining reservation? Would you have to pay for parking? If I did have a dining reservation how much is parking to dine at a resort? Thanks.

There is no charge to self park if you have a dining reservation at a resort. If you are not a registered guest or you don't have a dining reservation, then technically, you should not be permitted to park at the resort. In that case, you may be directed to park in one of the theme park lots and take Disney transportation to visit the resort. Standard parking is $25 per day at the theme parks.

The "best" areas to walk around is subjective. I happen to like the GF/Poly area for a relaxing stroll and the ambiance of both hotel lobbies. The YC/BC area is nicer in the evening or early mornings because there is very little in the way of shade. WL has very beautiful ground to stroll around. AKL is nice to visit for the animal viewing area and talking with the cultural representatives, but there's not much in the way of walking pathways.

 

[mmouse37]

Coronado Springs is beautiful to walk. There is a beautiful walkway all around the lake there.

MJ

 

[Jhondy]

What are the best areas to walk around the resorts? Is it possible to do this without actually staying at a resort or having a dining reservation? Would you have to pay for parking? If I did have a dining reservation how much is parking to dine at a resort? Thanks.

I think wilderness lodge and the campgrounds could be fun just to walk around.The lodge is beautiful and at the campground you can see the horses. Plus if you are at MK it’s easy to get to by boat.

 

[nkereina]

As mentioned, in the current environment, you would not be permitted to park at a resort without a dining reservation. Where are you staying? There are several resorts where its easy to walk between a few of them without needing to drive somewhere.

One of my favorite strolls is around Poly. From there, you could walk over to TTC and take the monorail to Grand Floridian to walk around, and then either walk or monorail to MK. You could also do that in reverse.

 

[_19disnA]

There are several other threads about where you can/cannot park. Even before covid was an issue, Disney was wise to the fact people would try to 'game' the system by parking at one of the monorail hotels to avoid paying for parking at Magic Kingdom. I can't comment on which walking path is 'best' since haven't done every resort. However, I do know you can't walk from the Contemporary to TTC, since there aren't any pedestrian walkways and walking on busy streets isn't wise. You can walk between Polynesian & TTC or Contemporary & Magic Kingdom. There is also a newly opened walkway between Floridian and Magic Kingdom. Perhaps other can comment about walkways associated with Epcot resorts.

 

[mrsap]

As mentioned, in the current environment, you would not be permitted to park at a resort without a dining reservation. Where are you staying? There are several resorts where its easy to walk between a few of them without needing to drive somewhere.

One of my favorite strolls is around Poly. From there, you could walk over to TTC and take the monorail to Grand Floridian to walk around, and then either walk or monorail to MK. You could also do that in reverse.

I second this. I love the walking path between GF/Poly. And now with the bridge to MK, you can go even further. Such a peaceful walk with beautiful views.

Another great area is the Boardwalk/Epcot path! We love going for a stroll after dinner there. Either is great. Enjoy.

 

[wilbret]

A person could certainly board a bus from DS to any resort of their choosing. We used to do that to hit the monorail loop and WL.
DS->Contemporary
Boat to WL for lunch
Boat back to Contemporary. Pin trade
Monorail to GF, Poly for pin trade
Bus back to DS

For instance.

 

[Sue M]

Walk around the lake at the Epcot resorts. Get a treat on the Boardwalk. I enjoy checking out all the resort gift shops and Wyland Gallery.

 

[bellaminnie]

Thanks for you recommendations. We will be staying offsite. Since we won't be able to be in the parks as much because we can't purchase annual passes I am hoping to enjoy the resort areas. Are there restaurants that you would recommend for picky kids. We don't usually eat out because of this but I would like to enjoy a walk and have a meal at a resort. Enjoy a nice disney day without being in the parks.

Thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks for you recommendations. We will be staying offsite. Since we won't be able to be in the parks as much because we can't purchase annual passes I am hoping to enjoy the resort areas. Are there restaurants that you would recommend for picky kids. We don't usually eat out because of this but I would like to enjoy a walk and have a meal at a resort. Enjoy a nice disney day without being in the parks.

Thanks!

Your best bet for dining is to check the Disney website and find the open restaurants at each location you would like to visit and check their menus.

 

[rj9555]

There are several other threads about where you can/cannot park. Even before covid was an issue, Disney was wise to the fact people would try to 'game' the system by parking at one of the monorail hotels to avoid paying for parking at Magic Kingdom. I can't comment on which walking path is 'best' since haven't done every resort. However, I do know you can't walk from the Contemporary to TTC, since there aren't any pedestrian walkways and walking on busy streets isn't wise. You can walk between Polynesian & TTC or Contemporary & Magic Kingdom. There is also a newly opened walkway between Floridian and Magic Kingdom. Perhaps other can comment about walkways associated with Epcot resorts.

Actually you can now walk from the Contemporary to the TTC. Take the walkway from Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom, then take the walkway to the Grand Floridian, then walk from there to the Polynesian, and then walk from Polynesian to the TTC.

 

[_19disnA]

^^ That would be an awfully long walk as you would be walking around most of the lake to do that. I was referring to the more direct way from the Contemporary to TTC.

 

[mrsap]

Thanks for you recommendations. We will be staying offsite. Since we won't be able to be in the parks as much because we can't purchase annual passes I am hoping to enjoy the resort areas. Are there restaurants that you would recommend for picky kids. We don't usually eat out because of this but I would like to enjoy a walk and have a meal at a resort. Enjoy a nice disney day without being in the parks.

Thanks!

Beaches and Cream is a fun atmosphere with kids friendly menu. Can go for a stroll around the Boardwalk after. Good luck deciding.

 

[Timandalicia]

Thanks for you recommendations. We will be staying offsite. Since we won't be able to be in the parks as much because we can't purchase annual passes I am hoping to enjoy the resort areas. Are there restaurants that you would recommend for picky kids. We don't usually eat out because of this but I would like to enjoy a walk and have a meal at a resort. Enjoy a nice disney day without being in the parks.

Thanks!

Assuming you are looking for an alternative to Disney Springs and the Boardwalk? If you aren’t, then consider those.
If you are looking for something new then I think I got this figured out! But I need some expert help in transportation because I don’t know what’s up with Covid.
Check this out:
Go to Grand Floridian and get some coffee and walk the grounds and see the lobby. Head to the Polynesian and then Contemporary (maybe there is some walking or ubers or buses?). Have a meal or walk up at Grand Floridian or Polynesian depending on budget and ages, the time you are there and what’s open with Covid- pick something that works. See the sites at Contemporary from the Bay Lake bridge. Check things out there. Then from the Contemporary take the boat over to the Fort Wilderness. Check things out, go to the trading post. Come back and do Chef Mickey or California Grill or even just Contempo cafe. Again budget and demographics of your party. Then watch the Electric Water Pageant.

Like I said, this is what I’d do if I wanted to see the best of Disney combined with its best nostalgia. If I wanted to see what is missed if you’ve never stayed at those resorts and if your main experiences have been the parks and Disney Springs. It would be a full day but a memorable experience.

 

[rj9555]

^^ That would be an awfully long walk as you would be walking around most of the lake to do that. I was referring to the more direct way from the Contemporary to TTC.

Long, but very scenic.