Can I visit other resorts (DVC or not) while at WDW?

[pwoodham]

I'm going next week and would like to see both OKW and VWL. We own at BWV and BCV and may want to try out the other vacation homes, but I'd like to get a look at them first. In the past, we tried to get a look at CBR and were told by the guard at the gate that we couldn't get in to look around unless we were staying there. Is there a similar policy at the DVC resorts that would apply even to DVC members? TIA

 

[RoutemanDan]

I have never been turned away from any resort at WDW.Were you staying at a Disney resort when you were turned away at CBR?
I highly doubt you will have a hard time getting into OKW or VWL.Just show them your room key and tell them you are grabbing a bite to eat.

 

[pwoodham]

We were staying at BWV when we tried to see CBR. I wanted to take a look because sometimes we have a lot of family with us, and I didn't know if I should recommend CBR or not. It was a no-go with the guard.

 

[Pig Pen]

We spent one afternoon resort-hopping, but we went to the monorail resorts, WL, the campground, and Boardwalk area...we didn't drive anyplace. Maybe you should just try to hop a bus from one of the parks or DTD?

We never had any problem visiting any resorts.

 

[crisi]

Nor have we....and since there is such a thing as pool hopping, and restaurants in the resorts, I'm trying to figure this one out.

 

[DebbieB]

With an OKW or BWV parking pass, we usually get waived through at most resorts.

You could have pool hopped to CBR, they shouldn't have turned you away. Don't try it next week though, CBR is closed until later this month.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I went to see VWL before we bought, and I took the boat over from MK. When I took the tour at the BW Center the next day and told them I'd gone to see the "real thing", they definitely approved. And last week, staying at BCV, I went to the OKW general store to buy DH a Christmas gift (Shhh!-Don't tell him!). Took the bus there from Epcot and no one said anything. I even took the boat from there to DTD, and later I realized that I probably shouldn't have done that since technically the boat ride is only for those staying there. But since there were only 3 of us on the boat, it probably ws OK. I know if you arrive by Disney Transportation, you won't have any trouble.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

<center>WARNING! WARNING!</center>
<center>Going to see VWL will result in the uncontrollable urge to add-on</center>
<center>You have been warned.</center>

 

[Bexx]

Going to see VWL will result in the uncontrollable urge to add-on

You have been warned.

I think Maistre Gracey just wants VWL all to himself!

As Pig Pen said, if you don't mind using Disney transport I doubt you will have any problems resort hopping.

 

[bres@westernMA]

We have always resort hopped. You can see the sights and have a lot of fun for minimal cost. Your parking pass will get you into any resort. If asked, tell them you want to shop or eat at the resort. The only restriction that I have ever encountered was at the Contemporary where we needed to tell the guard that we had a rese at the California Grille (we did). Disney wants to minimize the number of cars parking at this resort who are simply walking to WDW.
Resort hopping is very enjoyable. I recommend either of the following evenings. Park at one of the 7 Seas Lagoon (or Monorail) resorts, take the monorail to the Grand Floridian, check it out and have a beverage in the bar near the lobby. (I can’t think of the name). The last time we were there, there was a piano player. Take the launch to the Poly, walk around, visit the pool and have dinner at O’Hanas. Go to the contemporary and see the MK fireworks from the 15 floor. Be sure to catch the lights show on the lagoon and don’t forget the Wilderness Lodge.
Another walk or boat ride from either Epcot or MGM will allow a visit to the Epcot Resorts. IMHO, this needs to include an ice-cream at Beaches and Cream, mini golf at Swam and a beverage (or dinner) at BVW. My favorite spot at Boardwalk is Jellyrolls for an evening of music and fun.
Have a blast and enjoy the sights.

 

[Terry S]

After hearing soooo much about OKW on these boards we took the boat from DTD last visit and went to see OKW. I went to the front desk and let them know that I was a member a BCV and asked if I could see a 2 bedroom villa if one were available. They were more then happy to let me see one.

 

[anniet]

We always stayed offsite in the past and we resort hopped EVERYWHERE, except CBR. We have stayed there in the past, and I think the setup of the resort doesn't really lend itself to visitors...I also believe that they had some security issues there a while back, so that may be the reason.

We've never been turned away from anywhere else, although we were there for 9/11 and the day after they began taking license plate numbers and checking photo id's at the gate, but as I said, we were never turned away.

Maistre Gracey's warning should be well heeded...visiting WL didn't make us add on, it made us buy into DVC in the first place.

 

[Regina]

Just an FYI about going to the 15th floor of the Contemporary to see the fireworks. This is no longer allowed unless you're dining at the California Grill.

There's a new observation area, I believe on the 4th floor, that you can access.

I've also never been turned away from other resorts, but we've only gone to them because we had a PS.

 

[anniet]

We were thinking of going to California Grill for drinks and to watch the fireworks....is that possible?

 

[pwoodham]

That's great news!!
If everyone else has been able to do it, we'll give it a try this trip! I can't wait to see the other DVC properties.
It does seem to me that my add-on urge is inversely related to the amount we still owe on our latest DVC purchase. Just a few months after paying off BWV, we got a second contract at BCV. Since we're still paying on it, I'm safe for a year or two......I think......I'm almost sure.........I guess I'll find out..........

 

[Regina]

I hope that you're successful this time pwoodham.

Annie, I don't know how this policy at the California Grill is being enforced, I just know that it's been put in place. You may want to ask on the Restaurant Board.

 

[madcoco]

Maistre Gracey

Have you been in the sim lately?Love those Master Warnings.LOL