Can you visit a resort if you're not staying there?

[CindiF]

The last time we went to Disney (6 years ago) I remember that the only way we were allowed to go to AKL was because we had dinner reservations. They checked our names before they let us in.

But I've seen threads where people advise visiting other resorts you're not staying at. I would LOVE to do that but I didn't know it was allowed. I know you can't use their pools or other facilities, of course ... but otherwise it's ok???

I would love to check out Ft. Wilderness and hang around the animal viewing area at AKL, even though we're staying at CSR!

 

[ntsammy5]

You can definitely resort hop. just tell the CM at the gate what you're doing. Parking can sometimes be a problem at the monorail and Epcot resorts though, they sometimes give a 3 hour pass, but you can always take a bus or the monorail too. As for FW, you'll have to park in the overflow lot and take the internal bus system. there is no driving through the Fort unless you stay there. have fun.

 

[dawgfan]

Yes you can. It is great to do this in conjunction with a visit to an on site restaurant but that is not a requirement. What we did was simply hop a bus to the resort of our choice after seeing a nearby park. We would tour the resort and check out whether we would like to stay there or not. We then left on a bus back to a park and continued our fun. If you go to a resort by car you will need a dinner reservation, I believe, in order to get a parking permit. If you go by Disney Transport there is no problem.

 

[LukenDC]

I love to look at the various resorts and to dine in their restaurants. It helps me to identify what resorts I might want to try in the future.

 

[perla75]

I've heard that WDW actually welcomes and encourages this. We often make a whole day out of resort hopping! We don't bring a car, but you can see several in chunks using bus, monorail, & your feet!

 

[mmmears]

I love to look at the various resorts and to dine in their restaurants. It helps me to identify what resorts I might want to try in the future.

We had dinner at Boma and now we really want to stay at AKL!!! Also, it's fun to check out other resorts, especially the ones with the theming that appeals to you. The ones on the monorail (or walking/boating distance from Epcot or the MK) are the easiest to visit.

 

[brentalex]

I believe that when the AKL first opened, they were very restrictive about who could enter the hotel. They did not want it swamped with people coming to see the animals. They have since removed those restrictions and you are free to visit any of the resorts. Just get on a bus for any resort from any park and have fun.

 

[jamesmommy]

If you go to a resort by car you will need a dinner reservation, I believe, in order to get a parking permit. If you go by Disney Transport there is no problem.

I may depend on time of day, as my DS and I drove to AKL one day to check it out, we just told the person at the entrance, and he told us where to park. We didn't have ressies or anything. It was awesome, and I look forward to staying there as soon as they finish construction. We also took the boat over to Wilderness Lodge and toured it on another occasion.