Exploring Disney Hotels

[stkf]

Hi,
I am going to Orlando this summer and although we are staying off site I would like to have a look around the WDW hotels. I am an AP holder, does this mean I can drive to the hotels and park for free? I really want to visit the Boardwalk, how far is the walk from Epcot? Any info would be much appreciated?
Thanks
Steve

 

[wickesy]

Anybody can drive to and park at the hotels for free but they might give you a three hour parking permit at the gate. I'm not sure if the AP entitles you to free valet parking though?

EPCOT to the Boardwalk is about 10 minutes or so and you will need to leave EPCOT by the International Gateway between UK and France.

 

[stkf]

Thanks for your reply. I hear the Boardwalk does evening entertainment, do any other hotels/resorts do this?

 

[Disbabe]

We walked from Epcot to Boardwalk and took in the Yacht and Beach club resorts as well - a beautiful walk. We're doing it again this year - we sit eating ice-creams whilst taking in the ambiance - it really does add to the magic of being at WDW! We also stay offsite, by the way, and not had a problem at all getting into any of the resorts. Last year I wanted to collect all available pressed pennies, many of which are only available at the resorts so I killed 2 birds with 1 stone and had a nosey too!

 

[UKDEB]

The BoardWalk differs from the other resorts in that Disney advertises it as an entertainment district in its own right. That said, there are some evening entertainment options at other resorts.

The Electrical Water Pageant takes place each night on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake, passing each of the "Magic Kingdom" resorts. It can be seen from the beaches at Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge, Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian.

Chip & Dale's Campfire Sing-A-Long is held nightly at the Meadow Trading Post at Fort Wilderness and begins with a 7:30pm fire lighting (weather permitting). It features a sing-along, Disney movies and cartoons. Marshmallows can be toasted over the campfires. You can bring your own or buy them there. The Chuckwagon is located there and sells pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, candy and beverages for those who want something a little more substantial. Fort Wilderness is also host to Mickey's Backyard BBQ and the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

Animal Kingdom Lodge holds a nightly African storytelling around the firepit on the Arusha Savannah.

Coronado Springs is home to the very swanky Rix Lounge. It's a real departure for Disney (it's owned and run by a third party) and is actually more than a tad incongruous at CSR, but worth visiting.

Horse-drawn carriage rides are available each night at both Fort Wilderness and Port Orleans Riverside.

The Polynesian's Luau Cove is the setting for the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.

 

[stkf]

Thanks very much for the info folks. I am in Orlando for six weeks this summer so really want to make the most of it and try some different stuff within WDW - looking at the hotels and eating at some of the quality restaurants.