Hotel Hopping

[GinaLuvsWDW]

So I used to be very knowledgeable but since Covid and all the changes prior to Covid, I feel lost.
Is there hotel hopping now? Entertainment? Fireworks? Pending dates for these things if not open?
I’m coming in mid April and again in September. My husband and I will both be fully vaccinated by then and we are ready to go!
I’m looking for any information on resort openings, shows, restaurants, festivals, anything pending. And of course like I asked hotel hoping. Thanks!

 

[HiStitch626]

The main Disney World page shows all of the restaurants, parks, and other activities that are currently open. Yes, you can visit the various hotels, but there are some limits. If you are driving your own vehicle and want to park at the resort you do need to have a dining reservation. If you are using Disney transportation visiting the resorts is no problem.

 

[GinaLuvsWDW]

The main Disney World page shows all of the restaurants, parks, and other activities that are currently open. Yes, you can visit the various hotels, but there are some limits. If you are driving your own vehicle and want to park at the resort you do need to have a dining reservation. If you are using Disney transportation visiting the resorts is no problem.

I’m flying in and using Disney transportation. We always go to other resorts to eat and wander, especially AKL.
I’m not thrilled with Disney’s website, I find it to be somewhat confusing. I prefer actually talking to people that have done things. I’m watching one of my favorite Disney couples on YouTube as well

 

[WEDWDW]

Be prepared for a DRASTICALLY different WDW experience next month.

September should see GIANT STEPS having been made when compared to April.

 

[MomOTwins]

I’m flying in and using Disney transportation. We always go to other resorts to eat and wander, especially AKL.
I’m not thrilled with Disney’s website, I find it to be somewhat confusing. I prefer actually talking to people that have done things. I’m watching one of my favorite Disney couples on YouTube as well

You really should take the time to thoroughly read the “know before you go” pages. You are required to follow the Covid policies so better to get the real information from Disney than wind up hearing second hand information from someone who skirted the rules and didn’t get caught. Or people assuming things from their pre-Covid trips that are no longer applicable. If I had a dollar for every time someone on these boards recommended an activity or restaurant that has been closed for almost a year now....

Hotels are a perfect example of that. Different hotels have different entertainment now—it is a mixed bag as to what is open but the disney “know before you go” page lists exactly what is open at each hotel. And while some people here will tell you you can uber to a hotel for a lounge/quick service, others have been turned away because official policy is you need to have an ADR.

 

[bakerworld]

Somewhere on Disney is a list of open eateries - it would be worth your time to hunt for that list. Most of the stores in the hotels seem to be closed.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

We have an open/closed list/FAQ for things around the RESORTS here: https://www.disboards.com/threads/wdw-resorts-open-closed-detail-faq-thread.3826299/

But as PPs have noted, Disney’s Know Before You Go pages are really required reading, in my opinion. They cover nearly every aspect of a WDW trip right now. Then, places like the DIS can help fill in the gaps.

Park questions are better suited for the Theme Parks Attractions & Strategies Board. Some relavent threads that are worth watching:

Here Now & Just Back Experiences - https://www.disboards.com/threads/h...g-experiences-including-park-hopping.3807247/

No need to read the entire thing, just the last couple of pages to see recent discussion and start watching that thread for new reports.

Rope Drop - https://www.disboards.com/threads/everything-rope-drop.3828303/

Park Hopping - https://www.disboards.com/threads/everything-park-hopping.3828708/

 

[Marionnette]

Is there hotel hopping now? Entertainment? Fireworks? Pending dates for these things if not open?
I’m coming in mid April and again in September.


I’m looking for any information on resort openings, shows, restaurants, festivals, anything pending. And of course like I asked hotel hoping. Thanks!

Hotel hopping: If you arrive at the hotel using Disney transportation (bus, boat, monorail, Skyliner) or on foot you will have no problem visiting other resorts. If you drive a car or arrive via a rideshare vehicle, you could be turned away unless you have a dining reservation.

Entertainment: Severely cut back. No Citizens of Main Street or Citizens of Hollywood. Only a few stage shows (Frozen Singalong in HS, the bird show in AK). Mariachi Cobre and Jammitors are performing in Epcot as are Voices of Liberty. Parades have been replaced by Character Cavalcades which are at random, unscheduled times and last only a few minutes.

Fireworks: There are no nighttime shows. Most parks close too early for fireworks. No announcements as to when they will return.

Festivals: The Flower and Garden Festival is currently going on in Epcot and runs thru early June. No word on Food & Wine for the fall but I would expect something since they offered a Taste of Food and Wine in 2020.

You really need to check the Disney website for hotels and restaurants. There are too many to list and projected opening dates are often changed with little fanfare.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

For instance, dining at AKL? Only thing open is Sanaa. No Jiko, no Boma.

 

[GinaLuvsWDW]

For instance, dining at AKL? Only thing open is Sanaa. No Jiko, no Boma.

Yes, but I always make a point of going to AKL just to have a drink and watch the animals. So even if the restaurants aren’t open. And if the Mara is open they have a salad I love and of course zebra domes.!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Yes, but I always make a point of going to AKL just to have a drink and watch the animals. So even if the restaurants aren’t open. And if the Mara is open they have a salad I love and of course zebra domes.!

Just FYI, The Mara has only been open for breakfast hours only.

 

[GinaLuvsWDW]

Just FYI, The Mara has only been open for breakfast hours only.

Yes I wasn’t sure what the status was. Even the value resorts have limited menus, more limited than normal lol.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Yes, but I always make a point of going to AKL just to have a drink and watch the animals. So even if the restaurants aren’t open. And if the Mara is open they have a salad I love and of course zebra domes.!

The only bar open is Sanaa. As a non hotel guest you cannot go to the pool bar.

Mara is closed save grab go brekkie.

 

[yaksack]

Why can't you go to the pool bar?