Non-Disney Resort Hopping

[RivShore]

There's always lots of discussion around hopping to various Disney resorts for a meal, shopping, or just exploring but what about the non-Disney resorts on property like Bonnett Creek and Swan/Dolphin? Will the guard let you in if you just want to explore?

 

[tobikaye]

Swan/Dolphin does not have a guard, but they do not have free parking for visitors. The self parking lot has gates or there is valet. I know when I went to Il Mulino that they did give us a comp ticket for valet after our meal. I do not know anything about Bonnet Creek resorts.

 

[Marionnette]

There's always lots of discussion around hopping to various Disney resorts for a meal, shopping, or just exploring but what about the non-Disney resorts on property like Bonnett Creek and Swan/Dolphin? Will the guard let you in if you just want to explore?

I don't know about Bonnet Creek, but S/D has a paid parking lot for visitors (parking is validated if you dine at certain locations).

 

[RivShore]

I don't know about Bonnet Creek, but S/D has a paid parking lot for visitors (parking is validated if you dine at certain locations).

And this may be why after many many visits we never went to them...

Thanks!

 

[Lisa P.]

The Bonnet Creek resort area includes:

• The Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
• The Waldorf Astoria Orlando Bonnet Creek
• The JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek
• The Wyndham Grande Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
• Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek (vacation club)

The vacation club (timeshare) does not allow day visitors. The 4 hotels all have restaurants which are open to the public, as well as the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, I believe. However, the hotels do charge for parking and I'm not sure if this is waived with a table service restaurant meal (or round of golf) or not. My guess is that it would be. Of all of these resorts, only the Signia by Hilton and Waldorf Astoria are on the list of participating hotels for Early Theme Park Entry.

If you decide to try to visit them and park at one, the others are all within easy walking distance, with the JW Marriott being a bit further from the rest, back toward I-4. There's more info about these hotels on an Endless Summer article comparing them all. HTH.

 

[Lisa P.]

We have walked over to Swan/Dolphin from other Crescent Lake resorts and enjoyed the restaurants on several occasions. Use Disney transportation and you can avoid the parking issue. The shared resort pool area looks inviting - very pretty. Worth a visit to browse in the evening, IMO.

 

[GoofyDad_4427]

The 4 hotels all have restaurants which are open to the public, as well as the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, I believe. However, the hotels do charge for parking and I'm not sure if this is waived with a table service restaurant meal (or round of golf) or not. My guess is that it would be.

I've played golf at the WA many times and never paid for parking.

 

[Lisa P.]

Ah yes, the Waldorf charges for valet parking only, not self-parking. So perhaps that's the best place to park to visit the area hotels? Did they ask if you had a scheduled tee time or just wave you in?

 

[Upatnoon]

If you want to visit Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek and look around you can go to the Wyndham Grand hotel, which is part of the same complex. The Wyndham Grand has restaurants open to all. You may have to pay for parking.

If you want to visit the Swan/Dolphin I would just park at Disney Springs and take the bus over. The Boardwalk area is nice to walk around. You can take the Beach Club or Boardwalk Bus as well.

You can take the Skyliner from near the back entrance of Epcot to visit some other Disney resorts. You can get back to your car at Disney Springs from any Disney resort via bus.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Major expansion convention construction at Hilton Signia / WA complex .
Do not go !

 

[GoofyDad_4427]

Ah yes, the Waldorf charges for valet parking only, not self-parking. So perhaps that's the best place to park to visit the area hotels? Did they ask if you had a scheduled tee time or just wave you in?

I just pulled out in front of the golf pro shop and a valet came and parked the car. I always tip, but have never been charged a parking fee.