Resort Bar Hopping?

[emilyann704]

Apologies if this is common knowledge - I'm usually good at finding the information out on my own but with Covid protocols I'm seeing some mixed information.

I'm staying solo at Port Orleans French Quarter for a weekend in January 2022 and am just looking for some unique places to eat and/or drink that don't require a reservation. If I want to get out of the parks and check out a different resort am I able to do so without booking it in advance? i.e., if I show up without a reservation to the Tiki Bar at Polynesian will they turn me away since I'm not staying there?

If I must I can make a reservation but one of the perks of being a solo traveler is I can play my day by ear. I'd prefer to just have a running list of options in my head that I can drink or eat at and go if and when I feel like it.

Thanks!

 

[loves to dive]

I don't know about the Tiki Bar but most (if not all) of the bars in the resorts will allow you to go there even if you are not a guest. Now whether they will have a seat available is another question but that has always been an issue. If you are taking Disney transportation, you should have no problems. There have been reports of some people being turned away at the gate at some resorts when driving unless they have an ADR for a meal. I think that is an issue mostly at the MK resorts as people try to park at those resorts and go to MK all day.

 

[Nabas]

If you are taking a bus, you don't need a reservation to get to any hotel. But if you are driving, the hotels I mention below are pretty strict about parking since they are located near theme parks.

The Tiki Bar does not accept reservations. It's probably the most crowded hotel bar.

Since you wrote "If I want to get out of the parks and check out a different resort...", I'll assume you are at a theme park and then want to check some hotels from there.

If you are at the Magic Kingdom, the obvious choice is what's commonly called the "Monorail Crawl." All three Monorail Resorts (GF, Poly, Contemporary) have bars, and using the Monorail makes it easy to get around. As for dining, I suggest just do one of the food courts if you don't want to make a reservation.

If you are at DHS or Epcot, the best area to suggest is Crescent Lake. This has the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Dolphin, Swan, and Boardwalk all within walking distance of each other. The Boardwalk in particular has some drinking establishments and dining options that don't require a reservation (Boardwalk Bakery, Pizza Window, and Big River Grill). From Epcot, you simply walk out the back exit (called the International Gateway) and you are at Crescent Lake. From DHS, you can walk (perhaps 10-15 minutes), take the boat, or take the Skyliner.

 

[emilyann704]

Thank you both very much, this is what I was looking for. Like I said, I can definitely always make a reservation but I enjoy playing it by ear.

I won't have a car and would approach any other resort via bus so it sounds like I shouldn't have a problem checking out other resorts. Thanks again!

 

[Tigger's ally]

From MK, don't overlook the option of taking a boat to WL and hitting Territory Lounge as well as Geyser Pt.

 

[Sunshine11]

Have you considered Disney Springs? A boat ride from FQ, there. are lots of great bars/restaurants to check out.

 

[DSLRuser]

go where ever you want. just take a Disney bus or boat and you can do what ever you like with no reservations.