Resort Hopping Must Dos

[MarBee]

We are spending an afternoon/evening resort hopping. We have the GF for the Easter egg display on our list. What else is on your “must do” list when resort hopping? (No park tickets)

 

[RedHead0186]

Sit on the Poly beach and watch the MK fireworks (they even pipe the music in).

Get dole whip from Pineapple Lanai.

 

[emilyann704]

I love to eat and drink as part of my exploring. Visiting a new-to-me lounge/bar (or revisiting an old favorite) and grabbing a bite at each resort is a must.

 

[OKW Lover]

Be sure to visit Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge when resort hopping. The lobbies in these two are breathtaking. AKL also has the bonus of being able to see wildlife on the Savannahs.

 

[bnf0522]

Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach at the Poly or the Grand!

 

[tinabina919]

There’s the ranch to visit at Fort Wilderness

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

Be sure to visit Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge when resort hopping. The lobbies in these two are breathtaking. AKL also has the bonus of being able to see wildlife on the Savannahs.

I am planning for resort hopping with a kid in summer. I am debating whether I should take the little one to Animal Kingdom park or the Animal Kingdom Lodge for a couple hours. Would you recommend taking the bus or driving? Would I be able to park there?
Any recommended activity at either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge?

 

[OKW Lover]

Would you recommend taking the bus or driving? Would I be able to park there?

I'd suggest taking the bus since you may not be allowed to park at these two resorts. It's up to the guard as to if you'll be let in and they are notoriously inconsistent in that regard.

Any recommended activity at either Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge?

The most obvious thing at AKL is to see the animals out on the Savannah's. There are several spots where you can do that. In addition, you should spend some time looking at the decor of the lobby and how it helps "transport you to Africa" visually.

At WL, again the lobby is a real treat. The large fireplace at the back left (as you enter) is made of many layers of "rock" with the oldest layer on the bottom and the newest on the top. There are displays telling you what era the fossils are, if you take the elevator to the upper floors. Also, notice the bundled timber columns that have animals carved on their top. The shorter ones have animals that are found on the floor of the forrest while the higher ones are animals that are found at higher elevations in the forest. There are two large totem poles in the lobby and a plaque near each of them explains the story that they tell. You should also hit the lobby of the DVC building to see the Golden Spike room which is dedicated to Walt's love of model railroads. Oh yes, and don't for get to wander down to the shore to catch the geyser going off on the hour.

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

I'd suggest taking the bus since you may not be allowed to park at these two resorts. It's up to the guard as to if you'll be let in and they are notoriously inconsistent in that regard.

The most obvious thing at AKL is to see the animals out on the Savannah's. There are several spots where you can do that. In addition, you should spend some time looking at the decor of the lobby and how it helps "transport you to Africa" visually.

At WL, again the lobby is a real treat. The large fireplace at the back left (as you enter) is made of many layers of "rock" with the oldest layer on the bottom and the newest on the top. There are displays telling you what era the fossils are, if you take the elevator to the upper floors. Also, notice the bundled timber columns that have animals carved on their top. The shorter ones have animals that are found on the floor of the forrest while the higher ones are animals that are found at higher elevations in the forest. There are two large totem poles in the lobby and a plaque near each of them explains the story that they tell. You should also hit the lobby of the DVC building to see the Golden Spike room which is dedicated to Walt's love of model railroads. Oh yes, and don't for get to wander down to the shore to catch the geyser going off on the hour.

Thank you for the “tour”! I am looking forward to visiting both!

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

Watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the beach at the Poly or the Grand!

Plan on being on the beach at POLY for a Fireworks night. They even have the MK music for them on speaker! An added pleasure: you can get a Dole Whip beforehand at the Poly.

ALSO, go to POR on an evening of Yehaa BOB.

 

[PlutoNotPlanet]

Plan on being on the beach at POLY for a Fireworks night. They even have the MK music for them on speaker! An added pleasure: you can get a Dole Whip beforehand at the Poly.

ALSO, go to POR on an evening of Yehaa BOB.

Good to know Poly has MK music. Who are eligible to go? I won’t be staying at Poly in the next few trips

 

[RedHead0186]

Good to know Poly has MK music. Who are eligible to go? I won’t be staying at Poly in the next few trips

Anyone can go sit on the beach. It's restricted to Poly guests on on 4th of July and maybe Christmas. But I've definitely gone over there when I'm not a Poly guest and just grabbed a spot.

 

[WEDWDW]

Look for Resort Hidden Mickeys!

Also check out the Shadow Boxes at Pop Century-the most unique thing at any WDW Resort IMO.

 

[MarBee]

One thing I will add to do is to go to the Boardwalk as well. It looks like they have entertainment back again (magic shows, bands, etc). It went away during Covid and I’m not sure when it came back, but in 2019 it was one of the highlights of our trip.