Resort Hopping, which ones?

[Zhoen]

So I've heard a bit about "resort hopping" (*NOT* pool hopping, put down your knives!!!) on a non-park day and I'm interested. We have a non-park day in June where we will be going to the Floridian for a spa appointment at 2pm, done around 3pm, then wanting to end up at the Boardwalk around 7pm. We don't mind going on buses or walking, so we're not married to the monorail if there's something worth a look.

With those parameters, which resorts would you guys say are worth a look, and if we don't want food from the boardwalk, is there a family-friendly/autism-friendly (so rule out all signature and fancy) restaurant at one of the resorts you would recommend for dinner? And meanwhile, where are the worthwhile snacks an booze? (I'm thinking I'll need a maitai at the Poly by that point in the trip...)

Oh, and I guess I should mention we have a reservation we have a reservation at FW, so that's not one that needs to be on the tour that day...

 

[Robo]

Beaches and Cream restaurant, Beach Club

See:
Grand Floridian
Contemporary
Wilderness Lodge
Animal Kingdom Lodge

 

[mawatcha]

I love walking through The Polynesian and Contemporary. Sure, they are on the monorail loop but lots of small details to see in both.

 

[Nancyg56]

So I've heard a bit about "resort hopping" (*NOT* pool hopping, put down your knives!!!) on a non-park day and I'm interested. We have a non-park day in June where we will be going to the Floridian for a spa appointment at 2pm, done around 3pm, then wanting to end up at the Boardwalk around 7pm. We don't mind going on buses or walking, so we're not married to the monorail if there's something worth a look.

With those parameters, which resorts would you guys say are worth a look, and if we don't want food from the boardwalk, is there a family-friendly/autism-friendly (so rule out all signature and fancy) restaurant at one of the resorts you would recommend for dinner? And meanwhile, where are the worthwhile snacks an booze? (I'm thinking I'll need a maitai at the Poly by that point in the trip...)

Oh, and I guess I should mention we have a reservation we have a reservation at FW, so that's not one that needs to be on the tour that day...

I would start early and tour the Grand before the appointment. You dont want to rush your spa time, but if you dont make sure to go to the lobby after your appointment. The Grand Pianist begins about 3 PM, and he is such a treat. The lobby is beautiful as are the grounds. I usually Bring a cocktail into the lobby from one of the outdoor pool bars and relax on an easy chair.

You could then head to the Poly and wander there. I like the Tambu lounge for a glass of wine. The grounds are gorgeous, and the lobby is pretty.

The CR is worth a visit as well. To be honest, if you are exploring all the monorail resorts you may need to stop there, but if you have time, take the boat to the Wilderness Lodge. I honestly would visit there before checking out the Contemporary.

Each one of the monorail resorts has a CS restaurant that you could have a meal at, but if you want TS, I think that the Grand Floridian Cafe at the Grand would be nice, The Wave at the CR, or maybe Kona at the Poly.

I need to tell you that in Disney, all of the restaurants are family friendly, and that means your familiy as well. If your family member has a specific sensitivity there may be some you want to avoid, but avoid them because they do not work for you.

 

[loves to dive]

I agree on doing the monorail loop, but since you are doing FW later just skip WL and I agree get to GF earlier than your appointment and check it out. I would start at the GF, monorail over to CR then on to Poly, take the boat over to MK and bus to YC/BC. Walk through there or if you are eating at Beaches and Cream, bus to BW and tour the Inn and walk around the BW. The Acbracadabar is a great place to grab a refreshing adult beverage and isn't loud and over the top.

 

[FastPasser]

.

 

[PlainJane]

So I've heard a bit about "resort hopping" (*NOT* pool hopping, put down your knives!!!) on a non-park day and I'm interested. We have a non-park day in June where we will be going to the Floridian for a spa appointment at 2pm, done around 3pm, then wanting to end up at the Boardwalk around 7pm. We don't mind going on buses or walking, so we're not married to the monorail if there's something worth a look.

With those parameters, which resorts would you guys say are worth a look, and if we don't want food from the boardwalk, is there a family-friendly/autism-friendly (so rule out all signature and fancy) restaurant at one of the resorts you would recommend for dinner? And meanwhile, where are the worthwhile snacks an booze? (I'm thinking I'll need a maitai at the Poly by that point in the trip...)

Oh, and I guess I should mention we have a reservation we have a reservation at FW, so that's not one that needs to be on the tour that day...

I would probably do something like this....

1. Start at the Poly.
2. Walk to GF.
3. Boat or monorail to MK from GF and catch the boat to WL.
4. Boat back to MK and catch a bus to the BW area resorts. Explore BW, YC, and BC. All three of these resorts are more interesting from the outside facing the lake, but definitely take a peak inside if you want to.

The only resort that wouldn't account for that I think is worth a visit is AKL. It's definitely out of the way though, and I don't know if it's worth it. Might tip the scales to too much running around to be fun.

Beaches and Cream at the BC is a family friendly restaurant, but it can be loud, I don't know if that would be an issue. The disABILITIES board might be helpful in providing suggestions.

P.S. I enjoyed your aside about pool hopping.