Resort Hopping

[DiannaVM]

So, I am trying to put a comprehensive (subject to change) plan for out October trip so everyone has an idea of what the schedule will be like, because my sister and I are very strict about how to go about things lol. Anyway, on our arrival date, which would be October 31st, we were planning on doing a bit of resort hopping (mostly the deluxe resorts since we have never been in them) before heading to Disney Springs for the evening.

I do know that if you are not staying at the resorts you are limited to only being able to shop at the gift shops and eat at the restaurants (with an ADR), and obviously certain areas are restricted to that hotel's guests only (like pools). What would be the best way to go about this? Is it worth our time? My DH and I had a look around GF while waiting for our dining reservation last year, but we limited ourselves to the lobby and the courtyard right outside by the GF Cafe (which is where we were eating). I was scared of getting shooed because I was somewhere I wasn't supposed to lol.

Also, we've heard that at some of the resorts on Halloween night there are characters dressed up in costume. Would we as visitors be able to at least see them or are they in the guest only areas?

 

[GrandCalifornian]

We love touring the resorts. The pools are the only area restricted to resort guests, and you can have a great time exploring. We use Disney transportation, and while you can't generally go directly from resort to resort on a bus, you can connect outside a park and get wherever you want to go. We also tour the monorail loop, getting off at each resort. Then there are also boats between CR, Fort Wilderness, and the Wilderness Lodge that are fun and allow you to check out beautiful Bay Lake. It is all open to you, so go explore!

You really don't need to fear being somewhere you shouldn't be. The pools are the exception, not the rule, and they are clearly marked as being for resort guests only and are fenced. It is all part of the fun at Disney.

 

[figment_jii]

I've also done plenty of resort touring and it can be a lot of fun. As the PP said, you can't go into the pools or any of the areas that require a room key (e.g., the exercise rooms), but other than that you can pretty much explore the resort as much as you want. For the most part, the most interesting things are in the main lobby area, but you are free to wander the grounds.

 

[lala5176]

I agree with PP that only the pool and keyed entry areas are off limits. We love visiting the resorts we haven't been to yet and also returning to the ones we love. Love Basin White in GF, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Poly, Gift shop at Contemporary, Beaches and Cream at YC/BC etc.......

 

[disneypolybride2008]

if you get there early enough, rent a watercraft! the little 'mice' are fun to take out. As for Halloween day, last year we stayed 5 nights at GF and then switched to AoA.. the AoA party was great, the trick or treating went around the pool and dancing Goofy and Pluto were inside the pool area. We had called ahead of time (Oct 1) for the schedule of events at GF and asked if we were allowed to come over to the GF for their Halloween day fun. The CM from calling the resort directly, said no, it's only for guests staying there. However, this year we are going to stay somewhere either Poly (booked it already, yay, but once promos come out it may change), and we plan to hop around the monorail resorts too. If we end up back at the Yacht, we'll hop over to Boardwalk to check theirs out.

 

[loves to dive]

I always visit a different resort every trip, I just stand around the bus stops at whatever park I'm at, sort of mid-point in the bus stop area so I can see all the buses that enter the parking lot, and get in line for the first bus heading in. When I'm done exploring the resort, I hop back on the first park bus that comes along. I don't do it much with the deluxe resorts any more because I've stayed at all except WL and SS and I've visited both of them all ready. I always have PHs so it doesn't matter which park. Beware, the buses to DS are horrible so unless you have loads of time, I wouldn't bus to it. If you are staying at POFQ, POR, OKW or SS you can boat/walk to DS.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

We love to resort hop. We love to shop and eat in the Poly. We also love the Grand Floridian. No one will care if you are staying there or not. Enjoy!

 

[DiannaVM]

if you get there early enough, rent a watercraft! the little 'mice' are fun to take out. As for Halloween day, last year we stayed 5 nights at GF and then switched to AoA.. the AoA party was great, the trick or treating went around the pool and dancing Goofy and Pluto were inside the pool area. We had called ahead of time (Oct 1) for the schedule of events at GF and asked if we were allowed to come over to the GF for their Halloween day fun. The CM from calling the resort directly, said no, it's only for guests staying there. However, this year we are going to stay somewhere either Poly (booked it already, yay, but once promos come out it may change), and we plan to hop around the monorail resorts too. If we end up back at the Yacht, we'll hop over to Boardwalk to check theirs out.

I want to stay at the Poly sooo badly. Actually that is the main resort we want to hop to, since none of us have been there before. My sister also heard that last year Stitch was at the Poly dressed as Elvis, so since my DH is such a big Stitch fan, we are hoping he will be back so we can catch a glimpse of him. And getting a dole whip while we are it won't hurt

Oh and to the PP that spoke about DS. Yes, the buses to DS take too many stops -_- Thank you for the tip, if we go to any of those resorts, I will suggest taking the boat instead.

I see you talk about the party at AoA. We will probably stay at Pop for this trip, any idea what goes on there?

 

[disneypolybride2008]

I want to stay at the Poly sooo badly. Actually that is the main resort we want to hop to, since none of us have been there before. My sister also heard that last year Stitch was at the Poly dressed as Elvis, so since my DH is such a big Stitch fan, we are hoping he will be back so we can catch a glimpse of him. And getting a dole whip while we are it won't hurt

Oh and to the PP that spoke about DS. Yes, the buses to DS take too many stops -_- Thank you for the tip, if we go to any of those resorts, I will suggest taking the boat instead.

I see you talk about the party at AoA. We will probably stay at Pop for this trip, any idea what goes on there?

if you search Kenny the Pirate halloween day activities he uploads the resort halloween schedules. You can also call the resort Oct 1 to find out the schedule for that day. However, when i read and called, it just said "big blue pool party," and when i called to ask about trick or treating, they said no! I was bummed and planned on visiting the monorail resorts but once we checked in, there was a sign saying trick or treating! I was thrilled, and it turned out there were characters too! This year i want to be at a monorail resort for Halloween, I would LOVE to see Stitch dressed as Elvis!!! There needs to be a thread all about halloween DAY at the resorts so we can find all this info out. I loved going the week before halloween for my birthday, and last year they both happened in the same year so i got to finally see Halloween day at Disney, and now this year i'm having my birthday at home so that i can have another Halloween at Disney. I do wish Epcot did something, trick or treating at the countries would be awesome!

 

[LSLS]

As others have said, just no using the pool/exercise room. They encourage exploring. I really like seeing everything at the hotels. Plus, with the Deluxe hotels, you will either get some amazing things to see/do (thinking of watching the Savannah at Animal Kingdom Lodge), or you have easy access to multiple resorts once you get to one (ride the monorail to hit three resorts near MK, or walking around the Boardwalk/Beach Club/Yacht Club area). At any rate, I would definitely recommend. Go enjoy, and don't worry about being somewhere you shouldn't be. Those places you will need a room key to get into anyways.

 

[DJFan88]

You don't have to eat a big meal or anything there, either. You can have quick service, or maybe just visit the lounge for a drink and an appetizer.