Resort Only Stay - Entertainment Ideas?

[EricLaurie]

DH & I are doing a kids free resort only stay for 3 nights in July. This will be a fun trip for us - been a long time since we've been there without the kids. We'll be doing some resort hopping during the day to see the resorts that we've always wanted to see, spending afternoons at the pool and doing some nice dinners.

We're looking for some fun options of things to do at the resorts for our night time entertainment. We're thinking of Yee-Ha Bob one night (DH likes him) and maybe Jellyrolls for another night. We're not really bar people, so if it involves a bar there needs to be a show to watch or something to do there. Any recommendations of things we do at the resorts or Disney Springs that might be fun?

 

[Marthasor]

If you don't mind spending some extra money, I would consider seeing Drawn to Life at DS or Hoop Dee Doo Revue at Ft. W. You could also have dinner at Raglan Road and watch the dancing.

 

[JFDIS]

Winch resort are you staying at?

 

[EricLaurie]

Port Orleans Riverside

 

[EricLaurie]

If you don't mind spending some extra money, I would consider seeing Drawn to Life at DS or Hoop Dee Doo Revue at Ft. W. You could also have dinner at Raglan Road and watch the dancing.

I hadn’t heard of Drawn to Life before. We haven’t been to a Cirque du Soleil show before. It sounds interesting! Thanks for that one.

We’ve seen the other 2 shows before, but they would be fun to see again!

 

[jasonsk287]

Hi all, just jumping in with a related question on resort hopping. I’ll be staying at the Poly at the end of the month and was hoping to take the monorail to visit Grand Floridian and Contemporary to check out the shops, etc. I’m reading recent reports that you need a dining reservation to visit a resort you’re not staying at. Is this still the case? Thank you!

 

[k5xs]

Hi all, just jumping in with a related question on resort hopping. I’ll be staying at the Poly at the end of the month and was hoping to take the monorail to visit Grand Floridian and Contemporary to check out the shops, etc. I’m reading recent reports that you need a dining reservation to visit a resort you’re not staying at. Is this still the case? Thank you!

You will have no problem visiting other resorts on the monorail (no one checks where you are staying to board or de-board the monorail).

The issues reported regard driving a car and wanting to park at a resort for other than a dining reservation.

 

[jasonsk287]

You will have no problem visiting other resorts on the monorail (no one checks where you are staying to board or de-board the monorail).

The issues reported regard driving a car and wanting to park at a resort for other than a dining reservation.

Thank you very much!! I’ve always been a huge fan of the CR and have never visited GF so was hoping to visit each one!

 

[_19disnA]

The parking issue relates to people who try to 'game' the parking fees by parking for free at a Disney hotel and then walking to someplace like MK or Epcot/HS. I am sure the guards hear all sorts of creative excuses people invent to try and get away with that. Arriving by monorail or Disney bus there isn't anyone verifying where you are staying and certainly no one is going to ask where you are going.

 

[jasonsk287]

The parking issue relates to people who try to 'game' the parking fees by parking for free at a Disney hotel and then walking to someplace like MK or Epcot/HS. I am sure the guards hear all sorts of creative excuses people invent to try and get away with that. Arriving by monorail or Disney bus there isn't anyone verifying where you are staying and certainly no one is going to ask where you are going.

That definitely makes sense.

 

[k5xs]

Thank you very much!! I’ve always been a huge fan of the CR and have never visited GF so was hoping to visit each one!

We are huge CR fans as well, though our enthusiasm has been diminished by the (tacky, in our view) Incredibles theming that’s been laid on it.

We rode the monorail through the CR yesterday, and the Incredibles graphics in the hallways on every floor are SO inconsistent with the beautiful and timeless Mary Blair murals. Such a shame.

 

[jasonsk287]

We are huge CR fans as well, though our enthusiasm has been diminished by the (tacky, in our view) Incredibles theming that’s been laid on it.

We rode the monorail through the CR yesterday, and the Incredibles graphics in the hallways on every floor are SO inconsistent with the beautiful and timeless Mary Blair murals. Such a shame.

I actually didn't know about the Incredibles theming change at the CR - I last visited the CR back in 2010 which from what I remember was before the change. It's disappointing to hear that, because as you mention- the resort has a timeless feel to it without those extra graphics. Being at the Polynesian (for the first time) which is only a short monorail ride away, I'll go over and check it out. The appeal of the monorail entering the building will never get old to me

 

[k5xs]

I actually didn't know about the Incredibles theming change at the CR - I last visited the CR back in 2010 which from what I remember was before the change. It's disappointing to hear that, because as you mention- the resort has a timeless feel to it without those extra graphics. Being at the Polynesian (for the first time) which is only a short monorail ride away, I'll go over and check it out. The appeal of the monorail entering the building will never get old to me

I agree. The monorail entering and exiting the Contemporary is still exciting every time I see it.

And I hate to appear hypercritical, but that timeless look was far greater than deserving to be branded with a cartoon family. Do an internet search on “Incredibles theming contemporary resort” and you can find photos of the rooms: the closets have large decals on their back panels, and the furniture fabrics have Incredibles characters on them. The walls in the hallways are populated exclusively with Incredibles art, and big appliqués.

The good news is the lobby was left unscathed with its remodeling.

I for the life of me don’t know why they didn’t redecorate a few rooms as the pirate rooms were done at Caribbean Beach.

This isn’t what Walt would have done. The Contemporary was supposed to be elegantly futuristic forever. If I want cartoon theming I can stay at Pop Century or Art Animation (as we sometimes do).

 

[GADisneyDad14]

CR has always sort of been a mish-mash of things that don't necessarily make sense together, IMO.

I am a CR fan and was very skeptical of the IP infusion when announced. Having now stayed a few times - I could do without the over the top (my opinion) character things in the closets, drawers, some of the wall cover... but overall I like the rooms (and let's be honest, they were in need of a makeover). The bathrooms are arguably some of the nicest, if not the nicest, on property now (in my opinion).

The first floor lobby was nicely re-done with a modern retro vibe. I wish they'd do the same/similar for the 4th floor too (which to me is now feeling particularly tired/outdated) but alas at this point I'm assuming that's not in the plans.

Anyway, a little OT for the original question of the thread I guess.

 

[Stormalong Smiths]

If you don't mind spending some extra money, I would consider seeing Drawn to Life at DS or Hoop Dee Doo Revue at Ft. W. You could also have dinner at Raglan Road and watch the dancing.

We saw Drawn to Life in November and highly recommend!

You also might enjoy a snack/drink at Geyser Point at WL. Relaxing outdoor atmosphere and it’s fun to walk around the resort and watch the geyser erupt on the hour.

 

[Shellyred8]

Mini golf at one of the two Disney mini-golf courses is almost always on our agenda.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I can't speak for adult only trips to disney as that's not ever happened...yet, but if you're going to be at POR, I would definitely consider taking the boat to DS for your dinners/evening entertainment. It's so easy and relaxing. There are a number of great places to eat but our favorite at DS is Winebar George. The food and service is always top notch. We are not wine drinkers but the food here is always incredible. Other good places at DS for a nice meal are the Boathouse, Homecomin and Enzo's Hideaway is fun place for a drink.

 

[need2travel]

Since you're at POR why not take a walk up to POFQ one night & catch the Jazz group at Scat Cat's Club. We saw them last month (DH loves jazz) & they were really good! Nice quiet, laid back atmosphere too.

 

[EricLaurie]

Mini golf at one of the two Disney mini-golf courses is almost always on our agenda.

Good idea! I forgot about those

 

[EricLaurie]

Since you're at POR why not take a walk up to POFQ one night & catch the Jazz group at Scat Cat's Club. We saw them last month (DH loves jazz) & they were really good! Nice quiet, laid back atmosphere too.

Another great idea - DH loves jazz, too. The beignets wouldn’t hurt either! You all are coming up with some great ideas. Thank you!