Resort Reconnaissance

[Bigeagle]

I have a business trip to Orlando in two weeks and would like to do a little WDW reconnaissance for my next visit with the family. I’d like to visit one of the resorts for a short, self-guided tour, but I recall security gates at other resorts (a good thing) that restrict access. Is it possible to drive into a resort for this kind of visit, or do I have to stow-away on a DTS bus from, say, Downtown Disney to have a wide-eyed visit?

It’s not that important that I inspect this resort—my family has no special needs and I’m sure that, should we were to stay there in the future, it will not disappoint us. As the trip planner for my family, I’d just like to take advantage of this opportunity to check things out and know a little more before we arrive. A little dose of WDW is never a bad thing, either!

I'm considering calling the resort and asking permission to visit, but is that really necessary?

Any other thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Sandi]

You might have more problems at the MK or Epcot resorts just because some people will claim to be going to the one of those hotels for a meal or to shop and they actually park there to go to the MK or Epcot. My understanding is that the security folks will give people a three hour parking pass for their meal/shopping. We've parked at Contemporary, Poly, and Beach Club for dinners and security has never given us a pass; they just told us where to park.

I would think that if you explain to the security guard that you want to do some shopping and check out the resort, they'll allow you in for that purpose. You will need to show picture ID to be allowed through.

 

[septbaby]

I think if you actually have a meal there you get 3hr pass that would be plenty of time to tour a couple of resorts using Disney transportation.

What resorts are you considering? If its Deluxe on the Monorail you can definitely see all 3 in 3hrs. If its Value All Stars same thing. If it the Mods they are more spread out and you'll need to drive from one to the other.

 

[Disney_Dani]

I've never had a problem driving into a resort just to visit for awhile. We've went to several resorts just to check them out, and even to eat at the food courts. They might give you a 3 hr pass at a monorail resort, but they'll still let you go in and visit. Just say you're eating at one of the restaurants - you don't have to have an ADR to prove that you plan on eating there. I wouldn't worry about it at all. Have fun exploring!!

 

[disnut8]

You'll be given a three hour parking pass which will give you more than enough time for an in depth visit. You will have to stop at the security guard and tell the guard why you want to park there. What resort are you thinking about? If we knew that, we can tell you how easy or difficult it will be to park there.

 

[Bigeagle]

Thanks for your suggestions--it sounds like this won't be difficult at all.

I'm hoping to visit Port Orleans-Riverside (1st priority). If itime permits, I might check out another Moderate Resort.

 

[Bigeagle]

Thanks to those who offered their advice. I've just returned from my trip and was able to visit several of the resorts during my free toime to check them out.

Security did ask to see a picture ID--I'm glad they do ask--but the guards were very friendlly and welcoming. Some even suggested places within their resort that I should visit. One of the Cast Members at the hotel desk even indicated that if her hotel had not been fully occupied, she would let me look at one of the rooms--WOW!

Overall, I had a great time and learned several things that will help us next time we head to WDW.