Resort to rest at, while not staying

[DWeav]

So we are going to Disney World in June. My wife, my 6 year old daughter and 1 year old son. Did I hear right that you can visit resorts without actually staying on site?

We stayed at Pop Century a couple years ago, so I'm familiar with the transit and such.

If we wanted to take an afternoon break, where would be a good place to go and relax with a 1 year old? Thanks in advance!

 

[Arielfan98]

What are your plans for that day? Will you be visiting a park or solely visiting a resort for the whole day?

 

[buzznina]

Yes you can resort hop. I would say AKL would be a nice place, you can grab some seats on one of their animal viewing balconies etc.

 

[megs1313]

we like to rest at AKL if we're not staying there, just to enjoy it.

 

[DWeav]

Sorry, yes...we are visiting parks each day. It would be to get a little downtime in during the day because of the little one. Visiting all 4 parks on different days. 3 days at each park except for just 1 at Animal Kingdom.

 

[OhThePain]

On EC or DHS days, you can take a boat or walk to the Boardwalk. Its nice to walk around, lots of places to sit and relax or people-watch. Great both during the day and at night. Grab a bite from the Boardwalk Bakery or have a meal at one of the restaurants at either BWI, YC, BC or S&D. There are entertainers on the Boardwalk at night.

 

[Arielfan98]

Personally I would try different resorts then and go based on the park you're at. For example, for MK I'd give The Polynesian a try. For AK, I'd go with AKL.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Personally I would try different resorts then and go based on the park you're at. For example, for MK I'd give The Polynesian a try. For AK, I'd go with AKL.

I agree. On your MK days, I would do CR, GF and WL (Poly is a little too chaotic IMHO). On your EP and DHS days, you can try BWI, BC and YC (maybe check out the Dolphin as well as they just renovated. The Swan lobby is a bit small). On your AK day, check out AKL (it's gorgeous and there are lots of quiet spots)

 

[DWeav]

So at AKL, one of the balconies seems like great spots. Looks like balconies for all guests on each floor, right?

At the other resorts, where in particular at each resort is a nice quiet spot?

 

[loves to dive]

I'm more familiar with the Epcot resorts but I'll give it a try for the others as well.

GF - There are benches located all throughout the grounds outside and the lobby is real nice.
Poly - the lobby isn't bad and there is seating at the QS location.
CR - can't help you there, I'm not fond of the resort and try to spend as little time there as I can.
WL - Again the lobby has a lot of little seating areas, there is a nice little outside lounge/QS/Bar that look over the lake
BW - There are plenty of seating areas around the Boardwalk, there are a couple of really nice little outside seating areas under porches throughout.
BC - Plenty of benches outside and the lobby area is cute.
YC - Again benches outside and there is a great solarium near the gift shop.
Swan/Dolphin - their entire pool area is open to anyone and there is a great outdoor bar/restaurant for relaxing at Dolphin. The lobby area at Dolphin has plenty of places to sit and there are lots of little hidey holes near the lobby at the Swan.
POR - there are cut little gazebos located all throughout the mansion side of the resort, not sure about the other side.
CSR - Again lots of benches around the lake and in the little courtyards of each section.
CBR - beaches with hammocks and benches around the lake.
The lobbies in the moderates and values aren't really quiet enough to sit around and relax in but all the grounds have benches throughout.

 

[DWeav]

Thanks "loves to dive". You are awesome, you all are awesome!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I'm more familiar with the Epcot resorts but I'll give it a try for the others as well.

GF - There are benches located all throughout the grounds outside and the lobby is real nice.
Poly - the lobby isn't bad and there is seating at the QS location.
CR - can't help you there, I'm not fond of the resort and try to spend as little time there as I can.
WL - Again the lobby has a lot of little seating areas, there is a nice little outside lounge/QS/Bar that look over the lake
BW - There are plenty of seating areas around the Boardwalk, there are a couple of really nice little outside seating areas under porches throughout.
BC - Plenty of benches outside and the lobby area is cute.
YC - Again benches outside and there is a great solarium near the gift shop.
Swan/Dolphin - their entire pool area is open to anyone and there is a great outdoor bar/restaurant for relaxing at Dolphin. The lobby area at Dolphin has plenty of places to sit and there are lots of little hidey holes near the lobby at the Swan.
POR - there are cut little gazebos located all throughout the mansion side of the resort, not sure about the other side.
CSR - Again lots of benches around the lake and in the little courtyards of each section.
CBR - beaches with hammocks and benches around the lake.
The lobbies in the moderates and values aren't really quiet enough to sit around and relax in but all the grounds have benches throughout.

What a great list! I'll add a few! At CR, go to the second floor. It's where the ballrooms and convention rooms are and it's typically empty and very quiet. At WL, there is a gorgeous fireplace with rocking chairs and a lot of seating. If it seems loud in there, you can walk next door to Boulder Ridge. They have two lovely, small seating areas over there and some of Walt Disney's original Carrollwood, backyard trains! If it isn't raining, you could also boat over to Ft. W and rock on the porch over there. There is also a playground and the WDW stables near the boat dock.

 

[Wild4Walt]

We're fans of Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge to just sit and relax. Both have that homie feel and the AKL also offers viewing of the animals. I think both still offer story time as well.