Touring Disney Resorts

[Joey128]

We are going to Disney, but I don't think we are staying at a Disney resort as a friend has a time share that we can use, however; we would love to take a tour of all the Disney resorts since we have heard so many wonderful things about all of them! I've heard there is nothing like staying 'on Disney'. It would be fun to tour the different resorts on a 'down day' so that when we go back one day, we may have an idea which resort we'd like to maybe stay at. My question is this: Can you tour the resorts and maybe join in activities (like renting bikes or doing the sing-a-long at FW) if you are not a "resort guest" and you are just a 'day guest' staying off site? I realize there would be some fees associated with any activities.

I don't know if you need some type of Disney ID or something to enable you to go onto these properties to see the Christmas decorations and whatever else we can see or do. I would think they'd allow 'day guest' to visit different resorts for exactly the same reason we'd like to, and that would be to entice them to book there during their next trip. Does anyone know?

Thanks for any help with this.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

On our down day we went to the boardwalk, beach & yacht club, and just walked about and enjoyed the scenary. We did not stay on sight. I would think you could still do bikes and water stuff at the resorts as long as it's not pool and what not. As far as Campfire and movies, I'm not sure, but I would suggest posting on the resort thread!! Good luck and have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[LittleMissMagic]

Definitely. That sounds like a great idea.

You can rent surrey bikes at the Boardwalk. You can go for a carriage ride at Port Orleans. Or maybe rent watercraft at GF/Contemporary/Boardwalk. Then you can participate in the campfire at Fort Wilderness for free (well, Marshmallow roasting kits cost $10, sticks $3 - if you plan on doing this, I suggest bringing your own).

 

[Joey128]

Thanks for your responses. I'm new to these boards and I didn't even realize that there was a resort venue. Thank you.

 

[SmallWorld71]

We usually stay on site, but we love to visit the other resorts! With the exception of the pools (which are for the resort guests) visitors are welcome. The deluxe resorts are especially beautiful. We love to have dinner at a couple on each trip and explore the resort. As PP's mentioned, I would post this question on the resort boards as well.

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[Joey128]

Thank you SmallWorld. That is what we wanted to do. I figured you couldn't use the pools, and since we're going in December, I guess I won't be too jealous!

I just always thought it would be so nice to see them all and I think it would make for a leisurely thing to do on a non-touring day.

 

[SmallWorld71]

You're welcome. I've never been in December, but I know that they do decorate for Christmas so it should be a great time to visit resorts. I believe it is the Grand Floridian that has a giant gingerbread house; not sure what other resorts have but I'm sure they look nice.