Visiting different resorts?

[jasonsk287]

Hi all,

This is my first time posting a new topic, I've been lurking for a few months now but just signed up. Everyone here seems very knowledgeable so I figured I'd ask a question.

I'll be staying at POR from March 9-15. It's my first time staying onsite (but 4th time going to Disney) so I'm very excited. However, we are only going to be doing theme parks for 2 days since we have lots of other things we want to do in Central Florida. Of course, I'll be renting a car since I want to do traveling.

One of the things I'd like to do is visit some of the resorts I've never seen and am very interested in: AKL, AoA, Poly, etc just to look around and see what they look like. I'd very much prefer to drive to these resorts since I know resort-to-resort transportation would take forever. My question is: would I be allowed to drive into a resort's parking lot and park there? I know each resort has a gate with a security guard- would they let me in even though I'm not a guest at that particular resort? If so, would I need to show my resort ID? I just get nervous because my resort ID will say POR, so I'm not sure if I'd be rejected from the front entrances at other resorts. Thanks so much for your help in advance!!

 

[AliceIn]

Yes, you can drive up and let them know you are visiting to check out the resort. You are able to park for up to 3 hours. You can check out the beaches, eat in the restaurants, or just stroll around and view the grounds. The only thing you won't be able to do is swim in the pools.

Have fun! We loved going to visit the other resorts. It gave us some ideas for our next vacation.

 

[jasonsk287]

Thanks so much for the info! And yeah I did read the thread on here about pool-hopping ( I know it's forbidden) but it's great to know that I can visit the resorts. We are very interested in Animal Kingdom Lodge and the theming at Art of Animation. I was thinking of parking at the Contemporary (one of my favorites, we ate there three times) and hopping the monorail to the Poly and GF. But it's good to know we have 3 hours. I'm guessing you get a timed parking pass or something?

Again thank you so much!

 

[AliceIn]

Thanks so much for the info! And yeah I did read the thread on here about pool-hopping ( I know it's forbidden) but it's great to know that I can visit the resorts. We are very interested in Animal Kingdom Lodge and the theming at Art of Animation. I was thinking of parking at the Contemporary (one of my favorites, we ate there three times) and hopping the monorail to the Poly and GF. But it's good to know we have 3 hours. I'm guessing you get a timed parking pass or something?

Again thank you so much!

No parking pass, but it's possible to get towed if you are there during a busy time. We had dinner at O'Hana one night, and the Wave on another. We used valet parking, because we thought we'd be there longer than 3 hours. If you use valet, you don't have the 3 hour limit. I think it was $12 plus a tip.

 

[Sue M]

When we did this, we were asked for resort ID and photo ID. We were looking at possible resorts for a future stay. We ate lunch at one, and just walked around the other. There was no problem with just saying we were there to have a look around.

 

[owl0306]

No parking pass, but it's possible to get towed if you are there during a busy time. We had dinner at O'Hana one night, and the Wave on another. We used valet parking, because we thought we'd be there longer than 3 hours. If you use valet, you don't have the 3 hour limit. I think it was $12 plus a tip.

it is $15 but no time limit and the $15 is good for 24 hrs and at all valet wdw resorts.

 

[owl0306]

they can and will restrict parking during special events like flower and garden and food and wine at the Epcot resorts.

 

[spiceycat]

they can and will restrict parking during special events like flower and garden and food and wine at the Epcot resorts.

also busy times - holidays

that say you are going during spring break and the flower/garden festavial is going on

you are only visiting MK resorts - so that should not be a problem.

now Epcot resorts - you might be turned away

 

[jasonsk287]

also busy times - holidays

that say you are going during spring break and the flower/garden festavial is going on

you are only visiting MK resorts - so that should not be a problem.

now Epcot resorts - you might be turned away

Good to know. It makes sense. I didn't really consider the Epcot resorts because there are others I am more interested in. So hopefully I'll be fine there. Worst comes to worst, if we are denied at one I'll try another.

Thanks so much for all of the insight everyone, much appreciated. I'm so excited! Two weeks to go.

 

[grumpytx]

Shouldn't be a problem as long as it's not busy. We've done it in the past with no issues.