Visiting the resorts

[meishie]

Hi all. This is my first post - only yesterday did we decide we are going to Disney from 4/30-5/8.

We used to visit the Disney hotels whenever were on vacation, to use the restaurants, food courts, and pools, and to just visit to take pictures or whatever - even when we were staying on-site.
My sister (FL resident) just told me that the last time she visited a hotel, she was asked for resort ID at the All-Star resorts by the pools and when she didn't have one (our Mom was staying there) they took a photo of her license (?). Another time, she also was not allowed near the Boardwalk pools without her resort ID either.

My questions: Can we visit the hotels? Can I park our rental car in their lots, or do I need a pass? Can I still take the boat from Port Orleans to Downtown Disney?

Thanks guys. This is my first return to WDW in six years - it will be my fiance's first time!!!

 

[estnh]

You can visit the resorts, and they will usually issue you a limited parking pass when you check at the security gate.

However, perhaps the best way to check out resorts is to leave your car at a central location, such as Downtown Disney or the TTA, and take a resort bus or monorail. You then won't have to be worried about getting back to your car. There is limited parking at some of the resorts, so not taking your car would be helpful in that respect also.

Technically, the boat from POR to DD is for resort guests, but I have never seen anyone questioned, and I'm sure it would not be a problem.

 

[Got Quattro?]

you can vist any hotel, to walk around, eat, shop, sight see.....you just can;t use any pool

 

[meishie]

Thanks! I don't need to use the pools, but I will definitely visit them to take pictures! (And don't forget the sticky buns at the former Dixie Landings ;-) )

 

[Hnymoon@Dixie]

I LOVE VISITING & DINING AT OTHER RESORTS! THEY HAVE EVEN LET US SEE A GUEST ROOM SO THAT WE KNOW IF WE WANT TO STAY THERE OR NOT!