The ultimate guide to the best Disney resorts to visit (for free)

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Resort Hopping at Disney World

Resort hopping at Disney is my favorite free activity to do at Disney World (it also encompasses several other free activities)!

So what is it?

Basically, resort hopping at Disney is when you visit the other Disney resorts where you’re not staying. Because while staying at the Grand Floridian is very much not free, walking into the lobby and enjoying the decor is.

See what it’s like to go resort hopping at Disney World:

What’s in this Article:

Why Go Resort Hopping

How to Go Resort Hopping

Magic Kingdom Resort Area

EPCOT Resort Area

Disney’s Wide World of Sports Resort Area

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area

Disney Springs Resort Area

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There’s a little more to resort hopping at Disney World than just enjoying the decor. Or even just filling up (for free) your Disney mug and sitting in the lobby pretending you’re posh enough to stay there.

Here are the main reasons for Disney resort hopping:

• Check out the decor/atmosphere of each resort

• Shop for unique gifts in the gift shop

• Try out unique foods in the casual dining hall

• Dine at one of the fancy restaurants

• Fill up your Disney mug

• Go pin trading in the lobby

• Try out one of the special resort activities

• Watch the fireworks

Some resorts have more to see than others. I will go over the unique things to see at each resort, and the best Disney resorts to visit. Disney resort hopping is a great way to spend some time at Disney World, without having to pay to go into the parks.

Check out the recreation tab on each Disney resort page for ideas of what you can find there before you go. Also be sure to check the recreation signs posted at each resort for specific activities available and the times of each activity. These change monthly, and there are so many fun things to do all around Disney!

• Bonus: Check with the front desk at your resort for a Disney resort hopping scavenger hunt!

In this article, I am going to list out every single Walt Disney World Resort, and why (if at all) you would want to visit each one.

I am also going to list how to get to each Disney resort specifically. Most resorts have multiple ways to get to them from wherever you are staying.

If all else fails, just remember, the most basic way to get to any resort at Walt Disney World is this:

• Take the bus from your own Disney resort to any theme park or Disney Springs.

• Find the bus at that theme park that is going to the resort you want to visit.

(And then in reverse, to get back to your original resort.) Check out this article to learn more about all the free transportation at Disney World.

If you’re not staying at a Disney Resort:

If you want to go resort hopping at Disney and you are not already staying at a Disney resort, park at Disney Springs. You can park for free at Disney Springs, and from there you can get a bus to any resort.

If you have a dining reservation for a restaurant at one of the resorts, you can go ahead and park for free at that resort. Have your dining reservation handy to show the guard when you pull in.

These deluxe resorts are all situated near the Magic Kingdom and are some of the best Disney resorts to visit!

• Please Note: Because we live in the days of heightened security,

  you will have to go through a bag check/metal detector

  in order to reach the boats and the monorail at Magic Kingdom.

The Electrical Water Pageant

The Electrical Water Pageant parade of musical boats floats along to all of the different Magic Kingdom area resorts in the evenings, so in addition to seeing the fireworks from here, you can also enjoy this free parade.

• Note: The parade is not always on. Check the parade times here.

The Wilderness Lodge

The Wilderness Lodge is my absolute favorite of all the Disney resorts to visit! I love the beautiful wooden interior, even if I do get a little queasy looking down at the lobby from the fifth floor!

This is a fantastic resort to just visit and hang out in for a while, plus they have a lot of extra things to do here, making it one of the best places for resort hopping at Dinsey.

Things to do at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:

• Check out the “Old Faithful” geyser behind the pool.

• Grab a s’mores latte at the Roaring Fork and curl up by the fire with a book.

• Take a rental boat out on the lake.

• Have dinner with Snow White and the 7 dwarves.

• See the fireworks and water parade from here.

• Stop by the DVC Open House to see inside the rooms (and get a free pin).

How to get to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge:

• Take a bus from your resort to the Magic Kingdom.

• Take the boat to the Wilderness Lodge.

Fort Wilderness Campground

Not to be confused with the Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness is a campground composed of cabins, campsites, and lots of rec halls and “trading posts” (general stores).

I honestly didn’t think there was much for resort hoppers to do here, but upon further research, there are actually a lot of activities here! From horseback riding to archery shooting, it seems like the folks at Fort Wilderness have more recreational activities than anyone else!

Things to do at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground:

• Horseback riding, pony rides, and carriage rides at Tri-Circle-D Ranch.

• Embrace your inner Merida and practice your archery shooting.

• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner theater.

• Food Truck Round-Up on certain days.

• See the water parade here.

How to get Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground:

• Take the bus from your resort to the Magic Kingdom.

• Take the boat from the Magic Kingdom to Fort Wilderness.

  • or

• Take the bus from your resort to Disney Springs.

• Take the bus from Disney Springs to Fort Wilderness.

*You can take an inter-resort shuttle to get from one side of Fort Wilderness to the other.

The Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary Resort is (ironically) one of the oldest at Walt Disney World. Its unique architecture is very recognizable, and is easy to spot on your way to the Magic Kingdom.

The coolest thing about the Contemporary Resort is that the monorail actually goes right through the center of it! This also makes it one of the easiest spots to visit if you’re resort hopping at Disney.

Things to do at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

• Watch the monorail come into the building.

• Take a rental boat out on the lake.

• See the fireworks and the water parade from here.

• Stop by the DVC Open House to see inside the rooms (and get a free pin).

How to get to Disney’s Contemporary Resort:

• Take a bus from your resort to the Magic Kingdom.

• Take the resort monorail and get off at the first stop.

The Polynesian Resort

This is one of the most unique Disney resorts, in my opinion, and one of the best Disney resorts to visit. And I like it even more now that Moana is a thing (also, they redid some of the rooms to be “Moana” themed).

Also on the monorail line, the Polynesian Resort is another easy stop for a day of resort hopping.

If you really want to splurge a little, come for the Spirit of Aloha dinner show in Luau Cove.

Things to do at Disney’s Polynesian Resort:

• Get some Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai.

• Take a rental boat out on the lake.

• Spirit of Aloha dinner show.

• See the fireworks and water parade from here.

• Stop by the DVC Open House to see inside the rooms (and get a free pin).

How to get to Disney’s Polynesian Resort:

• Take a bus from your resort to the Magic Kingdom.

• Take the resort monorail and get off at the third stop.

  • or

• take the boat directly from Magic Kingdom to the Polynesian.

The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

I wouldn’t want to pay to go to the spa here; I imagine it’s quite the splurge. It is free, however, to watch the fireworks!

The Grand Floridian is my favorite spot for watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks at night. You can sit on the patio outside, or you can ride the boat back towards the Magic Kingdom and see them from the lake (If you’re lucky, your boat driver will mysteriously “break down” in the middle of the lake once they start).

The Grand Floridian Resort is the final stop on the monorail loop from the Magic Kingdom, which makes this a great place to end your day of Disney resort hopping.

Things to do at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort:

• Splurge at Senses Spa.

• Take a rental boat out on the lake.

• Make your own bath bomb or soap at Basin White.

• Different art classes available.

• At Christmastime, check out the life-size gingerbread house.

• See the fireworks and water parade from here.

• Stop by the DVC Open House to see inside the rooms (and get a free pin).

How to get to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort:

• Take the bus from your resort to the Magic Kingdom.

• Take the resort monorail and get off at the fourth stop.

  • or

• take the boat directly from Magic Kingdom to Grand Floridian.

The best places for resort hopping at Disney would definitely be either the Magic Kingdom resorts, or the EPCOT resorts. They are the easiest to get to, the most connected, and have the most things to see.

While historically, the Magic Kingdom ones have always been the easiest to access, with the new Skyliner, it is very easy to spend a day visiting the resorts around the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios area.

• Note: Although they are officially called “EPCOT area resorts” they are in between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

• Good to Know: The Skyliner will shut down if there is any lightning in the area. If you get stranded due to the Skyliner shutting down, they will send buses to pick you up.

The Boardwalk Resort

I’ll start with the Boardwalk Resort, because it is probably the one you will most want to visit, even if you don’t find visiting any of the other resorts interesting.

I don’t think it really needs much explanation as to why the Boardwalk is one of the best Disney resorts to visit; it literally has a boardwalk behind it! While restaurants and stores are open during the day, come at night to really experience the life of the boardwalk.

Things to do at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort:

• Explore the shops and cafes along the boardwalk.

• Dance the night away in the dance hall.

• Rent a surrey bike for the family to pedal around the lake.

• Check out the carnival games, and maybe win a prize!

• Catch live entertainment during the evenings.

• Stop by the DVC Open House to see inside the rooms (and get a free pin).

How to get to Disney’s Boardwalk Resort:

There are A LOT of ways to get to the Boardwalk Resort at Disney World. Here is the most direct way:

• Take the bus from your resort to Hollywood Studios.

• Walk from the bus stop to the boats, and take the boat to the Boardwalk Resort.

Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

These two “sister” resorts are right next to each other, and right across the lake from the Boardwalk Resort. It is easy to walk back and forth from here to the boardwalk. You could even take a break from visiting EPCOT to go resort hopping over here!

This is where you will find one of the best restaurants at Walt Disney World (and also one of the hardest to get a reservation to)! Come get some ice cream and classic American dining at Beaches & Cream. You can also get ice cream at their to go window.

Things to do at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts:

• Get ice cream at Beaches & Cream.

• Take a rental boat out on the lake.

• Lounge around in one of the chairs on the beach.

• Painting classes available on certain days.

• Stop by the DVC Open House to see inside the rooms (and get a free pin).

How to get to Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts:

• Take the bus from your resort to Hollywood Studios.

• Walk from the bus stop to the boats, and take the boat to the Yacht/Beach Club Resorts.

  • Learn more about how to get to these resorts from EPCOT.

The Swan & Dolphin Resorts

These two are also sister resorts. They are Disney resorts…but they are also not Disney resorts. I consider them more like second cousins in the Disney family.

The bus transportation to/from Swan and Dolphin goes to the third party lots, as opposed to the main Disney bus stops, making it more difficult to visit these resorts. But you can get a boat to the Swan & Dolphin from Hollywood Studios, or from the other nearby resorts.

If you want to go to the Fantasia Gardens mini golf course, this is where to go.

Things to do at Disney’s Swan & Dolphin Resorts:

• Play mini golf at “Fantasia Gardens” across the street from the Swan & Dolphin.

How to get to Disney’s Swan & Dolphin Resorts:

• Take the bus from your resort to Hollywood Studios.

• Walk from the bus stop to the boats, and take the boat to the Swan & Dolphin Resorts.

The Riviera Resort

This is one of the newest resorts at Walt Disney World. The most popular spot at the Riviera Resort is the hallway of mosaics leading out to the Skyliner, which make the perfect photo backdrop!

Being just off the Skyliner, it is easy to stop by for a pic, and go resort hopping at all the other Disney resorts along the Skyliner route.

• Fun Fact: The mosaic closest to the skyliners is the “Jolly Roger” sailing away from home (as you take the Skyliners out for the day). The mosaic closer to the resort is Rapunzel’s tower (as you return “home” for the day).

Things to do at Disney’s Riviera Resort:

• Take a photo by the mosaics. There is a scene from “Tangled,” and a scene from “Peter Pan.”

• Treat yourself at Le Petit Cafe to a drink in the coffee shop during the day, or the fancy bar at night.

• Play a giant game of chess in the terrace.

• Skyliner scavenger hunt (visit the front desk for more information).

• Stop by the DVC Open House to see inside the rooms (and get a free pin).

How to get to Disney’s Riviera Resort:

• Take the bus from your resort to Hollywood Studios.

• Take the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios to the Caribbean Resort.

• Take the Skyliner from the Caribbean Resort to the Riviera Resort.

If you are already at the Boardwalk or the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts:

• You can walk to the Skyliner at the back entrance of EPCOT and take this to the Riviera Resort.

Caribbean Beach Resort

I would love to stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort in a pirate themed room where the beds look like pirate ships (of course, that costs extra…)!!

But it is free to check out the pirate themed swimming pool and get a tropical drink from the pool bar (oh, well, the drink isn’t free… but still).

The Caribbean Beach Resort has one of the best atmospheres of any Disney Resort, and is right on the Skyliner route, so it is one of the best places to go resort hopping at Disney!

Things to do at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:

• Check out the pirate themed swimming pool.

• Hunt for pins to trade in the treasure chest at the front desk.

• Get a tropical drink at Banana Cabana.

• Nap in one of the many hammocks.

• Pineapple Social each evening.

• Different art classes available.

How to get to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort:

• Take the bus from your resort to Hollywood Studios.

• Take the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios to the Caribbean Beach Resort.

These resorts are also in between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, but they technically fall in the category of the “Wide World of Sports” resorts.

They are along the Skyliner route, so they are easy to visit while you are resort hopping in the area.

Art of Animation & Pop Century Resorts

Everything so far has fallen into the “deluxe” category of resorts, meaning they are super nice to visit, and super expensive to stay in (that’s why we just go resort hopping for free!).

• These two are my choice for where to stay at Disney World.

They are one step up from the value All Star Resorts, but still affordable. They are also connected to the Skyline and very close to two of the main parks, plus you can very easily visit some of the nearby deluxe resorts for fun!

There is actually a lot to see and do at these two resorts, especially with kids, who will enjoy taking photos with their favorite larger than life Disney characters.

Things to do at Disney’s Art of Animation & Pop Century Resorts:

• Look for your favorite Disney characters and other fun objects in larger than life sizes.

• Read the fun facts as you take a stroll along (either side of) Hourglass Lake.

• Spot rooms with decorated windows!

• Move & Groove Lion King themed family workout!

• Different art classes available.

How to get to Disney’s Art of Animation & Pop Century Resorts:

• Take the bus from your resort to Hollywood Studios.

• Take the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios to the Caribbean Resort.

• Take the Skyliner from the Caribbean Resort to the Art of Animation/Pop Century Resorts.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resorts are not as close together and easy to “hop” around as the previously mentioned resorts, but their stunning architecture and unique attractions (like…live animals!) make them some of the best Disney resorts to visit, if you have extra time during your trip.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Animal Kingdom Lodge is absolutely one of the best Disney resorts to visit, and since it’s right next to Animal Kingdom, it’s not that hard to get to. It’s just like going to the zoo, except for free!

The architecture is very similar to that of the Wilderness Lodge, and I think this is also one of the most beautiful resorts to visit at Disney World. Also be sure to check out the unique souvenirs in the gift shop!

Things to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

• Visit all the animals, including giraffes, zebras, and more!

• Check out the gift shop for some of the most unique souvenirs.

• Different art classes available.

• Learn all about life in Africa from the educational displays.

• Stop by the DVC Open House to see inside the rooms (and get a free pin).

How to get to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge:

• Take the bus from your resort to the Animal Kingdom.

• Take the bus from the Animal Kingdom to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Coronado Springs Resort

This is not a resort I would typically visit on my Disney resort hopping tour, just because there is not fun boat ride or Skyliner to get there, and it is not near any other resort.

But if you have time to get there, like all the deluxe resorts, it is beautifully decorated, and the swimming pool is absolutely one of the best!

• Good to Know: Coronado Springs is a huge resort. The main dining and entertainment section, and the pool are a bit of a walk from the front lobby, and there are multiple bus stops.

Things to do at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:

• See the “Mayan ruins” swimming pool.

• Explore the incredible architecture of this resort.

• Different art classes available.

How to get to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:

• Take the bus from your resort to any theme park (Blizzard Beach or Animal Kingdom is closest) or to Disney Springs.

• Take the bus from there to Coronado Springs.

The All-Star Resorts

When I’m not being spoiled by my aunt who has a Disney Vacation Club membership, this is where I stay.

There are three All-Star Resorts:

• All-Star Sports

• All-Star Music

• All-Star Movies

They are a great place to stay if you’re on a budget! And from here, we go to visit all of the other resorts where we wish we were staying!

However, if you’re not staying here, there is really no need to visit the All-Star Resorts.

Technically the Disney Springs resort area includes all of the resorts on the edge of the Walt Disney property, such as the Hilton and the Holiday Inn.

But these aren’t really “Disney” resorts, so I will only focus on the ones that are themed by Disney and therefore worth visiting (and have free transportation!).

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

This is honestly one of my least favorite resorts for Disney resort hopping, because I just don’t think there are a lot of interesting themed decorations to come and see (and you know I love my themes!).

This is the place to come if you want to do “real” golfing (as opposed to mini golfing at the Swan & Dolphin). They also have a special Disney animator class that comes with a cute commemorative pin!

Things to do at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort:

• Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.

• The spa, if you want to visit a spa.

• Different art classes available, including an animator class, with a commemorative pin!

How to get to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort:

• Take the bus from your resort to Disney Springs.

• Walk or take the boat from Disney Springs to Saratoga Springs (just across the lake)

Old Key West

Old Key West is another great resort to just hang out and enjoy the atmosphere. It doesn’t have a lot to see, but it has such a relaxing island vibe, which is great while you sit there enjoying your key lime pie and letting your worries fade away, making it one of my favorite Disney resort hopping stops.

Things to do at Disney’s Old Key West Resort:

• See the sandcastle water slide at the pool.

• Get a slice of Key Lime Pie from Good’s Food To Go, or the Key Lime Tart from Olivia’s Café (you can also order it to go).

How to get to Disney’s Old Key West Resort:

• Take the bus from your resort to Disney Springs.

• Take the boat from Disney Springs to Old Key West Resort.

Port Orleans

The Port Orleans Resort has two sides to it: Riverside and the French Quarter, and they both have so much for resort hoppers to see and do!

From the New Orleans inspired atmosphere, to the many activities, to the easy access from Disney Springs, Port Orleans is one of the best resorts for resort hopping at Disney.

Things to do at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort:

• Get freshly made beignets at the French Quarter.

• Splurge on a horse drawn carriage ride at Riverside.

• Visit the sea monster pool at the French Quarter.

• Different art classes available.

How to get to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort:

• Take the bus from your resort to Disney Springs.

• Take the boat from Disney Springs to Port Orleans French Quarter and/or Riverside.

And that’s it!

I hope you enjoy your day(s) of resort hopping at Disney World! And don’t forget, there’s lots more to do than just what’s listed here!

Any more questions?

Feel free to email me or comment below if you have any questions about visiting the different resorts at Disney.

Planning a trip?

Save one of the pins below to remember all the best Disney resorts to visit:

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A Guide to Disney Pin Trading

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The Complete Guide to Transportation at Disney

This article was written by: Julia Rexford