Disney World Resort Hopping: What Is It and How To Do It in 2024
How to Resort Hop at Walt Disney World, Florida
Looking to learn about Disney World resort hopping? We asked Laura from The Traveling Elms to put together a guide.
For nearly a year, our friend Laura has had her motorhome parked in Florida, with Orlando as a base camp. They’re huge Disney fans, always on the lookout for anything that combines a love for Disney with the joy of free experiences.
Through their adventures, they’ve become experts in Disney World Resort Hopping, exploring the unique charm of each resort without ever needing a park ticket.
This guide is your shortcut to mastering the art of Disney Resort Hopping via the monorail and skyliner.
Whether you’re a seasoned Disney enthusiast or a curious newcomer, get ready to dive into the magic of each Disney resort, all without spending a dime on park admission.
Let’s get started on this magical journey together.
What is Resort Hopping at Disney?
Resort Hopping at Disney is exactly how it sounds! You “hop” from resort to resort checking out all of the amazing properties Disney has to offer.
This experience allows guests to visit multiple Disney resorts in a single day, taking advantage of the free transportation options Disney offers, such as buses, boats, and the monorail.
Resort Hopping is perfect for those looking to enjoy the ambiance and unique offerings of each hotel, from signature restaurants and unique shops to meticulously themed pools and public areas, all while soaking in the distinctive Disney magic that each property has to offer.
What to Do When Resort Hopping
When resort hopping at Disney, you can immerse yourself in the splendor of each destination. Begin with a leisurely exploration of the lobbies, gift shops, and common areas. Some of the game rooms are epic!
Don’t miss the chance to dine at various resort-specific restaurants and be sure to schedule time for live entertainment, such as outdoor movies, campfires, and musical performances, available at select resorts.
Each resort offers its own magic, so take your time to discover the unique experiences that await beyond the parks.
What You Can’t Do When Resort Hopping
When resort hopping at Disney, it’s important to note the limitations to ensure a seamless experience.
Access to swimming pools and pool areas is exclusively reserved for guests staying at that specific resort, a policy strictly enforced to ensure the comfort and safety of its guests.
Similarly, parking at the resorts is intended for registered guests and those with confirmed dining reservations, so plan to use Disney’s free transportation options to move between resorts.
While resort hopping, you cannot participate in certain activities designed exclusively for staying guests, such as resort-specific fitness classes or certain recreational offerings.
It’s also crucial to respect the privacy and experience of staying guests by adhering to resort rules and etiquette during your visit.
Understanding these boundaries will help maximize your enjoyment of the accessible amenities and experiences while resort hopping.
Magic Kingdom Resorts on the Monorail Loop
The Magic Kingdom resorts on the Monorail Loop include:
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Each offers easy monorail access to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Each of these resorts provides its own unique themes and dining experiences.
Contemporary Resort
The California Grill, located at the top of the resort offers delicious cuisine and panoramic views of the Magic Kingdom, especially during the fireworks. The resort’s unique shops offer exclusive Disney merchandise, making it a fantastic spot for finding unique souvenirs.
Lastly, the outdoor viewing areas provide a fantastic vantage point for watching the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake, offering a relaxing end to a day of exploration.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort combines sleek design with classic Disney charm, making it a top spot for resort hoppers looking for iconic sights and experiences.
Polynesian Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Resort is a tropical paradise that transports guests to the South Pacific with its lush landscaping, water features, and themed decor.
When resort hopping here, don’t miss the opportunity to experience the ambiance of the Great Ceremonial House, where the sights and sounds immerse you in island culture.
A must-try is the nachos from Captain Cook’s, the resort’s quick-service cafe. We absolutely loved them for their unique twist on a classic snack, perfectly capturing the Polynesian flavor profile.
Another highlight is watching the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach of the resort.
The resort also boasts Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, a highly themed bar offering whimsical drinks in an interactive setting.
Grand Floridian
When resort hopping to the Grand Floridian, guests are treated to Victorian elegance, complete with a stunning lobby that houses a grand piano and an orchestra playing classic Disney tunes.
The resort’s dining options are a highlight, ranging from casual cafes to the upscale Victoria & Albert’s, renowned for its exquisite fine dining.
Don’t miss the chance to stroll through the immaculately landscaped grounds or relax in the lobby to enjoy the live music.
For those with a sweet tooth, the afternoon tea at the Garden View Tea Room offers a delightful experience, while the character dining at 1900 Park Fare provides fun for the whole family.
Visiting Disney World soon? Enjoy even more magic with the Disney Park Hopper Option!
Other Magic Kindom Resorts
Beyond the immediate circle of Magic Kingdom resorts connected by the Monorail, are Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
The Wilderness Lodge, inspired by the national park lodges of the Pacific Northwest, offers a majestic escape with its towering lobby and cozy accommodations amidst towering pines and geyser views.
Nearby, Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground provides a more down-to-earth experience with its cabins and campsites, perfect for those looking to blend the magic of Disney with the allure of the great outdoors.
Both resorts offer unique dining experiences, from the homestyle comfort food at Wilderness Lodge’s Whispering Canyon Café to the hearty, outdoor meals at Fort Wilderness’ Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
Accessible by boat and bus, these resorts offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the parks.
Epcot Area Hotels
The Epcot area hotels offer an immersive experience that extends the magic beyond the parks. These resorts are known for their stunning themes, from the elegance of a seaside resort at the Yacht and Beach Club to the carnival sights and sounds of the BoardWalk Inn.
We particularly enjoyed exploring the various boutiques and eateries along the way, where the atmosphere is lively and the views of Crescent Lake add to the charm.
The Boardwalk makes it easy to hop between several resorts at once, plus you’re right behind Epcot so it’s got the Disney park feel.
Don’t miss the chance to rent a Surrey bike for a fun ride around Crescent Lake!
Boardwalk Inn
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn captures the essence of a 1940s Atlantic coastal village with its charming waterfront and vibrant nightlife.
When resort hopping to the BoardWalk Inn, you’ll find an array of entertainment options, dining experiences, and unique shops.
One of the highlights is taking a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk itself, where you can catch street performers, grab a slice from the BoardWalk Pizza Window, or indulge in a sweet treat from BoardWalk Bakery.
The Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar, offer lively evening entertainment.
Related: Find the best photo spots at Hollywood Studios with our Disney World photo guide!
Yacht Club
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a slice of New England charm nestled within Walt Disney World. Here you can explore the nautical-themed grounds.
Stormalong Bay, is a must-see, offering a sprawling pool complex that rivals a mini water park with its sandy bottom, lazy river, and shipwreck-themed waterslide.
Dining here is also a highlight, with the Yachtsman Steakhouse known for its high-quality steaks and seafood in an upscale setting.
The Yacht Club’s lobby and common areas, with their dark wood accents and maritime decor, provide a cool respite from the Florida heat and a perfect spot for relaxation.
Beach Club
Disney’s Beach Club Resort, with its New England-style beach theme, is a serene escape within the bustling Walt Disney World.
A standout feature for resort hoppers is Stormalong Bay, the shared expansive pool complex with Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, boasting a sandy bottom, a lazy river, and a life-sized shipwreck with a waterslide.
Dining options like Beaches & Cream Soda Shop offer a fun, retro experience with delicious diner classics and the famous Kitchen Sink dessert.
The resort’s proximity to Epcot and Disney’s BoardWalk area means guests can easily stroll to these destinations, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Cool off from the summer sun at Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon, the BEST Disney waterpark!
Swan and Dolphin
These sister resorts, designed by famed architect Michael Graves, offer bold and whimsical exteriors. When visiting, don’t miss the chance to explore the lushly landscaped grounds, including the grotto pool with its cascading waterfalls and the white sand beach for a relaxing retreat.
Dining is a highlight at the Swan and Dolphin, offering a range of experiences from fine dining at Shula’s Steak House to the casual, yet chic, atmosphere of The Fountain.
The resorts also host special events and festivals throughout the year.
Tour the Disney Skyliner Resorts
The Skyliner, a gondola system, connects several resorts, providing easy access and scenic views. Start at Disney’s Riviera Resort for its European-inspired design and dining. Then, head to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the central hub of the Skyliner, to enjoy its tropical setting.
Continue to Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to see their large Disney film icons and retro themes.
Each resort on the Skyliner route features its own themed pools, dining options, and photo spots, making the tour an efficient way to experience a variety of Disney resort offerings.
Riviera
When visiting Disney’s Riviera Resort, dining at Topolino’s Terrace is a must, offering delicious cuisine with rooftop views of Walt Disney World.
The resort’s architecture and art collection evoke a European charm that’s both sophisticated and welcoming. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic pathways and check out the pool areas.
Caribbean Beach
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort is a tropical paradise with a colorful and immersive experience. The Fuentes del Morro Pool, designed to resemble a Spanish fortress with water cannons and slides is a must see and Sebastian’s Bistro offers flavors inspired by Caribbean cuisine in a laid-back, waterfront setting.
Walking around the resort’s beautifully landscaped grounds offers a sense of escape to the islands, with vibrant architecture and lush greenery.
For those interested in shopping or looking for unique Disney merchandise, the Caribbean Beach Resort’s marketplaces offer a variety of Disney goodies.
Pop Century
Disney’s Pop Century Resort is a celebration of 20th-century American pop culture.
When resort hopping here, be sure to explore the larger-than-life icons and memorabilia from different decades, which provide unique photo opportunities. The resort’s themed pools, including the Hippy Dippy Pool, reflect the spirit of the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.
For dining, Everything POP Shopping & Dining offers a variety of quick-service options.
The resort’s layout encourages a leisurely stroll through the decades, with each area showcasing the styles and fads of its respective era.
Additionally, Pop Century is connected to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort via the Generation Gap Bridge, offering an easy pathway to explore another themed resort.
Art of Animation
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort puts you in the world of classic Disney and Pixar films through its detailed theming and design.
Key attractions for resort hoppers include the larger-than-life character statues and scenes from movies like The Lion King, Finding Nemo, Cars, and The Little Mermaid, which provide memorable photo ops.
The Big Blue Pool, themed after Finding Nemo, is the largest pool in Walt Disney World Resort and features underwater speakers.
Wrapping Up Your Magical Resort Hopping Adventure
As we wrap up this magical journey through Disney World Resort Hopping, remember that each resort is a unique chapter in the vast storybook of Disney.
From the nostalgic lanes of Pop Century to the sophisticated charm of the Riviera, and the tropical allure of the Caribbean Beach Resort, there’s a world of exploration beyond the parks.
These enchanting stops offer a plethora of dining, recreation, and relaxation opportunities, each with its distinct flavor of Disney magic.
Whether you’re soaking in the ambiance, indulging in culinary delights, or simply enjoying the scenic views, resort hopping is an adventure that enriches your Disney experience.
So, grab your map, hop aboard the next mode of Disney transportation, and let the magic guide you to your next unforgettable Disney World moment.
Additional Resources:
Ready to Book Your Disney Vacation?
Here are a few helpful services:
Booking.com | Find a comfy place to lay your head after a full day of adventuring.
Vrbo | If you’re looking for a more homey vibe, these rental homes might do the trick.
Expedia | Whether you’re looking for some wheels or a flight, you can find a way to get to your destination here.
Get Your Guide | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions.
Viator | Another great resource for local attractions and tours.
TSA | If you’re flying, check out the TSA page to make sure that you pack to TSA regulations.
World Nomads Travel Insurance | Feel safe while traveling with simple and flexible travel insurance.
