Hi Emily, and welcome back to planDisney. I was just at Disney World for my birthday and there’s no better place to celebrate! Now, let’s talk about the practically perfect moderate resort for your special trip.
I love the relaxing tropical vibes at
Caribbean Beach Resort, and its proximity to the
Skyliner makes getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios a breeze. Between this resort and the nearby Riviera Resort, there are so many delicious eateries! One of my foodie must-dos is
Sebastian’s Bistro, a family-style Caribbean and Latin restaurant that starts with delicious house-baked pull-apart rolls. They're served with guava butter and caramelized onion jam that really sets it apart! And even sweeter, Sebastian's Bistro is reasonably priced compared to many other table service meals at Disney World!
Riviera Resort is also a short walk away for additional dining options. Even if I’m not staying here, I often stop by
Bar Riva for the Greek salad and cookie skillet! Riviera Resort is also home to my favorite character breakfast,
Topolino’s Terrace. In the evening, this is a great place to enjoy a drink on their outdoor terrace. There's a beautiful view of the sunset and you can also see the
Luminous fireworks at EPCOT in the distance (they pipe in the music too!).
The sprawling grounds at Caribbean Beach Resort always makes me feel like I’m at an island oasis, but some rooms can be a bit of a walk from the main building. If you’d prefer a smaller resort, one of my favorites is
Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter. I love the New Orleans theming and it’s a convenient
boat ride away from all the entertainment and shopping at
Disney Springs. When you’re there, don’t miss getting beignets at
Scat Cat's Club - Cafe and listening to live jazz music in the evening at the
lounge. It’s a fun and chill way to end the night!
And getting to your second question, there are no longer
park hopping time restrictions and you can move freely between the theme parks throughout the day (as long as they're not at capacity). If your ticket requires a
theme park reservation, like a non-date based ticket or annual pass, you’ll need to scan into the theme park you reserved before hopping to the next park.
I’m wishing you the most magical birthday celebration this October! And if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to visit us again at planDisney.
JoAnna