Hi Kimberly!
Welcome to planDisney, and thanks so much for stopping by with your question! With all there is to see and do at the
Walt Disney World Resort, I completely understand the urge to explore beyond your home base. One of my favorite non-park day activities is “resort hopping”—not just to scope out my next home away from home but to indulge in the incredible dining, shopping, and theming unique to each
Disney Resorts Collection hotel!
While complimentary self-parking is available for Guests staying at a Disney Resort hotel, parking at a resort you’re not a Guest of is generally reserved for those with confirmed dining reservations. That means if you’re hoping to explore a resort just for fun, you won’t be able to park there without a reservation.
But Hakuna Matata, you have a few easy and free options, thanks to Disney’s incredible transportation system. Since you’re at one of the All-Star Resorts, the easiest route is to hop aboard a complimentary bus to one of the four theme parks. From there, you can transfer to a different mode of Disney transportation to reach your resort of choice.
Let’s say you'd like to check out
Disney’s BoardWalk, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. You could take the bus from your resort to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then either stroll along the lovely walking path (about 10-15 minutes) or glide through the sky on the
Disney Skyliner to the International Gateway entrance of EPCOT, placing you steps away from the action. And here's a bonus: that same Skyliner gives you access to even more resorts like Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Riviera Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, and Disney's Art of Animation Resort. You can explore seven resorts after a single bus ride to Hollywood Studios!
Want to venture to the monorail resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or Disney’s Contemporary Resort? Catch a bus to Magic Kingdom and then use the monorail, ferry, or walking path to make your rounds in style.
If you’re looking to level up your transportation game, consider a ride-sharing service. My top pick?
Minnie Van service via the Lyft app. It’s a magical way to travel, with friendly Cast Members behind the wheel and those classic polka dots on every vehicle.
Kimberly, I hope this helps you map out your resort-hopping adventure! If you’d like dining or lounge recommendations to help plan your route,
please send me another question. I’d happily share some of my favorites, depending on where you’re headed!
See you real soon,
Brent