Hi Elisabeth, and welcome back to planDisney!
It’s always great to see Guests return year after year to get their super important Disney planning questions answered. It means a lot to us to be part of your vacation planning journey, and I’m so glad you stopped by with this one!
Resort hopping is one of my absolute favorite ways to spend a relaxing day outside the theme parks. That said, when it comes to parking at a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel where you’re not an overnight Guest, parking is typically limited to those with confirmed dining, spa, or recreation reservations. If you're not staying at the resort or don’t have a reservation, you may be directed to park elsewhere depending on availability, especially during busy times. So while you don't need a formal parking permit, entry for non-resort Guests without a reservation isn’t guaranteed.
Here’s a little tip from someone who’s been navigating Walt Disney World since he was about five years old. One of my favorite ways to enjoy multiple resorts in a single day is to begin my morning at
Disney Springs. I’ll grab an iced coffee and donut from Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew, do a little shopping for some must-have Disney gear, and then hop on the complimentary Disney bus transportation to one of the nearby resorts. I usually choose one of the monorail resorts like Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. From there, you can explore, dine, shop, and easily move between resorts using the monorail, walking paths, or even a scenic boat ride. The
BoardWalk area is another great option with plenty to see and do, especially in the evenings.
For me, this is the perfect way to enjoy a non-park day while soaking in the atmosphere and getting a feel for which resort might be perfect for my next Disney vacation. The ability to Resort hop is actually what caused me to branch out from my comfort zone to try Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and now these are my preferred resorts!
If you have any more questions,
swing back by planDisney. I’m always happy to help you make the most of your time in the magic!
See you real soon!
Brent