Hi Tricia! Welcome to planDisney!
I love that you would like to journey beyond the theme parks, water parks,
Disney Springs, and the other amazing offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort. "Adventure is out there!"
I totally relate to wanting to soak in as much of the magic as possible. Just this week, my little 'Ohana enjoyed a theme park day at
Magic Kingdom Park and ventured to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort via the Resort Monorail. We were not official Guests at this tropical-themed Resort hotel, but we were 100% able to
enjoy our DOLE Whips in peace. So, your sweet memories of visiting the Resort hotels during the holidays as a non-Resort hotel Guest are definitely still available to you!
Keep in mind that parking is reserved for registered hotel Guests and for Guests who have a reservation (dining, activity, etc.) at the respective Resort hotel. If you'd prefer to drive right up to the destination, have a reservation ready to go!
However, I recommend using the various modes of Walt Disney World Resort transportation to avoid driving to and from each stop. This transportation includes the
Disney Monorail,
Disney Skyliner, buses, boats, and
Minnie Van Service. For example, if your family wants to visit Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for its breathtaking, larger-than-life Gingerbread House display, consider parking at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) at Magic Kingdom Park, then hopping on the Resort Monorail.
Tricia, because you have completed similar quests in the past, I'm sure that you know your way around. But if you do get lost during your adventure, find a Cast Member who can point you in the right direction.
If you have any further questions, please come back to visit us here at planDisney!
Magic always,
LeAndra