Hi Jan!
Welcome back to planDisney! I love this question because a tour of the Disney Resort Hotels near the Magic Kingdom is a wonderful way to spend a day! My mind is swimming with all the magical things to enjoy at these resorts!
If you’ll be using complimentary Disney transportation, the best way to begin is to take a bus from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort to Magic Kingdom. You’ll want to begin and end here so that you can get to and from your resort. From there you have a few choices, and it depends on what you want to experience at each resort. I have two itineraries for you but know that you can mix it up any way you like!
Idea #1 - Take the new pathway from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Enjoy a beverage or light snack at
Enchanted Rose. This newer lounge is themed after one of my favorite Disney movies, Beauty and the Beast. I hear the crab macaroni and cheese is amazing! You can then continue along the pathway to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to enjoy dinner at one of the three amazing options. Everyone loves the noodles and potstickers at ‘Ohana, or try some amazing sushi at Kona Cafe. If you don’t want to worry about an advance dining reservation, enjoy a quick-service meal from
Captain Cook’s. Next, hop the Monorail and head back to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Grab an after-dinner drink at
Steakhouse 71 Lounge, or a specialty cupcake from the
Contempo Cafe. If you time it right, head outside, or to the sky bridge to get a view of the nightly fireworks show,
Disney Enchantment! To get home, take the walking path back to Magic Kingdom and grab the bus back to your resort.
Idea #2 - Start on the Monorail or walking path from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. You can grab a drink, walk out to the marina to see the boats and views of Bay Lake. Then take the Monorail to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Enjoy dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe, or for a special meal, check out
Narcoossee’s. Follow the walking path back towards’ Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and have a nightcap at
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. This is truly one of my favorite locations at Walt Disney World. I love the antics and showmanship of the Cast Members at this fun and interactive tiki bar. And again, if you time this right, you can head out to the sidewalk along the beach area to get a wonderful view of the evening fireworks. To get home, take the walking path to the Transportation and Ticket Center and either hop the Monorail or take the Ferry back to Magic Kingdom for return transportation to your resort.
Jan, I hope one of these ideas sounds exciting to you too! If you prefer not to crisscross between resorts, always know there is a walking path from Magic Kingdom to both Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Or you can hop the Monorail and take it all the way around to each resort in a clockwise circle.
Wishing you a magical visit to the Walt Disney World Resort!
- Kate