Hiya Hayley - welcome back to
planDisney!
Thanks so much for stopping by with another question for our team of panelists. We love to help Guests just like you from around the globe plan their very own, very magical, Walt Disney World Resort holidays!
I can definitely understand wanting to visit various
Disney Resorts during your visit - some of them are just as exciting as a Theme Park to me! While you are welcome to visit any Resort, there are transportation limitations that you should be aware of when planning your visits.
Currently,
parking at most (if not all) Disney Resorts is limited only to registered Guests staying at that Resort. Additionally, Guests who have confirmed dining reservations or a recreation reservation (e.g., a spa appointment) are also permitted to park at a Resort, even if they are not staying at the Resort. Keep in mind that rideshare vehicles (e.g., Lyft) are also typically not permitted to enter and drop off Guests at a Resort unless the Guests meet one of the above criteria. It sounds like you are not staying at a Disney Resort, and do not plan on visiting the Theme Parks, so I'll explain a couple of other great options you do have!
First, you are welcome to make a dining reservation at one of the fantastic restaurants located at the Resorts. One of my favorites is
Topolino's Terrace - Flavors of the Riviera, located on the top floor of Disney's Riviera Resort, but there are tons of great options. With a dining reservation, you'll be permitted to park at the Resort and explore all of the wonderful holiday decor!
For Disney's Art of Animation Resort, you'll need to make an alternative plan as there are no Table Service restaurants at this Resort to make a reservation at. Don't fret, there are other options! My suggestion would be to first visit
Disney Springs, which has plenty of complimentary parking, and then take Disney's
complimentary bus transportation to Art of Animation. After exploring, you can walk over to Disney's Pop Century Resort, or jump on the
Disney Skyliner which will give you access to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Riviera Resort, and continues on to the EPCOT International Gateway. From there, it's a short walk to Disney's BoardWalk and Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, all without needing a Theme Park ticket or needing to pay for parking. When you're done, simply catch a bus from any Resort back to Disney Springs!
I've just provided a couple of examples, and there are many more Resorts to explore. Once you do a little more planning, feel free to stop by again to get help with any specific plans! No matter what, you're going to have a great time experiencing the
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Ryan J.