Hi Amanda!
Welcome to planDisney!
I am very excited to see that your trip is just around the corner! I cannot wait to return to The Most Magical Place on Earth, too!
Dining at other Disney Resort hotels is something I really enjoy, and in my opinion some of the best restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort are located at the hotels. You can also take the opportunity to explore a little, and maybe find somewhere different to stay for your next vacation! Some of my favourite restaurants include
Narcoossee's (Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa),
California Grill (Disney's Contemporary Resort), and - although temporarily closed for now - Yachtsman Steakhouse (Disney's Yacht Club Resort) and Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (Disney's Wilderness Lodge).
Typically,
Disney Resort Transportation will begin operating around 45 minutes prior to theme park opening, and for an hour after park closing. There is no direct transport between Resort hotels so you would have to take transport to the nearest theme park, and then transfer to another bus to return to your Resort hotel. After your dinner, I think your best move would be to take a taxi back because using the complimentary transport probably wouldn't work, with the time constraints. However, Disney's Pop Century Resort is located on the
Disney Skyliner route, with stops at other Resort hotels. If you have an early dining reservation at Disney's Riviera Resort or are just visiting Disney's Art of Animation Resort or Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort you will be able to use the Disney Skyliner to return back to your hotel. Operating times are subject to change, so please check with the Front Desk of your hotel for the latest updates.
During the phased re-opening of Walt Disney World, we may need a little more considered and careful planning, but our vacations to Walt Disney World Resort can still be a magical experience. Please read this information about
Returning to a World of Magic, and keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for all the official news as it is announced.
Please come back and ask as many questions as you like! We are always happy to help you plan your vacation.
Sue