Ahoy there, Eun Jee!
I'm thrilled to hear about your family's upcoming Disney Cruise Line voyage. My crew just returned from a sailing on Disney Dream, and we're still dreaming of all the magic we encountered on board. We added a quick overnight at Walt Disney World Resort before heading home, so I'm happy to share suggestions for fun beyond the parks.
Resort hopping is one of my favorite admission-free activities at Disney World, as there are many uniquely themed places to explore, snacks to enjoy, and modes of transportation to try. I've been
sharing resort-touring strategies since my first year with planDisney, and I'm still coming up with new adventures to tackle!
Since you specifically mentioned walking, I'd recommend beginning your day at
Disney's Yacht Club Resort. I actually did the same just this week, and loved stepping into the nautical-themed lobby to inhale that beachy aroma. Side note- complimentary bus transportation is not offered from one resort to another, so I arrived by bus from Magic Kingdom Park. I'm not sure where you'll be staying on this trip, but you can transfer between resorts with a quick stop at any theme park or even from Disney Springs.
After exploring Yacht Club, head outside and to your left toward Disney's Beach Club Resort. These sister properties share Stormalong Bay, a fabulous sand-bottomed pool with a ship-themed waterslide. My pal Matt and I had the best time highlighting this resort together back in 2024, so be sure to
check out our tips if you want a more in-depth tour.
After your stop at Beach Club, continue around Crescent Lake toward Disney's BoardWalk. Pop in to The Cake Bake Shop for a sparkly sweet treat or beverage, grab a bench to relax, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere. I decided to continue my walk to Disney's Hollywood Studios from this point, which took about 17 minutes. Simply follow the boardwalk to the end and then continue left, where you'll see signs for the walking path. You can also utilize the FriendShip Boats, which will stop at Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan Hotels before arriving at Hollywood Studios. Both hotels would be fun to explore if you're hoping to extend your day.
After arriving at Hollywood Studios, hop on the Disney Skyliner to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Exit here and head left to explore the resort grounds before journeying to Disney's Riviera Resort. Check out the gorgeous mosaic murals here, then head inside to Le Petit Café for a pick-me-up, or maybe even grab lunch via Mobile Order from Primo Piatto. After exploring this charming resort, head back on the Skyliner toward Disney's Art of Animation Resort. You'll need to switch lines at the Caribbean Beach Skyliner hub, but it's an easy process.
Once you've arrived at Art of Animation, take time to snap some photos in each themed area. My family ever misses a stop in the Cars section, which transports us right to Lightning McQueen's Radiator Springs. Continue across Hourglass Lake to explore all the decade motifs at Disney's Pop Century Resort. We're partial to the giant Mickey telephone area in the 70's section.
Once you're done at Pop Century, you might be ready for a break. Grab a complimentary bus to transfer through a theme park back to your resort, or maybe even order a Minnie Van through the Lyft app to get you back to your room in polka-dotted style.
Eun Jee, I'm happy to share more suggestions if you'd like to
ask me directly!
Magic and memories,
Amy