Welcome to planDisney, Emmy!
You've asked a fantastic question; spending a day at our
Walt Disney World Resort hotel pool on checkout day has been a family favorite for years--great idea!
We're from Pennsylvania, too, so I know what you mean when you write that you'd love if you could swim before leaving Orlando: we don't get to do that here for more than a few months a year. Plus, those
Walt Disney World Resort hotel pools are spectacular, so enjoying one last leisurely day there is the perfect ending to a most magical vacation.
For that last pool day, put aside a bag with what you'll need to enjoy the pool--swimsuits, sunscreen, a good book, your Resort Refillable Mugs (if you chose to purchase them), etc.--in addition to a complete change of clothes for the drive or flight home. I also set aside a large plastic bag for the boys and one for the girls so that when we change out of our wet swimwear and into travel clothes, our wet gear can be contained in those bags before putting them into a suitcase. (Best to leave a spot for those bags in
one suitcase, making for speedier stowing when you are done for the day.)
At check out, you can leave your luggage with Bell Services, then enjoy a few relaxing hours soaking in the sun--or getting soaked on a slide. Stop into your resort's shop for a few last-minute souvenirs to remind you of your magical stay, then order a meal at a poolside restaurant or bar/lounge to make sure that everyone's satisfied prior to departure. The bathroom amenities will make it easy for you to change into travel clothes which you can do just before picking up your bags from Bell Services. This is one of my favorite ways to cap off a fabulous vacation at The Most Magical Place on Earth. So relaxing! (...and, from a Pennsylvania perspective--sunny and warm almost year round!)
Your resort privileges expire on the
day of your checkout, not at the
time of your checkout, so feel free to enjoy that gorgeous resort pool for as long as you can. Keep in mind that a Quick Service lunch or dinner--poolside--is a delicious and convenient way to ensure that you're fueled up for the ride back home, too. We've enjoyed many a late day, pre-flight meal at
Good's Food to Go (Disney's Old Key West Resort),
The Artist's Palette (Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa),
Contempo Cafe (Disney's Contemporary Resort), and more. We like to order about two hours before we need to depart. This allows us to enjoy our meal, take another quick run down a slide or dip in the pool, then change at a leisurely pace. No hurrying needed.You can even check out the closest Quick Service menu through your
My Disney Experience mobile app. Just so convenient!
As you plan your practically perfect in every way stay, Emmy, be sure to send us additional questions. We love to help!
Andrea