The Ultimate Disney World Resort-Hopping Guide
Did you know you don’t need a park ticket to have a magical Disney day? Enter: resort-hopping — the art of exploring Disney's stunning hotels, soaking in the atmosphere, and snacking your way around the most beautiful properties on Earth.
Whether you're taking a break from the parks or looking for budget-friendly fun, this guide has you covered with:
🚗 How to get from resort to resort
🏨 Must-see resorts worth exploring
🍦 Must-try snacks and drinks at each stop
🎉 Activities and entertainment open to non-guests
Let’s dive in!
🚝 How to Resort-Hop Around Disney World
Getting around is half the fun! You can resort-hop using Disney transportation, which is totally free:
Monorail Loop: Connects Magic Kingdom, Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian
Skyliner: Connects EPCOT & Hollywood Studios to Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century, and Art of Animation
Boats: Connect resorts around Magic Kingdom and EPCOT/BoardWalk areas
Buses: From parks or Disney Springs to any resort (note: no direct resort-to-resort buses)
🧭 Pro Tip: Start from a park or Disney Springs to “hub” to your next stop!
🌴 The Best Resorts for Resort-Hopping (and What to Do There)
🏨 Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Why visit: Tiki torches, white sand beaches, and that dreamy South Pacific vibe
🎉 Open-to-all activity: Watch Magic Kingdom fireworks from the beach
🍍 Must-have snack: DOLE WHIP at Pineapple Lanai (classic or float — both iconic!)
🚝 Get there via: Monorail or boat from Magic Kingdom
🏨 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Why visit: Gilded elegance, live piano music, and immaculate grounds
🎉 Open-to-all activity: Catch the Electrical Water Pageant at night or grab afternoon tea
🍰 Must-have snack: Strawberry éclair or a specialty macaron from Gasparilla Island Grill
🚝 Get there via: Monorail, boat, or walking path from Magic Kingdom
🏨 Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Why visit: Iconic architecture and a monorail zipping through the lobby
🎉 Open-to-all activity: Shop Disney merch, visit the 4th-floor observation deck for fireworks
🍪 Must-have snack: Jack-Jack Num Num Cookie from the Contempo Café
🚝 Get there via: Monorail or short walk from Magic Kingdom
🏨 Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Why visit: Cozy Pacific Northwest vibes with a stunning lobby and roaring fireplace
🎉 Open-to-all activity: Watch the Fire Rock Geyser erupt hourly; enjoy a peaceful walking trail
🥧 Must-have snack: Campfire S’mores Cupcake or bourbon-glazed wings from Geyser Point
🚤 Get there via: Boat from Magic Kingdom or bus from Disney Springs
🏨 Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Why visit: Exotic ambiance and real African animals roaming outside your window
🎉 Open-to-all activity: View zebras, giraffes, and more from multiple savanna overlooks
🍫 Must-have snack: Zebra Domes from The Mara (cult favorite!)
🚌 Get there via: Bus from Animal Kingdom or Disney Springs
🏨 Disney’s Riviera Resort
Why visit: Elegant Euro style and quiet sophistication
🎉 Open-to-all activity: Explore the gorgeous mosaics of Tangled and Peter Pan in the breezeway
🥐 Must-have snack: Croque Monsieur or a fresh pastry from Le Petit Café
🚡 Get there via: Skyliner from EPCOT or Hollywood Studios
🏨 Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Why visit: Bright, bold, and full of life-sized Disney characters — kids (and adults) love it
🎉 Open-to-all activity: Take photos with Cars, Lion King, Little Mermaid, and Nemo statues
🥤 Must-have snack: Blue Raspberry Slush or themed cupcakes from Landscape of Flavors
🚡 Get there via: Skyliner from EPCOT/Hollywood Studios
🏨 Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas
Why visit: Atlantic City vibes with nighttime energy
🎉 Open-to-all activity: Catch a magician or juggler on the BoardWalk; rent a Surrey bike
🍩 Must-have snack: Funnel Cake or Mexican Street Corndogs
🚶 Get there via: Walk from EPCOT’s International Gateway or boat from Hollywood Studios
🏨 Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Why visit: Breezy, beachy charm and easy EPCOT access
🎉 Open-to-all activity: Relax by the lake or grab a drink at Hurricane Hanna’s
🍨 Must-have snack: Mickey Ice Cream Sandwich or go all-in with the Kitchen Sink Sundae at Beaches & Cream
🚶 Get there via: Walk from EPCOT or boat from Hollywood Studios
🗺️ Sample Itinerary: Resort-Hopping Like a Pro
🕘 Morning:
Start at Disney Springs → Bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge → Grab Zebra Domes and view the animals
🕐 Midday:
Skyliner to Riviera for lunch → Stop at Art of Animation for photo ops and slushies
🕔 Evening:
Monorail loop — Grand Floridian for tea, Polynesian for Dole Whip, Contemporary for fireworks
🎉 Pro Tips from Let’s Talk Travel
✅ No park ticket needed — all these resorts and snacks are open to anyone!
✅ Mobile Order snacks on the My Disney Experience app to save time
✅ Resort-hop on rest days to get more Disney magic without burning a park ticket
✅ Dress the part — themed outfits = better photos at each stop!
✅ Charge your phone! You’ll be snapping photos all day
✨ Want Help Planning a No-Park Disney Day?
At Let’s Talk Travel, we know Disney inside and out. Whether you want to hop, dine, relax, or just snack your way through the resorts — we’ll help you map it out perfectly!
