Each Walt Disney World Resort has its own set of unique, memorable events that you may not be aware of. From a luxurious princess makeover to a campfire dinner, your family can enjoy the perfect getaway, even if you’re not a resort guest!
Of course, nothing compares to the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney Springs, or Walt Disney Resort’s two water parks: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach. But even the most dedicated Disney parks fans need a break!
Walt Disney World Resort
Resort Hopping is an integral part of the Walt Disney World vacation for many Guests. Using the Disney Parks’ complimentary transportation, such as the monorail, buses, boats and the Disney Sky Line, guests can explore any of the 32 Walt Disney World Resorts located on site.
Many resort guests head out for dinner at Disney Resort’s famous restaurants, such as Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort or Chef Mickey at Disney’s Modern Resort, but you don’t have to eat to explore resort hotels.
You might want to kick back and enjoy some quieter entertainment at the end of a long day at Disney Park. This guide will help you take advantage of the vacation deals at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel or resort when you move to another resort.
Walt Disney World Value Resort Hotels and Campgrounds
No wonder you can gather around the campfire and sing along for free with Chip and Dale at campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. But did you know that you can now make s’mores at all Disney’s Value Resort properties? Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort offer s’mores for less than $10 per guest on select nights.
At Disney’s Pop Century Resort, guests can also sign up for a Mickey Tai Dye event to pair with their legendary Tai Dye Cheesecake. The cost is usually less than $30 per guest. There is so much to do here – even in the cheapest Disney hotels!
Movie nights by the pool are another great way to end a long day at the Disney parks! Only guests staying at each resort have access to the pool, but everyone can watch a movie outside the restricted area. Every Walt Disney World Value resort offers pool movie nights. While you wait, grab oversized Disney props and decor around each resort’s walking trail!
Moderate Resort Hotels Walt Disney World
More luxurious than Value Resorts, at more affordable prices than Deluxe Resorts, crafts and activities abound at Moderate Resort hotels. With the exception of The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Walt Disney World Moderate Resort Hotels also offer movies under the stars!
At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you can play sand volleyball, rent a fishing rod, or go on a pirate adventure cruise for just $30 with lunch! Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside offers horse and cart rides on the Sassagula River for $55. For a taste of New Orleans, head to the French Quarter at the Disney Resort Port Orleans and enjoy an evening of jazz at Scat Cat’s Club, open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
The Disney Resort in Coronado Springs also offers campfire snacks, volleyball and a fun run! On Sundays at 6:45am, guests can pay $15 per person to enter a 2.7 mile race ending with a finisher collector’s badge and an adorable Magdalena!
Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Hotels and Villas
Whether you’re staying at the Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort Hotel or Resort Hopping to enjoy a luxurious setting, there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation.
Obviously you can enjoy up close encounters with giraffes, zebras and other animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge! But did you know that guests can enjoy wine tasting, African drumming and other music throughout the day?
Enjoy movies under the stars at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts. Rent a jet ski to enjoy the marina or hit the trails on a Surrey bike!
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is in a league of its own with a whole host of Boardwalk offerings! Many guests come to enjoy the shopping and dining, but guests can also show off their moves at the Atlantic Dance Hall or cheer on the piano duels at the Jellyrolls. The resort also offers Surrey bike rentals and watching movies under the stars.
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge guests can only register at check-in for the chance to be a Flag family. While not guaranteed, your family will be contacted should you choose to experience this exclusive Wilderness Lodge tradition. From $32 to $50 for half an hour, guests can rent Surrey motorboats and bikes. Guests from Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Lodges can also head to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge to watch movies under the stars.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa naturally offers plenty of pampering opportunities, but did you know that guests all age can get a princess makeover? While Disney’s Bibbidi Bobbidi boutique at Disney Springs and Magic Kingdom is limited to guests 12 and under, Senses Spa offers character hair and makeup from $50 to $180. They’ll even add glitter and a tiara!
After your makeover, stay at the Grand Floridian Hotel for an authentic tea party, or head to the contemporary Disney Resort to watch the fireworks over Cinderella’s castle from the beach. They even play Disney Enchantment music along with the show!
Sign up for free ukulele lessons or an inexpensive lei-making lesson at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Guests can also fish in the seven seas lagoon, rent catamarans or motor boats, and get up close and personal with the Electric Water Show each evening.
Holiday Season at Walt Disney World
During the holidays, ride the monorail to admire the breathtaking decor and gorgeous gingerbread houses at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. In the run-up to Easter, many deluxe resorts are displaying intricately decorated chocolate eggs!
Disney Resort Leisure and Entertainment offerings are always subject to change. Check availability on the Walt Disney World Resort website, My Disney Experience app, or at the front desk.
Don’t forget to ask about the schedule of activities and entertainment when you check in to your so you don’t miss anything interesting. What kind of Disney World hotel entertainment are you going to try?