The Ultimate Guide to Resort Hopping at Disney World
- Jan 12
- 4 min read
You don’t need a park ticket to have the most magical Disney day — resort hopping at Disney World is one of the best ways to explore the property, try new restaurants and lounges, and experience different resorts at a slower pace.
Resort hopping simply means visiting other Disney resorts you’re not staying at, using Disney transportation to explore, eat, or look around.
Done well, it can be relaxing and fun.
Done poorly… it can turn into a multi-hour transportation marathon.
This Disney World resort hopping guide walks you through:
how to get around while resort hopping
the best resort hopping “loops” by area
the easiest transportation routes
and one clear thing to do, see, or eat at each resort
All so you can explore without wasting your day in transit.
Thinking about resort hopping on your trip?
I help my clients build smart, realistic resort hopping plans that fit their schedule and energy level — and my services are free when you book through me.
Before You Start:
Resort Hopping Rules & Transportation Tips
You can:
visit any Disney resort using Disney transportation
explore lobbies, outdoor areas, and gift shops
mobile order at quick service restaurants
visit lounges and table-service restaurants (subject to availability)
You generally cannot:
park at a resort just to look around unless you have a dining reservation
use pools at resorts you’re not staying at
Because of parking limits, the easiest way to resort hop is:
👉 Use Disney transportation — monorail, Skyliner, boats, or buses.
Plan for 30–60 minutes door-to-door when hopping between resorts. That includes:
walking to transportation
waiting for the next ride
travel time
walking to your destination
To save time, I recommend exploring resorts in clusters instead of criss-crossing property.
⭐ Magic Kingdom Area Disney World Resort Hopping Loop
These resorts are easiest to visit together because they’re connected by the monorail and Magic Kingdom boat transportation.
How to travel between them:
Resort Monorail
Walking (some sections)
Boat from Magic Kingdom to Wilderness Lodge
👉 Check out the grand lobby and listen for live music at the Grand Floridian
👉 Grab a Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian Resort
👉 Check out epic castle views on the 4th floor observatory at the Contemporary Resort
(boat from Magic Kingdom)
👉 Check out the hidden Carolwood Pacific Railway Room at Wilderness Lodge
Not sure which Disney resort is the best fit for your family? Click here for your FREE Disney vacation quote
🚡 Disney World Resort Hopping on the Skyliner Loop
These resorts are all connected by the Disney Skyliner and are perfect to explore in one outing.
How to get around:
Ride the Skyliner between resorts
Transfer at Caribbean Beach hub
👉 See the Tangled & Peter Pan mosaic murals at Riviera Resort
👉 Stop at Banana Cabana for a casual drink or snack by the water at Caribbean Beach Resort
👉 Walk across Generation Gap Bridge to see the oversized themed icons at Pop Century
👉 Take photos in the Cars, Lion King, Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo themed courtyards at Art of Animation
🌊Crescent Lake & BoardWalk Disney World Resort Hopping Stops
These resorts are grouped around Crescent Lake between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
How to get around:
Walk around the lake
Ride the Friendship Boats
Skyliner to EPCOT station + short walk
👉 Rent a Surrey bike and explore the BoardWalk Inn
👉 Stop into Ale & Compass Lounge for a quick bite or drink at Yacht Club
👉 Try to find Flounder hiding at Beach Club
👉 Head towards the Swan and Dolphin to Fantasia Gardens mini golf (included in your Disney World resort package)
🛶 Disney Springs Area Disney World Resort Hopping Resorts
How to get around:
Boats from Disney Springs to:
Saratoga Springs
Old Key West
Port Orleans — Riverside
Port Orleans — French Quarter
Buses available from all theme parks as well
👉 Walk the pathway along the water and cross the bridge towards Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
👉 Have a meal at Olivia’s Café at Disney’s oldest DVC location, Old Key West
👉 Reserve a horse drawn carriage for a new way to explore Port Orleans — Riverside
👉 Get fresh Mickey-shaped beignets at Scat Cat’s Café at Port Orleans — French Quarter
🦁Animal Kingdom Area Disney World Resort Hopping Resorts
These resorts are more spread out and are typically reached by bus, but each has something worth stopping for.
How to get around:
Bus transportation from any park or Disney Springs
👉 Visit the outdoor savanna viewing areas to see animals up close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
👉 Visit Dahlia Lounge at Coronado Springs Resort for expansive theme park views
👉 Take photos in the Toy Story section with the giant Woody & Buzz statues at Disney’s All-Star Movies
👉 Walk through the oversized sports icons and football field courtyard at Disney’s All-Star Sports
👉 Check out the guitar-shaped courtyard and themed areas for great photo spots at Disney’s All-Star Music
Thinking about staying at one of these resorts?
I can price out multiple resorts, compare room options, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your trip — and it’s completely free when you book through me.
⏳ When Resort Hopping Makes the Most Sense
I especially recommend resort hopping on:
arrival or departure day
rest / no-park days
adults-only or slower paced trips
evenings when you don’t want to commit to a park
It’s also a great way to preview resorts you may want to stay at in the future.
💡Tips for a Stress-Free Disney World Resort Hopping Day
Group resorts by location or transportation line
Don’t try to do every area in one day
Build in travel time between stops
Plan one “purpose” per resort (snack, lounge, view, photo stop)
Pay attention to how late transportation runs to make sure you don’t get stranded on your adventures!
Want help planning a resort hopping day that fits your trip?
My services are free when you book through me — and I plan every trip like it’s my own.
