Resort-Hopping FAQs
What is Resort-Hopping?
If you spend time visiting Disney resorts (other than the one you’re staying at), that’s resort-hopping! This can be for dining, activities, entertainment, shopping, or just to look around.
Frequently Asked Questions:
➔Who is allowed to resort-hop? Everyone! You don’t even need to be a guest of a Disney resort - anyone is welcome to visit any Disney resort.
➔Am I allowed to park at any resort I want to visit? Parking is very strict at Disney resorts and is usually only permitted for guests of that resort, or guests that have a dining/activity reservation. Resorts with direct access to a park (like the monorail resorts and Skyliner resorts) are especially rigid about guest parking, and you should not expect to be able to park at any of those resorts without a reservation. Take note of the following resort-hopping scenarios:
If you have a dining reservation at that resort: Yes, you can drive to the resort and will be allowed to park there. The security guard will verify your reservation at the gate.
If you have an activity/tour/event reservation at that resort: Yes, but parking can be tricky in this situation. If your activity reservation shows up in My Disney Experience with a valid confirmation number, the security guard will be able to look that up in their system and you’ll easily be allowed in to park. However, some activity reservations do not show in My Disney Experience and/or don’t have a confirmation number, so in that case, be prepared to ask the security guard to call the activity location (Community Hall, Marina, etc.) if they insist on confirmation before allowing you in. Arrive early enough for any activity that you have enough time to turn around, go park at a theme park, and take Disney transportation back to the resort if needed.
If you place a mobile order to pick up at a resort or want to join a walk-up list for a resort lounge: This is generally not permitted, especially at monorail or Skyliner resorts. You can certainly try it and see what the security guard allows, but it’s likely that they’ll ask you to cancel your mobile order and you will not be permitted in.
If you do not have a reservation: The best way to visit any resort without a reservation is to arrive via Disney transportation. If you’re staying onsite, you can take Disney transportation from your resort to the nearest park or Disney Springs, then take Disney transportation from there to the resort you want to visit. You can certainly attempt to drive, but be prepared for the security guard to say no and direct you to park at Disney Springs or a theme park.
If you are visiting friends or family who are staying at a resort: Yes, every resort guest is allowed to have visitors. You can tell the security guard that you’re visiting guests of the resort, provide their name and room number, and you will be allowed to park and visit them.
➔How long can I park at a resort I’m visiting? When you arrive, you can ask the security guard that question to find out their time limit that day (it depends on how busy the resort is), but the general rule is a maximum of 3 hours if you self-park. If you do valet parking, you are allowed to leave your car all day.
➔Can I park at a resort other than the one I have a reservation for? Imagine you have dinner reservations for ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, but you want to arrive early, park at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, shop there before dinner, then ride the monorail around to the Polynesian. No, this is not permitted and you will only be allowed to park at the resort you have a reservation for.
➔How early can I arrive and park before my reservation? Generally, you are allowed to park at a resort a maximum of 1 hour prior to your reservation time. If you arrive earlier than that, the security guard may ask you to turn around for now and come back closer to your reservation time.
➔Can I return to the resort a few days later to pick up a finished craft? If you painted a ceramic piece at a resort Community Hall, for example, you would need to leave it there to be fired in a kiln, then return to pick it up 2 days later. If you are driving to the resort to pick up your finished craft, you may need to ask the security guard to call Community Hall and confirm that you have a craft to pick up before you’ll be allowed through. When the Community Hall Cast Member calls to tell you your craft is ready for pick-up, ask if you are allowed to drive back to the resort to pick it up, and follow their pick-up instructions. Be sure to take a photo of your ceramic claim ticket/receipt to show the security guard, if proof is needed.
➔Can I take Uber/Lyft to a resort? This generally follows the same rules for parking (above), and security guards will not allow you to enter the resort without a reservation.
➔Can I take a Minnie Van to a resort? Yes! Minnie Vans have unique permission to enter any resort, at any time, and you do not need a resort or dining reservation if you use a Minnie Van. This is the most expensive option, but it’s the easiest way to resort-hop if you don’t have reservations.
➔Am I allowed to participate in any resort activities, even if I’m not a guest of that resort? Yes, except for pools and gyms. Pool-hopping is not allowed and pool/gym amenities are for resort guests only. Everyone is welcome to join any other resort activities!
➔Are these FAQ answers always reliable? These resort-hopping scenarios are generally accurate, but please keep in mind that every security guard is different and some are more strict than others. Rules can change and resort access can be even more restricted at busy times (during holidays, special events, conventions, etc.), so please be flexible, understanding, and respectful if a security guard denies you access to the resort. They will be able to provide you with specific directions for the best way to visit the resort if parking at the resort directly is not an option.
