We are staying at All Stars this summer but want to check out some other resorts for our next trip on the days we aren't in the parks (travelling in August, so thinking that its also a good plan for rainy afternoons!). Are you allowed to use their facilities - I'm thinking the kids might want to play in the arcades? I know you can't go in the pools, but can you look at the pool areas? And I also know that some of the resorts have paid activities like tie dye, can guest staying at other properties join these?
If anyone knows any hidden fun things to do at the resorts please let me know!
Thanks!
If you are staying at one of the All Stars, it was always my understanding that you are allowed to use the pools at any of the 3 All Star hotels, or at least that was the case before the pandemic.
The other exception (for non DVC) was people staying at POR/POFQ were allowed to use both pools, and DVC was previously allowed some pool hopping.
FYI, Universal hotels DO allow pool hopping.
During construction at your hotel, WDW used to allow guests to use one other specific feature pool If the one at their hotel was closed.
Otherwise, everyone is generally allowed to explore the other resorts non-swim), including arcades. You can eat at any food court, etc. Yes, you can join the paid activities. (Unless otherwise noted?) I don't know they are all that exciting though. IMO, they are rather $$$ for what they are. You can usually join free activities too, like watching the movies.
One other limitation- I think- is that the game rooms at the DVC hotels are meant for guests of that hotel. I've never verified that though. we're usually too busy with WDW things to play a board game. Worse case, we usually pack a deck of playing cards, but I don't really recall taking them out at WDW.
In August, there won't be any seasonal decorations at the hotels, but Nov-early Jan and around Easter the hotels have holiday decor.
I agree with another poster that AKL has a fair amount to see. In addition to the animals, the hotel has a fair amount of art on display. If you want to relax, there are balconies anyone can use with rocking chairs overlooking the animal areas. (by the hotel rooms). Some of the other hotels have some art too, like in the lobby. The entrance of Steakhouse 71 has some neat photos. DO see the large Mary Blair mural at the Contemporary!
You are allowed to listen to music in the lobby of Grand Floridian. The GF orchestra is gone, but the excellent pianist (I think) still plays in the afternoons.
At Poly, you can get a Dole Whip. At Boardwalk, you can check out mutoscopes. i've never seen it, but WL supposedly has the Carolwood Pacific room with train displays, including 2 cars from Walt's backyard train. You can also see the geyser go off. At the monorial resort, and outside MK, you can catch the electric water parade at night.
You can also walk around the grounds of the hotels. Maybe take the Skyliner, monorail, or boats. The shuttle boats are always an option. I think the smaller ones are especially fun, and especially after dark. JUST KNOW- boats and Skyliner stop running during storms. It can sometimes even be sunny, but if storms are within a certain distance- they stop running. August is maybe warm for extra walking, but at night walking around the lakes can be nice. One of the prettier resorts is Coronado Springs. CBR, Pop/AoA, and POR are also nice.
In addition to the WDW resorts, consider exploring the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve. If you have AAA there's - I think - a 20% discount off food. More for adults, the sushi place at the Swan has Karaoke at 9:30pm to close.
you can always go on a hidden Mickey hunt as part of resort exploring. You can do this all on your own, or w/help from internet. WDW used to also sell a book, but I'm not sure if they still do. You might also find a used copy, though some of the old ones are now gone (after remodels).
All Star Movies and Music sometimes have an 8:30pm dance party in the food court. The front desk of your hotel should have a Scavenger Hunt map you can pick up to explore the All Star hotels. There's another one theme do Donald too at the ASMovies. the hotels should have lawn games: pong checkers, chess, cornhole. ASMusic has pickleball. It looks like each hotel now has their own scavenger hunt, so you could do them at just about all the resorts. Many of the WDW resorts have nightly campfires with marshmallows and/or storytelling/singing. i think you have to buy a stick in the resort gift shop though, or that used to be the case.
Fort Wilderness has a fair amount to see, like the horses (10am-5pm) and butterfly garden.
If you bought a WDW package, find your coupon book. I think it now comes when you get your WDW luggage tags. Look through the whole packet to find them. It used to always have a coupon for mini-golf. Though we never used ours!
A short ride from WDW is a large outlet mall if you have transportation.
