Resort touring

[draybook]

Quick question. If you're not staying on property yet, will they let you park at the main building and look around? We don't check in until the 15th but we'll be arriving in Orlando on the 12th. We're planning on going to DtD for a bit before we check into our hotel near US but I was hoping we could look around some of the Disney resorts. Maybe if I show them my ID and print out of upcoming reservations?

 

[mousefreak]

I think you would be safe if you told them you were checking in. I would like to do that at a couple of resorts, too.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

You are more than welcome to tour any of the resorts on WDW property! Just tell the guard you are checking it out or even just having a meal and they will allow you through.

 

[draybook]

Awesome. We're wanting to see some of the moderates and maybe even deluxes and get some pictures.

 

[Pooh Lover]

We always tell the resort we are there to eat.

 

[coachwnh]

You wont have a problem. Have fun touring.

 

[disneygirl76]

Quick question. If you're not staying on property yet, will they let you park at the main building and look around? We don't check in until the 15th but we'll be arriving in Orlando on the 12th. We're planning on going to DtD for a bit before we check into our hotel near US but I was hoping we could look around some of the Disney resorts. Maybe if I show them my ID and print out of upcoming reservations?

You don't need to tell them you are checking in - just tell them you want to tour the resort and they will let you in. You get a pass to put in your window. Its for a set period of time - I think like a couple of hours - the same one you get if you are dining at the resort.

 

[luv]

You don't even have to have a reason. If you tell the guard at the little booth at the entrance, "I just want to look around," you can go in and do that. They'll want to see your driver's license and then will let you through.

No paperwork necessary. No lying required.

Have fun.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

We always tell the resort we are there to eat.

Honestly there is no reason to make up a story, they don't mind allowing visitors to look around!
Actually having people touring the Resorts has its benefits:
1. They may decide to have a meal therefore your spending money
2. They may shop in one fo the Resorts stores once again spending money
3. They may in the future decide to stay at one of the properties then becoming a Guest and therefore spending even more money.

 

[Pooh Lover]

Honestly there is no reason to make up a story, they don't mind allowing visitors to look around!
Actually having people touring the Resorts has its benefits:
1. They may decide to have a meal therefore your spending money
2. They may shop in one fo the Resorts stores once again spending money
3. They may in the future decide to stay at one of the properties then becoming a Guest and therefore spending even more money.

I say this because this IS the true reason we are at the resort.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Awesome. We're wanting to see some of the moderates and maybe even deluxes and get some pictures.

Here are some great highlights:

Arcades
Animals on the savannah (AKL and AKL-KV)
Boardwalk (BWR, Y&BCR)
Boat rentals at the Marina's (At many of the resorts)
Carriage Rides (POFQ) and Hay rides (FW)
Chip & Dales Campfire Sing a long (FW)
Christmas Decorations
Dining
Fishing
Geyser (WL)
Huge Ginger Bread House shop (GFR)
Midway Games (BWR)
Nature hike (FW & WL)
Piture ops with oversized Disney & pop icons (All Stars, AoA, Pop)
Pony Rides (FW)
Shopping
Spas (GFR, CSR, SSR, Swan & Dolphin
Surrey bikes and bike rentals (BWR, FW, Y&BCR)
Swan paddle boats (Dolphin & Swan)
Tea Parties (GFR)
And much much more...

 

[draybook]

Thanks everyone! I keep seeing this pictures of the moderates and deluxes and we figured we'd look around on our arrival day as opposed to just sitting around at a motel pool.

 

[rob0519]

The only time I've ever had a problem just looking around was during a very busy day at the Yacht Club. I was told there was no parking available to non guests. I asked about valet parking and they said I could pay if I wanted to, so I did. Other than that I've not had a problem.

 

[quirkle]

We look around a lot - AKL has a great wine store that we visit.

 

[luv]

The only time I've ever had a problem just looking around was during a very busy day at the Yacht Club. I was told there was no parking available to non guests. I asked about valet parking and they said I could pay if I wanted to, so I did. Other than that I've not had a problem.

That happens on occasion, especially at Epcot resorts in the afternoon/evening on busy days.

And if a President or similar is there, they won't let you in.

But generally, you can go on in just to go.

 

[maryszhi]

yes as long as it is not late at night. just say you are dining there. they may ask for an id.that's it. if it is nighttime, you must be staying that hotel or know a person staying. i was at the pop when my friend came for a visit late at night. they called to verify. it made me feel very safe, which is why i love disney!!

 

[real mad hatter]

Quick question. If you're not staying on property yet, will they let you park at the main building and look around? We don't check in until the 15th but we'll be arriving in Orlando on the 12th. We're planning on going to DtD for a bit before we check into our hotel near US but I was hoping we could look around some of the Disney resorts. Maybe if I show them my ID and print out of upcoming reservations?

No problem at all.Check out the lobbies at AKL & WL.

 

[NYwdwfan]

We are thinking of staying at AoA in the future and are planning to check out the resort on our upcoming trip. Is it possible (or has anyone ever) been able to see a resort room while touring a resort? We've seen the suite floor plans but want to see how much space there actually is in those suites.

 

[luv]

We are thinking of staying at AoA in the future and are planning to check out the resort on our upcoming trip. Is it possible (or has anyone ever) been able to see a resort room while touring a resort? We've seen the suite floor plans but want to see how much space there actually is in those suites.

They don't usually open rooms. They did when they did tours of AoA, but I don't know if they're still doing that or not.

There are a bodrillion pics online, which you probably know...but figured I'd mention it all the same.

 

[NYwdwfan]

They don't usually open rooms. They did when they did tours of AoA, but I don't know if they're still doing that or not.

There are a bodrillion pics online, which you probably know...but figured I'd mention it all the same.

Yeah - saw them online - but there's something different about actually standing in it - it always seems bigger in photos. We're going to check out the grounds, regardless, so I suppose I can just ask and see what they saw. Worst case, they say no!