The resort hotels at Walt Disney World are like mini-attractions in their own right. Heavily themed and packed with activities, each spot immerses visitors in a specific time and place. Nature is celebrated at Fort Wilderness and the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Grand Floridian recalls the elegant Victorian era. Pop Century is filled with pop culture nostalgia.
What you might not know is that anyone is free to explore all of the official Walt Disney World resorts. You do not need to be a guest at that hotel, or even staying on site at all. You are generally welcome to self-park for free at each hotel for a maximum of three hours per resort. On holidays and particularly busy weekends, however, you might need to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center, Downtown Disney, or one of the theme parks and take Disney transportation.
You must be a guest at a specific hotel to use its pool, or to participate in very limited capacity programs such as the Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Sunrise Safari. Everything else, however, is open to all. Here is a list of 6 free things that anyone can do at the Walt Disney World hotels.
6. Campfires
Fort Wilderness CampfireThe Fort Wilderness Campfire with Chip and Dale is my personal favorite! Image: Copyright Disney.
When the sun goes down, 12 different Walt Disney World resorts light campfires. Depending on the venue, the program might include Disney characters, sing-alongs or special presentations. S’mores kits are available for a nominal fee. The campfire is often followed by a free Disney movie under the stars. My favorite campfire program is at Fort Wilderness, a heavily wooded campground where Chip and Dale join in the fun.
5. Fireworks viewing
Fireworks From Contemporary ResortWatch the fireworks without the crowd on the fourth floor balcony at the Contemporary Resort.
Both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot launch spectacular fireworks displays every night, which are viewable from around the Walt Disney World resort. If you do not want to enter the parks, the best viewing locations are the fourth floor deck at the Contemporary and the beach at the Polynesian. Both spots provide excellent views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks, with the accompanying music piped in to speakers all around
It is usually very easy to find a spot, although it is best to arrive an hour early on holidays. Even on the most crowded days of the year, however, when the parks are packed literally shoulder to shoulder, you will find a bit of breathing room at the resorts.
4. Polynesian torch lighting
Polynesian Resort Torch LightingCatch the Polynesian’s evening torch lighting with an authentic fire dancer.
On Tuesday through Saturday nights at 6 p.m., a fire dancer welcomes guests to the Polynesian Resort. The show begins in the lobby, and then moves outside for approximately 7 minutes of drumming and dancing culminating in the dancer using his wand to light the nearby torches. He also performs some impressive theatrics, including fire eating. It is probably not worth making a separate trip just for this show, but if you can time your visit to the Polynesian to include the show, it is well worth your time.
3. Live music at the Grand Floridian
Grand Floridian Society OrchestraThe Grand Floridian Society Orchestra provides elegant background music for those relaxing in the sweeping lobby.
The premier resort hotel at Walt Disney World, the Grand Floridian is filled with elegant touches. Just relaxing on an overstuffed sofa in the sweeping 5-story lobby is a treat, but throughout the afternoon and evening you will also be serenaded by extremely talented musicians. The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra rotates with a truly impressive pianist, so plan to spend some time enjoying both.
2. Scheduled activities
Lobby ConciergeAsk the lobby concierge for the day’s activity schedule, or look for posted signs.
All of the Walt Disney World resort hotels offer a full day of scheduled activities. If you are a morning person, try to catch the 8 a.m. Parasol Parade at the Grand Floridian, featuring 50 members of the housekeeping staff. The parade is held every Monday and Friday, except during inclement weather.
Other options include cultural and animal-based programs at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, trivia games and scavenger hunts through the resorts, and a wide variety of poolside competitions and dances. Ask a concierge cast member for the day’s schedule when you arrive, or look for signs posted around the lobby.
1. Gingerbread houses
Gingerbread CarouselThe gingerbread carousel at the Beach Club actually moves!
Walt Disney World is well-known for its highly impressive holiday celebrations. During the Christmas season, the resort hotels are decorated to the hilt with massive Christmas trees and other items. What truly make the resorts worth a holiday visit, however, are the gingerbread houses.
From the Grand Floridian’s life-sized Victorian gingerbread house that also serves as a bake shop to the working gingerbread carousel at the Beach Club, these creations must be seen to be believed. Each gingerbread house also features numerous Hidden Mickeys, which draw guests into friendly spotting competitions.
