Resort Only Day on Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Walt Disney World Resort has plenty to do. With four theme parks, 25 resorts, 4 golf courses, 2 mini golf courses, two water parks, and about 200 restaurants guests will never be bored. With so many things to do it is important to build rest time into a Walt Disney World trip. My recommendation is for all guests to add a resort only day to your Walt Disney World Vacation.
Take a Swim
Disney is known around the world for having well themed resorts. Disney World is home to approximately 25 Disney owned resorts. Each resort has their own unique theme. Disney has resorts that take you to an African safari, New Orleans, the Pacific Northwest, the Atlantic Boardwalk, or into an animated movie.
All of the Disney Worlds have a well themed pool area. The moderate and deluxe resorts also have a water slide. Many of the resorts have several pools, a main themed pool and quiet pools. During most of the year, Orlando can be warm, and a day relaxing by the pool is the perfect vacation spot.
Image Credit: Disney
My favorite Disney resort pool is at Yacht and Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay complete with a water slide, sand bottom pool, and a lazy river. Other tops pools are at Polynesian Village Resort, Caribbean Beach, Animal Kingdon Lodge, and Art of Animation.
Enjoy Character Dining
All of the Disney resorts also have restaurants on site. The value hotels typically have a food court with lots of options for hungry guests. The moderate and deluxe resorts are home to table services and fast-food options. Most of the deluxe resorts are also home to characters meals.
My favorite character meals on property are actually at the resorts. Storybook Dining at Artist Point is my favorite character dining experience. Storybook Dining is reopening on December 16 and is located at Wilderness Lodge. The Evil Queen, Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey join guests at this dining experience.
My second favorite character dining is Topolino’s Terrace at Riviera Resort. Topolino’s is open for breakfast and dinner but only has characters at breakfast. Minnie, Mickey, Donald, and Daisy join guests in their European artist outfits.
Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria Al Forno is third favorite character dining experience. Although Trattoria Al Forno has reopened post COVID the characters have not yet returned. Rapunzel, Ariel, Prince Eric, and Flynn Rider join guests during this character breakfast. This is the only character dining on property where you can meet a Disney prince!
Other favorite character dining at resorts are Chef Mickey’s at Contemporary Resort, 1900 Park Fare at Grand Floridian, and ‘Ohana at Polynesian Village Resort. 1900 Park Fare and the character breakfast at ‘Ohana have not yet returned.
Fireworks Dinner
Many of the Disney resorts have signature dining that offer fireworks views for dinner. This is great way to enjoy the fireworks without entering the parks.
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a popular place to watch the fireworks. California Grill is currently offering a Celebrate on Top of The World event. It is a cocktail party with food, desserts, and drinks and a fireworks view. This special dining event costs $129 a person. It is similar in price to the dessert parties within the park and can save on a theme park ticket if you do not plan to enter the parks that day.
Photo: Disney
Topolino’s Terrace is another signature dining experience that gives you a bird’s eye view of Harmonious in Epcot. Guests can actually see Hollywood Studios fireworks as well when they are running. Topolino’s has an outdoor patio that provides optimal viewing of the fireworks.
We could also see the Harmonious fireworks from our standard view room at Riviera Resort. Many hotels offer rooms with fireworks views such as Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower, Grand Floridian, Polynesian Village Resort, Riviera Resort, Yacht/Beach, Wilderness Lodge, and Boardwalk.
Explore the Grounds
All of the Disney resorts have beautiful and well-manicured grounds to explore. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has geysers and waterfalls while The Boardwalk has nightclubs and arcade games to explore.
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Each resort has their own unique activities to explore. Several resorts have arcades for kids and adults to enjoy. Animal Kingdom Lodge has African wildlife that guests can watch and enjoy.
Disney Resorts also offer activities throughout the day. Movies Under the Stars is offered all almost all Disney resorts nightly. Poolside activities are also available in the afternoon that feature fun games lead by a recreations cast member
Many of the Deluxe Villas offer a Community Hall that offer arts and crafts, Mickey Tie Dye, and movie rentals. Some of the community halls also have Foosball and other games for guests to enjoy.
Do you want more help planning your next Disney vacation? As an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, my goal is to help you plan the Magic your way. I also create customized itineraries, book advanced dining, monitor for discounts for your vacation, and much much more! Also, did I mention that my services are FREE!!!! Contact me at SLoehrlein@MickeyTravels.com or follow me on Facebook @MickeyTravelsShannonLoehrlein
