Subsonic Radio

It used to be that we could Resort hop... just pop into a Resort, maybe a quick-service meal, an adult beverage, and maybe some shopping. But the new deal for the last few months is a no-go in policy unless you have a reservation at one of the restaurants.

So recently, we wanted to go to the Wilderness Lodge for a nice glass of wine and take in the beauty of the resort before we went to dinner at the Grand Floridian. But no way... the guard stopped us. We showed him we were Annual Passholders, and that we had a dinner reservation at the GF, but still no entry. So we went to the Grand Floridian, and PAID for an UBER to take us to the Wilderness Lodge to have a glass of wine and walk around the resort. Then another UBER to go back to the Grand Floridian.

So my question is... what is everyone else doing? What if you didn't have reservations at a resort at all? What if you want to have wine at the Wilderness Lodge, and drinks at Trader Sams in the Poly, then quick service at the Grand Floridian to watch the fireworks! (we have done just this many many times) We have been enjoying the resorts on trips forever, do they not want my money? What will happen at the holidays when you want to see the Christmas Trees, Gingerbread houses, and beautiful decorations at all of the resorts!

Hmmm...it seems like the issue may be about parking at the resort? There is a long history of folks abusing the parking here and there so, maybe some or all the resorts are really cracking down. I'd say that, perhaps, the best bet is not to drive (as an aside and IMHO, I think Disney is trying to steer folks to not drive on property). Uber/Lyft/Cab is an option but Disney transportation will get you about anywhere. It may take some time I grant you, I usually recommend an hour to get to about anywhere. Going through Disney Springs or one of the parks will get you access to a bus going to any other resort or, in the case of WL, a boat from the MK is a nice ride. An AP should, officially, get you access to Disney transportation but I've never had a driver or boat captain ask to see a ticket!

That's sad cousininmiami ~ they really are making it difficult to enjoy the resorts that way, and discouraging people who would come and have dinner or drinks it would seem. I wonder if it sort of depends on the security guard as well. Some might be more lenient about following the parking rules than others. It might be worth dropping a quick note to guest relations and explaining your frustration as I'm sure you are not the only one running up against this. That would give them the chance to let you know your options at the very least.

I agree with Alacrity: park in Disney Springs and either take a bus from there or Uber. Until they start charging to park in DS of course!

Usually people are just using resort transit or cabs/rideshares. Were you trying to do general parking or valet? Usually valets will not be as big an issue since they can control it more.

cousininmiami, I wonder if there was some particular reason why they were not allowing non-guests into the resort. Perhaps there was a high profile event/guest or some sort of filming going on that day and they were trying to keep the resort from being too full? It seems quite strange that they would not allow resort hopping anymore, and I haven't seen any news saying that they're not allowing it.

I'm curious to see how your next encounter goes...

That would give them the chance to let you know your options at the very least.

joker123

Yeah I hope it is't going to keep getting worse. My wife and I use to Resort hop all the time, make a day of it. Some of the resorts have such nice areas to just walk around. Then you're all right, Christmas time is the best time. I'm confused though... are you saying it's still ok to visit the resorts as long as we take the Disney bus? Thats how we did it before. If this is still ok I have no prob parking at Disney Springs and then taking a bus. Plus there are a few resorts you can walk from resort to resort which adds to the day.

I think you're fine if you're using Disney transportation Blackie Pueblo

Amy wrote: ↑

Apr Fri 24, 2020 10:02 am

I think you're fine if you're using Disney transportation Blackie Pueblo

Thanks! Now... if only I could tour the resorts right now...

Yep, that would be no problem. They are only checking IDs and verifying guests at the parking lot guard shacks.

Blackie Pueblo wrote: ↑

Apr Fri 24, 2020 11:38 am

Amy wrote: ↑

Apr Fri 24, 2020 10:02 am

I think you're fine if you're using Disney transportation Blackie Pueblo

Thanks! Now... if only I could tour the resorts right now...

Wouldn't it be fun to be there with almost no other guests around? It would be kind of eerie, but very cool to really be able to look around!

Well you could book a tee time and at least drive through.

Amy wrote: ↑

Apr Sat 25, 2020 8:53 am

Blackie Pueblo wrote: ↑

Apr Fri 24, 2020 11:38 am

Amy wrote: ↑

Apr Fri 24, 2020 10:02 am

I think you're fine if you're using Disney transportation Blackie Pueblo

Thanks! Now... if only I could tour the resorts right now...

Wouldn't it be fun to be there with almost no other guests around? It would be kind of eerie, but very cool to really be able to look around!

Heck yes it would.

ooo, can we peak inside the rooms too?
I'm jumpy enough when I have to go into my mostly deserted office these days. I'd probably be seeing monsters in every shadow