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Tag: Walt Disney World

Rainy Days in Disney World – How to Prepare for Disney Downpours
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While Florida is known as “The Sunshine State,” it still sees its more than its fair share of rain events throughout the year. The rainy season in Florida is long, lasting from mid-May to mid-October, and covers the hottest months of the year as well. The June – September time frame in particular sees an average of 7 inches of rain per month, much of which falls during brief, heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Getting caught in a Disney Downpour is a rite of passage, but being prepared and knowing what attractions and activities will be accessible can make all the difference in your day.

Magic Kingdom

There are many outdoor attractions that will close during storms when lightning is in the area, but there are still plenty of attractions to keep the fun going at Magic Kingdom. Indoor attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, and many of the Fantasyland rides will stay open during downpours and lightning. This is also a great time to take in a show like Mickey’s PhilharMagic or Enchanted Tales with Belle, or meet characters who have indoor meet and greets, like Cinderella, Tiana, and Friends at Princess Fairytale Hall, as well as Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete’s Silly Sideshow. Always check the app to see which attractions are open and which close when lightning is nearby. I was surprised to learn that the canopy covering the outdoor section of Tron: Light/Cycle Run offers enough protection to allow the coaster to continue to run with lightning in the area.

Leaving the park during a downpour can be a bit of a nightmare. If you are not hopping on a Disney bus, you will be waiting for the Monorail which pauses during storms when lightning is in the area. The Magic Kingdom Ferry will continue to run, but you’ll be drenched if you get stuck on the outside deck. The Magic Kingdom Launch Boats to Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge will stop during severe weather as well (they’ll complete their last run, of course) so if you are staying at these resorts, plan to wait out the rain at the park.

EPCOT

EPCOT is, in my opinion, the best park to be in on a rainy day or during a downpour. Every ride attraction is fully indoors, and almost all of the queues are fully indoors as well. Even better, two rides are housed within The Land pavilion which also has character dining at Garden Grill and an often-overlooked quick service location at Sunshine Seasons. If you’re trapped for a longer rain delay, you can also check out Awesome Planet – a 10-minute long movie film of various ecosystems from across the globe, and how humans are impacting climate. One of the only attractions that will close, ironically, is Moana – Journey of Water. While the main cause of this is the potential for lightning in the area, it does close as if it were an outdoor ride.

If you find yourself in the World Showcase during a downpour, this is a great time to explore the exhibits and shops within each country pavilion. In Japan, you can pass time in Mitsukoshi, a replica of the famous department store that has everything from samurai swords to unique snacks to a pearl selection experience. Over in Mexico, you can watch glass blowing at La Princesa de Cristal, sample some tequila or mezcal at La Cava de Tequila, and say “Hola” to Donald and friends on Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros – all housed completely within the pavilion. A few other fun options are grabbing a beer in Canada and catching Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 (though it could use an update!), finding your family crest in the UK if your ancestors are from those countries, or listening to the Voices of Liberty perform inside the America Pavilion.

It’s important to note that in severe weather, Disney’s Skyliner will close – I certainly wouldn’t want to be stuck in a flying metal bucket in a lightning storm, would you? If you are staying at any of the Skyliner Resorts (Art of Animation, POP Century, Caribbean Beach, or Riviera) check the app before heading out of the park. Disney will run bus lines to these resorts if the Skyliner closes for a prolonged period.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The majority of the ride attractions at Hollywood Studios are indoors, making this a great park to be on a rainy day. While there are only 9 ride attractions at this park, only Slinky Dog Dash typically closes during heavy rain and lightning. However, outdoor shows will also typically close during rain and lightning, which will close the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular theater and the Beauty and the Beast theater. On a busy day, these two shows hold nearly 3,500 guests so you can see a ripple effect throughout the park — be prepared to wait a bit longer even for “filler” attractions like Star Tours – The Adventure Continues. You can avoid some of these longer lines by using MultiPass Lightning Lane, or you can use this opportunity to check out the indoor shows like the new villains show Unfairly Ever After, the recently returned Voyage of the Little Mermaid, or stretch out your vocal chords at For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Out of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom can have the biggest risk versus reward scenario on a rainy day. If there is no lightning in the area, some outdoor attractions will remain open, and the animals are more active in the cool rain than they are in the middle of a hot sunny day. Kilimanjaro Safaris is a fantastic attraction to hit during or immediately after a rain shower – if you’re lucky, you could catch the parade of elephants playing in their watering hole, lions stretching from their midday nap, or hippos walking around in the water. Both the Gorilla Falls Trail and Maharajah Jungle Trek will remain open during brief showers, but will close during heavy rain, with or without lightning. Because of the nuanced closures and the fact that a couple of these attractions are specifically “walking paths,” it’s important to pack your patience and have a good poncho handy while exploring Animal Kingdom in the rain – but the animal activity that you get to experience is absolutely worth getting a little wet. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for real-time attraction closure updates.

A post-rain safari is a great time to catch some lion activity!

Prior Preparation Prevents Pour Performance

As Scar warns us in The Lion King, you have to Be Prepared in Walt Disney World. From packing your suitcase and prepping your park bag, to making sure you have the right weather forecast technology, it’s key to be equipped for whatever Mother Nature sends your way.

Packing

High-Quality Poncho

I prefer a slightly thicker poncho that doesn’t feel like I am wearing cling wrap, with a zipper or snap close in the front, and pockets. This makes it easier to put on quickly, and makes it easier to take off after you’ve slogged through a thunderstorm in 90-degree heat and 110% humidity. The thicker material actually feels a bit cooler because it doesn’t stick to your skin in the same way the cheap see-through ponchos do. Choose a poncho that you can easily reuse, and want to reuse. While the cheap ponchos are good for a one-time use, you’ll need to bring several with you on your trip during the rainy season, and might need to use more than one in a single day. Here is my choice for a durable poncho with a storage bag to bring to the parks: https://amzn.to/3Gbx1aL

Water Shoes

This one is a little odd but hear me out! Sometimes you head into the theme parks knowing full-well there will be a downpour while you are there. In the summertime, this is almost a guarantee. Rather than choosing between your “good” park shoes or your “back-up” park shoes, or doing mental math to figure out if your shoes will be dry enough for rope drop the next morning, consider bringing water shoes with you to the park. You’ll need to have a backpack or wet-dry bag large enough to put your shoes in, but a quick change as dark clouds are rolling in can keep you moving while others scatter for dry ground. It’s important to note that it is against park rules to walk around barefoot – make sure you are throwing on the new flippers quickly and not taking time to air out your toes. And, refrain from the urge to take off your shoes and splash around in puddles. (Or, you’ll be having a friendly conversation with a Cast Member before you can say Thunderbolts.) These are my preferred water shoes, with good grippy bottoms and a fun color scheme: https://amzn.to/4kke8Ar

Wet-Dry Bag

If you are following my tip above and are bringing water shoes to the park, a wet-dry bag will be clutch for post-storm fun. Downpours in Disney are typically brief, and guests can carry on with their park day shortly thereafter. But – if your sneakers are now soaked, it’s going to be an uncomfortable couple of hours of walking, and you might form some sort of ugly blister or chafing due to your wet shoes and hot weather. (Gross.) Wet-dry bags are lightweight, can fold up, and won’t take up much room in your park bag if they aren’t needed. It might seem a little “extra” but for me it is worth it to keep my dry shoes dry during the rain, and to contain my wet shoes after the storm clears and I’m back in my good shoes. Even if you aren’t using water shoes, it’s a good idea to throw flip flops in your bag. This is also great to have if you’re bringing an extra t-shirt with you. These wet-dry bags are available all over, but here is a link to a product on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4khVI3f

Second Pair of Park Shoes

You should always bring more than one pair of shoes with you to Disney World. You’ll need good comfortable footwear for walking long distances, pool sandals, maybe evening wear, or something casual when hanging out at the resort. But, if you get caught in the rain and aren’t prepared with a change of shoes for your next park day, your feet will be miserable in semi-soggy sneakers. I like to kill two birds with one stone and bring a pair of comfortable sandals that can be worn at the pool or for longer walking. Besides my trusty walking sneakers, I also pack these Sketchers brand sandals for pool time and evenings because they are good for a full park day as well if needed: https://amzn.to/3Tc18Sl

Weather Apps

While there is a myriad of weather-related apps you can download to any smartphone, I happened to chat with a Disney Cast Member about this in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, during an unexpected rain shower on a sunny day. I was headed to Kilimanjaro Safaris (obviously!) and she mentioned that they didn’t hear about this shower during their morning briefing. I said something to the effect of, “Wow, that’s some cool logistics to prep early in the day for delays. I didn’t see this on AccuWeather either.” And she responded something to the effect of, “AccuWeather ShmAccuWeather… WeatherBug is where it’s at. That’s what Disney uses!”

Considering there is a weather beacon in EPCOT where every app is getting their information from for the area, it’s interesting to hear that one app is favored over others for forecasting. But, since ride closures are linked to lightning in the area (even when it is not raining) it is helpful to have this app on your phone, so you can have a little insight into when/why attractions are closed, based off the data Disney is using in real time.

Staying Home – Resort Activities at Walt Disney World

A rainy day is a great time to hang out at your resort and take advantage of the amenities and activities offered. If you are staying at the Magic Kingdom Resorts, you can embark on a culinary adventure at the many top-tier restaurants and lounges available – Grand Floridian alone has more than 7 dining locations, including a character buffet at 1900 Park Fare, a Beauty and the Beast-themed lounge at Enchanted Rose, and Victoria & Albert’s, a Michelin-star restaurant. While the Monorail does close temporarily during severe weather, you will usually find that it runs during light-to-moderate rain (without lightning) and this can be a fun time to fit a Monorail Bar Crawl (or Snack Crawl!) into your trip. The Polynesian Resort and Village is home to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, a must-do immersive bar experience, as well as Tamu Lounge – a great place to grab a bite while you wait for your “Table is Ready” text for the Grotto.

The Walt Disney World Resorts also offer recreational activities, many of which will continue during the rain. At Animal Kingdom Lodge, guests can create a String of Memories and collect beads at locations throughout the resort, learning about African culture along the way. Over at Port Orleans French Quarter, guests can partake in the Hidden Character Hunt and find photo props of Louis from Princess and the Frog throughout the resort. Most resorts offer pin trading, and all resorts have an arcade (typically located near the pool) to pass time on a rainy day. You can find these activities listed on your resort’s website in through the My Disney Experience app.

During hurricane closures, Disney Cast Members go above and beyond to ensure guests continue to have a fun time while hunkering down at their resort. Characters will often pop over and hang out in the lobby for impromptu and unscheduled greetings, and there are usually recreational activities held indoors.

Head to Disney Springs for a Shopping Day

If you’re looking to venture out from your resort but aren’t up for tackling the parks in the rain, Disney Springs offers over 90 stores and 60 dining locations to satisfy any shopaholic who sees a rainy day as a prime opportunity for a little retail therapy while on vacation. Disney Springs has everything from Disney and LEGO merchandise to high-end clothing, accessories, and art, and you can find souvenirs as well as essentials you may have forgotten to pack. I once went sneaker shopping at Disney Springs with a friend who had a rough day with her park sandals, and needed new footwear before we tackled Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure the next day. We got an errand done and then went out for drinks at Raglan Road! Win-win!

Disney recently announced that they will be opening at Level99 location at Disney Springs, and I am so excited! This social gaming experience for adults with mental and physical challenges, art installations, and craft beer and snacks will elevate the experiences offered at Disney Springs. Level99 will be located in the building that previously housed the NBA Experience, and Disney Quest (which I still miss!) and will offer the perfect rainy-day hang-out. (The opening date for this location has not yet been announced. Check out the official Disney Parks website for updates: LEVEL99 — Social Gaming Experience | Disney Springs)

You can plan a pretty picnic, but you can’t predict the weather…

The key to having fun in Disney World on a rainy day is to just keep going! There is always something fun to do when the rain rolls in, and if you use the weather to your advantage, you’ll be able to see shows you may have cruised past before or try a sit-down restaurant you didn’t have time for on prior trips. Rainy days can force you to slow down and appreciate the comforts of your Disney resort, or they can show you just how much of a Diehard Disney Fan you really are, ready to tackle the parks no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

Ponchos? Check! Back-up Shoes? Check! WeatherBug alerts on? Check! Let’s plan your rainy season Magical Quest today!
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June 28, 2025
“Besides the Rides” – Top Experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World is well known for both its nostalgia and technologically advanced attractions, but what really brings these parks to a different level are the shows, parades, exhibits, and character interactions offered across property. If you or someone in your travel party isn’t a thrill-seeker, doesn’t meet height requirements, or just doesn’t care for rides in general, there are so many fun things to do and see at the parks. Here are my top 5 favorite things to do at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, besides the rides.

5. Animal Viewing Paths and Wilderness Explorers

Throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you’ll find walking paths that wind through animal enclosures and viewing areas. Each of these dedicated spaces allows guests to get an up-close view of over 300 species of animals at the park. On your way into Discovery Island, pick up a Wilderness Explorers handbook – while this is intended for kids, any guest can participate in this free challenge throughout the park. As you explore the trails and other activities listed below, you can stop at Wilderness Explorers Outposts along the way and collect badges to officially join the club!

The Tree of Life marks the center of the park, and on the Discovery Island Trails surrounding it you’ll spot animals like lemurs, vultures, otters, and kangaroos. These trails are often quiet, and you feel like you’re in a different world as you wind around the tree and behind waterfalls. As you near the Tree itself, check out the intricate animal carvings on its trunk and branches, and see how many creatures you can spot. Lately, I have also seen characters along these paths, and I was lucky enough to stop and chat with Pocahontas on my last stroll on these trails.

In Africa, you can enjoy the Gorilla Falls Trail, located next to the exit of Kilimanjaro Safaris. Ideally, you’ll walk this path after experiencing your own safari adventure, but it’s fun to do any time of day. In addition to the family of gorillas you’ll meet – including everyone’s favorite OG (Original Gorilla), the patriarch of the troop, Geno – this pathway shows off okapi, meerkat, and African birds. If you are lucky enough to grab a spot near the window in the gorilla section, you can see some really amazing family interactions between the adult gorillas and the little ones. The animal keepers will usually leave food in this area at chow time as well, which draws the gorillas to the area for some prime photo ops.

Troop of Gorillas having family fun time on Gorilla Falls Trail, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The last of these three main animal viewing trails has seen heightened popularity lately due to a certain adorable new addition. Bakso, a baby Sumatran tiger was born to mom Sonhi at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in late September 2024 and made his debut on Maharaja Jungle Trek in Asia in early February 2025. This is the first time I have seen a queue to enter an animal viewing area, and for good reason. Seeing baby Bakso learn and play with his mom was really a unique experience, and something you wouldn’t expect to see at a typical theme park. In addition to the Sumatran tigers, the Maharaja Jungle Trek also showcases a Komodo dragon, bats, and Asian birds. This is my favorite walking path at this park, because it is so heavily themed to the land it is in, with Tibetan prayer flags flying throughout, as well as murals and sculptures that look like ruins from an ancient culture.

Sumatra Tigers Bakso and mom Sohni on Maharaja Jungle Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

You’ll find conversation specialists and animal keepers stationed throughout these walking paths to answer questions as well. These cast members are extremely knowledgeable and are happy to engage in conversation about their wildlife friends.

#4. Streetmosphere Entertainment

The Disney properties are known for their elaborate parades and Broadway caliber shows (more on that soon!) but the seemingly impromptu “streetmosphere” of Disney’s Animal Kingdom creates a vibe unlike any of the other theme parks. In Discovery Island, you might stumble upon a dance party lead by Viva Gaia Street Band on the stage across from Flame Tree BBQ, and I promise you, it’s impossible not to dance-walk past these performers.

When you’re hanging out in Africa, there is almost always some type of musical performance happening, whether it be the Harambe Village Street Band, the Tam Tam Drummers of Harambe, or Kora Tinga Tinga. Each of these unique musical acts brings a sense of “being elsewhere” and you start to forget that you are in a theme park in central Florida, and not a bustling village in Africa. When you’re looking to take a break during your day, head over to Dawa Bar in Africa and you’ll have a prime outdoor seat to take in some entertainment with a refreshing beverage.

Kora Tinga Tinga, Harambe Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

#3. Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is comprised of seven lands, and one of these lands is often overlooked by guests. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is a short train ride away from the main area of the park, with the Wildlife Express Train departing from Africa every 10-15 minutes. On this trip out to Rafiki’s Planet Watch, you’ll pass paddocks where the animals sleep at night and where they receive regular treatment and maintenance, which is a neat behind-the-scenes moment. Once you arrive at Rafiki’s Planet Watch and meander down a path to Conservation Station, you’ll get to pet baby goats (who doesn’t want to pet baby goats?!), check out the invertebrate collection, and potentially catch the veterinarians performing a routine medical procedure on an animal inhabitant.

My personal favorite activity in this area is the Animation Experience at Conservation Station – a 25-minute class lead by a real-life Disney Animator, who guides you through drawing a classic Disney character. Guests are provided with sketch paper with guide points, a pencil (No eraser! GASP!), and a clipboard to draw on. I have done this experience a few times, and I am always shocked at how nice my final products are. The Animator does a great job at explaining how to make simple shapes (circles are much, much harder than they seem), and even the most inexperienced artist will take home a sketch to be proud of. The class does move swiftly and though there is no age limit, parents may want to consider their child’s ability to move through the steps without backtracking (or getting too frustrated). Pro Tip: Consider bringing an empty paper towel roll with you in your park bag (if it fits) and use it as a tube to roll up your art for safe keeping.

#2. Enchanting Extras Collection

For those interested in elevating their day, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has far and away the best slate of individually priced tours to choose from. On the Caring for Giants tour, an animal expert will take you on a small group excursion out to a viewing area that allows you to see these magnificent creatures for an extended period of time. I went on this tour in October 2023 with a friend, and it was just amazing to see the elephants grazing and interacting with each other.

If you are looking to get a bit closer to the wildlife at Animal Kingdom, you can aim for the Up Close with Rhinos tour – this experience is only offered once per day, and tickets can be hard to secure. Guests will venture into the rhinoceros’ paddock, and some guests could have an opportunity to actually touch the rhino. I have not been able to secure a spot for this tour yet, and it remains on my “Disney Bucket List.” Each of these tours is moderately priced considering the unique experiences you’ll get to enjoy, with Caring for Elephants priced at $39+tax and Up Close with Rhinos priced at $49+ tax.

There are two other tours offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to really tap into your adventurous side – Wild Africa Trek and Savor the Savanna. Wild Africa Trek is a 3-hour long privately guided tour that will take guests through grasslands, across a rope bridge, and on a safari tour as they learn about animal habitats and behaviors, as well as Disney’s conservation efforts. This tour is priced over $200 (before any discounts are applied) and comes with complimentary photo services as well as a lovely lunch spread. There is more to “know before you go” so check out Disney’s website for all the details about age restrictions and proper attire, linked in the Resources section at the bottom of this post.

Another “Disney Bucket List” item is Savor the Savanna, a culinary excursion that will take guests on a private safari ride with drinks and tapas awaiting you at your destination. During this 2-hour experience, you’ll get to enjoy African-inspired dishes as you look out over the savanna at grazing giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife. This experience costs $189+tax (before any discounts are applied) and while it is on the expensive end of these “Enchanting Extras,” it is also an experience that you aren’t easily going to find elsewhere.

Note: Guests must also have separate theme park admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and park reservations (if required for your type of ticket) in order to participate in any of the four paid Enchanted Extras listed above.

#1. Theater Shows

While we wait for It’s Tough to be a Bug to be reimagined into a new 3D show based on Zootopia in the Tree of Life, there are two fantastic theater shows to check out at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! is an absolute gem, with colorful puppets acting out the story of Finding Nemo on stage. Take a break from the heat in this massive theater, and you’ll be sure to leave with the original song “In the Big Blue World” stuck in your head all day long.

But, in my humble opinion, Festival of the Lion King is hands down, far and away, the best theater show at Walt Disney World, and that is a hill I am willing to die on. Premiering with the opening of the park in April 1998, Festival of the Lion King has been running for 27 years strong. The theater set up lets guests feel like they are part of the show with massive puppetry, acrobats, a fire dancer, and all of the fan-favorite songs from The Lion King that we know and love. The costumes are gorgeous, using bright colors and intricate designs to represent the animals featured in the show. This is a must-see production, and the theater will fill up, so plan accordingly. When I head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I like to see one of the earlier shows of the day at 10am or 11am, after I’ve tackled a few rides during the morning hours. (Check out my post about Rope Drop at Animal Kingdom for tips on maximizing your morning at this park!)

Festival of the Lion King

There is so much more to do and see at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in addition to the activities I’ve listed above. As you meander around you might run into Kevin – everyone’s favorite mythical giant bird from Up! or DeVine, a park-specific character who blends in with the flora around the Oasis. For avian fans, you can also catch the Feathered Friends in Flight! show in Asia, or Winged Encounters – The Kingdom Takes Flight where the Macaws put on a beautiful show in front of the Tree of Life a few times each day. And, last but not least, I would be remiss if I did not mention how gorgeous this park is at night. After the sun sets, check out the Tree of Life Awakenings projection show and you must head into Pandora – World of Avatar to explore the beautiful land glowing with bioluminescence. It’s honestly breathtaking.

Are you surprised at how much there is to do and see at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, besides the rides? Let’s plan your next unique Magical Quest today!

Resources/Know Before You Go

Caring for Giants Elephants Tour at Animal Kingdom | Walt Disney World Resort

Up Close with Rhinos Tour at Animal Kingdom | Walt Disney World Resort

Wild Africa Trek | Walt Disney World Resort

Savor the Savanna at Animal Kingdom | Walt Disney World Resort
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June 14, 2025
Top 7 Reasons to Stay at a Disney Resort
Deciding where to stay is one of the most important decisions of your vacation to Walt Disney World. While you’ll be spending most of your time out and about at the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs, you can keep the magic going by staying on property as well. Here are seven reasons why I choose to stay at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel.

Proximity to the theme parks

The Walt Disney World Resorts are located within a 15-minute bus ride to the parks (on the lengthy end) and some are as close as a 5-minute walk. When you have planned for months and budgeted a not-so-small chunk of change for your vacation, why waste time getting to and from the parks, or needing to rent a car?

The commute to Magic Kingdom will be vastly different if you are not staying on property and using Disney Transportation (more on that later). Guests using bus transportation from resorts like Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando or Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham Orlando are dropped off at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then need to take either the Monorail or the Magic Kingdom Ferry across the Seven Seas Lagoon to the theme park gates. This is the same process for guests who have rented vehicles and are driving to the parks, whether staying on-property or not — they’ll also have a short tram ride from their parking row to the Monorail/Ferry gates. All told, this can add up to an hour to your commute to the Magic Kingdom.

At the three other theme parks, these busses drop off at the same area that Ride Shares Lyft and Uber drop off. This is generally located past the Disney Bus stop area, and feels a bit like the middle of nowhere.

While it is not necessarily a long commute from off-property resorts, especially considering there are many Good Neighbor Hotels in proximity to Disney Springs (which is also where Saratoga Springs Resort is located), there are still many closer options. This, coupled with the fact that complimentary transportation from these resorts drops you a long ways away from the gates adds a lot of travel time to your day. Having easy, quick access to all the fun and entertainment Disney has to offer can elevate your trip and allow you to experience more while you’re visiting.

More time in the theme parks

All guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resorts and some participating Good Neighbor Hotels are allowed to enter the parks 30 minutes before official opening, known as Early Entry. Though it might seem like a short amount of time, you can accomplish a lot during this Early Entry window and alleviate some of the wait times later in the day by hopping on popular rides first thing in the morning. (Check out my Rope Drop series for strategies to make the most of this perk!) If you are staying on property at a resort within walking distance to a theme park, this Early Entry window is a true Golden Half Hour – imagine taking a short stroll to the International Gateway and directly to Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure without a wait. Now that is “Disney Magic.”

Guests who splurge a bit and stay at a Deluxe level resort will also have an extra hour to enjoy after the parks close known as Extended Evening Hours, in select theme parks two nights per week. Typically, this is offered at Magic Kingdom on Mondays and EPCOT on Wednesdays, though over the past couple of years Walt Disney World has added this offering at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom during the “party seasons” of Halloween and Christmas. (This is due to hard-ticket nighttime events happening at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios for the holidays.) Extended Evening Hours is a fantastic way to enjoy popular attractions with low wait times, with less guests moving about the park. In past trips, I have been able to ride every single attraction at Hollywood Studios during this hour, and hit every mountain in Magic Kingdom. As a cherry on top, the parks are gorgeous at night when they are lit up, and the heat of the day has hopefully died down.

Free & frequent transportation to and from the parks

I love Disney transportation and aim to use every form available on each trip to Walt Disney World. Complimentary Disney Bus Transportation runs every 20 minutes (sometimes less) from resorts to theme parks and Disney Springs, with other busses sometimes added to the route during peak hours – like right after fireworks during holiday weeks. The bus stop area for Disney resort guests is right outside of the gates at each park, but the bus area for off-property resorts is always a bit of a hike, typically found near the ride share pick up far off to a side. These extra steps at the end of a park day feel arduous, and since these busses do not run every 20 minutes (or less!) for these resorts, you can still find yourself waiting for quite a while. I once stayed at a Disney Springs area resort and planned my evening around walking from the back gate of EPCOT to Beach Club, hopping on a bus to Disney Springs, grabbing dinner there, and walking to my hotel from Disney Springs instead of dealing with the odd bus schedule.

Disney Bus Transportation has some drawbacks — they do pack you in like sardines but considering almost everything is a 10-15 minute ride away, you don’t have to suffer for long. (Plus, if you are the last of those sardines to make it on the bus, you’ll be thankful your fellow guests made room.) You may also discover a previously unknown skill after a long day at the parks – sleeping while standing! Jokes aside, the Disney Busses are highly reliable and aside from the first-world problem of missing a ride and needing to wait a bit on tired feet or not having a seat, I have never had an issue traveling this way.

Beyond the Disney Busses, there are also fun, unique options like the Disney Monorail, Disney Skyliner, and Friendship Boats or Launch Boats. Depending on where you are staying on property, you’ll have the option to travel to certain parks in style.

Guests staying at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Polynesian Resort and Village, or Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower have their own Monorail line to board which typically has shorter waits. Running more frequently than the Disney Busses (aside from adverse weather delays) the Walt Disney World Monorail is a classic and quick option to whisk you away to Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. If you’ve ridden the Monorail, perhaps you are already reciting the classic safety announcement in your head: Please stand clear of the doors. Por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas.

The Disney Skyliner services four resorts on the route itself – Disney’s POP Century Resort, Art of Animation Resort, Riviera Resort, and Caribbean Beach Resort – and each of these resorts will utilize the Skyliner to travel to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Travel time will vary depending on when you’re headed to the parks and whether or not you need to transfer at the Caribbean Beach Resort Hub, but you can plan on 10-20 minutes travel time from resort to park.

The EPCOT resorts of Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk Inn & Villas, and Swan & Dolphin Resort can also utilize the Skyliner to travel to Hollywood Studios. But my favorite means of transportation in this area is hopping on a Friendship Boat. If you’re lucky, you can grab a spot on the outdoor bench and catch a breeze as you zip across Crescent Lake, making a few resort stops along the way. I love to grab an iced coffee and enjoy a luxurious ride to my next adventure.

Disney theming at each resort, to varying degrees

If you’re staying on site in Walt Disney World, you expect to see Disney theming tied in throughout the resorts as well. While that is certainly the case, some on property resorts are more heavily themed than others and choosing the right location can greatly improve your overall experience. For those guests who are looking for a quieter spot to relax after the chaos of the parks, Saratoga Springs Resort, Old Key West Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, and Port Orleans Riverside are all great choices. These locations are a bit lighter on the Disney-specific theming – like portraits of horses featured in animated films decorating the lobby and rooms at Saratoga Springs, or hints of Princess and the Frog at Port Orleans French Quarter – and can be a great fit if you’re looking for something a little less in-your-face-Disney.

Families with young kids might look at heavily themed places like POP Century or Art of Animation Resort, where you can see huge character statues spread around in their respective themed areas. There are also resorts like the Polynesian Resort and Village which has always had an island Polynesian theme to it and now ties in aspects of Moana and Lilo & Stitch in its adornments. With each resorts’ unique theme, you’ll be able to try dining experiences and activities to match, including the String of Memories activity at Animal Kingdom Lodge where guests learn from a cultural representative and collect a bead to create a bracelet throughout the day.

Occasional character visits to resort lobbies and grounds

When checking in to your Disney Resort, you might just find some of your favorite characters milling about the lobby or playing on the grass outside. Often found in the early afternoon when guests are checking in, characters like Donald Duck, Goofy, and Chip & Dale have spotted greeting guests at resorts all over property. Recently, Disney Operations has started posting signage for the character arrival times around the resort – these are subject to change but can help guests take advantage of these seemingly random visits to the resort lobbies. This is a Disney touch you won’t find at off-property resorts and can create an impromptu magical moment to kick off your vacation.

The “Disney Bubble” vibes are strong

The main point of my vacation is to disconnect from the real world and enjoy a bit of fun and mental relaxation. Disney World takes this to another level with the “Disney Bubble,” the semi-formal term used to describe the extremely pleasant feeling of being cut off from reality and immersed in a land of magic and possibility. Beyond the decorative theming and immersion of the theme parks themselves, Disney World has its own infrastructure that lends to the feeling of being elsewhere.

When you enter those magical Walt Disney World gates from the highway, you are entering Reedy Creek Improvement District which covers over 25,000 acres of land in central Florida. The RCID manages everything from waste and recycling to the roadways and waterways. When you’re traveling through Disney property, you’ll notice they have their own road signage (with ongoing updates to the classic purple and yellow signs to new blue screens that can be changed as roads and exits are improved), and less traffic than the public Florida highways. Since Walt Disney World is private property, GPS apps will not route drivers through these roads unless it’s the intended destination, so you really are sharing the lanes with only Disney guests and Cast Members.

Disney also has its own shopping and dining district called Disney Springs (previously known as Downtown Disney), and there are dozens of amazing restaurants, easily accessible from the Disney Resorts. With locations operated by world-renowned chefs, including Jose Andres, Wolfgang Puck, and Art Smith, there is no reason to leave Disney property for a top-tier meal. Forget to bring your makeup bag, or looking for a fresh pair of Ears? You’ll find these essentials here as well – in addition to merchandise locations like World of Disney, the Springs is also home to places like Sephora and Fabletics, for those essentials you may have forgotten while packing.

When you are staying at a themed resort close the parks that you’re playing in, can choose from several fun, free transportation options that shuttle you from place to place, and have all the creature comforts you need on site, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Florida – aside from the heat of course.

You don’t have to break the bank to stay on property!

I hear frequently that guests choose not to stay at a Disney resort because they plan to be at the parks all day long, and don’t want to “pay more” for a resort that they won’t be spending time at. The Value Resort category in the Disney Resorts Collection is about the same (and sometimes less) than the Good Neighbor Hotels near Disney Springs. For example, looking at August 3 – 9, 2025, without any discount applied the All-Star Music Resort is listed at $164/night + taxes and fees to sleep a family of four. These same dates at Drury Plaza Hotel near Disney Springs is listed at $153.99/night + taxes and fees for a non-refundable rate, and $179.99/night + taxes and fees for a flexible rate, for a 4-person occupancy – and it is worth noting that you can always cancel or change reservations through the Walt Disney Company without penalty, if you cancel more than 30 days prior to your trip. The cost, cancellation policy, and ease of transportation around property is going to give the All-Star properties the edge for me.

Within the Value Resort category, there are also a couple of not-so-hidden gems to pick from in POP Century and Art of Animation Resort. Both of these value resorts are located on the Skyliner route, giving these “basic” Value resorts the same perk as Deluxe resorts – a unique transportation option to the theme parks. Before any type of discount, a standard room at POP Century Resort is listed at $213/night + taxes and fees for the dates listed above, and larger parties can look into the Family Suites at Art of Animation Resort which sleep up to 6 adults.

I am a huge proponent of staying on property in Walt Disney World, and out of the reasons listed above, the most important one for me is the “Disney Bubble” feeling. I appreciate the immersive theming at the different resorts, and while the Disney Bus Transportation is easy and reliable, the fun and unique travel options of the Skyliner, Monorail, and Friendship Boats help to continue the fun and excitement of the day, down to the mundane task of getting home. All of this ties in to the make the “Disney Bubble” feel like a warm cozy blanket of nostalgia – and that Bubble does burst on the way to the airport.

Trying to decide between the dozens of Walt Disney World Collection Resorts? Want to find the perfect place to stay so that your friend who isn’t obsessed with Disney can have a great vacation too? Let’s plan your on-property stay for your next Magical Quest today!
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June 1, 2025