Disney resort hopping with kids is one of the easiest—and free!—ways to fill a non-park day at Disney World. There’s a lot to do at the resorts: scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, playgrounds, character dining, fireworks, and more. Plus, getting around is part of the fun. The Monorail and Skyliner are both kid-friendly and offer great views.
Disney resort hopping is visiting multiple Disney resorts in one day to explore the lobbies and grounds, dine at restaurants, shop, or enjoy scheduled resort activities. It’s completely free. You don’t have to stay at a resort to visit, but swimming is only for registered guests. While you can enjoy the beaches, Community Halls, and playgrounds, the pools are off-limits.
The best Disney resorts to visit with kids are the ones with immersive, cartoonish theming.
My top pick, if you only have time for one, is Art of Animation. Cars is still a favorite movie for kids, and the life-size scenes here make it feel like you’ve stepped right into Radiator Springs. It’s the perfect option if you’re looking for ways to keep kids entertained without a park ticket —or spending more money—but don’t want to commit to a full day of resort hopping.
If you do want to make a day of it, I’ve included a Disney resort hopping with kids’ itinerary at the bottom of this post or you can check out my other 8 resort hopping itineraries or my Ultimate 5-day Disney Resort Hopping Itinerary to see them all. You’ll also find a full review of my experience resort hopping, a Resort Hopping in 2025 Comprehensive Guide, and tips on what you can do at each Disney resort—because there’s more than just dining and decor. And don’t forget to check out The 8 Best Disney Resorts to Stay At for my recommendation on the best resorts for kids or my post on the Best Disney Resorts for Autism (which has suggestions that would be great for all families).
Go to my TikTok or YouTube channel for video tours of all the resorts, hidden gems, resort hopping itineraries, and more.
Resort Hopping Tips for Families
- Don’t overdo it, especially with younger kids. If too much in one day will wear them out, limit it to 3–4 resorts. My sample itinerary below can easily be split into two days. Consider making it a half-day and using the rest of the day to decompress back at your resort.
- Plan actual rest time. Don’t skip naps or plan late nights if your kids aren’t used to that—save that for park days.
- Don’t expect to see everything. Your kids may not care about the lobby decor as much as you do. If you’ve got another adult with you, take turns. One can explore while the other watches the kids in front of a lobby TV or at the playground.
- Bring the stroller. Resort hopping involves just as much—if not more—walking than the parks.
- Plan kid-friendly break spots: Beaches and the Community Halls are great places to rest.
- Early mornings are quieter in the lobbies.
- Use transportation loops like the Monorail or Skyliner to cut down on walking and waiting.
- Map your route ahead of time so you’re not figuring it out on the go while the kids get restless.
- Check activity schedules in advance so you don’t miss anything your kids are excited about.
- Know if you need dining reservations. Book 60 days out if you’re staying at a Disney Resort, or 30 days out if you’re not.
- Use mobile order at quick-service restaurants to avoid long lines with hangry kids.
- Character meals are great for resort days—you won’t be in a rush like you are on park days, so you can truly enjoy the experience.
- Check out the gift shops. It’s a good time to pick up souvenirs instead of wasting park time.
- Don’t forget your resort hopping day bag. (See this post for what to pack.)
Things To Do While Disney Resort Hopping with Kids
Here are some of the activities you can enjoy at the resorts, even if you’re not staying there:
Find a Friend Scavenger Hunts
Find the hidden character photo prop at each resort, take a picture, then head to the front desk or community hall for a surprise.
Arts & Crafts
Each resort has its own lineup. Check the Disney Resort Activities Calendar on Magical Resorts Guide for the current schedule.
Community Halls/Recreation Rooms
Free activities like crafts, movies, games, and more. Read my full post to see what’s offered and which resorts have one.
Playgrounds
A great place for kids to burn some energy while parent’s rest. The ones most worth checking out are:
- Righteous Reef – Art of Animation
- Boneyard – Art of Animation
- Congress Park – Saratoga Springs
- Explorer’s Playground – Coronado Springs
- Caribbean Cay – Caribbean Beach
Arcades
Every resort (except Contemporary) has one. Pop Century has the biggest.
Beaches
Eight Disney resorts, plus the Swan/Dolphin, have beaches. No swimming, but bring beach toys and relax. Read all about the Disney Resort Beaches here. If you do want to swim, you can check out my post on the closest beaches to Disney World too.
Scheduled Games
Trivia, bingo, or lawn game competitions happen throughout the day.
Scheduled Themed Parties
Most resorts have a party in the evening- like pajama parties, glow dance parties, or the Sunset Celebration at Old Key West.
Scheduled Kids’ Fitness Classes
Family fitness, yoga, or dance classes—usually in the morning.
Disney Campfires
Free marshmallow roasting in the evenings, or purchase a S’mores kit. Some resorts have campfires nightly; others only on select days.
Movies Under the Stars
Outdoor Disney movies in the evening, nightly at some resorts and select days at others.
Watch Fireworks or the Electrical Water Pageant
- Magic Kingdom fireworks: Contemporary (4th floor), Polynesian or Grand Floridians beach
- EPCOT fireworks: Riviera (Topolino’s Terrace), Yacht & Beach Club (lighthouse dock), BoardWalk bridge
- Electrical Water Pageant: View from Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Fort Wilderness, Wilderness Lodge
Rent a Surrey Bike
Ride a 2 or 4-seater bike to explore larger resorts and give the kids a break. See which resorts offer them here.
Dockside Fishing
Available at Port Orleans Riverside and Fort Wilderness.
See the Animals
Animal Kingdom Lodge has several free viewing areas with giraffes, zebras, flamingos, and more. You can also book the Starlight Safari for a fee.
Unique Activities at Fort Wilderness
Horseback riding, kayaking, archery, and more. Fort Wilderness has the most one-of-a-kind options. See the full list here.
Dining While Resort Hopping with Kids
Don’t forget to plan your meals. Resort hopping days are great for sit-down or character meals. Save quick service for park days so you can maximize ride time.
Character Dining
- ‘Ohana (Polynesian): Lilo, Stitch, Mickey, Pluto – all-you-care-to-eat family-style breakfast
- Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera): Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Donald – prix fixe breakfast
- Cape May Café (Beach Club): Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy – breakfast buffet
- Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary): Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Pluto – breakfast & dinner buffet
- 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian): Aladdin, Cinderella, Mirabel, Tiana – breakfast & dinner buffet
- Story Book Dining (Wilderness Lodge): Snow White, Grumpy, Dopey, Evil Queen – three-course prix fixe dinner
Kid-Friendly Table Service
- Garden Grove (Swan Hotel) –breakfast
- Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – buffet breakfast & dinner
- Olivia’s Café (Old Key West) –brunch & dinner
- Cake Bake Shop (BoardWalk) –breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Whispering Canyon Café (Wilderness Lodge) –breakfast, lunch, and dinner + an all-you-care-to-enjoy skillet option
- Fountain (Dolphin) – lunch & dinner
- Beaches & Cream (Beach Club) – lunch & dinner in a fun atmosphere
- Sanaa (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – Quick Service breakfast or an à la carte lunch and dinner with views of the savanna
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (Fort Wilderness) – all-you-care-to-eat family-style dinner with a comedy show
Quick Service
Every resort has a quick-service option with kid-friendly meals like burgers, pizza, and nuggets. Some have more than just fast food, like ribs (at Trail’s End) or rice bowls (at Coronado Springs). And remember to bring your Resort Refill Mug, you can refill it at any resort’s quick-service spot.
Disney Resort Hopping with Kids Itinerary
- Take the bus from your resort to Animal Kingdom Park, then transfer to a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
- Buffet breakfast at Boma – Flavors of Africa
- Check out the Animal Viewing areas
- Relax or do a craft in the community room
- Take the bus back to Animal Kingdom Park, then transfer to a bus to any All-Star Resort.
- Grab lunch at one of the food courts
- Explore all three resorts and take photos
- Take a bus to Hollywood Studios, then catch the Skyliner to Caribbean Beach
- Grab a snack from Centertown Market (or stop at one of the beaches to eat a packed snack)
- Go to Caribbean Cay Island and let the kids take a break on the playground
- Take the Skyliner to Art of Animation/Pop Century
- Explore both resorts and take photos
- Stop at the Righteous Reef Playground
- Take an Uber to the Contemporary
- Have Dinner at Chef Mickey’s
- Take the boat to Fort Wilderness
- Play/relax on the beach
- Go on the Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
- Attend Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
- Make S’mores at the campfire
- Watch the Electrical Water Pageant
- Take the boat to Magic Kingdom and catch a bus back to your resort.
Disney resort hopping with kids is a fun, free way to see more of Disney World without a park ticket. With the right planning, it can be just as magical as a park day. From character dining to campfires, beach play to fireworks, there’s so much to do at the resorts.
Want more Resort Hopping help? Check these out:
- Disney World Resort Hopping 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
- The 8 Best Disney Resort Hopping Itineraries
- The Ultimate Disney Resort Hopping Itinerary
- My Resort Hopping Review
Need more ideas for your non-park days? Don’t miss these:
- Disney Day Bag Packing List
- Things To Do at Disney Resorts
- What to Do at Disney on Non-Park Days
- Disney Resort Community Halls
- Disney Resort Beaches
- The Best Beaches Near Disney World
Looking for tips on where to stay at Disney? Check out my recommendations:
- The 8 Best Disney Resorts to Stay At
- The Best Disney World Value Resort
- Split Stay at Disney World Guide and Itinerary
- The Best Disney Resorts for Autism
Doing Disney with someone with Autism? Check these out:
- The Complete Disney World Autism Guide
- The Best Disney Resorts for Autism
- Disney DAS Program: A Complete Guide
- Resort Hopping with My Autistic Child
Need help eating gluten-free at Disney? Check out my reviews of the best spots.
- The Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Disney World
- ‘Ohana Gluten Free Breakfast Review 2025
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ Gluten Free Review
- Hollywood & Vine Gluten Free Breakfast Review
For more travel tips and inspiration, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok!
My head was literally spinning trying to make a resort hopping itinerary, until I found you guys holy crap the way you guys broke this down was such a lifesaver I’m already looking for a Disney world magic kingdom one from you guys, THANK YOU
Glad we could help. We don’t have any itineraries for the parks, but we do share our step-by-step process for planning a park itinerary in our guide to doing Disney with Autism.