If you’re taking a day off from the parks but still want that Disney atmosphere, these 8 Disney resort hopping itineraries keep the experience going—without the crowds or lines.
What is resort hopping?
Resort hopping is exactly what it sounds like—visiting multiple Disney resorts to explore, eat, drink, shop, check out the resort activities, and take in the atmosphere. You don’t need a park ticket, and you’re free to hop between resorts as much as you want.
Why go resort hopping?
You get more dining options, can see the unique theming at each resort, find hidden gems and great photo spots, and can enjoy activities not offered at your own resort. It’s also a chance to see parts of Disney most people miss.
Here are a few quick tips to make your resort hopping day smooth:
- Time of Day: Mornings are a great time to explore lobbies before the get crowded, afternoons are good to check out the lounge areas of the resorts, and the evenings have fun activities and maybe even a fireworks view.
- Getting Around: Resort parking is limited to guests with hotel or dining reservations. Use Disney’s free transportation—monorail, Skyliner, boats, and buses.
- Dining and Lounges: Many of the best spots for food and drinks are at the resorts. Remember to make reservations for table-service restaurants.
- Plan Around Meals: Food can be a great anchor for your itinerary. Base your resort hopping route around dining reservations or must-try snacks.
- Bring your Refillable Mug: If you’re staying on property, bring your resort mug with you. You can use it at any quick-service location with a refill station.
- Bring a Day Bag: Resort hopping still means you’ll be out all day, so pack essentials just like you would for a park day. I’ve got a full packing list here
- Use My Disney Experience App: It will help you with transportation options, directions, and you can even do mobile ordering to save time.
- Free Entertainment: Look for live music at the Grand Floridian and Port Orleans-Riverside, street performers on the BoardWalk, and a campfire show at Fort Wilderness Campground.
- Fireworks Views: A few resorts have great spots to watch fireworks from Magic Kingdom or EPCOT.
- Factor in travel time: Disney transportation can take longer than expected. The buses don’t go from resort to resort, so you’ll have to transfer at a Park. Plan for extra time to get between resorts that aren’t connected by Monorail or Skyliner.
- Photo Ops: Each resort has unique backdrops—like larger-than-life characters, tropical gardens, and even an African savanna.
- Check the Resort Activities in Advance: Every resort has a daily schedule of free and paid activities. You can find the current ones online at Magical Resort Guides.
Well-planned Disney resort hopping itineraries let you see a totally different side of Walt Disney World. Whether you’re after themed cocktails, stunning lobbies, or just a break from the parks, resort hopping is a great experience.
This post gives you 8 different Disney resort hopping itineraries. Want to bar crawl? My Disney Skyliner resort hopping itinerary will help you plan your route. Hoping to see all the original resorts? The Disney World Resort Monorail Tour covers the classics.
Want more resort hopping info? Check out these posts:
- 5-Day Resort Hopping Itinerary to Visit Every Disney Resort
- Complete Guide to Resort Hopping at Disney World
- Everything You Can Do at Each Disney Resort
- My review of seeing all the resorts in 3 days
Not sure which resort to stay at for your Disney Resort Hopping trip?
The Contemporary or Riviera would be my top picks, since they both have direct transportation to other resorts. They’re also both Disney Vacation Club Resorts, which means you can get a great deal on them through David’s Vacation Club Rentals.
Let’s get into the best Disney resort hopping itineraries
The Disney World Resort Monorail Tour
One of the perks of Disney resort hopping is getting to experience all the unique Disney World Resort transportation options. Starting your first day with the iconic Monorail Loop Tour is an absolute must for Disney resort hopping itineraries.
This tour takes you to two of the original resorts that opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971: Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. You’ll also get to visit, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the elegant monorail resort added in 1988.
If you want to keep going, you can also add in Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, the third original resort that opened in 1971, by taking a boat from the Contemporary.
Disney Monorail Resort Hopping Itinerary
- Take the bus from your resort (or drive if you’re not staying on site) to Magic Kingdom.
- Take the boat to Polynesian.
- Have breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at ‘Ohana (reservations required)
- Play at the beach (don’t forget your sand toys)
- Walk over to the Grand Floridan.
- Explore the grounds
- Relax on the beach
- Take the monorail to the Contemporary.
- Check out the view from the fourth-floor observation deck
- Get lunch at Steakhouse 71 (reservations required)
- Make a souvenir in the community hall in Bay Lake Tower
- Get a picture at the Mickey statue
If you have time for more:
- Take the boat to Fort Wilderness to rent a kayak or bike, do the archery experience, or go horseback riding
- Take the Boat to Wilderness Lodge to have have dinner at Whispering Canyon Café (reservations required)
- Stay at the Contemporary to watch the fireworks from the fourth-floor observation deck
Skyliner Resort Hopping Tour
The Disney Skyliner connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios to four resorts—Pop Century, Art of Animation, Riviera, and Caribbean Beach—via five stations, making it an easy and efficient option for resort hopping.
A Disney Skyliner Resort Hopping itinerary is quick, scenic, and a fun way to explore multiple resorts in one trip. The gondola views alone are worth the ride.
A Skyliner tour is also a favorite for bar crawls. Expect bold theming at Pop and Art, relaxed vibes at Riviera and Caribbean Beach, and plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way.
Disney Skyliner Resort Hopping Itinerary
- Take the bus from your resort (or drive if you’re not staying on site) to Hollywood Studios.
- Take the Skyliner to Riviera.
- Grab a coffee from Le Petit Café to drink out on one of the lobby balconies, while enjoying the view
- Have breakfast with Mickey at Topolino’s Terrace (reservations required)
- Do a craft in the Eventi Room
- Attend the Art De La Mosaique or Painting on the Riviera class (reservations required)
- Walk over to Caribbean Beach.
- Relax in the hammocks on the beach
- Let the kids play at Caribbean Cay Island
- Grab lunch at Spyglass Grill
- Take the Skyliner to Pop Century.
- Check out all the retro memorabilia in the lobby shadow boxes
- Play in the largest resort arcade
- Explore the grounds, getting pictures of all the larger-than-life characters and icons
- Walk around hourglass lake to Art of Animation, reading the trivia signs on the way.
- Walk around the Cars, Little Mermaid, Lion King and Finding Nemo sections to get pictures with the life size scenes and of the larger-than-life characters
- Play at the Righteous Reef Playground
- Take the Skyliner back to Riviera.
- Have dinner with a view at Topolino’s Terrace (reservations required)
- Make S’mores at the Cote d’Azur Campfire or watch the Movies Under the Stars
- Take the Skyliner back to Hollywood Studios.
Boardwalk Area Resorts Tour
These resorts are all located around Crescent Lake and within walking distance of each other and the Disney BoardWalk. You can use the Friendship Boats to get around too, but walking is faster—and gives you better views of the lake and resorts along the way.
The BoardWalk really comes alive at night, with carnival games, live performers, and that classic seaside vibe. Stroll the promenade, browse the shops, and check out some of the best dining on property, especially over at the Swan and Dolphin.
You could also add these resorts to a Skyliner Crawl if you get through those four resorts faster—just take the Skyliner to Epcot to explore these five Epcot-area resorts.
Boardwalk Area Resort Hopping Itinerary
- Take the bus from your resort (or drive if you’re not staying on site) to Hollywood Studios.
- Walk or take the Friendship Boat to the Beach and Yacht Club.
- Have Breakfast with Minnie Mouse at Cape May Café (reservations required)
- Check out the lobbies in Beach Club and Yacht Club
- Take a walk to the lighthouse
- Walk over to the Swan and Dolphin.
- Check out the lobby in the Swan
- Relax in the lobby at the Dolphin
- Take a break at the beach to play on the playground or relax in the lounge chairs
- Get lunch at Rosa Mexicano (reservations required) or Fountain
- Walk over to the BoardWalk.
- Check out the carousel and roller coaster models in the lobby
- Get ice cream at the Boardwalk Ice Cream Shop
- Walk along the boardwalk.
- Get dinner at Trattoria al Forno or The Cake Bake Shop (reservations required for both)
- Rent a Surrey Bike
- Play carnival games
- Check out the street performers
- Check out the shops
- Go to Jellyrolls or the Atlantic Dance Hall
- Walk or take the Friendship Boat back to Hollywood Studios.
Relaxing Disney Resorts Tour
Great if you want to spend your rest day actually resting, while still enjoying the amenities of other resorts. This Disney resort hopping itinerary is all about slowing down and soaking up the quieter side of Disney.
You’ll find plenty of beaches with hammocks and lounge chairs to relax in, plus peaceful walking paths and nature views that make it easy to unwind. Even the resort lobbies are worth lounging in.
This slower-paced route lets you explore without the rush. It’s less about getting from point A to B and more about enjoying the spaces in between.
Relaxing Disney Resort Hopping Itinerary
- Take the bus from your resort (or drive if you’re not staying on site) to EPCOT (main entrance).
- Take a bus to Port Orleans-French Quarter.
- Grab a coffee and Mickey Beignets from Scat Cat’s Club Café
- Enjoy the scenic walk to Port Orleans-Riverside.
- Relax in the Hammocks on Ol’ Man Island
- Go Fishing at the Fishin Hole
- Take the bus to Disney Springs, then transfer to a bus to the Swan and Dolphin.
- Have a late breakfast at Garden Grove
- Relax on the beach
- Walk along the boardwalk to EPCOT and take the Skyliner to Caribbean Beach.
- Relax in the Hammocks on the beach
- Get a drink and snack at Banana Cabana
- Relax in the lounge chairs on Caribbean Cay Island
- Take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios, then bus to Wilderness Lodge.
- Have dinner at Geyser Point Bar & Grill
- Relax by the fire in the lobby
- Take the boat to Polynesian.
- Sit around the campfire near the beach
- Get a dole whip from Pineapple Lanai
- Watch the fireworks and Electrical Water Pageant on the beach
- Take the boat or monorail back to Magic Kingdom and catch a bus back to your resort (or back to EPCOT if you’re not staying on site).
Luxury Disney Resorts Tour
Great if you’re staying at a more affordable value resort but want to be immersed in the luxury of a Disney deluxe. This itinerary lets you explore some of Disney’s most elegant resorts.
You’ll skip the cartoon theming and step into grand lobbies, signature dining spots, and upscale lounges that feel worlds away from the parks. It’s a nice change of pace, and a great way to see what the deluxe side of Disney has to offer.
Perfect if you want to indulge a little. Whether it’s a date night, an adults-only afternoon, or just a break from the crowds, this resort hop brings a touch of luxury to your trip—without blowing the budget.
Luxury Disney Resort Hopping Itinerary
- Take the bus from your resort (or drive if you’re not staying on site) to Hollywood Studios.
- Take the Skyliner to EPCOT and walk to the Swan Reserve.
- Have breakfast at Amare (reservations required)
- Check out the elegant lobbies in the Swan and Dolphin
- Walk to the Yacht and Beach Club.
- Take a look inside at the lobbies
- Walk to the Skyliner and take it to Riviera.
- Take a look at the lobby, Voyageurs Lounge and balcony views
- Grab lunch and a drink at Bar Riva
- Take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios, then bus to Coronado Springs.
- Take a quick look at the fountain in the old El Centro Lobby
- Check out both floors of the Gran Destino Tower Lobby
- Attend Sangria University if you have time (select days/times-reservations required)
- Take the bus to Animal Kingdom Park, then transfer to a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
- Look at all the artifacts in Jambo House lobby
- Find more in the Sunset Overlook Lounge
- Check out the Animal Viewing Area outside
- Take the bus to Animal Kingdom Park, then transfer to a bus to Wilderness Lodge.
- Grab a drink and Campfire Mousse at Geyser Point
- Tour the Lobby
- Walk over to the Villas to take a quick look at the little lobby there, and the Carolwood Pacific Railway Room
- Take the Boat to Magic Kingdom, then transfer to a boat to Grand Floridian.
- Have dinner at Victoria and Albert’s or Narcoossee’s (reservations required for both)
- Look around the Lobby
- Walk over to the Villas to tour the lobby and see the Mary Poppins Fountain.
- Walk to the Polynesian.
- Stop at the Island Tower to check out the lobby
- Relax in the Great Ceremonial House lobby
- Take the Monorail to the Contemporary.
- Check out the fourth floor Grand Canyon Concourse
- Attend the Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle (reservations required)
- Walk to Magic Kingdom and catch a bus back to your resort (or back to Hollywood Studios if you’re not staying on site).
Classic Disney Resorts Tour
ONe of hte best Disney resort hopping itineraries, it’s perfect for kids or Disney classics fans, giving you that nostalgic Disney feel
This route focuses on the resorts with the most immersive theming—larger-than-life characters, imaginative designs, and full Disney cartoon vibes. Start your day with character dining with Mickey, and end it with the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
It’s a great way to make a trip more magical without another park day.
Classic Disney Resort Hopping Itinerary
- Take the bus from your resort (or drive if you’re not staying on site) to Magic Kingdom.
- Walk or take the monorail to the Contemporary.
- Have breakfast with Mickey Mouse at Chef Mickeys (reservations required)
- Buy souvenirs at the Fantasia gift shop
- Take pictures at the Metal Mickey Sculpture outside
- Take the monorail or walk to Magic Kingdom, then bus to any All-Star Resort.
- Explore the grounds of all three resorts to see all the larger-than-life sports, music and Disney movie themed statues
- Take a bus to Hollywood Studios, then take the Skyliner to the EPCOT stop.
- Walk to Beach Club Resort.
- Have lunch at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (reservations required)
- Walk back to the Skyliner and take it to Art of Animation.
- Walk around and enjoy all the larger-than-life character statues and life-sized movie scenes
- Play at the Righteous Reef playground and the Boneyard
- Look at all the artwork in the Animation Hall lobby
- Walk around hourglass lake to Pop Century.
- Read the trivia signs on the walkover
- Explore the grounds to find all the larger-than-life characters and memorabiliaCheck out the Memory Wall shadow boxes in the Classic Hall lobby
- Play in the arcade
- Bus to Magic Kingdom, then take the boat to Wilderness Lodge.
- Have dinner at Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White (reservations required)
- Take the boat to the Contemporary.
- Go to the fourth-floor observation deck to watch the fireworks (or attend Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle)
- Walk back to Magic Kingdom.
Disney Resort Christmas Decoration Tour
There is no better time to resort hop than Christmas. The Disney resorts go all out for the holidays, and this itinerary is your chance to see the best of them.
You’ll get to admire the festive décor, try seasonal treats, and take in the Christmas-at-Disney atmosphere. Every resort features a themed tree—like masks at Port Orleans-French Quarter, instruments at All-Star Music, movie reels at Movies, and peace signs at Pop Century.
Resorts with gingerbread displays also offer their own menu of holiday snacks, making each stop unique.
Below is the route to take to see the best Disney Christmas displays, and what you’ll find at each stop:
Disney Christmas Resort Hopping Itinerary
- Take the bus from your resort (or drive if you’re not staying on site) to Animal Kingdom Park.
- Take the bus to Animal Kingdom lodge.
- Life-Size gingerbread animals
- 1 of 9 Icon Christmas trees
- Take the Bus back to Animal Kingdom Park and transfer to a bus to the Swan hotel.
- Holiday chocolate Santa display
- Walk over to the Yacht Club.
- Train display and Christmas village
- Walk to the Beach Club.
- Gingerbread carousel
- Walk to the BoardWalk.
- Gingerbread BoardWalk Deli
- Large outdoor tree
- Take the Boat to Hollywood Studios, then bus to the Wilderness Lodge.
- 1 of 9 Icon Christmas trees
- Bridge over Copper Creek in the lobby
- smaller tree at Boulder Ridge Villas
- Take the boat to the Contemporary.
- Gingerbread display/castle
- 1 of 9 Icon Christmas trees (the largest at 70 feet)- outside
- Monorail to the Polynesian.
- Large Christmas tree
- Walk over to the Grand Floridian.
- Life-sized gingerbread house
- 1 of 9 Icon Christmas trees
- Walk or monorail to Magic Kingdom, then take the boat to Fort Wilderness.
- Campsites decorated by guests with lights, inflatables and more
- Take the boat to Magic Kingdom and catch a bus back to your resort (or back Animal Kingdom if you’re not staying on site).
All Resorts Tour
While you need several days to truly enjoy every resort and see everything they have to offer (even my 3-day tour wasn’t enough to do it all), if you just want to take a quick look around the lobbies—and the grounds at Art of Animation, Pop Century, and the All-Star Resorts—it can be done in two days.
This route gives you a taste of all three resort tiers and every unique lobby style, from the over-the-top theming at the value resorts to the grand, detailed designs at the deluxe ones. Whether you’re Checking out where to stay next time or just want to say you’ve seen it all, this is the ultimate Disney resort hopping challenge.
It would be tough to see all the resorts in one day. If you try, I’d recommend using Ubers instead of Disney transportation for the resorts not on the Monorail or Skyliner. And use mobile order at Quick Service spots so meals don’t take up too much of your time. If you’ve done a one-day tour and managed to hit every resort, I’d love to hear how you pulled it off—let me know the details in the comments.
Resort Hopping Itinerary to See Every Disney Resort
Day One
- Take the bus from your resort (or drive if you’re not staying on site) to Magic Kingdom.
- Take the boat to the Polynesian Resort.
- Walk over to the Grand Floridian.
- Monorail to the Contemporary.
- Take the boat to Wilderness Lodge.
- Take the boat to Fort Wilderness.
- Boat to Magic Kingdom.
- Take a bus to Saratoga Springs.
- Walk to Disney Springs, then take a boat to Old Key West.
- Boat back to Disney Springs, then transfer to a boat to Port Orleans-Riverside.
- Walk over to Port Orleans French Quarter.
- Take a bus back to Magic Kingdom.
Day Two
- Take a bus to Animal Kingdom Park, then transfer to a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
- Bus back to Animal Kingdom Park, then transfer to a bus to the All-Stars Resorts, and walk around all three.
- Bus back to Animal Kingdom Park, then transfer to a bus to Coronado Springs.
- Bus to Hollywood Studios, then take the Skyliner to the Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
- Walk to the Beach Club and Yacht Club.
- Walk to the Boardwalk.
- Walk to the EPCOT entrance, then take the Skyliner to Caribbean Beach.
- Walk to Riviera.
- Take the Skyliner to Art of Animation.
- Walk around to Pop Century.
- Take the bus back to Animal Kingdom.
Exploring Disney resorts adds a different kind of excitement to your vacation. With the right plan, Disney resort hopping lets you experience more of what Disney does best: immersive environments, great food, and hidden gems.
Whether you follow these Disney resort hopping itineraries or come up with your own, it’s an easy way to see more without a park ticket.
Need more ideas for Disney resort hopping? Check these out:
- Disney World Resort Hopping 2025: A Comprehensive Guide
- Disney Resort Hopping with Kids
- The Ultimate Disney Resort Hopping Itinerary
- My Resort Hopping Review
Planning a day at the resorts? Don’t miss these:
- Disney Day Bag Packing List
- Things To Do at Disney Resorts
- Disney Resort Community Halls
- Disney Resort Beaches
Have you tried the classic Disney World Resort Monorail Tour or done some Disney Skyliner resort hopping? Let me know in the comments—I want to hear what route you took.
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