Today, select Disney World Resort hotels have reopened!
From resort hopping, to differences we’ve seen at the hotels since the temporary closures, we’re breaking down your most frequently asked questions!
Answering Your Most FAQ About Disney World’s Reopened Resort Hotels!
Can You Resort Hop?
Yes, but only if you have a confirmed hotel reservation, with a dining reservation at the resort you wish to hop to. At this time, the only guests allowed in a Disney World Resort Hotel are those with confirmed resort reservation stays and with confirmed dining reservations.
Are there any differences in the hotel rooms?
There were a few noticeable differences in our hotel room. Certain items were wrapped upon our arrival, like the TV remote.
While Resorts like Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary had travel size toiletries, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village, the reusable shampoo, conditioner, and body wash each had plastic over the nozzle, with a sticker noting they had just been cleaned.
Read more about what to expect from the reopened Disney World hotels here!
Are coffee makers still in the room?
Yes! The coffee makers are still in each Resort hotel room.
How does the transportation work?
At this time, the only Disney transportation method being offered are the buses. The buses will take you to and from Disney Springs. Bus transportation is NOT available in between Resorts at this time.
So, if you are staying at one resort but you have a dining reservation at another Resort, you will need to drive yourself or use a service like ride share or a taxi. Additionally, you could also take a bus to Disney Springs from your Resort, and then take another bus to the Resort at which you are dining.
Is the Monorail or Skyliner running?
The Monorail and Skyliner are currently unavailable. While some Cast Members told us they may reopen ahead of the parks, we’ve ALSO heard that they won’t be available until the parks are open. We will keep you updated as we learn more!
Click here to learn more about when the Monorail and Skyliner may be back!
Are the Resort lounges open?
Certain bar and lounge areas are open at this time. Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower was one notable exception and is currently unavailable. Other lounges, like Enchanted Rose at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is available from 4PM to 11PM.
Can you use refillable mugs?
Yes! Refillable mugs are still around and available for purchase. Keep in mind that when you want to refill your mug, a Cast Member will fill a disposable cup for you, which you can then pour into your refillable mug.
How do the pools work?
The pools are currently open at many of the reopened resorts. At this time, the one notable exception is Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, which is currently closed until further notice.
As far as face masks go, you do not need to wear one when you are swimming or lounging at your chair, which are physically distanced. Otherwise, Disney asks that you keep your face mask on.
Pool slides, life vests, and towels are also all still available at the pools for guests to use.
Take a look at what the pools are like at the reopened resorts!
What is character dining at Topolino’s Terrace like?
Currently, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort is the ONLY character dining experience available on property! It is a pretty modified experience than your typical character dining.
Characters are not signing autographs at this time, and will not take pictures with your party at your table. You can, however, snap a picture with a character like a selfie from afar.
Read all about character dining at a reopened Topolino’s Terrace!
Are fitness centers open?
Ahead of the resorts opening, we heard that fitness centers would be available, but with reduced hours. Certain offerings, like fitness classes, would not be offered initially.
What recreational activities are still available at the Resort hotels?
We spotted some fun recreational activities taking place at the resort pools! At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, we heard Disney trivia and a lip sync battle happening in their pool area. All of the activities currently taking place are all non-touch. We also saw signs for movie nights under the stars at Disney’s Riviera Resort!
Any update on Cinderella Castle?
As a matter of fact, YES! We spotted Cinderella Castle from Bay Lake Tower, and it certainly looks like the anniversary makeover is pretty far along!
Read more about the Cinderella Castle makeover here!
Learn more about some of the ways the resorts will be offering less amenities by clicking here!
What big questions do you still have about the Disney World Resort hotels’ reopening? Let us know in the comments below!
Want to learn more about the Reopened Disney World?
- We’re Answering Your BIGGEST Questions About the Reopened Disney World!
- We Went to Magic Kingdom for Disney World’s Reopening — Here’s What You Need to Know!
- Everything You Need To Know About the Reopening of EPCOT!
- We Went to the Reopening of Disney's Animal Kingdom -- Here's What It Was Like!
- We Went to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Its Reopening Day -- Here's What You Need to Know
- Here Are ALL the Changes and Cancellations That Disney World Just Implemented for Their Reopening!
- Everything You Need to Know About Disney World's Face Mask Policy
- Everything You Need to Know from Disney World's Reopening!
- We’re Answering Your BIGGEST Questions About Disney World’s New Disney Park Pass Reservation System!
- The Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Relaxation Stations
- 6 Tips You Aren’t Thinking of for Your 2020 Disney World Trip
- Tips to Remember When Wearing a Face Mask in Disney World
- Here’s What It’s Like to Wear a Disney Face Mask All Day Long in Disney World!
- What You Need to Know About the Transportation Options at a Reopened Disney World
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Hi what happens if our hotel isn’t opening when we are booked to visit ??
Thanks for keeping us the loop with everything you’re making this whole thing a lot let stressful so thanks !!!
Hi there! I submitted my post below a few days ago, but it still hasn’t appeared. I’m not sure if it ever went through, so here it is again:
Hello! Do you happen to know if both the Turtle Pond pool and the Turtle Shack are open now at OKW?
Is the Turtle Shack serving food and drinks? Hours?
Thanks so much for the information.
I’m confused about the two sentences of the article.
“Yes, but only if you have a confirmed hotel reservation, with a dining reservation at the resort you wish to hop to. At this time, the only guests allowed in a Disney World Resort Hotel are those with confirmed resort reservation stays and with confirmed dining reservations.”
Shouldn’t they read:
“Yes, but only if you have a confirmed hotel reservation or with a dining reservation at the resort you wish to hop to. At this time, the only guests allowed in a Disney World Resort Hotel are those with confirmed resort reservation stays or with confirmed dining reservations.”
Hi Lisa! Currently, you must have both a hotel reservation at a Disney World Resort, in addition to a dining reservation at whichever resort you would like to visit to be able to Resort hop! Unfortunately you aren’t able to get in with just a dining reservation.
Thanks for the clarification!
How are they going to enforce allowing only resort guests in the other hotels who have dining reservations?
Hi Maggie! In our experience, they have been scanning our MagicBands to check on our reservations!
Are splash pads open as well as the pools? Like the Samawati Springs Pool Play Area.
Hi Ben! So far, most of the splash pads have been open at the resorts we have visited!
Am I able to add a day to my resort reservation? Would like to drive straight through and arrive Wednesday night instead of Thursday.
Hey All Ears! Question regarding the refillable mugs! At Caribbean Beach Resort they have refillable mug stations in each of their Islands, do you think they will be open with a cast member there or would we have to go to Old Port Royale?
Hi Jamie! Unfortunately we don’t know for sure what the procedure will be at Caribbean Beach when it reopens! As of now, the hotels have been allowing reusable mugs, but will just hand you your drink in a paper cup that you can than put in your mug.
Has there been any comment or info about parking fees at the resorts?
Hi Orion! As of now, the parking fees have remained unchanged.
What about boat transportation to Disney Springs
Hi Jo! At this time, buses are the only form of Disney-owned transportation operating, so (as of now) the boats are also not operating.
When I look at the pink on the castle and think back to the 1996 25th anniversary diabetic shock version, someone in Imagineering must love Pepto Bismol!
Do you know if you already have a resort reservation (we’re driving our motorhome & staying at Ft. Wilderness) and already purchased theme park tickets but wish to add another ticket for someone else to come along, can we add another ticket? I know ticket sales aren’t happening to new guests, but what if you want to add to an existing reservation?
Will resort guests using the running trails need to wear masks while running?
Any clue what the fitness center hours will be?
I have a club level stay at Beach Club but it says only the Villas are open and Yacht and Beach Club doesn’t open until August 24th? Is Beach Club open or not very confusing.
Also paid for a Club Level and price hasn’t changed guess I’ll get a price adjustment?
Will Stormalong Bay be open by early to mid August?
I have these questions but the phones at Disney are 100% busy
Help!
Hi Kevin! As of now, only DVC is open, so those dates indicate when the rest of those hotels will be reopening! At this time, Disney hasn’t confirmed whether or not Stormalong Bay will be opening with the rest of the hotel in August, or if it would be earlier. We should hopefully know more as we get closer to that date!
Hello! Do you happen to know if the Turtle Pond pool and the Turtle Shack are both open now at OKW?
Is the Turtle Shack serving drinks and food? Hours?
Thanks so much for the information.
Are you having any fun? 🙂
Do you know if DVC members can pool hop?
Still wondering when Disney will address the issue of guests with Disney Hotel reservations that they have had for many months but had not bought park tickets before the park closure. Planned trip is in Mid-August.