Top 5 DVC Resorts for Day Guests

Guests who are staying on property at Walt Disney World have access to great recreation, dining, and amenities without ever leaving their resort. Staying DVC is a great way to feel at home during your Disney vacation with spacious villas or private cabins or bungalows. When guests aren’t busy at the Disney parks they can easily spend entire days having fun at their DVC resort. But you aren’t limited to only enjoying the resort you are staying at. DVC resorts are open for all guests to visit and explore. So if you find yourself with free time during your next vacation and are interested in exploring what other resorts have to offer, then check out these top 5 DVC resorts for day guests.

5. Disney’s Riviera Resort

If you find yourself leaving Disney’s Hollywood Studios or EPCOT with some extra time on your hands then take the Skyliner over to Disney’s Riviera Resort. This DVC resort is styled after the European Riviera. Throughout this resort you’ll find European flair in its architecture, dining, and stunning artwork throughout. Disney’s Riviera Resort is a great place to visit because of its many recreational activities like movies under the stars, campfires, and various lawn games. Guests love strolling throughout the resort and grabbing coffee or dessert at Le Petit Cafe.

Guests who plan on visiting Disney’s Riviera Resort should make reservations at Topolino’s Terrace, the resort’s luxurious rooftop restaurant. This restaurant features a fun character breakfast starring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy and serves a variety of delicious entrees to start your day like Smoked Salmon on an Everything Bagel and Quiche Gruyere. For dinner, Topolino’s is transformed into one of Disney’s signature dining experiences serving French and Italian cuisine like Classic Sole Meunière and Escargot en Gougères.

4. Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is a laid-back DVC resort that is reminiscent of an “old Florida” beach town. This resort is quiet, calm, and perfect for a day guest. Old Key West Resort has several playgrounds throughout the resort, one of which is located on sand making it perfect for little ones who need a break to play. Guests can rent Surrey bikes, play on Pickleball courts, go on a guided fishing excursion, or spend some time in the Community Hall.

Old Key West is also home to a fan-favorite restaurant, Olivia’s Cafe. Olivia’s Cafe feels like family-owned restaurant with photos of DVC families lining the walls. Guests can enjoy some incredible southern brunch here, or come for dinner and enjoy a great seafood selection.

3. Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

Day guests who are looking for a more lively break from the parks would enjoy Disney’s Boardwalk Villas. This DVC resort is located on an exciting boardwalk modeled after something you’d find on the Atlantic coast. Guests can enjoy Surrey bike rentals, playgrounds, arcades, and the resort’s Community Hall.

There are nearly a dozen food and drink opportunities at Disney’s Boardwalk including guest favorites like AbracadaBar– a magician’s themed bar and lounge, Trattoria al Forno- an authentic Italian restaurant, and Carousel Coffee- a specialty coffee shop serving drinks and baked goods.

2. Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows

If you are finished with your day at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT then hop on the monorail and check out Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. This DVC resort brings you the laid-back island lifestyle with incredible sandy lakeside beaches, palm trees, and beautiful scenery. Day guests enjoy watching Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from the shore, or viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. Guests might also catch some hula lessons or a viewing of the nightly torch lighting ceremony.

Guests who visit Disney’s Polynesian Resort enjoy visiting Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto- a fun tiki bar serving themed drinks along with in-house special effects. Guests can grab Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai, enjoy breakfast with Lilo and Stitch at Ohana, or incredible sushi at Kona Cafe.

1. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

One resort that is definitely worth visiting is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Whether you visit DVC’s Kidani Village section, or Jambo House, you will be able to see great views of the animals from one of the many observation decks. Giraffes, gazelles, zebras, ostriches, and more roam freely on the savanna located on property at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Expert Cast Members are located throughout the resort to answer any questions you might have about the wildlife. A Community Hall is located onsite for guests to enjoy, as well as an arcade and playground.

Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to many restaurants including Sanaa, which allows guests to view the animals from large windows while they dine. Sanaa is famous for their bread service which offers a variety of pita and breads with various hummus dips.

Do you ever spend time at other resorts during your vacation? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.