I know that Wilderness Lodge and AKL have a lot of free activities, but I've never been 100% convinced that they're available to anyone and not just guests of that particular hotel. Does anyone know for sure?
I know that Wilderness Lodge and AKL have a lot of free activities, but I've never been 100% convinced that they're available to anyone and not just guests of that particular hotel. Does anyone know for sure?
I sometimes get the impression they're intentionally vague about that. I also think it depends highly on the activity.
Brad you are correct about their being vague. For instance on my last trip when we stayed at AKL Jambo house we went to see the savanas at night through the night vision goggles which is one of the "perks" yet absolutely no one asked for any ID to show we were staying at AKL and it is not like you have a sign around you neck that says you are staying there. also it was held in an area where anyone could access. Technically even the bus transportation is for "Disney" guests but when was the last time anyone getting on a bus from say DTD was asked for a key to the world card or any other form of ID?? Although I suppose anyone on WDW property is a "guest".
Thanks for the feedback, guys. It IS very vague, and I'd hate to tell people to go do those activities and have them encounter the one "bad" CM... but I've never heard of anyone having a problem...
I think they all say it's for guests but in reality it's pretty lax.I do think some of the DVC memeber party stuff might be a little stricter.
I think a lot of the fans get a lot more uptight about this than any CM. Disney wants you to have a good time. If they said outright "yeah it's fine" then they'd probably have people abusing it, but instead they just don't say anything and if you want to do it they figure you will.
I was always under the impression that they are available to everyone - at least that is what they are always saying on WDW Today,including the agent from Mouse Fan Travel...
While living in Orlando, we enjoyed quite a few of the "free" activities. Viewing the animals at AKL, the boat ride from DTD to PO, sitting on the beach at the Poly to watch MK fireworks. One night we donned our lanyards and pin traded at several resorts. There are quite a few free activities at WDW...and in most cases you end up spending a little bit of money in some way, drinks, snacks, souvenears...but regardless we always felt welcomed, whether we were a guest at the resort, or just enjoying a snack/drink or the gift shop.
Word of mouth is still the best advertising and Disney is VERY aware of this. We've only ever had one bad experience at Disney and it still sticks in my mind....imagine if I'd had several....I wouldn't hesitate to let friends and family know....conversely I don't hestitate to let them know how WONDERFUL the Disney experience can be.
Resorts
2017 AKL-Jambo House (May)
2017 Old Key West (Apr)
2016 Port Orleans Riverside (Oct)-Hurricane Matthew!!
2016 Old Key West (Aug)
2016 CBR (Jul)
2016 Art of Animation (May)
2015 Ft. Wilderness Campground (Oct)
2014 Sherwood Forest RV Park (Nov)
2013 Pop Century (Jul)
2012 Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (Jul)
2011 Radisson Lake Buena Vista (Aug)
2010 Pop Century (Nov)
2009 PO Riverside (Jul)
2008 Pop Century (Apr)
2006-2007 FL residents: Hunters Creek 8 miles from the parks!!
2005 All Star Sports (Jul)
2005 PO Riverside/CBR/CSR (Apr)
Word of mouth is still the best advertising and Disney is VERY aware of this. We've only ever had one bad experience at Disney and it still sticks in my mind....imagine if I'd had several....I wouldn't hesitate to let friends and family know....conversely I don't hestitate to let them know how WONDERFUL the Disney experience can be.
Good point here, and also dsoup -- I agree that Disney would never SAY that anyone can come as the fans and actual resort guests might feel a bit cheated.
May 2008 CSR