Hotels have some of the best free entertainment around. But how can you enjoy the fun without reservations or a room key?
First, you have to go through the security gate. They will ask for your license and some might wonder why you are there. But they want you to visit. Tell them you are checking out the place for visiting relatives, you're going to have a meal, you want to buy something in one of the stores. They will welcome you. Some give you a window pass for a certain amount of time, others don't. Chances are you will do some of this anyway.
Basically, you can go to any of the hotels and really have a great time admiring the expertise that went into the themed resorts. Get ready to have fun. And don't forget, every hotel has a pool and almost all of them have a playground and arcade.
Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground - On certain nights, they show Disney kid movies. You park your car and take a bus to the area of the campground where the movies are shown. They usually start at about 8 pm, but you can call ahead to find out. It's an outdoor Flintstone-type theatre. Chip 'n Dale begin with a s'more roasting. Bring your own marshmallows and crackers.
Later, you can bus down to "the other action." Sit on a rocking chair at Davy Jones' restaurant, watch the Disney boat parade from the beach, have the kids play at the playground. If you're there before dark, there's a petting farm.
Peabody Hotel - International Drive - At 11 a.m. each day and 5 pm, go to the lobby area and watch the Peabody Ducks waddle out of an elevator, onto a red carpet, and into the fountain. Very fun to watch.
Nightly fireworks and Magic Kingdom boat parades are viewable from the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Ft. Wilderness.
Disney's Polynesian Hotel - Besides above, the beach area is fun for the kids, and for the adults, as well. There are hammocks and swings to enjoy. You can sit in a covered cabana and enjoy the festivities. Call for times, but usually around 8 pm or so.
Disney Boardwalk - Wow! 4 hotels around one lake. And, guess what, you CAN watch the Epcot fireworks at 9 pm from the bridge. Lots of people do. Besides that, the Yacht & Beach Club have a kids pool slide - beachside. The beach is a playground/rest stop in itself. The Boardwalk offers all kinds of talent acts going on - juggling, knife swallowing, card tricks, you name it. This is all FREE! There's also a really cool couch to sit on, roller coaster replicas from long ago. It's a good walk around the place, too, so get some exercise in during your day or night.
Marriott - This huge complex on the 535 (?) (on your way to theme parks, back I-Drive) is fun just to ride the elevator up and down...
Nickelodeon Hotel - Sometimes you can get in, sometimes you cannot. But, if you do, I hope you have your bathing suits. They have two water park-type pool areas with slides and all. Plus, they have "Nick" people there playing games with the kids. Lots of fun. Maybe you can say you're going to eat there and get in or visiting a friend/relative. Have your license ready at the booth.
Disney Resort Hotels - Park and ride the monorail, or swim in their pool. Just don't cause a scene.
Hard Rock Hotel - If you've never been there, it's an adventure of sorts. There's cool stuff to look at in the lobby and stores. Rock 'n Roll memorabilia and museum-quality pieces. The pool area is nice, too.
Grande Vista Marriott - Located off the "back" I-Drive (south of Central Florida Parkway) offers pool entertainment, such as hula hoop contests, live music, and nightly entertainment near their small sand beach.
