Best DVC Resorts for Non-Park Days

Where do you hang out when you’re not at the parks? In a way, this question defines us as Disney Vacation Club members, as it defines our true nature as vacationers. So, let’s discuss the best DVC resorts for non-park days. 

The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

I’ve got one caveat before we begin. Obviously, this conversation only applies to DVC resorts near theme parks, and since the Disneyland Resort properties are so close, we’ll exclude them. Thus, we’re only evaluating Walt Disney World’s DVC resorts. 

While The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is still less than one year old, DVC members have known the joys of this area for ages. Many of us can share stories about memorable nights at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a DVC tradition.

Similarly, the Tri-Circle-D Ranch is a longtime staple of Walt Disney World vacations. Many of us visit here for the first time as children and then pass along our love of this place as adults. 

At Fort Wilderness, you’ll also discover several outdoor activities like horseback riding and archery. Finally, this resort is arguably the most social in the DVC library, as the campers here often host barbecues, tailgates, and even the occasional parade. It’s a vibrant place to spend time away from the parks. 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas

I love the design of Animal Kingdom Villas, as this resort pays tribute to its nearby theme park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. At the hotel, Disney hosts several natural habitats for gazelles, giraffes, ostriches, and zebras. 

When you spend some time here, you’re visiting a zoo at Disney. This place is nowhere near as crowded as the theme park, though, giving you more quality time to take pictures and admire the animals.

While you’re at the resort, you should explore the gift shop, which sells authentic African antiquities. Then, you can dine at one of the several excellent restaurants here, at least two of which sell Zebra Domes. 

Anecdotally, I often just hang out in the lobby at Jambo House. For whatever reason, I find this place so tranquil that I’ve probably napped here more than anywhere else at Disney other than Living with the Land. 

Disney’s Beach Club Villas

Courtesy of Disney Tourist Blog

At this hotel, you’ll discover two primary distractions while you’re away from the parks. The first is Stormalong Bay, which is currently unavailable. Disney drained it in early 2025 as part of drastic renovations at the wildly popular pool. 

This news almost feels personal to DVC members, as we view Stormalong Bay as ours and ours alone. So, we’re all counting down the days until the pool reopens. When it does, that’s where you’ll find us, as it’s a de facto water park we can visit for free when staying at Beach Club.

The other dynamic amenity on a non-park day resides just across the water at Disney’s BoardWalk. This thriving entertainment district has always been a terrific hangout spot, but Disney has recently revitalized it with new restaurants. Between the BoardWalk and Stormalong Bay, DVC members can enjoy a mini-vacation without ever entering EPCOT, even though the park is only five minutes from the hotel. 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

This answer boils down to the joys of the Great Ceremonial House, which offers one-stop shopping, drinking, and dining for DVC members. You never need to leave the hotel to have all your exotic vacation needs satisfied. And that’s the intent of the Polynesian.  

From the beginning, Disney envisioned an island getaway vibe at a place a monorail ride from Magic Kingdom. The immersive theming and the Seven Seas Lagoon backdrop create a believable sense that you’re staying at a beach, and the sand beneath your toes helps. 

So, you can skip the parks and simply hang out at the Polynesian, pretending like you’re vacationing in Bali or Bora Bora instead. Of course, the views of Space Mountain and Cinderella Castle will ruin the illusion, but the positive is that you never have to leave your hotel to enjoy a Dole Whip. The Polynesian is simply a wonderful place to spend the day, whether you intend to visit the parks or not.

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Here’s the place where you’re most likely to find me when I’m Resort Hopping. I fell in love with this spot during the pandemic, and it’s become my go-to destination for dining and relaxing. 

The Riviera hosts a Disney Skyliner station, which makes it easy to reach even when you’re not staying here. So, the place doubles as an escape from a hectic park day at EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

I often take a break from the latter and spend lunch at the Riviera. The Quick Service location on the first floor, Primo Piatto, serves tasty entrees and decadent desserts. Plus, you can see outside here, and the activities in the area provide a delightful distraction. 

Disney hosts character greetings here around lunch a few times a week. I’ve watched Donald Duck and Goofy play chess (badly) against children. It’s so charming. 

Plus, at night, rooftop dining at Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera offers views of multiple nighttime presentations at the parks. So, it’s a divine way to end the evening on a non-park day.