3. Take time to learn the history of the resort

Image: Disney

What Disney has done with Walt Disney World (and Disneyland before it) is use the vacation experience to create art. Disney's works are absolutely art, and one of the areas in which Disney's art is the best is with their hotels.

Each one tells a unique story – some more elaborate than others – and each hotel has a completely different atmosphere and vibe. When you visit multiple hotels in one day, this will become obvious and, very likely, will inspire you to do some research. Did you know the Contemporary's rooms were built and completed off-site and then lifted and slid into place in the A-frame's structure? Did you know the Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge were designed by the same person? The more you see from these beautiful resorts, the more you'll want to know.

Maybe you'll want to know who designed each hotel. Maybe you'll want to know exactly the story each one is trying to tell. Maybe you'll want to know when they was built, or how, or for how long.

Disney's hotels each have a passionate fan community, and there are countless places on the web (including this very site) that will help you learn some of this information. But, often, the best resource for information are the people at that resort: the cast members.

Disney's front-line hotel cast members tend to be more polished and knowledgable about the parks and resorts, and if you have a question, they will likely be able to answer it. Or, failing that, they'll be able to help find the answer for you. Some resorts have actual memorabilia in them that's worth viewing. Others have interesting architectural features. Others have unique landscaping. All of those things make the experience better, and if you're feeling curious about something, just ask.

4. Be sure to bring an empty stomach

Image: Disney

Resort hopping isn't just about sightseeing, however. You'll also want to enjoy the countless culinary offerings of the many luxurious locales. The deluxe and moderate resorts all feature countless restaurants and food options, some of which offer the best food you'll find anywhere.

There are over a dozen restaurants and bars in the Crescent Lake area worth trying. The monorail loop features one of the best bar crawls you'll find anywhere: Taking the monorail between the watering holes at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian Village Resorts (which now features the much-anticipated Trader Sam's Grog Grotto).

The point is, all of the hotels have something you will most definitely want to try. Make sure to save room for it – you never know when something will catch your fancy.

5. Don't be afraid to explore

Despite the fact that they technically have the right to form their own court system, as of yet, there is no such thing as Disney jail. There is no reason to be afraid of cast members unless you're flouting the rules or doing something dangerous and irresponsible, in which case, you shouldn't be going to Walt Disney World in the first place.

For this reason, give yourself and anyone visiting with you the freedom to explore these beautiful resorts. There are so many hidden nooks and crannies within them that there's no way you could see every inch in one lifetime. And, like any art, your perception of these resorts will change with time as you notice more about them. You'll feel more comfortable in some and less in others and, who knows, maybe you'll find a new favorite must-stay resort on property.

From the themed wings of the Art of Animation Resort to the stunning beaches at the Polynesian Village Resort, there's always something new to see and somewhere unvisited to seek out. And no, you're not going to Disney jail for looking at it. Don't worry: explore.