How early can we park at a resort prior to an ADR?

[kkpsirog163]

We arrive at WDW tomorrow. We’re going to Magic Kingdom tomorrow and have reservations at chef mickeys at noon. We’re looking to avoid the long walk from the Magic Kingdom Parking lot to the TTC, and we’re wondering if we can park there in the morning, then go to our resort after our meal, at which point we’d take the skyline to Epcot and monorail back to MK at some point

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I don't have any very recent experiences with CR, but I would expect arriving prior to 11AM for a noon lunch reservation might be a potential issue to get in. They often talk about 3 hours of parking permitted for non-guests of the resort with dining reservations, and CR is one of the stricter places for that. It sounds like you might be staying at a CB/Pop/AoA/Riviera resort (you mention the Skyliner to EPCOT)? How early are you thinking you want to arrive at CR? There is an option for preferred parking at MK if you're willing to pay the extra to park closer.

 

[holden]

Are you returning to MK after your Chef Mickey's reservation? If so I'd just park at the TTC (which is the MK parking lot). Walk to Chef Mickey's for lunch and walk back to MK when you are finished. It's a short walk, plus you'll be walking all day anyway (I'm assuming).

 

[tjmw2727]

The general rule is 3 hours parking so I don't think your plan will work. If you are more than 30 minutes early they may turn you away and you are definitely not supposed to leave your car after you are finished dining.

MK and Epcot resorts are imposing greater restrictions on parking as well as ride share drop offs in order to not have resorts used for theme park parking.

If you don't want to park at the TTC then you could use resort buses or plan to valet (if offered) at the CR in which case you would not be subject to parking restrictions.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

CR is serious business about the parking, because everyone wants to park there.

 

[SharonZ]

I agree, there is a three hour parking limit for reservations. Just park at the TTC.