In hindsight, I see that my friend could have easily just dropped me off in front of the GCH doors, with all the bulky bags in tow, then she could have driven over to the self-parking lot, found a spot, and then walked back to meet me at GCH where we could deposit our bags at the Bell Services Desk. Then, when we left the hotel, same thing. She could go get the car while I waited with the bags outside the GCH lobby, then come back to get me. I think my friend didn't realize that she could actually drive back up to the front of the GCH to pick me up. She thought that area was just reserved for the valet parking guys, and not pick-ups and drop offs. So we ended up paying something crazy like $34 or $36 for valet parking that was not necessary - IF we had realized how close the self-parking lot was and how to manage the whole situation!
Anyway, I am supposed to be back at the GCH next month (I am still not 100% sure the trip is happening yet, but we will see). I definitely know what to do next time!!!