Parking for resort dining

[snowwhite84]

We have a 9pm dinner reservation for California Grill. Would it be possible to drive to the Contemporary and park at the resort around 4:30? TIA!

 

[FCDub]

What will you be doing between that time and your reservation?

 

[snowwhite84]

What will you be doing between that time and your reservation?

Spending time at the monorail resorts. Maybe trader Sam’s, maybe the lounge at Steakhouse 71.

 

[PKJoe]

I read that Resorts typically have a 3 hour time they give for dining reservations

 

[Her Dotness]

Don't do it is my advice. You'll get your car towed. The monorail and Epcot resorts are vigilant about this because so many try to use their lots for easier park access.

The guard at the gate will also verify your dining reservation and can see when it is. You'd probably be advised of the 3-hr. limit and told to return later.

A better option is Disney transportation which allows as much time among those resorts as you wish.

Or, park in the MK lot and take the resort loop, MK Express monorail or the ferry to MK.

 

[OKW Lover]

Its highly unlikely that the guard at the Contemporary would allow you in that much earlier than your reservation time.

 

[snowwhite84]

Thanks for the info, everyone!

 

[TreAntDeu]

Don't do it is my advice. You'll get your car towed. The monorail and Epcot resorts are vigilant about this because so many try to use their lots for easier park access.

The guard at the gate will also verify your dining reservation and can see when it is. You'd probably be advised of the 3-hr. limit and told to return later.

A better option is Disney transportation which allows as much time among those resorts as you wish.

Or, park in the MK lot and take the resort loop, MK Express monorail or the ferry to MK.

We don't get warned at Epcot resorts. Just parked at boardwalk all day yesterday after eating early breakfast at trattoria and was at epcot till close.

We do get warned at magic kingdom resorts though. But not all the time

 

[SkyGuy]

I’m currently staying at BC. I was coming back from DS yesterday, and there was an older couple at the guard shack, saying they wanted to walk around. The guard asked if they were a guest or had a dining res, and they said no. He said they were full and hey couldn’t park and made them do a u-turn. I can attest that the lot is, indeed, quite full. There were no spots left, at that time, on the inn side, and we parked on the villa side, which was also quite full. If everyone with a dining res stays parked there all day, then parking will become hard for resort guests during these busy times.

 

[snowwhite84]

I’m currently staying at BC. I was coming back from DS yesterday, and there was an older couple at the guard shack, saying they wanted to walk around. The guard asked if they were a guest or had a dining res, and they said no. He said they were full and hey couldn’t park and made them do a u-turn. I can attest that the lot is, indeed, quite full. There were no spots left, at that time, on the inn side, and we parked on the villa side, which was also quite full. If everyone with a dining res stays parked there all day, then parking will become hard for resort guests during these busy times.

I understand your point and I agree, but I certainly wouldn’t expect to park all day. I was thinking more like five hours to go to a bar/lounge, watch fireworks, dinner.

I think I won’t risk it though, will plan for a taxi.

 

[TreAntDeu]

I understand your point and I agree, but I certainly wouldn’t expect to park all day. I was thinking more like five hours to go to a bar/lounge, watch fireworks, dinner.

I think I won’t risk it though, will plan for a taxi.

You could also bus to MK and do a short walk over. No restrictions on that and its like 5 minute walk

Then maybe do a taxi after your meal. Just to save a bit.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Just ask the guard. Really. I've never been given a timeframe and have always been honest with what we're doing/where we're going (we visit onsite hotels 3-4 times a month). If parking is tight, they say no. If there is ample space, they let you in.

It's 100% up to the security guard at the time and certainly worth stopping by to ask. The worst that could happen is they direct you to T&TC.

You can also valet without any issue, but of course would have to pay. My mom valets at any hotel she wants to visit so she doesn't have to worry about what the guard might say.

 

[gharter]

You could also bus to MK and do a short walk over. No restrictions on that and its like 5 minute walk

Then maybe do a taxi after your meal. Just to save a bit.

that would be my suggestion. Bus over, then you don't have to worry about parking.
Depending on when the park closes, you can walk back to MK and bus back to your resort, uber or taxi back.

 

[lockets]

You can also valet without any issue, but of course would have to pay. My mom valets at any hotel she wants to visit so she doesn't have to worry about what the guard might say.

Does the guard have to let you in first to valet?

 

[Her Dotness]

I’m currently staying at BC. I was coming back from DS yesterday, and there was an older couple at the guard shack, saying they wanted to walk around. The guard asked if they were a guest or had a dining res, and they said no. He said they were full and hey couldn’t park and made them do a u-turn.

Yes, this does seem to happen more currently since resorts are still not at full capacity.

We saw 4-5 cars told to u-turn and leave the gate when we were there. Never saw that happen pre-covid. We supposed that it was due to covid restriction, anyway.

Does the guard have to let you in first to valet?

Yes. The valet parking desk is just outside the main resort entrance.

You might be allowed to enter if you say you'll be using valet parking. However, it's somewhat limited and costs $33.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Does the guard have to let you in first to valet?

Yes. She just tells them she is valeting her car and they wave her in. Disney doesn't usually turn down $$$