dining with Minnie at Cape May
  • On May 24, 2022
    Alexis from FL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Are you allowed to park at a resort and eat at their louge or quick service restaurant? My job takes me near Disney about every month and I would love to be able to explore the resorts in this small way. I don’t have an annual pass and wouldn’t be a guest.

    Hiya, Alexis! Welcome to planDisney!

    A job that takes you near the Walt Disney World Resort is a pretty magical one if you ask me! I love to just pop into different areas of Walt Disney World, as it allows me to explore little details that I may miss on big trips where I'm racing from ride to ride!

    Alexis, while I do love your idea, this is a bit of a tricky question. I just confirmed with a Cast Member. Under the current reopening measures, parking at Disney Resort Hotels is limited to Guests of the resort hotel or Guests with dining reservations. I actually just returned from a trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. There was a sign outside the entrance of the resort that clearly stated that parking was reserved for Guests with either room or dining reservations. The guard at the gate did confirm each reservation as Guests entered the resort.

    The best option for you would be to book a dining reservation at a Disney Resort Hotel that you'd like to explore, rather than stopping by for a quick service meal. There are many restaurants that are moderately priced and have more last-minute availability. You are allowed two hours to park at the resort for your reservation, but you'll often eat much quicker than that, especially if you're flying solo! I'd recommend looking into restaurants like Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Boma - Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort. Once you finish up your meal, you can bounce around like Tigger and see all that the resort hotel has to offer!

    Alexis, Disney Springs has more restaurants than you can even imagine! Plus.. there are so many tucked-away spots with tasty treats to round out your meal. You may also consider spending some time over here, where parking is free and available and Guests are not required to have reservations to enter. For a quicker stop, I love Chicken Guy! For sit-down dining, The BOATHOUSE Restaurant and Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' are can't miss meals!

    I hope this information helps, Alexis! It is important to remember that this policy is subject to change as the Walt Disney World Resort continues to return to a land of magic!

    Have a magical day,

    Ashley
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Meet the Panelist: Ashley, New Jersey

Hey friends! I'm Ashley, a Disney-loving mom ready to help you plan your next adventure! I am married to my college sweetheart and we have two young, energetic kids who have inherited our love of Disney! As Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members, we spend our time at Walt Disney World Resort in all different ways, from packed park days to relaxing by the pool, our family has developed a love for all Disney has to offer. I'm excited to share the magic with all of you! Learn More About Ashley

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