Hi there, Claire! And welcome back to planDisney! I'm so glad that you trust us with your questions as you plan your next magical vacation! It looks like you're headed to
Walt Disney World Resort in just a few months, so you must be getting excited!
Celebration at the Top - Sip, Savor, Sparkle is a cocktail party at
Disney's Contemporary Resort. The event includes hors d'oeuvres and drinks from
California Grill, Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing, and yes, valet parking. For special events like this at Disney resort hotels, parking is for the length of the experience. When you arrive by car, you will check in with a Security Cast Member. They will verify your reservation by scanning your MagicBand or My Disney Experience App, or by checking your identification. My experience has been that if the resort is not too busy that day, the Cast Member will allow you to park a few hours before your reservation time. If the parking lot is particularly full, they will ask you to return closer to your scheduled arrival. The valet will expect you to pick up your vehicle at the end of the evening. Only registered guests of the resort are permitted to park overnight.
In this situation, you may want to consider using a rideshare service (such as Uber or Lyft). I've had more luck arriving at the resort early when I'm being dropped off. This way, you won't have to worry about driving after the event.
Another option is to use complimentary Disney transportation. Depending on where you are staying, this can take a few steps. You can take a bus from your resort to
Magic Kingdom Park, then take the
monorail to the Contemporary. I note, though, that crowds exiting Magic Kingdom after the fireworks can make for some long lines at the bus stops. They do run buses more frequently at that time, so the lines don't last too long.
Since you'll be visiting during the summer, I'm going to link
this post by Disney Parks Blog that details all the great things you can expect around the theme parks. I'm most excited to try out the newly updated
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin!
I hope this helps, Claire. I think you are going to have the most magical vacation yet! If you have any more questions, please let us know. We're always happy to help here at
planDisney!
Always Dreaming -
Elizabeth