Hi there, Travis, and welcome to planDisney!
As someone who lives near Walt Disney World Resort, I have driven from an off-property location to have a tasty meal at the
Disney Resorts Collection hotels many times. So, I'm just the gal to help you with your question. Regardless if you have a character dining experience set up at
Chef Mickey's or a relaxing table-service dinner at
California Grill, you can't go wrong at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
I've personally never arrived earlier than an hour for my advance dining reservations. However, especially because you're being dropped off via Lyft, you can arrive as early as you'd like to the Resort hotel. Share your name and reservation with the security guard and have a photo identification card ready to go. Feel free to shop at the stores (I love Bayview Gifts!), explore the grounds, and take photos around the Resort hotel as you wait for your dinner to begin.
If you decide to drive and park instead, there's a possibility that you'll be told that you can only park up to three hours, so keep that in mind. This is why my family usually waits until a bit closer to our reservation time.
AN EXTRA GEM: Around 15 minutes before it's time for your meal, head to the restaurant and complete the Mobile Check-In via your
My Disney Experience App on your phone. This is a quick and easy way to let the Cast Members know that you've arrived and for you to add any last-minute dining preferences.
Travis, feel free to revisit us here at planDisney if you have any other questions about your Most Magical vacation. I could go on and on about the dining options at Walt Disney World Resort, so don't hesitate to
give me a shout!
Magic always,
LeAndra