Bonjour David,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thank you for your question!
Unfortunately, Guests are only allowed to park at any Walt Disney World Resort Hotel if they are Guests of that Resort. In your case, this means that you would only be able to park at
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa about an hour or so prior to your reservation and, yes, the Disney Security will check to make sure you have a dining reservation, especially on very busy days!
The one exception to this is if you choose to use Valet Parking for your car (for a fee). My understanding is that in that case, you would be allowed to park your car for the day, should you wish to do so. Please check with the Disney Security when you arrive in order to make sure that this is still the case.
Please don’t hesitate to come back and see us if you have any other questions!
Have a Magical Day,
Lynne