Hey there, Michael. Thanks for bringing this great question to us at
planDisney. I love that you’re planning a pre-visit to maximize your time at the parks and squeeze out every last bit of magic while at the
Most Magical Place on Earth!
The short answer is yes, and no. When you make an advanced dining reservation at a
Disney World Resort Hotel restaurant, you are offered
complimentary parking at that resort. Show your reservation in the My Disney Experience App at the security checkpoint at the resort you’re visiting. If you cannot show the reservation, you will not be allowed to park - this is pretty strictly enforced. The security guard will direct you to the appropriate parking lot and may give you a parking pass to display on your dashboard that shows the timeframe you’re allowed to stay in that lot. While it’s usually around three hours, I’ve heard that timeframe can be shorter if the resort is busy.
If the service at your breakfast reservation at the
Polynesian’s Kona Café is really quick, could you walk the path to
Grand Floridian to peruse the merch at
M. Mouse Mercantile and still make it back to your car before the time ends? Yeah, maybe. Just be sure to mind the timeframe given to you by the security guard when you checked in. It would be best to stay at the resort where your reservation is, and explore the site and shops there. Since you’re staying on property the next day, resort hopping will be much more convenient on a more relaxed schedule.
Michael, I hope your stay is a magical one. Stop back by
planDisney if you have any more planning questions as you get closer to the big day!
Have a magical day!
Corey