Welcome to planDisney, Jill!
I'm thrilled to hear about your upcoming visit and love that you are hoping to enjoy a family reunion of sorts during your time at Walt Disney World Resort. I don't blame you for wanting to bring the fun to you instead of traveling around the Sunshine State during your trip. I'm happy to share what I've learned from chatting with a Cast Member and my own experience.
I reached out to see if there was a designated number of guests permitted while staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, but the Cast Member I spoke with didn't have any specific metrics to share. She let me know that you can visit the
Front Desk to let them know about potential day guests, but there are a few things I'd like you to keep in mind.
First, guests can typically enjoy a few hours of
complimentary self-parking when visiting a resort for dining reservations or recreation. Cast Members may ask for a reservation number when arriving at the entrance gate, and then direct guests where to park. During busy seasons and/or at popular resorts along the
Monorail or
Disney Skyliner routes, parking may not be available to guests without a reservation. I'd hate for your family members to arrive and be turned away, or not have everyone allowed to enter to visit you if it is a particularly large group. Additionally, keep in mind that your family and friends will not be able to access the pool area at
Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort unless they are registered guests.
You might want to consider making advance dining reservations for your group so there is no issue when they arrive.
'Ohana at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a great place for a large party to get together over a delicious meal, and your group can likely hang along the sandy shores of Seven Seas Lagoon for a bit afterward to continue catching up. If you don't want to worry about dining plans, your guests can also park at the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC) for a fee, and then Monorail over to spend some time with you that day. You won't have to worry about time limits or set plans and can even enjoy a Monorail crawl for snacks and beverages at the neighboring resorts together.
Alternatively, your group might want to spend the day at
Disney Springs where plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options await. I love strolling around and popping into the shops in between nibbling on goodies from Gideon's Bakehouse and The Ganachery.
Parking is complimentary at Disney Springs and would also be a good place to meet then head to your resort or
Disney's BoardWalk for a few more hours of group fun.
I hope this helps, Jill. If we can answer any additional questions please come back and let us know.
Magic and memories,
Amy