Hello, Melissa! Welcome to the Moms Panel!
I am excited to hear that you and your family will be dining at
Chef Mickey's! This is such a
MAGICAL dining experience and a "must do" for my family with every Walt Disney World vacation. I simply love dining with Mickey & Friends! Just have those cameras and autograph books ready as they make their rounds.
You will need to take either Disney's Monorail or the short walk through the walkway in order to get to the Contemporary Resort. The water boats will not make a stop at the Contemporary. However, please note that there are no fees for using the boats in order to get, for example, to Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The Monorail and the Ferryboats are free of charge to guests. Oh, by the way, I enjoy using the Monorail which will make a stop at the Contemporary Resort. It's quick and easy!
You did not specify your actual time for your dining experience, so it is hard to gauge whether you will be able to view any of the events you mentioned. Many of these events currently run between 8:00-9:30 p.m. Check your Times Guide as you arrive at the park that day in order to plan your evening. Should parade and fireworks times be close to your reservation time, I would highly recommend watching some of these events just inside the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. This way, you can make a quick exit and head on over to Chef Mickey's.
~Have a
MAGICAL day and
"SEE YOU REAL SOON"!~