Greetings, Margaret, and welcome aboard planDisney. I'm also an Orlando local, so I know the joy of meeting friends and family when they visit
Walt Disney World Resort. Let's look at ways to meet up for some magic while your family is here!
Parking at Disney Resort Hotels is reserved exclusively for guests of the resort or guests with dining or activity reservations. The Cast Member at the guard gate will typically ask for reservation numbers or scan your MagicBand before allowing you to park.
The last few times I've had dining reservations at a resort, the attendant has given me a placard to display in my car, indicating that I can park there for up to three hours. Keep in mind that parking is always subject to availability, and policies and time allotments can change.
I know that's not the answer you were hoping for, but Hakuna Matata! I have some suggestions.
My sister-in-law was staying off-property recently while my husband and I were at Disney's Pop Century Resort. She wanted to park at our resort and ride the
Disney Skyliner to EPCOT with us, so we added her to our resort reservation.
Please note that some resorts charge a fee for additional guests, but she didn't mind paying the extra cost. And since we stayed so late at the theme park, my sister-in-law spent the night with us for a fun family slumber party! Keep in mind that you can't go over the room's capacity if you choose this route.
Another option is to make a dining reservation at one of the restaurants at
Disney's Yacht Club Resort. My favorite is
Ale & Compass Restaurant. As a vegetarian, I loved the
Pappardelle Pasta. This option will give you a few hours to have a meal and enjoy some time with your family.
Finally, if you'll be at EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios, you could walk to the Yacht Club to meet your crew. I recommend strolling to
Disney's BoardWalk and renting
Surrey Bikes there. That activity makes for great photos and magical memories with your family.
Margaret, I'm wishing on the North Star that everyone enjoys smooth sailing on your upcoming visit. Please stop by
planDisney again!
Magic awaits,
Elaine