Hey there, Jamie! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question! You're making plans for a truly magical day - exploring Magic Kingdom Park before a fabulous dinner at California Grill is my kind of Happily Ever After!
Jamie,
complimentary self-parking is reserved for Guests visiting resorts for shopping, dining, or other recreational experiences and is limited for use during these events only; therefore, you would not be allowed to park your car at
Disney's Contemporary Resort for the duration of the day before your dinner reservation. Typically, dining guests are asked to show proof of their reservation and will be asked to limit their parking time at the discretion of the Security Cast Member, based on parking availability.
What I would suggest instead is to park your vehicle at the Transportation and Ticket Center in the morning while you visit Magic Kingdom; when it is time for your dinner reservation, you can take the walkway or
Resort Monorail directly to the Contemporary Resort if you do not wish to move your car at that time, or you may relocate your car to the resort for your reservation. If you do leave your car at the Transportation and Ticket Center while you dine, you can choose to take the Monorail or the
Disney Ferryboat from Magic Kingdom back to the parking lot after your dinner!
Jamie, while you are at
California Grill, you are in for some of the most spectacular views of Magic Kingdom Park and the
Happily Ever After fireworks show! I recently had the chance to experience the fireworks from the private observation deck reserved for guests of California Grill, and it was the most spectacular experience! Even if your reservation is before or after the fireworks are scheduled, as a dining guest at California Grill, you are welcome to enjoy the fireworks from this reserved viewing area.
And while you're visiting the Contemporary Resort for dinner, you might also have an opportunity to catch the
Electrical Water Pageant along the Seven Seas Lagoon. To check the exact time for this event, use the search feature in the My Disney Experience mobile app on the date of your visit; typically the pageant passes by Disney's Contemporary Resort around 10:05 PM.
Jamie, I hope this makes your magical day a little more memorable! Please come back to planDisney anytime if we can help you again - we're always ready to sprinkle some pixie dust on your plans!
Magic Awaits,
Alison