Hey Selina! Thanks for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
I love visiting the
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels too. There are so many amazing restaurants, lounges and shops to enjoy. When you arrive by car at a resort hotel to explore, you'll be stopped at the security guard shack near the entrance. If you have a dining reservation, the security guard working will verify your reservation and you'll be allowed to park at the resort. If you don't have a reservation, you'll just have to explain your plans for the day before being allowed in. Daytime parking at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels is complimentary during your visit. Occasionally, if the resorts are exceptionally busy you'll be asked to park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and then take a bus or a monorail over to that specific resort hotel. If that is the case, only then you would be required to pay. In all of my years visiting
Walt Disney World, however, that has only happened to me once during the Christmas holiday when it is super busy.
If you are looking for dining ideas, I suggest checking out
'Ohana at
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. It's a great place for dinner. If you get a dining reservation around the time of the nighttime firework show at Magic Kingdom Park and request a window seat when you check in, you'll have a fabulous view of the show. The restaurant dims lights and pipes in the music. It's a magical way to end a day at Walt Disney World.
I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, please feel free to come back and ask.