Hi Lisbeth,
All of the Disney Resort hotels have special theming, snacks, and shopping that make them worth visiting! We love checking out different Resort hotels while at Disney World and Disney's Contemporary Resort is one of our favorite stops. There is some delicious food but they also have some of our favorite shopping that I highly recommend you check out!
You are correct that you cannot park at Disney's Contemporary Resort without a dining reservation, but that doesn't mean you can't visit and enjoy all this Resort hotel offers. You are welcome to park in the Magic Kingdom parking lot and hop on the
Resort Line Monorail at the Transporation and Ticket Center. This monorail line will stop at
Disney's Contemporary Resort,
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, and
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Since you are already checking out the treats at the Contemporary Resort, you might as well stop at the other two because they have some fabulous treats and shopping as well. Disney's Polynesian Village Resort has a Dole Whip window where you can grab different flavors of this iconic treat and the best coffee spot at Disney World,
Kona Island.
Since you mentioned stopping at the
Contempo Cafe, make sure you are prepared to use Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering. This is the easiest way to order at this location because you can place your order while you are traveling there on the monorail and then press the button to notify them that you have arrived when you step off into the expansive lobby. I love this stop for either breakfast on my way over to Magic Kingdom or as a nightcap on my way home. They serve wine and beer you can grab along with your treat in the evening!
Happy Planning,
Jenna