Hi Ashlie!
Welcome to planDisney.
I'm excited to see that your vacation is literally just around the corner - tomorrow you'll be arriving at the most Magical Place on Earth!
I love to visit the different Disney Resort hotels for dining, and actually just to explore new places. It is strongly advised that you make dining reservations for any table-service restaurants - at all the hotels and everywhere else at Walt Disney World. It's possible you could find a walk-in table but never guaranteed, especially at busy times of the year. Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, either online or by using the My Disney Experience mobile app. On the app you can enter a date, and the number of guests, and you'll see every restaurant that has availability.
If you have a reservation for a table-service restaurant at a Disney Resort hotel you should be able to park at that resort. When you drive up to the entrance, just advise security of your reservation and they'll show you where to park. If you wanted to visit the hotel, and enjoy some quick-service dining (that requires no reservations) you may not be permitted to park there at particularly busy times (when parking will be restricted to those guests with a hotel reservation or a dining reservation).
I hope you enjoy visiting some of the Disney Resort hotels - they are decorated for Christmas and look so pretty!
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has its famous gingerbread house in the lobby - I highly recommend a visit! I saw it last month and it's stunning! This hotel is also host to one of my favourite restaurants -
Narcoossee's - with an amazing menu and beautiful views of Cinderella Castle by day, and the fireworks by night. You can reach this hotel from Magic Kingdom Park, by monorail, boat or walking path.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions. We will be happy to help you plan your magical vacation to Walt Disney World!
Sue