Hey Howdy Hey Laura and welcome back to planDisney!
Disney's Contemporary Resort is one of my top resorts on the property. Not only can you walk from this resort to Magic Kingdom, but there are some phenomenal places to eat and the shopping is great! Thank you for stopping by with your question about transportation to this resort for your dining reservation. I will be happy to give you more information to better prepare.
As you may know, parking at the resorts in Walt Disney World Resort is complimentary for day Guests. You do have to check in at security at the front gate and they will determine if you are allowed in or not. The guidelines around who is let in are a little grey in my experience. Typically, Guests that have dining reservations are let in without issues. At times you may be required to show proof of your reservation, but as long as you can, you should not have an issue being dropped off at the resort. I have yet to be turned away if I show up early as there was a booked reservation. I think a lot depends on the guard at the time.
Per the parking rules, you should be allowed in for shopping experiences as well, so if they do say you are too early you can tell them why you are early and should not be a problem.
In the event you may not be let in early, you have a good opportunity ahead of you! You can then be dropped off at the Transportation and Ticket Center which is on
Walt Disney World Monorail Transportation line to Magic Kingdom and within walking distance of
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. You would then have the option to catch the resort monorail that will take you to the Contemporary or you can walk to the Polynesian and catch a boat. Either way, you will have the great experience of a variety of options for resort transportation.
After you arrive at the Contemporary, there is so much to experience. Just walking through the lobby is amazing but when you get to the floor where
Chef Mickey's is located, you will want to spend some time there. You will find some great and unique gift shops available and just taking in the ambience is reason enough for the trip. You can feel free to hang out with ample seating around the area and relax as the monorail passes by overhead. You can head out to the observation deck and observe the tremendous views of Magic Kindom which are amazing. The walkway connecting the Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower is a great place for a few pictures with Magic Kingdom and the monorail you can snap for very unique shots. One thing is for sure, just walking through the resort and the grounds themselves is a great way to spend an afternoon!
I hope that helps to clear up expectations for your rideshare plans on the day of your dining reservation. I wish for you and your party to have a Magical experience and take some time to enjoy the Contemporary. If you have time, the Polynesian and
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are just a monorail or boat ride away to complete the afternoon. Please stop back if you have any further questions, we are always happy to help.
Have a Magical day,
Nick