monorail
  • On Dec 9, 2024
    Megan from NC Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    If we have a 9pm reservation for California Grill at the Contemporary, can we arrive 4 hours early to explore the hotel?

    Welcome to planDisney, Megan! 

    It's always a pleasure to help fellow Guests make magical memories as they visit some of my favorite spots in all of Walt Disney World Resort. Incredibly, Disney's Contemporary Resort is one of those practically perfect places!

    My husband and I recently enjoyed a stay at the Contemporary, and we adored the Incredible theming (Super Suits hanging in the closet are such a fun detail), proximity to Magic Kingdom Park, and monorail access. From Mary Blair's famous mural to views of Seven Seas Lagoon, Bay Lake, and Cinderella Castle, it's definitely a Disney Resort hotel worth exploring! You might even consider making a loop on the Resort Monorail. Seeing the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System glide through the iconic A-frame structure is something that will never cease to amaze me (and feel like magic) no matter how many times I visit.

    Happily, parking at Disney Resort hotels is complimentary for Guests staying and dining there, so this means that you can indeed park at Disney's Contemporary Resort before enjoying your dinner at California Grill. Because parking is reserved for Guests, a Cast Member will likely verify your reservation when you arrive to park. Since there is no set amount of parking time allocated for Guests with dining reservations, entrance to the lot 4 hours prior to a reservation would be allowed at Cast Member discretion and dependent upon parking availability at that time, so unfortunately, while you likely would not encounter an issue, it's not something that I am able to guarantee. 

    While I am unable to provide a definitive answer for you, Megan, I do hope this was helpful. If you're in need of further assistance, you're welcome to stop back by. I'm always happy to help! As a bonus tip: Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Electrical Water Pageant as it drifts across Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon. You should have a great view from California Grill!

    Thinking Happy Thoughts,
    Lizzie
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Meet the Panelist: Lizzie, Georgia

Oh, hi! Lizzie here - a wife, dog mom, and 'Disney adult' perpetually planning my family's next magical vacation. My happy thoughts include Walt Disney World snacks, character hugs, photo ops, and balloons on Main Street, U.S.A. Whether you're planning to visit with friends or with family, for a week or a weekend, to splurge or to save, I'm here to help you embrace your inner hakuna matata as you stroll through The Most Magical Place on Earth with your favorite Mickey-shaped snack in hand!
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