Hi there, Haley, and welcome to planDisney! It's so wonderful that you've stopped by with this awesome question today! I'm so glad that you are here, because my Panelist pals and I are always happy to help our fellow Guests!
Haley, you'll be happy to know that you do not need Disney Theme Park admission in order to dine at
California Grill at
Disney's Contemporary Resort. When you dine at a restaurant at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, you'll want to secure an
Advance Dining Reservation in order to gain entrance at the front gate. (You can make reservations 60 days in advance!) The Security team will check your reservation when you arrive and you'll be allowed to park at that resort for a few hours while you dine and maybe even do a little shopping. If you were to have booked an Advance Dining Reservation at a restaurant within a
Disney Theme Park, you would need a ticket in order to get into the park.
You're going to absolutely love California Grill! The food is decadent and the views can't be beat! Located right next to Magic Kingdom Park, Disney's Contemporary Resort offers sweeping views of the park and the water. It'll take your breath away!
Haley, if you ever need other recommendations on where to go for an exciting dining experience at Walt Disney World Resort without having to purchase a ticket, you have a friend in me!
Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village is one of my favorite restaurants because the African and Indian-inspired flavors are incredible, and also because you can often see animals grazing on the Savanna just outside the panoramic windows of the restaurant. Did you know that you can also go to
Disney Springs, park for free, and enjoy all of the shopping and dining there?
There is so much to do at the Most Magical Place on Earth that doesn't require a theme park ticket, and I'm so excited for you to experience it! Please stop back by planDisney with any other questions you have!
Bon appetit!
Jennifer