Hiya, Jeff!
I'm sure you are counting down the days until your magical vacation begins, so thank you for entrusting your question to us at planDisney!
While
self-parking is complimentary for all Guests with reservations at
Disney Resort hotels (dining or overnight), those hoping to park at a Disney Resort hotel without a verifiable reservation through My Disney Experience may also be allowed to do so free of charge at Cast Member discretion. Because parking at hotels is prioritized for Guests with a room reservation, during peak times Cast Members reserve the right to prohibit entry for additional Guests...even those hoping to shop or dine at a hotel without a reservation. While this is rare, I have personally experienced the enforcement of this policy, so I would be prepared with an alternate plan to reach your destination just in case. Happily, I'm here to help!
Since you're hoping to explore a hotel along the Resort Monorail Loop, I suggest parking at the Transportation and Ticket Center to utilize my personal favorite of Walt Disney World's complimentary transportation options - the Monorail! If you are a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you are entitled to complimentary standard theme park parking, so you could conveniently leave your car at the Transportation and Ticket Center before hopping aboard the Resort Monorail to explore Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney's Contemporary Resort. If you are visiting from a hotel outside of Walt Disney World Resort, you would be responsible for paying to park at the TTC, but because the parking pass is valid for same-day parking at all four theme parks, you could easily drive over to Disney's Hollywood Studios, climb aboard the Disney Skyliner, and explore the Disney Resort hotels located along the aerial gondola system to maximize the value of your parking fee.
As a bonus tip: If you have any additional questions about navigating your way around Walt Disney World Resort, I encourage you to check out planDisney's recent Disney Parks Blog article and podcast episode discussing all things transportation.
I hope this was helpful, Jeff, and that you'll stop back by planDisney as you continue to plan. We're always happy to help!
Thinking Happy Thoughts,
Lizzie