Things are ALWAYS changing in Disney World, so much so that it’s often hard to keep up.
Grand Floridian Resort
Things seem to always be under construction (EPCOT, we’re looking at you); new restaurants are being built, new lands are being proposed, and more. Parking is another thing that has changed in Disney World, including how you park at a hotel where you have a dining reservation.
If you have an advance dining reservation for any of the restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa (Narcoossee’s, Citricos, Grand Floridian Cafe, Victoria & Albert’s), you’ll want to pay attention: if you are driving to your reservation, the parking rules have CHANGED.
Grand Floridian Cafe
We spoke with a Cast Member at Grand Floridian Cafe who told us that parking for dining reservations is now “across the street,” but that there is a walkway. The Cast Member confirmed that this is typically the Cast Member parking lot, but the lot is also currently being used for guests with dining reservations. We didn’t get any indication of the reason behind this change (or how long it will last), but you’ll want to keep this in mind. It’s a bit of a hike to the main lobby!
Citricos
If you park in the Cast Member lot, you will have to cross the street, so plan to do some extra walking if you’re driving to the resort. If you want to save yourself the hassle of parking, though, you might be better off just taking Disney transportation: buses, boats, and the Monorail all go to the Grand Floridian. Keep in mind that you will need to have confirmation of a dining reservation, though, if you do want to park at the Grand Floridian (and any other Disney World hotel).
Narcoossee’s
We’ll let you know if we spot any other changes in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB for more.
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The Disney World Hotel Parking Rule That Could Seriously RUIN Your Plans
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We went to Narcoossee’s on 8/30. We were staying at the BeachClub and decided to drive to Grand Floridian. We were surprised by the instructions at the gate. “Turn around, make a right, down the street make a left into the parking lot.” Or Valet park at $33.00 + Tip. We chose the Valet. I measured the walking distance on Google Maps and it was 1/4 mile from parking lot to entrance.
When are they bringing back Tables in Wonderland with free valet parking . This will solve parking issues when you are going to a restaurant at the hotels and are not staying on property because live here. I really miss tables!!!!!!
Normally for a dining reservation before this they used to ALWAYS send guests to the DVC lot, which is actually a further walk than the new lot across the street. The new lot and walk just aren’t as pretty.
Guess we will plan to NOT eat at the Grand Floridian while we are at Disney. Luckily PLENTY of other good choices!
Hi Dottyanna,
We are going back in early January. If we can get reservations, we will just make that day our Magic Kingdom day. This way we can use the Disney Bus back and forth to the Beach Club as normal. If you haven’t been, a very good restaurant. Just a little pricey.
This just happened to me and I was told to make a right and a left across the street and put a paper in my windshield. It’s honestly not fair to the guests and the CM. Walking back to my car with my son and hearing outside talk from the CM “NOT THEIR FAULT”
Plus it’s just so uninviting to be told to park off hotel property and walk. Not very “Grand”
Also agree with the comment above. I miss Tables in Wonderland so much ! Made you dine at sit downs a lot more because of the discounts and valet.
Really annoying they won’t mention if it will ever come back, and no one has an answer.
Why would it RUIN your plans? If you’re staying on site, park for free at the TTC and get the monorail to GF. Or anyone can park for free at Disney Springs and get a bus to GF.
We visited tonight and parked in the dining lot. Fortunately, they have a complimentary golf cart service available to transport you and your family across the street and drop off right in front of the hotel. It was very quick and convenient.