Drive from Polynesian to Contemporary?

Question

Staying at the Polynesian.

We need to depart for the airport at 8:45am.

If we reserve Chef Mickey's for 7:30am can we put our bags in our car, drive from the Polynesian to the Contemporary and leave directly from breakfast?

Will we need to pay for parking at the Contemporary if we do this?

Thank you so much as I continue my planning :)

Answer

Yes, it is possible to have breakfast at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary and then leave directly for the airport, but there are a few practical details to consider to make this plan smooth.

First, regarding driving and parking:

You can absolutely put your luggage in your car at the Polynesian before heading to the Contemporary for breakfast. Most guests do this when planning early departures.
The drive from the Polynesian to the Contemporary is very short—literally a few minutes—since both resorts are on the monorail loop and adjacent to the Magic Kingdom area.
When you park at the Contemporary, you will technically need a parking pass if you are using the self-parking lot. However, Disney Resort guests dining at table-service restaurants are often allowed to park for the duration of their meal. It's best to confirm with the front desk or signage at the Contemporary entrance, especially since this is early in the morning.

Timing considerations:

Chef Mickey's is a character breakfast, so it usually takes about 60–75 minutes to complete the meal if you plan to meet the characters, take photos, and eat at a leisurely pace. For a 7:30am reservation, you would likely finish by 8:45–8:50am, which is tight for an 8:45am departure unless you are extremely efficient.
It may be safer to schedule the breakfast a bit earlier if possible or plan to leave the dining experience slightly early to ensure you get to the airport on time.
Keep in mind traffic from Disney to Orlando International can take around 30–45 minutes in the morning, depending on the day, so buffer time is essential.

Alternative suggestions:

If timing is very tight, consider dining at the Polynesian’s quick-service breakfast or in-room dining to simplify logistics.
If you really want Chef Mickey's, you might consider a slightly earlier reservation (e.g., 7:00am) to allow a comfortable drive to the airport without rushing.

In summary, your plan is feasible, but you’ll need to carefully manage the timing and confirm parking rules with the Contemporary. Leaving directly after breakfast with bags already in your car is the most efficient approach.