Parking at Monorail Resorts

[lizanne]

This isn't a DVC question, but I am a DVC member, know how knowledgeable all of you are, and need an answer to the following question.

My husband has this thing about buses and we alway drive our car in WDW. In the past when going to the MK, we would go to one of the Monorail Resorts, use valet parking, and take the monorail to the park. We haven't done this is 2 years because we used our points elsewhere and haven't been at WDW.

I heard somewhere that they have really cracked down on parking at these resorts. I think I read somewhere that you have to have a PS at a restaurant in the resort in order to get past the guard. I understand the purpose of this was to stop unauthorized visitors from parking in guests' spots. I can understand that.

Now for my question (finally).......Can we get past the guard if we tell him we're using Valet Parking, or do we need a PS?

Thanks,
Betty Anne

[WDWguru]

You can get past the guard usually without a PS, but they'll give you a temporary parking permit good for 2-3 hours only.

[DebbieB]

Valet parking is now $6 per day at non-DVC resorts. We used to park at the Poly too, but after getting the 3 hour pass last May, we decided it wasn't worth worrying about it, so we just park in the MK lot and take the tram to the TTC. I noticed when we passed the Poly lot on the monorail that it was only about 1/4 full.

[Safari Steve]

I understand that tow trucks may have been used in extreme cases.

[Sarahnyc]

Gosh, we DO have a PS at 1900 Park Fare for breakfast and were planning on heading to the MK right after that... Getting the car back, driving to the TTC and and THEN getting on the monorail would totally blow our touring plan.

Do they really tow?

:(

[sha_lyn]

Sarahnyc

just park at TTC and take the monorail over to the GF. Many here have seen the tow trucks in action. I wouldn't want to take the chance.

[sharoncity]

So I can't park at the Poly, eat breakfast at Kona Cafe and head to MK? I'd have to move my car? This really blows that days plans out of the water! Combine that with my inability to get a Cindy ressie and I'm batting 0! Now what? Should I just ditch my 8:00am ressie and eat quick on Main st or move the car?

[sha_lyn]

sharoncity just park at TTC and take the monorail over to The poly. If its not running the poly is a very short walk from TTC

[gepetto]

Yes they tow. So many of the Polynesian guests were having trouble finding parking at their resort. Same with Contemporary.:)

You can park at TTC and take the monorail to the resorts.

[sharoncity]

That's not a bad option. How is the line for the monorail back to the TTC if we leave right before 3pm parade? My sisters girls are 1 and 2, so I figure we will need to make "a clean getaway" right about then!:D

[Uncleromulus]

In December, we did the Valet Park at the Poly and there was NO time limit. There was a 3 hour limit if you used the regular lot--. When we drove up to the security gate, we just told the guard we wanted eat at Kona's for breakfast (which we now do thanks to Tony's being closed) and valet park. We did that and then went off to the MK. There was no problem with this-the valet parking seems to be "all day". Perhaps this is because of the $6.00 fee--they assume most folks staying on property would park for free at the theme park lot. Oh--when you add the tip for the valet (which is still expected) the cost for valet parking goes even higher.
We don't do this for Epcot or MGM--it is easy enough to use the theme park lots. But at the MK, it is still easier to use the monorail at the Poly.

[gepetto]

Sharoncity....right before the parades the monorails are pretty deserted.

[ducklite]

Originally posted by sharoncity
So I can't park at the Poly, eat breakfast at Kona Cafe and head to MK? I'd have to move my car? This really blows that days plans out of the water! Combine that with my inability to get a Cindy ressie and I'm batting 0! Now what? Should I just ditch my 8:00am ressie and eat quick on Main st or move the car?

Why not park at the TTC and take the monorail to the Poly, or just take the five minute walk across the parking lot, then after breakfast take the monorail to the MK.

Anne

[srphelon]

Hi
Could anyone advise me about the best way to get to MK from DTD resorts? We are going one day during March without DH. Would it be best to have him drop us off at the TTC, a monorail resort, or just take the regular busses. We want to be there when the rope drops. I have heard there are horrible lines at the TTC first thing in the am. Thanks in advance for any tips.

[srphelon]

Hi
Could anyone advise me about the best way to get to MK from DTD resorts? We are going one day during March without DH. Would it be best to have him drop us off at the TTC, a monorail resort, or just take the regular busses. We want to be there when the rope drops. I have heard there are horrible lines at the TTC first thing in the am. Thanks in advance for any tips.

[Brian430]

If they ever find a way to play music on each message thread, I think they should play the soundtrack from Hee Haw to accompany this group of postings.

I mean is this a joke?

Am I actually reading posts offering tips on how to abuse the parking system? Did I really just see a post lamenting how inconvenient it will be now that you actually have to park in the same lot with 25,000 people who are dumb enough to follow the rules. Cue the Deliverance music.

This behavior is no less ethical than people sleeping at a Motel 6 at night, and then coming to swim at your Disney resort during the day. Would you like that? Would you be irritated if you couldn't find a seat by your pool because everyone at the Days Inn heard that Disney wasn't checking IDs?

Anyone who can see a difference between that analogy and what you're doing is simply rationalizing trailer park behavior and poor social skills.

Instead of asking yourself the best way to beat the system or why Disney would limit resort parking to actual resorts guests, why not ask yourself this common-sense question: What if everyone did this? I'm sure that every guest in the park would like to park closer (and for free) to the parks, and skip the trams altogether. Are they not doing it because they're dumber than you? Or because they're smarter, more courteous, more dignified?

Thank God most people aren't as selfish as you. As someone who has stayed at the monorail resorts, and struggled to find a parking spot, I can honestly say your behavior is nothing short of small-minded, selfish behavior.

When people save enough money to actually stay at a $300 a night hotel I feel they are indeed entitled to privileges that not everyone can enjoy. Even if you're staying at another deluxe resort it doesn't mean you're entitled to every single privilege at every single resort.

For those of you with meal reservations, too bad. Disney never said you are entitled to free all-day parking and Grand Floridian transportation just because you stopped off to have a sandwich with Tigger.

As a matter of fact, parking abuses such as these has prompted Disney hotels to distribute three-hour parking permits for guests coming to the resorts to dine only. Yet another regulation that Disney had to create (and fund) because people constantly think they are entitled to every perk on property. But these will be the same people who complain what rates go up, or when Disney has to charge for parking. I'm willing to bet that not only were many of you not only parking in the resort lots, but you probably took advantage of the free valet service too.

When I stay at the cheaper resorts I limit my activity to the perks to which I’m entitled. When I stay at the luxury resorts I expect everyone else to do the same. This way I don’t have fight for a parking spot, or anything else that I’m paying for in the first place.

This whole thread is shameful and you all should be embarrassed for publicly discussing such white-trash behavior. The fact that someone has to point this out suggests that you won't even understand this post in the first place. So, more than likely, this has been a waste of time.

But because your behavior suggests thickheaded reasoning skills, I'm glad Disney has instituted parking limits; I'm glad they're towing cars. For the same reason I'm glad when I see trespassers getting kicked out the pools.

Which is why so many people, myself included, are now alerting property managers when they see such crass behavior.

I gotta go. I just found out my local Embassy Suites is having a free buffet for their guests, and I'm pretty sure I can sneak in.

[gepetto]

Brian, last year when we stayed at CR we had to drive around for 30 minutes to find a parking space. At park closing we watched our resort parking lot promptly empty out from all of the people that cheated the system. It was infuriating to pay over $300/night and not be able to park at our own resort.

[Threehearts]

Brian-
We stay exclusively at the Poly in Concierge and sure it is not right that people crowd the parking to the detriment of the Poly guests BUT isn't there a nicer way that you could make your point? I'm sure the poster is disappointed that she can't continue with her plans and is just reaffirming with fellow DISers her inabilty to use the parking for an extended day at the MK. Threehearts

[Brian430]

I'll try to curb my frustration in the future.

By the way, does your "threehearts" moniker mean you make every post three times?

- B

[Brian430]

I'm completely against those who have an utter disregard for civilized behavior.

Not people's income level (trust me, mine is nothing to write home about) but their level of conduct.

"White trash," by now, is a term used to describe ignorant, poor behavior. If you do not sneak onto the property of hotels where you are not staying disregard my comment.

If you do, well, you know how I feel.

- B

[Nicki]

Perhaps a good solution would be to make a reservation to stay at one of the monorail resorts. We prefer the ease of the monorail resorts also, and love the restaurants for breakfast. Our answer to that is to reserve a room at the monorail resorts.

With the abuse of parking at the Monorail resorts (to hop a monorail to the MK), towing is being enforced. This was mentioned during our stay at the Contemporary Resort, and again the last time we stayed at the WL. Evidently, the monorail resort guests would like a parking spot. Go figure :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

You really can get a parking pass for a breakfast PS. I believe it is for 3 hours. I wouldn't miss out on a fun breakfast experience with the kids just to avoid the time spent moving the car.

Another idea? Perhaps arriving at the MK, parking and then making a "later in the morning" breakfast PS? Sometimes it's nice to have a mid morning break!

Nicki

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Brian,
I do agree with your sentiments almost totally, we just need to eliminate the "white trash" part. Selfish might come closer, but, would probably be deemed an insult, so, lets just call it unenlightened or just being too excited and not realizing.
As to the rest of the post, you have said what I have felt for many years and kudos to you for having the guts to say it.
Now, we have to pay for valet parking, this, I feel certain, was put into effect to stop having a sandwich with Goofy and then popping off to the parks because they used valet. Well, I don't think it is a coincidence that it now costs 6.00 to valet and 6.00 to park where you should. Of course, no onsite guest has to pay for parking, so, I really never understood the concept of parking at a monorail resort, the walk is no shorter from the lot to the monorail and it is no hop from the CR to MK.

[Threehearts]

Brian,

My moniker, Threehearts does not mean that I post each message three times each but it does mean that whatever tinkering my husband did with Comcast and DSL last night has completely messed up my messaging. Sorry for that. The name Threehearts comes from the town on the west coast of Sweden where my husband is from. It is essentially the translation of its name from the 1100's. We lived in Stockholm after we got married and I just fell in love with the whole country. Susan

[*DiSnEyGuRlIe267*]

I just got back from Disney today (2/27/02) and we parked at the contemporary ,and went to the Magic Kingdom, they gave us a parking permit for 2 hours. But we just parked the car and then we went were were gone all day so I would just park at the hotel and leave!

[Brian430]

Well said Disneygurlie.

And don't forget to bring your swim suit for a refreshing dip in the pool at the hotel your not paying to stay at.

Also since, there are many conventions at that resort, you might want to think about raiding the snack tables that are outside each meeting room. That way you can have a free lunch too.

Just some free advice for a real class act.

And remember to always brag on these boards if you manage to steal something and get away with it.

[Coggy]

What happened to my post in response to Brian's tirade against "white trash"?

[Trekker]

The original question on this topic has been answered.

A friendly reminder, sarcasm and personal attacks are not allowed on the message boards per the posting guidelines (http://www.wdwinfo.com/guidelines.htm)

This thread is closed......

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

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