Self-Parking at the Boardwalk Inn - update

[westfield13]

I posted a thread about this when I made our Boardwalk Inn reservations in May, since there was an alert on the Disney website about self-parking at the Inn. Further investigation revealed that the Boardwalk Inn and BWV lots were being paved this summer and therefore the self parking for those resorts (which is always tricky) was going to be even harder - or perhaps not even available.

Has anyone recently returned from either BI or BWV? Was the paving project completed - in progress - not even started yet?

We'll be going down Oct 20 - Oct 29. Haven't yet reserved a rental car, but we always use one and I'd really like the freedom of having a car. But if it's going to be a major hassle to park each time we return to the resort, I might reconsider.

Some guests reported that the overflow lot (near the Hess station) was only for CM parking - everyone else was being turned away. It wouldn't be my first choice, but if we can't park close to the Inn some nights, yet could find a spot there, that would be manageable. My husband is hardly thrilled with the idea of paying $20 a day to valet, if that is our only choice.

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has had a recent experience with the parking situation for either of these resorts.

Thanks!

 

[tiger4me2]

There was a trip report awhile ago I believe. Said no problem about self parking in regular areas where you would self park. My friend who works there said no problems about self parking. It was back in the spring they were paving.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The Gartner Convention should be over before you arrive, so that will free up parking as well.

 

[bumbershoot]

When you read the alert, imo it's obvious it's meant for day visitors, not hotel guests there.

 

[Sandi]

The alert actually came up when we booked and it said something like parking would be limited so valet might be your only choice. If they only meant it for day visitors, there would be no reason to have an alert when you're booking a hotel room (imho). I want a car because it's better for going to the water parks and we're doing a day at the Kennedy Space Center.

I will be there next Tuesday through the following Monday. I'm renting a car from the Alamo in the Dolphin after we get there. I will report on the parking situation either while there or upon our return.

 

[westfield13]

The alert actually came up when we booked and it said something like parking would be limited so valet might be your only choice. If they only meant it for day visitors, there would be no reason to have an alert when you're booking a hotel room (imho). I want a car because it's better for going to the water parks and we're doing a day at the Kennedy Space Center.

I will be there next Tuesday through the following Monday. I'm renting a car from the Alamo in the Dolphin after we get there. I will report on the parking situation either while there or upon our return.

I also got the same parking alert in May, when I booked this Oct trip. I panicked (something I'm rather good at doing) and immediately started a thread about it on this board. At that time, several posters said that they were paving the lots and it should be done by the end of summer. But the other day I noticed the parking alert is still on the site for the Boardwalk Inn (and probably BWV). I, too, assumed it was meant for the hotel guests, since it comes up when you book a room.

Other posters reported getting letters in May/June directly from the Boardwalk, telling them self-parking would be limited and valet might be the only option. It's too soon for me to get a letter - but if they were paving in May/June, shouldn't it be completed by now?? Honestly, how long does it take to pave two large lots??

Would very much appreciate hearing about your parking experience when you return - thank you, Sandi! Have a great trip!!!!

 

[westfield13]

The Gartner Convention should be over before you arrive, so that will free up parking as well.

That is very good news!!!

 

[DizDaD7]

I read this on the a link in the DVC resorts board...Try here: http://www.disboards.com/threads/bwv-limited-parking.3433409/

 

[westfield13]

Thanks so much DizDaD7 - I used the link you so kindly provided and just read those posts. Doesn't sound great for our October visit - BUT as long as we can park somewhere - other than valet - we will manage. My husband won't be thrilled having to park in the overflow lot - cause it's really far away. Seems rather ridiculous when we are paying over $300 per night to stay at the Boardwalk Inn - but there's nothing we can do about it, except switch resorts (and I'd really like to try the Inn - we've stayed at Beach Club, Yacht Club and the Swan many, many times).

Perhaps we will get very, very lucky and whatever construction they are doing will be finished by the end of Oct when we visit.

 

[DizDaD7]

Thanks so much DizDaD7 - I used the link you so kindly provided and just read those posts. Doesn't sound great for our October visit - BUT as long as we can park somewhere - other than valet - we will manage. My husband won't be thrilled having to park in the overflow lot - cause it's really far away. Seems rather ridiculous when we are paying over $300 per night to stay at the Boardwalk Inn - but there's nothing we can do about it, except switch resorts (and I'd really like to try the Inn - we've stayed at Beach Club, Yacht Club and the Swan many, many times).

Perhaps we will get very, very lucky and whatever construction they are doing will be finished by the end of Oct when we visit.

I'm sure it should be fine by then....I wouldn't worry bout it too much...P.S. We've only stayed at the villas, not the Inn side ,but I'm sure you're going to love it.... Have a great trip.

 

[Nermel9]

So will I be able to park in early September? I always rent a car and I really hate the idea of paying for valet parking when I'm already paying a lot to stay at the Boardwalk...

 

[westfield13]

So will I be able to park in early September? I always rent a car and I really hate the idea of paying for valet parking when I'm already paying a lot to stay at the Boardwalk...

Latest reports are that the paving will start sometime soon - most of the equipment is currently in the parking lot closest to DVC. Hopefully it will be completed by the end of August - but who knows?? The somewhat good news is that guests are reporting that there is self parking available - it just isn't very close to the resort (which can certainly be an issue - then again, it's better than no parking at all or having to pay for valet).

DizDaD7 found another discussion (and some new) info about this issue on the DVC resorts board...Try here: http://www.disboards.com/threads/bwv-limited-parking.3433409/

 

[ParrotBill]

Did you get a confirmation of your reservation? Ask for one if you did not. If that confirmation says you may have to pay for valet so be it. If it does not, and you arrive facing this situation, go talk to the manager and insist that you should be able to get a self-parking spot or have the hotel cover the valet cost. It's not acceptable for Boardwalk to rope off 20% of their spaces for valet and then not have enough self-parking. It they are going to behave like a New York City hotel then make it super clear that there is limited parking and show the cost of parking on your reservations.

 

[westfield13]

Did you get a confirmation of your reservation? Ask for one if you did not. If that confirmation says you may have to pay for valet so be it. If it does not, and you arrive facing this situation, go talk to the manager and insist that you should be able to get a self-parking spot or have the hotel cover the valet cost. It's not acceptable for Boardwalk to rope off 20% of their spaces for valet and then not have enough self-parking. It they are going to behave like a New York City hotel then make it super clear that there is limited parking and show the cost of parking on your reservations.

My reservation confirmation says nothing about the possible lack of self-parking - nor have I gotten a letter from the hotel, but my trip isn't until the end of October. Some guests that stayed in May or June received letters a few weeks before their trips - others did not. Which doesn't really make sense because nothing has yet been done to the parking lots and that construction equipment only recently appeared onsite??!!

When you book online, there is an alert warning that self-parking could be limited and valet parking the only option. That's what has me - and others - a tad nervous. I'm still moderately hopeful that this won't be a major issue for us later in Oct. As long as we can park the rental car ourselves (even in the large lot that is far away), we'll manage.

However, if valet is the only option, I WILL be speaking with a Boardwalk Inn manager to see what they can do - i.e waive the valet fee. I would certainly tip the valet, but I really don't want to pay an additional $20 per day when I am already paying the resort $3,000 for my stay.

Another point some posters have made - at times it appeared that day guests or others visiting the Boardwalk were allowed to park in the lots. If that is indeed happening, then BI/BWV needs to take responsibility for the lack of space for the paying guests, with cars, staying at their resorts, as they are not doing all they can to ensure we have spots.

 

[tiger4me2]

I have a trip coming up in September of this year. Staying club level. Never got a letter from Disney saying anything about the parking situation. I been in contact with the IPO people and they tell me there is no problem with self parking. I will not pay an extra fee to park. They need to inform people a head of time and reduce the charge. Just my views.

 

[Nermel9]

It doesn't say anything about the parking situation on my confirmation, and I haven't gotten a letter. I remember when I stayed at the Beach Club a few years ago and Stormalong Bay was closed, I got a letter for that. I did see the message when I booked the room though, that's why I'm nervous about it. That overflow parking lot across the street is a FAR walk if that's where we're stuck parking. I guess there's really not much I can do about it right now, maybe I can call and ask but you never really get a straight answer out of the CM's on the phone. Hopefully someone who has just stayed there will check in and let us know what is going on!

 

[tiger4me2]

I have a booking at the BWI this September and never received a letter or an email from the IPO since I am staying club level. I did ask and was told self parking where it always has been. As I stated before yours I am not valet parking nor walking far. Guess we will just have to wait and see.

 

[lbv7]

Everyone needs to relax. I am at the BWI now and there is no problem at all. The lots are half empty. There is no need for anyone to worry about being forced to valet park now or in the coming months.

 

[tiger4me2]

Thanks for the update. I just got off the phone talking one of the CM at the BWI and she told me no worries about parking.

 

[Sandi]

I just returned yesterday from a 6 night stay at BWI and never had any trouble with parking. There were always plenty of open parking spaces whether we were coming back in the late morning, afternoon, or evening. Searching for a shady spot was a bit more challenging, but parking spaces were plentiful.