Anyone use DDE and Valet Parking?

[Emme]

I read that you can get free valet parking at the deluxe hotels with the DDE card if you are going to eat at one of the restaurants at that hotel . We are staying offsite and I was thinking of using it at the Grand Floridian 1900 Park Fare because visitor parking is way way way out there at the GF.

Has anyone ever used it with the DDE card, and how did it work? Thanks for any and all info

 

[makinorlando]

I use it ALL the time! It's simple. Tell the guard at the secuirty kiosk that you are going in to dine, and you wish to valet park.

When you pull up to the front of the resort, a valet attendant will come up to your car. I just tell them I have DDE card, they take my name, give me my claim check, and I am on my way. (Oh yeah - don't forget the tip).

When I am done, I go out, give them my claim check, they bring my car, I hand the valet a tip, and on my way!

Most of the time they have not even asked to see my card!!!

 

[Emme]

Thank you soooo much! That was exactly the info I was looking for! GREAT NEWS !

 

[tjmouse]

I know! I am so excited to use valet parking when I stay at BWV! I feel so "fancy"!

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Do you tip when you drop off? When you pick up? or both? and how much $ is a standard valet parking tip? Thanks for the info- I am a recovering value cheapie! (want to feel delux'ed this time!- valet parking and all)

 

[makinorlando]

I usually tip $1.00 each way... $2.00 if he's cute... - just kidding - well there is one at Poly that I tip $2.00, he's just extra special nice, and makes me feel like I'm getting out of a limo when I arrive... not an SUV!!!

 

[webray]

It works great. Pull up, valet your car as usual. When you finish eating, take your valet ticket and your receipt from your meal along with your DDE card (have identification ready if they ask for it), and they will say ok, great and go get your car.

 

[webray]

Do you tip when you drop off? When you pick up? or both? and how much $ is a standard valet parking tip? Thanks for the info- I am a recovering value cheapie! (want to feel delux'ed this time!- valet parking and all)

Correct tipping is when you pick your car up to leave. The amount varies from $3-$5 depending on where you are.

 

[tjmouse]

Well, that might be the correct way, but what if you get 2 different valets? Shouldn't the first one get a tip too?

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Do you tip when you drop off? When you pick up? or both? and how much $ is a standard valet parking tip? Thanks for the info- I am a recovering value cheapie! (want to feel delux'ed this time!- valet parking and all)

Although many state that "industry standard" is to tip only when you pick up the car, we routinely tip on drop off and again at pickup. If no baggage handling is involved, I tip $2 for each service. My feeling is that if the valets happen to "pool" their tips, it will not matter and if they don't pool the tips, I've recognized the service provider at both ends of the transaction. I think this is fairer than a single tip when I pick up the car.

Ralph

 

[majortom]

My feeling is that if the valets happen to "pool" their tips, it will not matter and if they don't pool the tips, I've recognized the service provider at both ends of the transaction. I think this is fairer than a single tip when I pick up the car.

Ralph

Having asked many friends that have worked as valets, they would agree with you on tipping both times. As for how much one tips, it really depends on where one is and how nice the valet was. I tip from $1-$5, with an average of $2. In places where I have noticed that they keep my car close when I tip well, I am more likely to go to $5, in most $2 is more than sufficient.

/carmi

 

[Wendy1953]

We always tip both times, as you may not get the same valet when you come out.....same as maid service tips....tip each day, the maids don't always have the same scheduled rooms each day!

 

[JC Butterfly]

I didn't realize this was a perk of DDE!

Is there a time limit for how long you can free valet?

For example if I want a late meal at Yachtsman and then want to catch Illuminations before leaving, is that ok? Or are you only expected to use valet for a limited time?

 

[jwfla422]

It is an awesome perk of DDE!! It really comes in handy and no there is not a time limit for "valet" despite what anyone says...there will be few to disagree with me on this, but I've asked at many of the resorts. I just think they may have a problem if it is kept overnight. (didn't ask about that one -but don't think we'd do it) since it would be a long walk back to our resort.