Arriving Prior to Check-in

[budda919]

Hey all,

I'm trying to find out what the current rules are for overnight parking in the overflow lot or at the Ticket and Transportation Center. I have reservations starting on January 10th (the day of the disney marathon) but would like to arrive around 1 am. My plan is to park, get some sleep, and go over to the TTC around 6 am to watch a friend run in the marathon. After my friend runs by, I'll return to the Fort for check-in.

Does anyone know if they will let me park and sleep from 1 am till check-in anywhere on property? If not, where should I park off property? Also, what time does the outpost open for check-in?

Thanks for all the help, I'm getting way excited here

~budda

 

[John VN]

Unless there has been a recent change in regulations, there is no parking at TTC or Overflow or anywhere on WDW property for a quick shut eye.

We checked-in once at 4:00AM because of a hurricane evacuation where we live in SW Fl. After the announcement was made on TV, I called FW up, told them of our situation and since we had reservations they told me to come in early and they would try to accommodate us, which is exactly what they did.

We will be at FW and WDW next week for the Marathon, but since I had a crash this past year and recent surgery I will not be able to do the Marathon. Instead I will walk with my DW Friday AM in the 5K.

Pretty sure others will come back with a good solution so hang in there. 8 days and they're off and running already.

 

[seashoreCM]

Apparently Florida has a law prohibiting camping (including sleeping in cars) except in an approved campground.

I ran into that ca 1975 (my very first visit to WDW). I was down on the Keys and got drowsy and pulled over to the side of the road and was awakened by a policeman telling me that.

Now if Disney does not have your room ready, you can still get your tickets (if part of a package) and even make rope drop at the park.

 

[kskone]

John is right, There is no over night parking on WDW property! And also the fort check in is open 24hrs. a day. There is a Walmart down the street that you may be abel to use but check first with the manager as this may be aganst county laws! Good luck K.

 

[budda919]

Thanks all. I'm a little surprised to hear all these "no overnight" posts. I grew up going to disney with my parents and we had many occasions where we would arrive at the fort at 2 or 3 in the morning and catch some zzz's in the parking lot. Of course, the last time I recall doing this was probably 10 years ago.

Maybe I'd be better trying the Walmart or Goodings lots?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

And also the fort check in is open 24hrs. a day.

I grew up going to disney with my parents and we had many occasions where we would arrive at the fort at 2 or 3 in the morning and catch some zzz's in the parking lot.

1) The Front Desk at all WDW resorts are open 24-hrs.
2) However, you cannot check-in until 6:00am on the date of your ressie.
3) If you want to sleep at 1:00am, make the ressie for one day earlier.
4) Example:
. . . make ressie for Wednesday night
. . . you can arrive as late as 5:55am Thursday morning

NOTE: The Walmarts in Florida are posted as no overnight parking, due to law. Too many people in the past dumped trash and sewage, so the law was passed to forbid overnight parking, even at Florida highway rest stops.

 

[grlcop121]

I will be in the same situation and have not found a good solution yet. We have a big rig and will have 3 screaming and antsy children, not sure what we will do. Hoping to get some suggestions...

 

[ProPhotoGA]

Well.. you might try one of the KOA campgrounds located nearby. On our last
trip we stopped at the KOA in Valdosta/Lake City, GA and stayed there the day
before and arrived at the Fort at 12:45 on check in day. I know there is a KOA nearby
Disney.

Gene

 

[dfchelbay]

Pull into an RV sales lot...no one will know you're even there. You'll just look like part of the inventory. j/k

 

[budda919]

Thanks for the thoughts. Adding an extra night is a little tricky. For some it may be not only an added cost of the reservation, but paying an extra day on the dining plan as well. Luckily I have decided against the dining and when I checked this morning that night was available, so I am considering it.

Staying anywhere else that is far away is not really an option. I am expecting my runner to run by the TTC/Contemporary by 7:30am and I wanted to run there from the Fort. From the Disney site it appears that the Epcot lot may be opening around 3 am for runners and spectators, so maybe they'd allow be to park there. I'll be doing some research and I'll be sure to post what I find.

Two weeks to go !

 

[BradyBz12]

In our experience, none of the Walmarts close to WDW will allow overnight/camping. We pulled into one in Kissimmee 2 years ago at about 7pm and parked out in the outlaying part of the lot. We hadn't even shut the engine off yet when a security car came racing over to tell us we couldn't stay there. We called about 6 other Walmarts in the area and were told the same thing.

That said, we stopped at a FL rest area on Rt 4 near St. Augustine a month or so ago at around 8pm and asked the security person parked if we could sleep there (there were at least 8 or 9 other TTs/MHs there) He said of course, they were there so you could get off the road to rest "just don't put out any slideouts."

 

[KPSmithSr]

About 18 months ago, over DD19's spring break, we checked in about 4:30 AM. We pulled into the overflow lot and took a nap. Got up in time for early opening at EPCOT, called back to the Fort around noon, 1:00 PM to get our site, came back to the Fort, picked up our 5th wheel in the overflow lot, set up camp and back to the parks. Guess it depends if people have been abusing the overflow lot and the CM that checks you in. Good luck.

 

[clkelley]

Thanks for the thoughts. Adding an extra night is a little tricky. For some it may be not only an added cost of the reservation, but paying an extra day on the dining plan as well. Luckily I have decided against the dining and when I checked this morning that night was available, so I am considering it.

Staying anywhere else that is far away is not really an option. I am expecting my runner to run by the TTC/Contemporary by 7:30am and I wanted to run there from the Fort. From the Disney site it appears that the Epcot lot may be opening around 3 am for runners and spectators, so maybe they'd allow be to park there. I'll be doing some research and I'll be sure to post what I find.

Two weeks to go !

If folks are on a dining plan and want that extra night, they can book that extra night as a separate reservation. Then when you arrive at 1am, you can check in and just back in, plug in electric and go to sleep, or if backing in in the dark is difficult, then you can stay in the overflow with your parking pass in the window, then get in your site first thing the next day.

 

[mamaloya]

I would call FW front desk now, just make sure it is the front desk and not CRO, or talk to a manager when you get there. If you explain the situation and they know that you are not just trying to get something for nothing, I am sure they would be more than happy to accommodate you. Can't hurt to ask.

Good luck