Boardwalk & Epcot parking question

[bajanswife]

We were thinking of going to Boardwalk to Jellyrolls after Epcot one evening, right after Illuminations. Would it be a time saver, and is it even possible, to park at Boardwalk in the morning, say between 9 and 11, walk to Epcot, then watch Illuminations from a place near the exit to Boardwalk and walk over after Epcot? Would we save time that we would be stuck in traffic etc., or is the walk to Jellyrolls so long that it wouldn't be worth it? Can we even stay parked at Boardwalk all day and if so, does it cost?

 

[DaveO]

You are not allowed to park at the Boardwalk to go to Epcot for the day. Even if you plan on going to the Boardwalk in the evening.

 

[WDSearcher]

Unless you're staying at the Boardwalk, you're technically not allowed to park there during the day, even if you're planning to go to the Boardwalk at night. However, many people do, which can make it hard for actual Boardwalk guests to park at their resort, if the resort is full.

Some people valet park at the Boardwalk, which is $6 plus tip for the day, with the thought that they're paying to park, as they would at Epcot, and they're not taking up general resort parking (or "self parking") slots. That's an option.

 

[DizBelle]

So, can you valet at any of the resorts that offer it and leave your car for as long as you want and the 3 hour rule applies only to self-park? Or does the 3 hour rule apply no matter how you park (self or valet)?

 

[swilphil]

I thought there was a public parking lot at the Boardwalk that was further away than the Boardwalk resort parking, but open to people who are visiting the Boardwalk. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The Boardwalk is a very short walk from the International Gateway exit of Epcot--a 5 minute walk, maybe closer to 10 minutes to Jellyrolls.

 

[madalex]

Originally posted by lfontaine
So, can you valet at any of the resorts that offer it and leave your car for as long as you want and the 3 hour rule applies only to self-park? Or does the 3 hour rule apply no matter how you park (self or valet)?

It is my understanding that this is correct - the 3 hour rule (when it is enforced) applies only to self-parking and not to valet parking. However, I have to admit that I have never seen that written down anywhere.

 

[bajanswife]

How much of a tip would it be (not used to valet parking) - $1, $2?

Conversely, how late can the car stay in the Epcot parking lot? Do they close it at a certain time, or would the car be at risk there even if it wasn't closed?

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by bajanswife
How much of a tip would it be (not used to valet parking) - $1, $2?

Conversely, how late can the car stay in the Epcot parking lot? Do they close it at a certain time, or would the car be at risk there even if it wasn't closed?

Most tip $2 -3 at drop off and again at pick up. I've not ever seen the valet lot full at BW so don't think you will have a problem using that service, but you still might be denied entrance by the guards. Just depends. I'd probably take a chance as I could always just park across the street or in the EPCOT lot if denied.

If EPCOT is closed before you are ready to leave the Boardwalk, the only way back to the EPCOT parking lot will be a cab.

The guards at the BW entrance have been much more strict lately about allowing people to self-park in the resort lots, especially in the mornings - there is very little open on the BW at that time of day. There is an ungated lot across the street that is available for non-BW resort guests. It's about a mile from there to the IG, and you do have to cross a busy street and walk through the BW parking lot to get to the walkway.

If you are staying on site, my advice is to take Disney transportation to EPCOT, walk to the BW/JellyRolls and take a cab back to your resort (expect to pay $12-$15, incl a tip).

If you are off site, I'd drive to EPCOT and move the car to the BW after Illuminations (if I couldn't valet). Doubt you'll have a problem getting into the BW resort self-parking lot after Illuminations. Jelly Rolls does open early in the evening but seldom gets really rocking until after 10 pm anyway.

Have fun!

 

[sodaseller]

Originally posted by swilphil
I thought there was a public parking lot at the Boardwalk that was further away than the Boardwalk resort parking, but open to people who are visiting the Boardwalk. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. The Boardwalk is a very short walk from the International Gateway exit of Epcot--a 5 minute walk, maybe closer to 10 minutes to Jellyrolls.

We have used that lot as recently as May. Before that we could park at Boardwalk. I hope they haven't ended use of the lot across the street

 

[webmomom]

Boardwalk is the hotel we all most always stay at. There are times when we will take a quick one day trip up there. I have no idea where the other parking lot that you are talking about is. when you say across the stree, do you mean by the gas station or over by MGM. My husband loves to go on the boardwalk,so that is why we always park there. I just need this info in case the parking lot is full.

 

[sodaseller]

It is across the street you turn in from, really across from the bus entrance for conventions. The guard will direct you

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by webmomom
Boardwalk is the hotel we all most always stay at. There are times when we will take a quick one day trip up there. I have no idea where the other parking lot that you are talking about is. when you say across the stree, do you mean by the gas station or over by MGM. My husband loves to go on the boardwalk,so that is why we always park there. I just need this info in case the parking lot is full.

Past the gas station on the right. There is a light and I believe a crosswalk.

 

[webmomom]

Ok I know I am being really dumb. When you pass the guard to BW there is a parking lot on the right hand side up farther. Is that the one you are talking About?

 

[sodaseller]

No. It is across the street that you turn from into the guard stop

 

[webmomom]

Thank You