Boardwalk-Epcot question

[siskaren]

And, if I park in the overflow lot on a Tuesday night during one of the least busy weeks of the year, you still feel strongly that it is wrong? Did you not take that risk booking Boardwalk Inn...We all want to experience Disneyworld...It is a very crowded place in the world. That is something you will need to learn to cope with. Please do not try and rain on my parade for the sake of your parade. Your insinuations that I lack common sense and that I can not understand are impolite and I do not appreciate them.

There will be plenty of parking during the time I will arrive. Again, as I said in another post, if it was Thanksgiving week, or another very buys time of year, I would not even ask. I would be polite and help you Boardwalk Inners out...But, your post is a bit harsh towards me and I really just don't appreciate that. I am going to enjoy the Boardwalk. I am also going to enjoy the experience of the walk into Epcot for a matter of less than an hour. Then I am going to enjoy the Boardwalk again. If HS did not close early that day, or there was a way to park at Epcot and walk back after park closing, or, if it is true that busses run from BW to other resorts, this wouldn't even be a question.

You honestly think that anyone booking a stay at Boardwalk Inn is taking a risk that they won't be able to park? The parking spots at hotels are for the guests staying at those hotels, not for people who don't want to be inconvenienced by parking where they're supposed to park.

 

[smidgy]

You and Robo and possibly someone else suggested this. I contacted Disney on Disneyworld.com and called Boardwalk Inn and both told me that there are NOT busses running at night from Boardwalk Inn to other hotels stating that there never is hotel to hotel bus routes.

With that being said, Robo has mentioned that there is a good chance the person I talked to just doesn't know the facts.

I too am curious to find out which is true!

I know where my money is.

I sn't it amazin how hard it is to get a simple answer to a simple question at disney? lol mesaboy, where is your money? we want to know!

 

[smidgy]

we have stayed quite a few times at boardwalk.. with a car. and we have visited the boardwalk a few times when we stayed at another resort. with a car. I'm thinking if your main destination is the Boardwalk (as it was in our case) it is ok. if your main destination is epcot, it is not ok.

the times we did park there from another resort, we were there to have dinner and enjoy the Jellyrolls dueling piano bar. we did not have park tickets for that day, and either way, the buses from epcot and DHS were done running by that time. we told the guard exactly what we were doing and it was fine.

Op I guess you shoudn't have mentioned the side "jaunt" for one ride at test track. I definitely think it is wrong for somone to park at boardwalk and spend hours at epcot. that is what the epcot lot is for. but if the Boardwalk IS your destination, I see nothing wrong with it. just like we have driven over to the animal kingdomlodge to see the animals and have dinner at Boma.

either way, the security guard will let you know. honestly a cab from one resort to another is pretty cheap.

 

[Boomerdog]

we have stayed quite a few times at boardwalk.. with a car. and we have visited the boardwalk a few times when we stayed at another resort. with a car. I'm thinking if your main destination is the Boardwalk (as it was in our case) it is ok. if your main destination is epcot, it is not ok.

the times we did park there from another resort, we were there to have dinner and enjoy the Jellyrolls dueling piano bar. we did not have park tickets for that day, and either way, the buses from epcot and DHS were done running by that time. we told the guard exactly what we were doing and it was fine.

Op I guess you shoudn't have mentioned the side "jaunt" for one ride at test track. I definitely think it is wrong for somone to park at boardwalk and spend hours at epcot. that is what the epcot lot is for. but if the Boardwalk IS your destination, I see nothing wrong with it. just like we have driven over to the animal kingdomlodge to see the animals and have dinner at Boma.

either way, the security guard will let you know. honestly a cab from one resort to another is pretty cheap.

Thank you for politeness Smidgy. I mentioned it because I wanted to be honest and let people know why I was trying to figure an easy way around parking at Boardwalk. Because I know it is a sore subject with BW guests.

@siskaren, yes, it is a risk, because it is obviously an obstacle that every guest at Boardwalk seems to be upset about. So, if you sign up for the Boardwalk, you know what you are in for. You risk having to be inconvenienced during parking, especially during the busy weeks. I try and do my part to help. Again, a calm time a year and it isn't as much of an issue. I don't take the spot right up front. I think about others. However, with the popularity of Disneyworld, and the millions upon millions who do not read this forum and visit, they aren't going to think twice about your plight. It is what it is. When you book there, you risk parking issues. It sucks. Oh well. I don't deserve to be lambasted because of it!

 

[leebee]

I know where mesaboy2's money is; same place as mine. I'm going with Robo for the win!

 

[disneyfanforlife68]

Do you have a. Annual pass? I'm just curious about using a park day for one ride.

 

[karrit2000]

If you want an answer that will offend less people just pay to Valet Park when you get to Boardwalk. That's the system cheat most guests use when they want to park where they know they aren't supposed to. I've been a legitimate guest at Boardwalk and not been able to park there because there was a convention going on so they wouldn't let the guests use the lot by the convention center even though there were plenty of empty spaces and the other was full. So even if it is a "slow time" there are always conventions going on that can further limit parking access.

 

[Boomerdog]

Do you have a. Annual pass? I'm just curious about using a park day for one ride.

We have 8 days of park hopper on our trip. So no annual pass. But no harm only going into Epcot for a half hour. And the difference in cost between 7 and 8 days is negligible.

 

[smidgy]

I know where mesaboy2's money is; same place as mine. I'm going with Robo for the win!

I wonder what time these buses start running. ie, what constitutes"late at night". this is great news, since the boardwalk is more than just a resort. it actually is a "destination"

 

[Boomerdog]

I wonder what time these buses start running. ie, what constitutes"late at night". this is great news, since the boardwalk is more than just a resort. it actually is a "destination"

Yeah, exactly, if these buses do run, and it seems everyone is confident in Robo's knowledge, again, this whole conversation is moot. we'd just bus to Epcot and then bus home from BW.

 

[smidgy]

I asked a similar question recently but I am refining my plans. We want to enjoy the Boardwalk our first night at Disneyworld.

First of all, what time do the shops stay open?

Second, we have a fastpass for Test Track. My initial thought would be park at Epcot, jump on Test Track and then on to Boardwalk. However, Epcot will close during the time we are enjoying Boardwalk. So, is there a way to walk back to Epcot parking?

If not, is the best way to go about this? We are staying at Caribbean Beach.

Is that resort within walking distance? Probably not I assume.

I assume, and I am sorry to those that this offends, the best option would be to park at Boardwalk?

What kind of time would it take to walk from Boardwalk parking to Epcot?

it is obvious the OP is wanting to enjoy the boardwalk on arrival night.. they probably just added the FP to test track because either they have annual passes, or decided it was worth the $10 for the extra day on their tickets since epcot has that ridiculous tiered FP system wherein the only rides really worth a FP are in the same teir (including illuminations)

It is obvious they were wanting to do the right thing and park at epcot, but the park will be closed when they are done with boardwalk. if robo is correct (and I'm sure he is) OP I would take the bus to epcot, do test track, then take a bus brom boardwalk later back to CBR (no you can't walk it).. no sidewalks.

but don't feel bad about asking. if you decide to drive over, I'm sure you will be fine. the security guard will let you know if you're not. you sound like a very considerate person

 

[smidgy]

after day 4 of tickets (or is it day 5?) it is $10 per day.. it went up from the $8 per day it used to be.

 

[smidgy]

it is now $10 per day after day 4 (or is it 5?) on the tickets. it used to be $8. we like to go 2X a year, and if you time it right, you get 3 trips out of one AP.. but if you go once a year, still if you time it right, (stagger the times) you can get 2 trips on one AP.

the thing we love about the AP is you don't feel like you waste a whole day's ticket if you just want to go in to eat and see fireworks, or see the british revolution and eat or whatever. take it easy

 

[Boomerdog]

Thanks Smidgy. I appreciate the kinds words. And all of your help. You made my night

Agreed, the $10 is worth it. And also agreed, the FP options at Epcot are very limiting

Thanks to everyone else for the help as well. When we arrive home, I'll post to confirm or deny the late night buses from BW.

 

[smidgy]

robo, I hope we're right! I am picturing the boomerdog family standing on lake Buena Vista drive with their thumbs out, hitch hiking! lol (most of you are probably too young to remember that. it actually used to be quite common) or walking from the BW to the hess (6 or 7 minutes.. "smidgy" time, with a rolling suitcase full of beer and wine .. oh yeah, and snacks.. ) and standing with a cardboard sign: "CBR or bust!"

 

[wilma-bride]

Let's not get personal here, I believe the OP made it clear that, while they intend to visit Epcot to ride Test Track, the main purpose of the visit was to see the Boardwalk area. Since the OP's visit may well end after Epcot has closed for the night, I can't see that parking in the Epcot parking lot is going to be the answer in this particular case.

OP, please be aware that any animosity here is coming from those people who (quite rightly) get fed up of the fact that they go out in the evening in their car and, when they return to the resort at which they personally are staying and therefore should be able to park, there are no parking spots due to the number of people who are parked there just to visit Epcot and see Illuminations. The car park does clear out rapidly once Epcot closes for the night. And, to clarify, it isn't just 'Boardwalk Inners' but DVC members who are staying in the villas there too. Take it from one who knows, it can be incredibly frustrating to come back from dinner with small children and have to drive round and round trying to find a parking spot, then end up having to park miles away from where you are actually staying, only to walk past large numbers of vehicles displaying parking permits for pretty much every other resort other than Boardwalk.

It really doesn't matter whether it is a busy or slow period, parking at Boardwalk is limited and anybody parking there just to visit Epcot is potentially taking a space from somebody who is staying there and (arguably) has more 'right' to be parked there.

The way I see it, you have two choices. You could park in the Hollywood Studios lot, walk or take the boat to Epcot, ride Test Track and then walk back to the Boardwalk, enjoy the area and then either walk or take the boat (if it is still running) back to Hollywood Studios.

Alternatively, you can show up at the Boardwalk parking lot and tell the attendant that you are visiting Epcot and the Boardwalk area and see if they let you park. I have no reason to believe they will not, since the Boardwalk is the main purpoose of your visit.

And OP, may I respectfully suggest that if you don't intend to use the additional 2 Fast Passes that you have booked, perhaps you could cancel them so they are free for others to book. I don't know when the last time you used FP+ was but we found, at Epcot particularly, that rides which previously did not require a FP to ride still had long standby lines due to the fact that people have to make 3 selections and so are doing exactly what you have described. If you cancel the FP+ you don't require, then they will be free for others to book if they wish.

 

[AZRAPUNZEL]

They do run buses from hotel to hotel. After dinner at HDDR they have buses waiting to take you directly back to your hotel. So for Disney to tell you they never do this, is untrue.

 

[Robo]

They do run buses from hotel to hotel. After dinner at HDDR they have buses waiting to take you directly back to your hotel. So for Disney to tell you they never do this, is untrue.

There is that.

 

[Boomerdog]

Let's not get personal here, I believe the OP made it clear that, while they intend to visit Epcot to ride Test Track, the main purpose of the visit was to see the Boardwalk area. Since the OP's visit may well end after Epcot has closed for the night, I can't see that parking in the Epcot parking lot is going to be the answer in this particular case.

OP, please be aware that any animosity here is coming from those people who (quite rightly) get fed up of the fact that they go out in the evening in their car and, when they return to the resort at which they personally are staying and therefore should be able to park, there are no parking spots due to the number of people who are parked there just to visit Epcot and see Illuminations. The car park does clear out rapidly once Epcot closes for the night. And, to clarify, it isn't just 'Boardwalk Inners' but DVC members who are staying in the villas there too. Take it from one who knows, it can be incredibly frustrating to come back from dinner with small children and have to drive round and round trying to find a parking spot, then end up having to park miles away from where you are actually staying, only to walk past large numbers of vehicles displaying parking permits for pretty much every other resort other than Boardwalk.

It really doesn't matter whether it is a busy or slow period, parking at Boardwalk is limited and anybody parking there just to visit Epcot is potentially taking a space from somebody who is staying there and (arguably) has more 'right' to be parked there.

The way I see it, you have two choices. You could park in the Hollywood Studios lot, walk or take the boat to Epcot, ride Test Track and then walk back to the Boardwalk, enjoy the area and then either walk or take the boat (if it is still running) back to Hollywood Studios.

Alternatively, you can show up at the Boardwalk parking lot and tell the attendant that you are visiting Epcot and the Boardwalk area and see if they let you park. I have no reason to believe they will not, since the Boardwalk is the main purpoose of your visit.

And OP, may I respectfully suggest that if you don't intend to use the additional 2 Fast Passes that you have booked, perhaps you could cancel them so they are free for others to book. I don't know when the last time you used FP+ was but we found, at Epcot particularly, that rides which previously did not require a FP to ride still had long standby lines due to the fact that people have to make 3 selections and so are doing exactly what you have described. If you cancel the FP+ you don't require, then they will be free for others to book if they wish.

Again, HP is not an option as it it closed at 4 pm that day for a private party. Disneyworld's press release about this claims that I should go enjoy other "resorts", parks and Springs.

"Miles away" seems like an exaggeration . We have no plans to watch illuminations as we will do this later in the trip so we are not the people who park there just for that. Your frustration seems to be with them. We will be out of the park before it closes. We wont be in for more than 45 minutes max.

So I should have said Boardwalk Inners and Villaers. Again, I won't be that person you are walking past as I intend on parking far out. Again, I am not parking there "just" to visit Epcot. In fact, it is mainly to visit Boardwalk. And, whether it is right or not, it is obviously something that you will have to deal with until Disney figures out alternate late night transportation for the Boardwalk visitors. Unless, as we have talked about, these phantom BW - Other Resort buses are real! Because, though it is tough for you, and I am sorry about that, people who are uninformed of your struggles are going to continue to park there. Heck, people who are informed will too. That is the way of the world.

As for your fast pass selection idea, I was unaware you can cancel 2 of the 3 FP and keep one! I obviously wanted to cancel those 2 for the exact same reason. I even made them early in the morning when crowds are the least and lines the shortest. I was thinking of others. Good thing I chose Turtle talk and Figmant...as, every time I have been there, there has been no wait for those rides. And, the websites I've viewed say around 10 minutes max wait for the crowd levels anticipated for that day for those rides. But, taking your advice, I looked closer, and there is a cancel FP option on the Disney website. So, I was able to just keep the one! Thank you for that...

 

[mesaboy2]

As for your fast pass selection idea, I was unaware you can cancel 2 of the 3 FP and keep one! I obviously wanted to cancel those 2 for the exact same reason. I even made them early in the morning when crowds are the least and lines the shortest. I was thinking of others. Good thing I chose Turtle talk and Figmant...as, every time I have been there, there has been no wait for those rides. And, the websites I've viewed say around 10 minutes max wait for the crowd levels anticipated for that day for those rides. But, taking your advice, I looked closer, and there is a cancel FP option on the Disney website. So, I was able to just keep the one! Thank you for that...

Yes, you can. However, I generally recommend against it unless you are absolutely sure you won't want to add them back again. It is painful to get them back. See the green link in my signature for more information.