Boardwalk Parking?

[Boomerdog]

The first night of our trip, we plan to park at Boardwalk, walk around, and then walk into Epcot to use a fastpass at Test Track before the night is out. This will be a Tuesday night during a not so busy time.

How available is parking? And where do you park to access the Boardwalk? We are coming from Caribbean Beach.

 

[loves to dive]

Technically you aren't allowed to park at a resort unless you are staying there or eating there. Since I never drive anywhere when I'm there I'm not sure but I think the guard is going to either scan your MB to see if you are staying there or ask if you are eating there. The last two times I stayed there the lot was pretty full by the end of the evening and there has been some talk about one of the lots being closed, not sure if it still is. The Boardwalk is actually part of the resort so I don't think there is separate parking just to visit it. I'm sure there are loads of people who do just what you are planning on doing so I'm guessing it's going to depend upon the guard at the gate.

 

[CAS239]

Could always park at Epcot and then either walk or take the boat to the Boardwalk.

But it's not like DTD where any guests can just drive to and go to the stores.

 

[Disneychick75]

You might be allowed to have your car valet parked but that's about it. The Boardwalk, like the CR, has tough parking policies. I like them because we're DVC members and our home resort is the Boardwalk.

 

[Lucius Best]

Like previous posters said, personally I would just park at Epcot. Epcot resort parking (BW, BC, YC, S&D) is strict. But it's offseason during the week, you can always try, since you are staying on-site the guard knows you are not parking there to avoid paying the Epcot parking fee.

 

[SureAsLiz]

Whenever I go to the Boardwalk I just tell the attendant that and they direct me to a lot (usually the back one) without any problems.

 

[Boomerdog]

Whenever I go to the Boardwalk I just tell the attendant that and they direct me to a lot (usually the back one) without any problems.

Thanks, I hope that works out okay. We really want to see the shops on the Boardwalk! Maybe get a pastry and enjoy the view. And we probably won't have the time to park at Epcot, walk there, then walk back to Epcot

 

[Belle & Ariel]

The first night of our trip, we plan to park at Boardwalk, walk around, and then walk into Epcot to use a fastpass at Test Track before the night is out. This will be a Tuesday night during a not so busy time.

How available is parking? And where do you park to access the Boardwalk? We are coming from Caribbean Beach.

We own at the Boardwalk and I beg you to not park there to go to a theme park. Even in a less busy time DVC is at full occupancy year round. It is hard for those staying there to find parking. Our online booking states that if parking is not available we will have to pay $20 a day to valet. At about 9:45 parking spots open as people leave Illuminations.
Often we hesitate to go out in the evening dreading the parking situation when we return.
How frustrated would you be if you could not find parking at your resort because people going to the parks parked there?

 

[HappyDaisy]

They aren't parking there all day and it sounds like they're planning to spend more time enjoying the boardwalk than they are the one ride at Epcot. Tell the gate guard that you're exploring the boardwalk. I'm sure there will be no problem with parking in the overflow lot. Isn't that what it's for, after all? if not, then Disney should shut down the resort to anyone not staying there. Since they aren't about to do that, then it's perfectly fine to park there to see the resort.

 

[supersnoop]

Resort parking is generally limited to 3 hours for dining purposes. Test Track is on the complete opposite side of the park from the international gateway. You'll need 90 minutes (half of your parking allotment) just for that.

My recommendation. Would be to park at Hollywood Studios. Hop on the boat and get off at the first stop, the Swan and Dolphin. From the dock, you can walk across to the Boardwalk and enjoy the shops and food, and then walk over to the International Gateway and into Epcot. To return to your car, you can take the boat the whole way back.

Alternatively, you can $20 for valet parking at the Boardwalk.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

I have a reservation at the Boardwalk coming up and even for resort guests they posted an "advisory" stating that due to construction, parking was limited and even for resort guests valet might be the only option.

 

[Jaime4004]

Whenever I go to the Boardwalk I just tell the attendant that and they direct me to a lot (usually the back one) without any problems.

Same here. Have driven many times. Just tell them we are visiting the Boardwalk. They always ask for a license (not sure why, just look at it and hand it back) and direct us where to park.

 

[cigar95]

I have a reservation at the Boardwalk coming up and even for resort guests they posted an "advisory" stating that due to construction, parking was limited and even for resort guests valet might be the only option.

Does this mean that even the remote lot across the street is getting filled?

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

And during Food and Wine you better have a dining reservation.

 

[Boomerdog]

They aren't parking there all day and it sounds like they're planning to spend more time enjoying the boardwalk than they are the one ride at Epcot. Tell the gate guard that you're exploring the boardwalk. I'm sure there will be no problem with parking in the overflow lot. Isn't that what it's for, after all? if not, then Disney should shut down the resort to anyone not staying there. Since they aren't about to do that, then it's perfectly fine to park there to see the resort.

Thanks Daisy, that is exactly right. We want to experience the Boardwalk and enjoy the view and shops. Then, when done, around closing time of Epcot, use a fastpass on one of the rides and leave. The main reason for going is the Boardwalk itself.