Boating and DVC properties

[cheyita]

We are considering purchasing a small power boat, and it got me wondering where in the DVC realm of vacationing options we could bring it along to. I realize we can't drop it in at BCV, but maybe someone can suggest nearby lakes to take it to? Also, would Disney properties mind their guests towing their boats and leaving them in the parking lots?

Or, can anyone recommend other places available through DVC that would be a fun place to boat?

 

[DownNeckBoy]

You could bring your boat to HHI and rent a slip there for your stay!

 

[Caskbill]

I believe you could probably park your boat at the DVC properties. I would hope you would have it covered so as not to be an eyesore.

At OKW it must fit within the confines of the painted lines for a regular car. At least this is the restriction they have for an RV.

At BWV you could probably park it in the back lot, back where the taxi cabs wait. That's where they had us park our RV.

At BCV you could probably put it in the self park, toward the back near the waterway. That's where I saw they were putting the RV's.

At VWL probably same thing, park it at the back of the lot, the furthest from the entrances.

As mentiioned HH would be good. Don't know about slip rentals, but you could probably call ahead and get some information. Be sure to check prices. It could be anywhere between $0.50 and $2.00 per boat foot per day. Depending on how small your boat is you'd probably just want to stay in the back waters and channel and not go out into the ocean. One thing to remember though is that at HH, depending on where you go, you'll get some degree of salt water. This will be a lot tougher on your trailer and engine. Be sure to flush the engine with fresh water and thoroughly wash down the exterior of the boat and trailer. (Assuming you'll have a freshwater painted steel trailer and not a salt-water type galvanized trailer) We've taken our small 19 foot run-about to Florida a couple of times (Sanibel Island, and Clearwater areas, so I know about the salt water)

Florida is dotted with lakes everywhere. I haven't boated in the interior lakes at all. A lot depends on how far you want to go. There's probably a dozen or more lakes of varying size within 20 miles of WDW, but don't know which ones are suitable for boats. Lake Apopka near Winter Garden is probably the largest in the area. Sorry, I don't have any information on boat launching ramps.

 

[Dean]

I don't think OKW or any of the DVC properties allow one to have a camper or trailer including a boat. They recommend parking at PO usually or you can have them at Ft. W.

HH as already noted has boat slips and I suspect you can park a boat and trailer there.

 

[Caskbill]

Originally posted by Dean
I don't think OKW or any of the DVC properties allow one to have a camper or trailer including a boat. They recommend parking at PO usually or you can have them at Ft. W.

HH as already noted has boat slips and I suspect you can park a boat and trailer there.

Dean, it use to be that way but they changed it.

See page 112 of your 2002-2003 member's guidebook for the OKW statement.

Our unit is 34 foot so not eligible at OKW, but at BWV they have us park it out at the far lot, out by where the taxi's wait. That's an immediate left turn after you pass the guard gate.

On our last trip to BCV, I saw three RV's parked out at the far end of the lot. They were not in anyone's way.

I don't know about VWL for certain but assumed the far end of the lot would be OK.

I don't know if they would consider a trailer different from an RV. But I would think if for example OKW would allow a 24 foot motorhome, then they might allow a 19 foot boat (probably about 24 feet with trailer).

Of course, it's best to call and find out for sure.

As for HH, keep in mind the boat slips there are not Disney's, but rather belong to the Marina across the water. You may need to park your boat trailer at the marina and not actually at Disney.

 

[cheyita]

Thanks for the info. I will make sure to talk to someone in person always before lugging the boat anywhere!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Caskbill
Dean, it use to be that way but they changed it.

See page 112 of your 2002-2003 member's guidebook for the OKW statement.

Our unit is 34 foot so not eligible at OKW, but at BWV they have us park it out at the far lot, out by where the taxi's wait. That's an immediate left turn after you pass the guard gate.

On our last trip to BCV, I saw three RV's parked out at the far end of the lot. They were not in anyone's way.

I don't know about VWL for certain but assumed the far end of the lot would be OK.

I don't know if they would consider a trailer different from an RV. But I would think if for example OKW would allow a 24 foot motorhome, then they might allow a 19 foot boat (probably about 24 feet with trailer).

Of course, it's best to call and find out for sure.

As for HH, keep in mind the boat slips there are not Disney's, but rather belong to the Marina across the water. You may need to park your boat trailer at the marina and not actually at Disney.

Thanks, i hadn't seen that change since it didn't affect me personally.