Can we park at other Disney Resorts? Guard at Contemporary says no

[beattyfamily]

Actually, it's often the opposite...if you come for the day and eat dinner at many resorts in Orlando that charge a parking fee, they will validate your parking and waive that fee. If any hotel (Disney or otherwise) wants to attract outside revenue, then they need to cater to outside guests, not make it harder to spend your money there. Believe me, there are too many other options in Orlando/Kissimmee for resorts to make a practice of ticking off day guests.
Barb

FWIW...Universal Studios Florida resorts charge $7 for self parking for guests and $14 for valet parking for guests per day whether you are eating there, visiting or staying there or not, so I consider myself lucky that Disney doesn't charge their guests for self-parking so far. I also don't blame them for adding the $6 valet parking charge.

I did hear, though, that they will start offering free SELF parking for AP holders at USF for certain dates.

 

[Doctor P]

Barb,

I wouldn't be opposed at all to a validation type of program. Certainly that would make sense. However, many of the restaurants that validate at hotels outside WDW that are in hotels are NOT part of the hotel. In many cases, they end up actually paying for the parking through an arrangement with the hotel. Same with the validations in downtown Chicago that I know you are familiar with. In any case, the issue that precipitates the problem is the one that needs to be addressed, rather than the issue we are actually discussing. That is, solve the problem of people parking at the resort for other than resort business only and the issue probably goes away. Obviously, people eating in the restaurants or legitimately using the other features of the resort should be the first priority for parking after overnight guests of the hotel.

 

[crisi]

I don't know how many Disney restaurants need to attract outside revenue. Certainly the WCC was full to the brim when we stayed at the WL. Chef Mickey's and CG are two restaurants difficult to walk into (and I don't know that the Concourse Steak House is likely to attract outside revenue). I'd expect with the "value" the dining add on is to package guests if anything Disney will need LESS outside revenue in their restaurants this year than last.

To address the OP, there was no need for the guard to be rude, but no you are not entitled to park at any WDW resort as a guest at another WDW resort.

To address DoctorPs point, we spend tons to eat in Downtown Minneapolis - and $8 to park. Disney could validate - spend $50 at the resort in the restaurants or gift shops, get free parking. The system set up - a three hour pass - seems to work fine when enforced.

 

[eelvira]

Crisi, It says that you are a CM by your avatar. I have a question then, why do they give you the pass to put in your dash and tell you that with that you are "entitled" (that was the word used by the CM who checked me into my hotel) to park free at the Theme Parks and at any other WDW Resort? I'm not trying to argue here. Just that if you can park only for 3 hours they should tell you or if you are not supposed to park they should tell you. Knowledge is power. Ignorance is what causes problems.

Thanks
Eric

PS. Edit I just noticed that it says DIS Cast Member...I thought it said a CM at Disney....never mind

 

[MiaSRN62]

While you are correct in saying that a monorail resort has easy access to TTC, when we make our PS ressies, I'd better be told that I need to allow extra time to park at the TTC since parking at the resort is not allowed. And if I am an offsite guest, and I am popping in for dinner, I don't think that I should have to pay to park.

I agree with the above statement......so far, I've never had problems parking at the Contemp, BC, BWV, Poly, WL or AKL for dining/shopping whether onsite or off. I think it's ridiculous to make people pay so they can patron the resort ? What other restaurants or shopping mall makes you do this ? Universal may, but then that's why they don't get my business. I'm fine with some sort of validation ticket. I do agree with a 3 hour limit to keep things in check and we've always abided by this in wdw. But to make someone park at the TTC and walk over to the Contemp or Poly is ridiculous imho. What about those frequent heavy downpours in Orlando---we'd be drenched for dinner after the 10 min walk. I would hope the CM's are making this known to people who are making ps because this would impact us greatly in our decision. Sometimes we have no plans to visit a park the day we eat (i.e. the last day of our stay), so utilizing the monorail wouldn't work. We love ending our stay with a meal at Chef Mickey (or wherever). Usually we're in a hurry to get on the road home, so parking at TTC and walking over is just a huge inconvenience to us.
To the OP......sorry that guard was so rude to you. I find that uncalled for.

 

[Docsknotinn]

IMO one of the big issues that led to a LOT of the overcrowded parking was/is publications like The Unofficial Disney Guide. They suggest "scamming" the system by makeing a PS so so you can walk in to the back of Epcot from the Swan/Dolphin etc. I just think there is a line of common sense/decency that many people feel entitled to ignore. If you are going to dinner at a resort, shopping etc. I feel you should be able to park irrespective of if you are staying at a Disney property or not. The Lot being full for guests is bunk IMHO. If you can afford to stay at the deluxe resorts you can certainly pony up the valet fee to get a parking spot .... IF the lot is full. I have better things than $6 to loose sleep over on a vacation. OTOH there is a LOT, a WHOLE LOT of people trying to scam the system by parking at the resorts to use the monorail and avoid parking fees. There are those who try to get AP rates and have no intent of ever buying a AP. To those people I say GET A LIFE ! I mean really, that's a special lesson to teach your kids. Other than that even when I have a room at the GF I feel that anyone parking and coming in just to shop should be every bit as welcome to be there as I am.

 

[safetymom]

People staying at WDW should have the right to be able to park at their resort before a visitor does. If you are the visitor then you should pay to valet park.

 

[ducklite]

I like the BW setup...

If you are not a resort guest (that means sleeping room guest, not dining or shopping) you can either park across the street or valet for $7 + tip.

Works for me--keeps the closer lot open for resort guests and still offers parking for dining and shopping.

Anne

 

[cigar95]

I have a question then, why do they give you the pass to put in your dash and tell you that with that you are "entitled" (that was the word used by the CM who checked me into my hotel) to park free at the Theme Parks and at any other WDW Resort?

This, at least, is an easy question to answer. A CM who says that is just mistaken. (It happens - frequently!) Parking guaranteed at theme park lots - true, with only very rare exceptions. Parking guaranteed in other resorts - not true.

A WDW resort parking pass will *often* allow you to park at *most* WDW resorts for at least *some* amount of time. But your case happens to be one of the exceptions, since parking at the Contemporary is pretty strictly limited for obvious reasons.

Your circumstance is unusual, though, in that having a dining PS is usually sufficient to be permitted in. Arriving at a busy time of day, and during a particularly busy time of year, it may be that the lot was nearly full already, and the lot had gone to a "CR guests only mode".

And needless to say, the bad attitude of the guard is a separate matter, and no one here would support that behavior.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

We were told at several of the resorts that the parking was only for 3 hours. But the guard at the Poly told us if you Valet parked the car you could stay as long as you wanted.

 

[Docsknotinn]

So the whole thing, other than being misinformed or the poor attitude of the guard is easily resolved by a hotel guest or a hotel visitor. If the regular parking looks full use the valet. Its pretty much resolved that easily.

 

[DemoBri1]

Hi

I thought that when you stayed at a Disney Resort that entitles you to park at other Disney resorts.

Absolutely you can. Usually a 3 or 4 hour limit, but can be longer if you utilize valet.

I stayed at POR last week and on my last day I had a character breakfast at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary. The guard at the entrance was very rude and when I got there immediately said that I cannot park there.

Wrongo!! Another mis-informed worker.

I had on my dashboard the paper they gave me at POR that had worked at every other resort I visited. It clearly stated that it was valid until the 23rd, the day I was visiting the Contemporary. I explained that I had a PS for Chef Mickey's and that I understood that because I stayed at another Disney resort I thought I could park there too. He got a very superior attitude that "he is the one that decides who can park there and no one else". To give him my last name to see if I was in the list.

I only hope that you took the guard's name and will report him. This is absolutely inexcusable conduct.

So my questions is IF you are staying at a Disney Resort (like POR in my case) are you NOT allowed to park at the Contemporary parking lot?

Yes, as long as you have valid business there (i.e. a PS at a restaurant, you can park at any resort, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise

I was disappointed that they make you feel like a criminal for going to a character breakfast in your car.

Make sure you write or call the management at CR and explain to them what day it was that you came for a PS, approximately what time, and what happened. Also, strongly voice your concern that this may prevent you from ever staying or dining at the CR again. From this information, I would hope that they could track down who this individual that was working.

Good Luck,

Brian

 

[beattyfamily]

So the whole thing, other than being misinformed or the poor attitude of the guard is easily resolved by a hotel guest or a hotel visitor. If the regular parking looks full use the valet. Its pretty much resolved that easily.

Not in my opinion. If I'm staying at the Contemporary I should have the option to self park for FREE since I'm staying there or if I'm lazy and don't want easy access to my car, I can choose to valet park, which I never do. I shouldn't have to valet park because the self parking is full of visitors' cars.

 

[meandtheguys2]

I think you overreacted to what my statement said. Since the monorail stops at the door of every one of these resorts, and, during park hours, these resorts are tied by monorail to the MK, there is absolutely no reason to have to park AT the RESORT to be able to get to your PS. That is basically not the case at any other resort at WDW. The resorts can be accessed directly by WDW transportation from any theme park(like any other resort), can be accessed by taking transportation to the MK, and can be accessed by parking at the Ticket and Transportation center. Given these options, I stand by the statement that they could fairly eliminate any non-resort-guest parking at the monorail resorts and not be out of line. Feeling that you are entitled to park at these resorts for a PS suggests an unwillingness to be inconvenienced in the least way, or being too cheap to pay for parking (if an off-site guest).

I am sorry, I forgot about this! I wasn't over-reacting, but stating an opinion. It is sometimes hard to convey that through these posts.

FWIW, I would not mind mandatory valet parking, or other paid parking. It would be nice to have validation. I would mind (and not dine there) if I had to count on parking and then taking the monorail to the restaurant. That isn't because I am cheap, but is because my time and energy are worth something too. It already takes quite a bit to get to the CG as it is.

I guess that I can't imagine lying to park for free. It just isn't in my spectrum of behavior, and I resent having to be inconvenienced because others do. I also resent being called cheap.

 

[MiaSRN62]

If you are not a resort guest (that means sleeping room guest, not dining or shopping) you can either park across the street or valet for $7 + tip.

I shouldn't have to valet park because the self parking is full of visitors' cars.

The two or three times we parked at the Contemporary (and were given a 3 hour limit) the guard directed us to a far area of the parking lot. In other words, I think they kept the closer spots free and available to the Contemporary guests---which I see as fair. I've always felt the Contemporary had adequate parking---particularily during the height of park/restaurant openings when everyone was out and about. We never felt we were taking a spot from a resort guest. It sure never ever appeard this way from looking at the lot. So why didn't the guard direct the OP to valet instead of giving him major attitude & a guilt complex? There is absolutely no reason or excuse for this. As the OP stated :

I was disappointed that they make you feel like a criminal for going to a character breakfast in your car.

Yep....this is pretty sad.............

 

[beattyfamily]

The two or three times we parked at the Contemporary (and were given a 3 hour limit) the guard directed us to a far area of the parking lot. In other words, I think they kept the closer spots free and available to the Contemporary guests---which I see as fair. I've always felt the Contemporary had adequate parking---particularily during the height of park/restaurant openings when everyone was out and about. We never felt we were taking a spot from a resort guest. It sure never ever appeard this way from looking at the lot.

Well, I've had a different experience. I've stayed at the Contemporary 3 times now (and again next November!! ) and had a very hard time finding parking certain times of the day. One specific time that stands out is on a MVMCP night. We were circling the parking lot over and over and saw many people getting out of their cars and putting Santa hats on and walking over to MK. They were parking at the Contemporary for the convenience to MK. The next night, there was no MVMCP, there was no problem parking. When we try to park upon check in, usually in the morning, the parking lot again was packed and we had to valet park even though we didn't want to.

Valet parking also has limits too; there's only so many, so it's not a 'perfect' solution either but at least those parking there for the convenience to MK will not park for free!

 

[Docsknotinn]

Not in my opinion. If I'm staying at the Contemporary I should have the option to self park for FREE since I'm staying there or if I'm lazy and don't want easy access to my car, I can choose to valet park, which I never do. I shouldn't have to valet park because the self parking is full of visitors' cars.

Simply put there is just no way to please everyone. Remember IF you were staying there you would just be a guest too. If someone is coming to dinner or to buy a postcard they have just as much right to be there. I guess I never noticed any of this that much because I just valet for the whole time I'm there. When you have paid a valet fee for the day there is no additional fee to valet at the other resorts the same day. The 3 hour pass is more than reasonable as is the valet fee. There was no excuse for the guard to be rude.

 

[eelvira]

I'm the OP. I did send an email to the address provided by someone in the thread last week. Haven't heard anything back from Disney yet. One thing I mentioned earlier and it's probably lost in this long thread, is that when I went to park there was a cluster of at least a dozen empty parking spots and several empty ones here and there. So the parking was no where near to be full.

Some other people mentioned running into the same guard. White hair, bad disposition, nasty telling people that cannot park there, etc. I mentioned in my email that several people in this board had run into the same individual and had similar experiences in my email, that it was on Dec. 23 at 11 AM and I had an 11:10 AM PS. I didn't have his name, I looked for his name tag and it wasn't visible just the shield. Hopefully it should be easy to figure out who Mr. Nasty is.

Well, anyway thanks to everyone for all the answers I definitely understand parking at WDW much, much better.

Eric

 

[beattyfamily]

Simply put there is just no way to please everyone. Remember IF you were staying there you would just be a guest too. If someone is coming to dinner or to buy a postcard they have just as much right to be there. I guess I never noticed any of this that much because I just valet for the whole time I'm there. When you have paid a valet fee for the day there is no additional fee to valet at the other resorts the same day. The 3 hour pass is more than reasonable as is the valet fee. There was no excuse for the guard to be rude.

I agree, you can't please everyone but I strongly disagree with you that if you are a guest of that resort (paying to stay there for the convenience of the monorail and the walk to MK) you are on equal ground with someone coming over for dinner when it comes to parking. No way. Of course, you are entittled to your opinion but I just wanted to say that I strongly disagree.

This topic always gets me upset because I've experienced not being able to find a spot there and also seeing people parking their car and then walking to MK.

PS...what with the IF?? Are you saying I didn't really stay there 3 times? Maybe I'm just taking your capitol IF the wrong way...

 

[safetymom]

If someone is coming to dinner or to buy a postcard they have just as much right to be there.

Not exactly sure how buying a postcard gives you the right to a parking spot over a guest staying at the resort? Could you explain?