Can you still valet for free if you are eating at a resort?

[lovethattink]

We use the free valet with out tables in wonderland. Need to be a Florida resident or annual passholder to purchase the TIW card. Just show receipt from dinner when ready to pick up car.

 

[lovethattink]

Although the self-parking lot at GF is gated, I think the security guard has a camera view of the gate, as it was remotely opened for me on my last visit. But then I'd checked in at the security hut to notify the guard of my intention to drop off DP and then go back to self-park. And in any case, I always have my resort parking permit on my dashboard.

There is a button to push to get the guards attention, if he/she doesn't see your car sitting there. It may take a little while if they are helping a guest at their gate.

 

[7165red]

Thought I give the GF a try but I wished I had been advised before had. Just a little thing with me. I mad the supid assumption we would park in guest parking. Oh, well live and leatn. Had great parking at all other resorts. I will go back to GF next year.

 

[bumbershoot]

Just an FYI...they sometimes are very strict about enforcing the 3 hour limit. We have seen multiple tow-trucks working the lot at The Contemporary and the Polynesian (people sometimes park at these lots and then go to Magic Kingdom...to get out of paying for parking.)

On the other hand...a couple weeks ago when I asked the "concierge" desk at the Poly how to get from there to the MK parking lot after we finished eating at Kona, she said "we've never towed anyone" for parking in their lot and going to the MK. She and her co-workers (who got involved in the conversation) thought I was a bit silly, no, a lot silly, for wanting to follow the rules...

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

GF has the worst self-parking lot on property. Yes, I think it's even worse than Boardwalk. If you're going there, try to use taxis, Disney transportation or plan to pay for the valet parking (unless you have a TIW card or are going to Victoria & Albert's, then you don't have to pay the valet fee.)

I agree totally with this. GF self parking is horrible. However, I'd think valet parking would be cheaper than taking a cab from most locations on property. We take cabs often for dinner at resorts and I've yet to pay less than $15 - $20 for a cab.

We always valet at GF just because its easier than doing the self parking which seems so far away. In June we had an ADR at Ohana's and the self parking lot was full. We were told we could either valet park or park at the TTC and take the monorail over. We asked if valet would be free, or even discounted since the lots were full and we didn't have enough time remaining to park at the TTC and make it back(after going through the parking lot for a good 20 minutes looking for a spot). We were told that valet would not be free or discounted just because the lots were full. It kind of stinks when you can't go out to dinner without having to pay for valet. Its not a ton of money, but I know it's an issue for a lot of people to pay for something you don't really want, or can do yourself. I'd be upset if I were a guest staying at the Poly and never could find a place to park and end up having to valet everytime you come and go.

 

[7165red]

I agree, from now on I will just tack in 12 to my meal expensives and if I can get self parking it's a gift.

 

[7165red]

bummershoot, re: rules etc. I thought my confirmation # for dinner reservations was important until I got to the restaurant and there was a problem and the CM told me my res.# meant nothing to them.

 

[7165red]

Pumbaa, never gave it a thought, In the past we stayed at the Poly and took the monorail over to the GF. As I said before I will automatically add valet parking, Tax & tip and arriving 15 minutes early with my confirmation #

 

[jasonfc13]

you can't valet, you can just park at the resort

 

[Uncleromulus]

Just to note that valet parking is free if you are eating at Shula's and Blue Zoo. Also (I think) at IL Mulino.
Not necessary to have TIW--the restaurants validate the parking receipt for all patrons who have valet parked.