Clean Getaway After Illum. - Car or Bus?

[PSUGuy]

Haven't had to think about this in some time as we're usually at BW but not this time. I suspect our car in the Epcot lot would be quickest back to AllStar, any thoughts?

Thanks,
Bill From PA

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Car.

 

[Cree629]

In my opinion, your quickest exit would be if you watch Illuminations near England/France and have your car valet parked at the Beach Club (will cost a few bucks, yes, but I think it's totally worth it).

 

[DSLRuser]

In my opinion, your quickest exit would be if you watch Illuminations near England/France and have your car valet parked at the Beach Club (will cost a few bucks, yes, but I think it's totally worth it).

close....

Park your car for free at board walk. No need to valet. Boardwalk is an attraction. Just make sure you experience the board walk before and or after you epcot trip.

If you dont want to park there. park at fantasia golf. bit of a longer walk, but still free and the slow walk will let traffic die down.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

close....

Park your car for free at board walk. No need to valet. Boardwalk is an attraction. Just make sure you experience the board walk before and or after you epcot trip.

 

[siskaren]

Park your car for free at board walk. No need to valet. Boardwalk is an attraction.

Boardwalk is a resort and you shouldn't park at resorts for theme park access. Those parking spots are for people staying at the Boardwalk.

 

[goofy4tink]

close....

Park your car for free at board walk. No need to valet. Boardwalk is an attraction. Just make sure you experience the board walk before and or after you epcot trip.

If you dont want to park there. park at fantasia golf. bit of a longer walk, but still free and the slow walk will let traffic die down.

Not 'close' at all. BW is no more an 'attraction' than any other resort. Those that pay to stay there, pay for the ability to walk/boat to DHS and Epcot. I'm not sure why someone thinks it's okay to park there, free, and then head off to a park. Of course, if they like, they can park behind the Hess Station and hoof it up to Epcot.
Gets tiring having people say to park for free at BW and then head to Epcot. It's amazing how many cars leave BW at about 9:45 in the evening..after they have parked there, taking up the closer, up front spaces, and then leave later in the evening, forcing paying guests of BW to park much further back. And yes, I've not only seen it happen with my own eyes, on many occasions, I have also been forced to park in the middle of the lot when returning in the early evening...to watch IllumiNations.
Staying at the Epcot resorts get you 'a clean getaway'...and I'm pretty sure the OP appreciates that since he stays at BW a lot. I'm pretty sure he doesn't appreciate it when others park there, and then leave after a day in the parks.

Can you park there? Maybe. Ask at the guard shack. If they tell you that you are able to park in the regular lot, please take a further out spot. We all appreciate that. And I say that no matter which resort it is!

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

Boardwalk is a resort and you shouldn't park at resorts for theme park access. Those parking spots are for people staying at the Boardwalk.

The Boardwalk has a secondary overflow lot across the street. It is perfectly acceptable for guests not staying at, but visiting the Boardwalk to park as directed by the security agent at the gate. In some cases you will be directed to the secondary lot and in others, you can park in the primary lot. It all depends on the number of cars registered at the BW and BWV. During more busy times, they may even announce and enforce a three hour parking limit for the stay.

I announce our full intention of our stay upon entering the lot to the security agent and suggest that others do so as well.

 

[siskaren]

The Boardwalk has a secondary overflow lot across the street. It is perfectly acceptable for guests not staying at, but visiting the Boardwalk to park as directed by the security agent at the gate. In some cases you will be directed to the secondary lot and in others, you can park in the primary lot. It all depends on the number of cars registered at the BW and BWV. During more busy times, they may even announce and enforce a three hour parking limit for the stay.

I announce our full intention of our stay upon entering the lot to the security agent and suggest that others do so as well.

But DSLRuser didn't say to park in that secondary lot; he said to park at the Boardwalk lot.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

But DSLRuser didn't say to park in that secondary lot; he said to park at the Boardwalk lot.

The security agents will direct visitors on where to park. Sometimes it's the primary lot, other times it's the secondary lot.

 

[goofy4tink]

It looks as though the OP may be going during Food and Wine. That will mean it will be nearly impossible to park at BW unless you are a guest there. They actually put up Jersey barriers to keep non-guests out at this time.

 

[IsThatYouTigger]

It looks as though the OP may be going during Food and Wine. That will mean it will be nearly impossible to park at BW unless you are a guest there. They actually put up Jersey barriers to keep non-guests out at this time.

This is true. DH and I stayed at Boardwalk in October during F&W and they were VERY strict about who was getting to even pass through the gates.

 

[Pembo]

We've driven to Epcot for Illuminations. One time we got to the park about 7:30 pm and were able to park very close. We were out of the parking lot very quickly.

 

[DSLRuser]

But DSLRuser didn't say to park in that secondary lot; he said to park at the Boardwalk lot.

Correct. I have NEVER been asked to park across the street in the 15+ years the resort has been around.

We walk the boardwalk. Eat ice cream. Watch the live acts. Do games. Eat food. Yes. The boardwalk IS an attraction.

Same for Beach club. When I have breakfast at Cape May, or Lunch at the Ice cream place. I park there, then continue my day.

20+ years and NEVER had an issue.

I stress, only do this if you are using the resorts amenities first. If you are not doing this. Thats when I revert to the Fantasia mini golf parking lot.

We mix on property and off property as the years go by. Doing this has allowed me to NEVER pay to park when going to a park. It is NOT breaking the rules.

 

[goofy4tink]

Correct. I have NEVER been asked to park across the street in the 15+ years the resort has been around.

We walk the boardwalk. Eat ice cream. Watch the live acts. Do games. Eat food. Yes. The boardwalk IS an attraction.

Same for Beach club. When I have breakfast at Cape May, or Lunch at the Ice cream place. I park there, then continue my day.

20+ years and NEVER had an issue.

I stress, only do this if you are using the resorts amenities first. If you are not doing this. Thats when I revert to the Fantasia mini golf parking lot.

We mix on property and off property as the years go by. Doing this has allowed me to NEVER pay to park when going to a park. It is NOT breaking the rules.

Not against the rules? Do you seriously think that if you ask Disney if its ok to park at BW and go to Epcot, in order to avoid paying a parking fee, they will say 'great idea! Go for it!'?
They won't. There is signage posted, at busier times of year, stating 'parking at this resort for park access is prohibited'. It would seem to me that is pretty clear.
So, what do you suppose would happen if everyone decided to follow your advice? Off-site guests would be parking at BW, YC/BC, CR and the Polynesian in order to avoid parking fees! Because if its ok for you to do it, it's ok for everyone to do it! And those lots are going to fill.....making it miserable for those paying to stay at those resorts.
But.....maybe that's not a bad thing. Disney will be hit in the pocketbook (loss of parking fees), and they will make the lots at these resorts key accessible only! Most of us would be thrilled with that. Disney could recoup some costs by charging for resort parking for those 'visiting' the resort. With a validated ticket, parking would be free.....but not after 3 hrs!
So, I would probably start refraining from telling everyone, every time this topic comes up, to just 'park at a resort'. It would be so incredibly easy for Disney to fix this resort issue. And as I said, many of us here would applaud such a move by Disney. If you want the amenities of a particular resort, pay to stay there. That is the right thing to do!

As far as 'BW is an attraction' goes? Seriously? You ate an ice cream cone, watched some juggler (free) and you think that makes the resort 'an attraction'? Gets a bit tiring to have people justify their behavior by saying this. Park at Epcot or DHS and walk or boat to BW or YC/BC. That's what Disney intends for you to do.

 

[CarolMN]

If you're not staying at one of the EPCOT resorts and do not want to pay to valet park or take a cab, the best thing to do is to just change your attitude. Is it really necessary to get back to your resort in record time?

Watch IllumiNations somewhere besides the area between the Norway and England pavilions.

After IllumiNations, do not join the crowds streaming towards the exit. Sit on a bench and people watch or perhaps enjoy a drink or snack (that you purchased prior to the beginning of the show). After the crowds have dissipated, stroll to the exit. You most likely won't have a long wait for a bus, you'll get a seat and you won't be stuck in traffic. And you'll probably arrive at your resort not too much later than the herd.

 

[DSLRuser]

#1 Off-site guests would be parking at BW, YC/BC, CR and the Polynesian in order to avoid parking fees! Because if its ok for you to do it, it's ok for everyone to do it! And those lots are going to fill.....making it miserable for those paying to stay at those resorts.

#2
But.....maybe that's not a bad thing. Disney will be hit in the pocketbook (loss of parking fees), and they will make the lots at these resorts key accessible only! Most of us would be thrilled with that. Disney could recoup some costs by charging for resort parking for those 'visiting' the resort. With a validated ticket, parking would be free.....but not after 3 hrs!

#3
As far as 'BW is an attraction' goes? Seriously? You ate an ice cream cone, watched some juggler (free) and you think that makes the resort 'an attraction'? Gets a bit tiring to have people justify their behavior by saying this. Park at Epcot or DHS and walk or boat to BW or YC/BC. That's what Disney intends for you to do.

#1
I have stayed at all those hotels multiple times. What are you talking about, "miserable guess". worry about yourself and what it is so hard for you to walk an extra 6 feet because i am in a parking spot. I drive nice vehicles, and tend to park far away from rental cars and such as not to get door dings. so this is not an issue.

#2
about 10 years ago, disney came up wit "magic express", maybe you have heard of it. it is an incentive to NOT RENT A CAR. since about 1999, the disney lots are always full of empty parking spaces. So again, your argument is foolish. and, disney will always raise parking prices at the front gates. you can't get around it.

#3
finally, yes. It is an attraction. just watch the resort channels, and see the media. they all talk about the boardwalk and the real BOARDWALK is an attraction. maybe if you would stop and smell the roses at disney and stop worrying about other people and how many rides you can and can't do in a trip you would see that disney is all about details. and stop pushing dining to me if you don't want me to go to other hotels.

finally, just worry about yourself, and not others and you will be happier.

 

[keishashadow]

It looks as though the OP may be going during Food and Wine. That will mean it will be nearly impossible to park at BW unless you are a guest there. They actually put up Jersey barriers to keep non-guests out at this time.

and it is welcome to those staying there.

Several trips we've just used valet to avoid the hassle, but have wondered how many non-registered guests are in the smaller lot. IMO guests shouldn't have to pay for valet in order to avoid the haul back from the overflow lot.

OP - when not staying @ a BW resort, we utilize the parking in the main epcot lot. We take care to station ourselves lake view near future world and cut out just a little early to escape the bulk of the crowd.

 

[Thumper_Man]

After IllumiNations, do not join the crowds streaming towards the exit. Sit on a bench and people watch or perhaps enjoy a drink or snack (that you purchased prior to the beginning of the show). After the crowds have dissipated, stroll to the exit. You most likely won't have a long wait for a bus, you'll get a seat and you won't be stuck in traffic. And you'll probably arrive at your resort not too much later than the herd.

This. DW and I usually do this. We rent a car every time we go and we're not in a hurry to get back to our resort which is off-site. We have gotten some of our best night pictures of Epcot at this time. No one photo bombing, less crowds. Plus we still need to finish our frozen Margarita from Mexico.

 

[goofy4tink]

#1
I have stayed at all those hotels multiple times. What are you talking about, "miserable guess". worry about yourself and what it is so hard for you to walk an extra 6 feet because i am in a parking spot. I drive nice vehicles, and tend to park far away from rental cars and such as not to get door dings. so this is not an issue.

#2
about 10 years ago, disney came up wit "magic express", maybe you have heard of it. it is an incentive to NOT RENT A CAR. since about 1999, the disney lots are always full of empty parking spaces. So again, your argument is foolish. and, disney will always raise parking prices at the front gates. you can't get around it.

#3
finally, yes. It is an attraction. just watch the resort channels, and see the media. they all talk about the boardwalk and the real BOARDWALK is an attraction. maybe if you would stop and smell the roses at disney and stop worrying about other people and how many rides you can and can't do in a trip you would see that disney is all about details. and stop pushing dining to me if you don't want me to go to other hotels.

finally, just worry about yourself, and not others and you will be happier.

Seriously? Okay...I'm going to be right up front and let you all know I'm about to be rude. Go ahead, report me. Don't much care.
Get over yourself! Just because you want to do something, doesn't make it right! You're rationalizing. Period.
Big deal..you drive a nice car. So incredibly happy for you! A lot of us do.
And if you want to think BW is an attraction, fine go for it. But it certainly takes more than a juggler or a magician, wandering around for a few hours on certain nights, to make a resort an attraction for me. And even if that were the case, it does not mean that you are now free to leave your car for the day and head to the parks! You are entitled to park at resorts while using their amenities!
Walk an extra 6'? Sure if that had been the issue. But at BW, I have had to park many rows back when getting back to the resort I am paying to stay at, around 5ish. And if I had arrived there at 9:45? There would have been plenty of much closer up spots! Plenty. I've sat and watched 30+ cars exit that lot after IllumiNations.

And DME? Yeah, I'm pretty familiar with it..been using it since it started. But I do drive a car every so often...so, it is, actually, my business what is happening in the parking lots. Not to mention giving out good info regarding those parking lots.

Seriiously? Your #3???? I've been to WDW more times than I can count since '99. No one is more about stopping and smelling the roses than I!!! And getting on attractions? Again...seriously? Do you know me? Have you any idea how I tour parks? Just a sample....there are days I go to a park, just to walk around, and do one or two attractions..that's it.
Not sure what 'pushing dining' is all about. But perhaps you have me confused with some other poster.

My arguments are not foolish..they are based on facts I have gotten directly from Disney. I make it a point to be able to back up every single thing I say here! Every single thing. I ask about parking at various resorts....at the resorts! I ask the security people, I ask at front desks. I know what Disney says. But, I'm sure you know much better! That's pretty obvious.

Once you start giving me some valid reasons for what you say, I'll start giving more consideration. But, as of now...you're just trying to justify what you want to do. I have info that Disney has given me..I will continue to go with that. That is the info I will continue to give out. And while I understand that people will always park at resorts, for park access, while not paying to stay there, I will continue to give the reasons against doing so. But, people will continue doing it..saying that Disney has no issue with it. They have no issue with you parking at a resort that you are visiting or eating at or just walking around. But they do have an issue if you park there, eat an ice cream cone and then head to a park for the day/evening. That's straight from Disney...not from my imagination. Do with that what you will. I think I know what that will be.

I apologize to the rest of you for my remarks. But, sometimes I can take just so much nonsense.