DVC member parking

[Hoppy]

We'll be spending our first two nights off-site (while awaiting the arrival of the rest of our party). I know DVC can park for free while staying at DVC resort but what about when offsite?

Could we "flash" our card and be able to park at BWV to cruise around the boardwalk?

Thanks for your help.

 

[spiceycat]

you can always park at the BW - they want visitors to use the BW

you don't even need to go to the guard (if you don't mind a walk) - instead of turning left to go in the BW main entrance - just kept going stay in the right lane - then after you pass the gas station - you will see a parking lot - turn in here.

this way the people staying in the BW will have a place for their cars nearer their villas

 

[Disney Doll]

We have gone to the BW numerous times when not staying there. All I tell the guard at the gate is that we want to walk the Boardwalk, shop, eat etc, which is the truth.

Now, I am not sure if you can take advanatge of the free valet parking at the BW if you are not staying at a DVC resort, even if you are a DVC member.

Does anyone know?

 

[jimh13432]

yes you can

 

[CarolMN]

Anyone staying at a WDW resort may park for free at the resorts and the theme parks. That includes DVC members who are staying on site - either at a DVC resort or one of the other WDW resorts. If DVC members are NOT staying at a WDW resort (i.e., they are staying offsite), they will have to pay to park at the theme parks. DVC membership doesn't entitle us to free parking at the theme parks. (To get free parking at the theme parks, you need to be staying on site or have an AP/PAP. There may also be a few other passes/arrangements that include parking, but they would be for select groups as well)..

As mentioned, there is no charge to self park at the resorts. However, Disney doesn't want guests to park at the resorts if they plan to go to one of the parks. That is why you often receive one of the "infamous 3-hour parking passes". You are most likely to get one of those if you drive to one of the monorail resorts.

There is no charge to park in the Boardwalk lot. Again, thje parking is intended for those who are either staying at the BWI/BWV or those whose destination is the Boardwalk entertainment area. Those who go to EPCOT should be parking in the EPCOT lot. The Boardwalk lot often fills in the late afternoon/early evening with people who are really going to EPCOT. You can see them leave in droves after Illuminations. IMHO, those people are very rude to those who are guests of the BWI and BWV. I have often wished Disney would provide reserved parking to hotel guests and send those Illuminations people across the street. IMHO, those who are trying to get out ahead of the crowd or avoid the parking fee should be the ones who must walk to the distant lot and cross the busy street! But I digress!

DVC members do get free valet parking (no matter where they stay) at the DVC resorts that offer it. That would be BWV, VWL and BCV. A tip is always appreciated.

 

[DeeP]

There is no charge to park in the Boardwalk lot. Again, thje parking is intended for those who are either staying at the BWI/BWV or those whose destination is the Boardwalk entertainment area. Those who go to EPCOT should be parking in the EPCOT lot. The Boardwalk lot often fills in the late afternoon/early evening with people who are really going to EPCOT. You can see them leave in droves after Illuminations. IMHO, those people are very rude to those who are guests of the BWI and BWV. I have often wished Disney would provide reserved parking to hotel guests and send those Illuminations people across the street. IMHO, those who are trying to get out ahead of the crowd or avoid the parking fee should be the ones who must walk to the distant lot and cross the busy street! But I digress!

I agree 100% but I think this is like fighting a losing battle. Another reason I love the perk of valet parking, it is well worth the tip for the convenience and comfort it provides.
Plus I must say, I do get a degree of satisfication when I see those people walking to their cars and pulling out of the BWV/BWI parking lot after Illuminations knowing they still have to drive, park, walk to their rooms etc at their resort while we are already relaxing on our BWV balcony with a cool beverage in hand watching their mass exodus from a resort that they really should not be parked at to begin with!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would think BC would have an even bigger problem with this since their lot is closer to World Showcase.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
I would think BC would have an even bigger problem with this since their lot is closer to World Showcase.

They don't though. Parking is more closely monitored at the BC/YC. During busy seasons or if the parking lots are full, the guards will hand out 3 hour passes or if it's really bad, even turn away those without PS. Unless you are staying at the BC/YC/BCV or are eating there, there's no reason you have to park in that lot and the guards know that and turn you away if conditions warrant it. They seem to care more when the resorts and lots are full. If it isn't busy, they seem to wave you right in. (Based on y limited observations, anyway).

The Boardwalk entertainment area is open to the public and Disney does want to attract people to that area. In the late afternoons/early evening, it's easy to tell the guard that you are headed there. If you are, it's a legitimate reason to park in the Boardwalk lot. If only guests of the hotels and actual visitors to the Boardwalk parked there, I doubt there would be a problem. It's those who use the lot and go to EPCOT that cause the hotel guests grief!

I do agree with DeeP - it's a losing battle until and unless Disney is willing to provide reserved parking for those staying at the hotel. I'm glad I am DVC and thus need only tip to valet park. That "overflow" lot across the street is quite a hike and getting across that 4 lane "highway" is a challenge at times. I feel for those who stay at the BWI and have a car.

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
I would think BC would have an even bigger problem with this since their lot is closer to World Showcase.

As Carol said it is not because of the fact the the Boardwalk is open to the public so the guards can not be as strict if someone states they are going to walk the boardwalk or eat at one of the restuarants there is really no way to monitor if they are really doing this or are just parking to gain access to Epcot, which happens A LOT! Also a lot of people do not know about the secret pathway that leads right from BCV parking lot to International Gateway. Taking the boardwalk to International Gateway is a much more known about pathway to Epcot. When I was at BCV just a few days ago the parking lot for BCV was never full. I had a car for 2 weeks and never had a problem finding a parking space at BCV parking lot and because of the location of the BCVs it is easier to self park than valet park since valet parking is located in front of BC not BCV. I did miss having my car pulled up to the front door and nicely cooled down before I got in it but it was not worth the extra walking to and from the BC lobby.

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed at CBR this past week (extra trip, not enough points!). When we checked in, the cm specifically mentioned that our parking permit entitled us to park at any WDW resort for 3 hours only. On the other hand, we parked at YC to go to Yachtsman's Steakhouse and were waived through, no questions asked (lots of empty spaces there) and also parked at BW one afternoon, waived through no questions asked.