Got a call today from DVC about BWV parking

[deva]

Stayed at BWV in January and parking was terrible. Complained to the manager, wrote comments in my DVC survey and also sent an e-mail to Guest Communications.

Wasn't really expecting much to come of it, but my Guest Communications e-mail was forwarded to DVC Member Satisfaction and they called me at home to discuss.

I know it's a busy parking lot because of the Boardwalk, but what really bothered me was that practically the whole valet lot remained empty (except for the two nights that it had one minivan because we were forced to use it ). I told him that the close lots should be for hotel guests. Make the Boardwalk visitors park in the far lots and walk. My suggestion was to add key card gates to the close lots so that they were for hotel guests only.

The gentleman I spoke with told me that they had major parking renovation plans in the works for the entire Boardwalk area. He didn't know specifics or timing, but told me that it was in the budget which meant that it would be happening.

So I guess we'll see...maybe nothing will change for a while, but really I was just so impressed that I got a personal phone call to discuss the issue.

 

[MiaSRN62]

My suggestion was to add key card gates to the close lots so that they were for hotel guests only.

Good suggestion....I stayed at the Dolphin in December and they had those.

I am staying at BLT in May and hoping the parking there for guests isn't bad.


Maria

 

[Crystal_27]

So I guess we'll see...maybe nothing will change for a while, but really I was just so impressed that I got a personal phone call to discuss the issue.

WOW - good for you! Hopefully, there *will* be some positive "enhancements" that come out of this. I think that the parking situation was something that DVC eliminated without thinking through all of the ramifications. BUT, it seems as if DVC is at least listening to members' complaints.

 

[SteveS]

As a BWV owner I complain about the parking situation every trip. What I see isn't so much the people going to The Boardwalk as much as it is the cheap skates that park at Boardwalk to go to Epcot. You can see the people walking from Epcot and the parking lot empting out right after close.

 

[DebbieB]

Thanks for posting the information. Something definitely needs to be done to service the hotel guests (both BWI & BWV). It was very frustrating on the weekend when I was there in early December.

 

[jekjones1558]

Thanks for this info. I am nervous about valets parking our rental cars (some rental companies apparently do not consider valets to be authorized drivers of a rental car, so any damage could be a big problem). DH needs HA parking and HA parking is also sometimes full, so I usually dropped him off and parked the car myself.

 

[jstarcze]

Good suggestion....I stayed at the Dolphin in December and they had those.

I am staying at BLT in May and hoping the parking there for guests isn't bad.


Maria

BLT parking is great! It's right in front of the resort. Most people report an easy walk into the resort. Just a reminder though - you'll have to stop at the Contemporary first to check in or at least park and walk over. But again it's not very far.

 

[Debi]

Lets hope Disney is serious about a major parking overhaul at the Boardwalk. I, too, have complained about the parking situation (this is my one and only complaint of the Boardwalk), and have also suggested a key-operated gate at the lot closest to the resort. What Disney did in December did not work well (they blocked off both enterances to the main guest lot); people were forced to enter through the exit of the lot, and this really didn't do much to deter non-guests from entering.

 

[VrBchJ]

I complained in Dec. about the BWV parking. I didn't get a response from anyone. I'm glad they answered you and I hope a fix is in the works. I love the BWV and the parking situation is my only complaint. In Dec. when I returned after about 3 PM I had to circle the lot several times to find a spot vacated when someone pulled out. On the weekends I think they had the first entrance blocked but there was no one at the "exit" to check for BWV/BWI guests.

 

[Muhlenberg]

Thanks for this info. I am nervous about valets parking our rental cars (some rental companies apparently do not consider valets to be authorized drivers of a rental car, so any damage could be a big problem). DH needs HA parking and HA parking is also sometimes full, so I usually dropped him off and parked the car myself.

I never thought about that before. I just had my parents down, and with their HA tag, I used Valet at AKV to visit there and look around. If they have a locked gate at BWV, Valet wouldn't be accessible to those who could really use that service. Valet is still free for those with a HA parking placard.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Thanks for posting this!!! It's about time!!

Stayed at BWV in January and parking was terrible. Complained to the manager, wrote comments in my DVC survey and also sent an e-mail to Guest Communications.

Wasn't really expecting much to come of it, but my Guest Communications e-mail was forwarded to DVC Member Satisfaction and they called me at home to discuss.

I know it's a busy parking lot because of the Boardwalk, but what really bothered me was that practically the whole valet lot remained empty (except for the two nights that it had one minivan because we were forced to use it ). I told him that the close lots should be for hotel guests. Make the Boardwalk visitors park in the far lots and walk. My suggestion was to add key card gates to the close lots so that they were for hotel guests only.

The gentleman I spoke with told me that they had major parking renovation plans in the works for the entire Boardwalk area. He didn't know specifics or timing, but told me that it was in the budget which meant that it would be happening.

So I guess we'll see...maybe nothing will change for a while, but really I was just so impressed that I got a personal phone call to discuss the issue.

 

[deva]

Anyone else interested in sending a message - here is the e-mail I used

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

Won't bore you with my entire letter, but here were some of my key points..

• Change the parking at BW to make the 2 "close lots" hotel-guest-only parking lots. You can do this by having a gate that opens with the hotel room key. The close parking should be reserved for the convenience of the resort guests ONLY.
  
• I believe the recent elimination of the free valet for DVC members has caused many more DVC members to self park. When we were at BW the valet parking lot was never more than 20% full yet the entire lot was blocked off. All the meanwhile, cars circle in the close lot, stalking people who appear to be leaving, in hopes of finding a parking space.
  
• Understandably, you still need some valet parking areas, but from what I saw only a SMALL portion of the lot that is currently dedicated to valet parking was ever used. It is such a waste to have so many open spaces in that lot when your hotel guest are forced to valet or walk long distances.
  
• I know I am but one small voice in a sea of WDW guests, but I do hope you give my idea some thoughtful and serious consideration

Feel free to send them a message too!