Guests coming over for to BLT the evening...possible?

[IloveDisney77]

Hi Everyone-

We leave in a few days for our trip and just found out one of my Aunts/Uncles are in Orlando at their timeshare(non-disney) during the time that we are there. We are at BWV on Saturday and then move over to BLT on Sunday. We won't be checking in until 6:30 pm or so after spending the day at Epcot. I thought, haven't suggested it to them yet, that they should come over to BLT for the evening for some vino, catch up (we only see then once every couple of years), and then head up to the TOWL for some apps and then the holiday fireworks.

My question, are they able to come in and park for a few hours? I normally would just add them to the room but we are on the dining plan so that isn't an option. I wanted to know if it was even an option before offering it up to them. Since they are off site it would be too much of a hassle having to leave one resort/park and then check into another and then having to go pick them up somewhere and then drop them off. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hi Everyone-

We leave in a few days for our trip and just found out one of my Aunts/Uncles are in Orlando at their timeshare(non-disney) during the time that we are there. We are at BWV on Saturday and then move over to BLT on Sunday. We won't be checking in until 6:30 pm or so after spending the day at Epcot. I thought, haven't suggested it to them yet, that they should come over to BLT for the evening for some vino, catch up (we only see then once every couple of years), and then head up to the TOWL for some apps and then the holiday fireworks.

My question, are they able to come in and park for a few hours? I normally would just add them to the room but we are on the dining plan so that isn't an option. I wanted to know if it was even an option before offering it up to them. Since they are off site it would be too much of a hassle having to leave one resort/park and then check into another and then having to go pick them up somewhere and then drop them off. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated!

Thanks!

You could request an additional parking pass for them for the night. And, technically, if they are not on your reservation, they cannot join you at the TOTWL. It's limited to DVC members staying at WDW on cash or points and guests staying with them on their reservation.

 

[rpcvpanama]

We just returned from BLT and they have a sign posted at the entrance that states parking is for resort guests only. I believe this is due to the extra events going on at MK. They don't want people not belonging to the resort parking there. We had to have our parking pass and have the magic bands and/or room cards scanned when entering. They might be able to do valet parking at the Contemporary and then just walk over to BLT.

For TOTWL we again had to have our magic bands scanned and they confirmed that I was a DVC member and who was going up with me. I don't know if this always happens but it did the day we went up. If you are able to go up the times before the fireworks can be very busy. It was standing room only for us out on the terrace. We were there to see the MVMCP fireworks. The TOTWL is also very small so plan accordingly if you want to sit down for drinks and such.

 

[delmar411]

We just returned from BLT and they have a sign posted at the entrance that states parking is for resort guests only. I believe this is due to the extra events going on at MK. They don't want people not belonging to the resort parking there. We had to have our parking pass and have the magic bands and/or room cards scanned when entering. They might be able to do valet parking at the Contemporary and then just walk over to BLT.

For TOTWL we again had to have our magic bands scanned and they confirmed that I was a DVC member and who was going up with me. I don't know if this always happens but it did the day we went up. If you are able to go up the times before the fireworks can be very busy. It was standing room only for us out on the terrace. We were there to see the MVMCP fireworks. The TOTWL is also very small so plan accordingly if you want to sit down for drinks and such.

It always says that and guests can park there. They are visiting resort guests so it won't be an issue at all.

 

[DVC_Couple_PA]

For TOTWL we again had to have our magic bands scanned and they confirmed that I was a DVC member and who was going up with me.

We haven't been down since the implementation of the Magic Bands. So the bands are loaded with the DVC member info and you scan to get to the lounge these days?

 

[Disney Doll]

I've never stayed at BLT but have done it numerous times at OKW.
I have a sister-in-law who lives in FL, so when we are at WDW, she generally comes to see us.

I just call and let Security know she will be coming. We've never had a problem. When I check in and they ask how many parking passes I need, I always tell them 2 so we have one for her to stick on her car if she is going to stay the night and I also tell the front desk that on X night(s) we will have an additional guest and give them her info.

We are always in at least a 1BR so she gets te couch!

 

[Dean]

It always says that and guests can park there. They are visiting resort guests so it won't be an issue at all.

It may or may not, TOTWL guests are not supposed to park there and many have been turned away. I'd seen guests with valid CR dining reservations refused parking though this was pre BLT. The best way is to add them to the reservation and then get a parking pass.

 

[delmar411]

It may or may not, TOTWL guests are not supposed to park there and many have been turned away. I'd seen guests with valid CR dining reservations refused parking though this was pre BLT. The best way is to add them to the reservation and then get a parking pass.

We parked at BLT on 12/30, we told them we were going up to the TOWL (wanted to watch the practice fireworks) and they just waved us on in. We didn't even find out we couldn't go up there until we went inside and asked to go up. So during the most busy time of year, during a time we weren't even supposed to go up, we were allowed to park there. And the lot was pretty empty. The lot is mostly empty all the time. Not as many ppl drive to BLT as they have spots for.

I don't remember paying much attention to the lot pre-BLT but I'm thinking they've managed to crack down on parking cheaters over the years and it just isn't an issue like it may have been in the past.

I have never seen a sign or information saying TOWL guests shouldn't park there. Where does it say that? You aren't required to take Disney transport if you don't want to AFAIK.

 

[Dean]

I have never seen a sign or information saying TOWL guests shouldn't park there. Where does it say that? You aren't required to take Disney transport if you don't want to AFAIK.

From the DVC website.

Note that Members traveling from other Resorts must use Walt Disney World Transportation, as parking is unavailable to anyone not staying at Bay Lake Tower or Disney's Contemporary Resort.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I have never seen a sign or information saying TOWL guests shouldn't park there. Where does it say that? You aren't required to take Disney transport if you don't want to AFAIK.

When DVC first opened up TOTWL to DVC guests not staying at BLT, they indicated that the visiting Guests must use Disney transportation. It has been that way since Day One.

 

[delmar411]

From the DVC website.

Very odd. We've parked there without issue many times. I had no idea we were supposed to take the bus. I suppose the gate guard has final say on the matter.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We were having a disboard meet, barbecue at BCV. One couple was staying at SSR, with parking pass for that resort, and the guard would NOT let them park at BCV! They were told to take a boat from DHS, they should park there!!!! They made it to the picnic eventually, but I was very surprised they weren't allowed to park at BCV. This was in October.

 

[Dean]

Very odd. We've parked there without issue many times. I had no idea we were supposed to take the bus. I suppose the gate guard has final say on the matter.

No doubt it's their rule and they can chose to enforce or not just like they can any other rule that mainly affects them. It does seem they've been more lenient since BLT opened. However, I've seen people that were turned away fairly recently.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We were having a disboard meet, barbecue at BCV. One couple was staying at SSR, with parking pass for that resort, and the guard would NOT let them park at BCV! They were told to take a boat from DHS, they should park there!!!! They made it to the picnic eventually, but I was very surprised they weren't allowed to park at BCV. This was in October.

That's Food & Wine time. They don't let anyone but resort guests park in the resort lots at that time.

 

[permavac]

If you add them to your reservation the day you check in then you will not have to get the dining plan for them since it is too late. This is how it used to work anyway. I'm sure the front desk will work it out for you. Good luck!

Terri

 

[Dean]

If you add them to your reservation the day you check in then you will not have to get the dining plan for them since it is too late. This is how it used to work anyway. I'm sure the front desk will work it out for you. Good luck!

Terri

But to do so strictly for this purpose would be dishonest because it would be done for the purpose of bypassing the rule. I realize it does create a catch 22 with the requirement of 48 hours in advance and the requirement to have everyone on no matter what.

 

[permavac]

But to do so strictly for this purpose would be dishonest because it would be done for the purpose of bypassing the rule. I realize it does create a catch 22 with the requirement of 48 hours in advance and the requirement to have everyone on no matter what.

The OP is not trying to circumvent the DDP rule. There is no issue adding someone to your reservation so they can spend the day with you at the resort - as long as you meet the max accommodation limit. I have had guests show up mid-stay and the front desk never has a problem adding them on for the day.

Terri

 

[Dean]

The OP is not trying to circumvent the DDP rule. There is no issue adding someone to your reservation so they can spend the day with you at the resort - as long as you meet the max accommodation limit. I have had guests show up mid-stay and the front desk never has a problem adding them on for the day.

Terri

My reply was to the suggestion to do so for the purpose of bypassing the DDP rule, as such, my post stands, it is dishonest to approach it that way for this purpose.

 

[permavac]

My reply was to the suggestion to do so for the purpose of bypassing the DDP rule, as such, my post stands, it is dishonest to approach it that way for this purpose.

I disagree. It is only dishonest to add a guest on check in day if you plan on having them stay with you the entire time and are hoping to circumvent the rule of having everyone on the dining plan. I believe the OP was discussing day guests so even the CM at the front desk will tell you to add the guest on check in day - at least that was the suggestion at BLT. I have also been given this suggestion by MS and I know that others here have as well.

Terri

 

[Dean]

I disagree. It is only dishonest to add a guest on check in day if you plan on having them stay with you the entire time and are hoping to circumvent the rule of having everyone on the dining plan. I believe the OP was discussing day guests so even the CM at the front desk will tell you to add the guest on check in day - at least that was the suggestion at BLT. I have also been given this suggestion by MS and I know that others here have as well.

Terri

We'll have to disagree. IMO it's the intent that's the issue. I don't see a difference between adding a day guest or a night guest in this scenario. They can have them come visit without adding them but in this case they're trying to bypass 2 rules as I understand it the DP and the TOWL requirements.