Handicap parking at resorts

[DMRick]

This may have been answered in the past, but I haven't been on this board for two years since I went to WDW with a broken foot (and hope never to do that again!). At that time, we used valet parking, since it was free for resort guests.
My hubby has pending surgery, but because we had this trip planned and paid for, doc ok'd we do the trip, then have the surgery. We have a handicap pass, to assist at our hotel (Allstar Sports) parking, but I'm wondering about other resorts, when we go for dinner. The parking at Boardwalk and Wilderness Lodge is a hike (and uphill, if I remember right), and hiking isn't what he can do right now. Can someone tell me where the handicap parking is for those hotels? Also for Animal Kingdom. We've seen it (and used it when I broke my foot) in the parks, and we'll not be spending much time there, and when we are, we'll go slow and pace ourselves. Thanks in advance.

PS I give all of you great credit who are wheelchair bound in WDW..I thought it was a nightmare, with people jumping over my chair, not being able to see anything, and just the time it took to get from point A to B in crowds, and getting around in restaraunts and shops..forget it!..no one seemed to want to be behind us, so they often shoved up in front. A couple of people made remarks that we were using it to get to the front of lines (which just isn't always needed with fast pass, anymore..except rides where you have to get on in a special place), and I really, really wanted to shove them into the chair and see how they liked Disney from a seat in a wheelchair. Hat's off to all of you who have to see it this way..I'll be the person trying to give you plenty of room and help!

 

[tammyh-oregon]

You should be able to use valet parking at the resorts that offer it for free if you have the handicap placard. Just point it out to the valet when you drop off the car.

One thing to note. The handicap parking spaces at the all stars can be few and far between. I was coming back to the room at the AS Movies late in the evening and had to park in the back row as they only had 5 handicap parking spaces in the whole lot next to the Mighty Ducks buildings.

Once I moved to the AKL, I just used the valet. I also used it at the GF with no problems. They even offered to drop something off in my car for me when they noticed I was using the cane instead of having me run out to the car.

Have a fun trip and ask away with any questions. Someone here will probably have the answer.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

As long as you either have a HP placard or if you are using a wheelchair or ECV (even without the placard) the valet parking is free. This includes PI in the evening.

Since they have started charging for valet parking and the valets don't get any of this , I have increased my tipping to $2.00 each on both in and out. If I have the ECV with me, and they offer and assist in removal from the trunk and setting it up, or disassembling it and putting it in the trunk I give them $5.00 instead of $2.00. Some of the valets have gotten to know me and I get very good service.

 

[DMRick]

Thanks for the info..it's really appreciated. I may look into that other pass that you get at guest services that was mentioned also. Even though we won't be going on any of the rides (and plan on just one day in the parks..MGM and Epcot only)..the stairs at shows and places such as the Millionaire Game would be a lot easier if we could sit at ground level, and if they have a place to sit while he waits for me to catch up to him in the lines.

 

[JudithM]

I had no problems getting complimentary valet parking at various WDW resorts on my last two trips (since Disney initiated the $6/day charge). CMs are very helpful & like Cheshire Figment we tip $2 when we leave the car & another $2 when we pick up the car.

The CMs at Millionaire have always been exceptionally helpful. I use an ECV while at WDW. Either I park the ECV near the place where we will eventually exit or a CM will do it - depends on which line (regular or fastpass) we use. Insdie the show I just nicely let a CM know I cannot/should not use the stairs. We almost always sit in the same ground level seats.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome. If you look at teri's post, she has a link to FAQs, which includes a section about GACs (Guest Assitance Cards). You can go to Guest Services in any of the parks and tell the CM what sorts of problems you anticipate having with lines. Most lines have now been arranged so that a wheelchair or ecv can stay in line until you are almost ready to board. Anyone who thinks someone is using a wheelchair to avoid waiting in lines is mistaken.
Most of the other shows with differnt levels of seating have a ramp rather than steps. No problems I can think of at Epcot. At AK, the Festival of the Lion King is one where you enter at the bottom and seats are up steps. Everyone wants to sit close to the action, so sitting at ground level there is a problem. At MGM, for Indiana Jones and Fantasmic, the top row (where you enter) is reserved for those with wheelchairs and their parties. A GAC might help you with seating there.

you got a lot of good info about parking at the resorts; here's some about the parks. At MGM, the handicaped parking is close to the entrance and we have never had a problem with finding a spot. At Epcot, we have been there at Easter time and always have problems finding a spot. There is a tent set up then for a robot competition that takes up a large portion of the parking area. At any rate, show each parking CM your handicapped parking permit. If all the handicapped spots are filled, they do keep the last spot on each row for people with trouble walking. That way, you are only a few steps from the parking lot tram. There are also some drop off parking spots in the front of the handicapped parking area where you can park for a few minutes to drop your DH off, then park a little farther away.
We have had trouble finding a spot in the handicapped area at AK too. There is also a drop off area there, so you can do the same as at Epcot.