How does DVC parking work?

[GCorbett]

Fingers crossed, we're finally taking our first DVC vacation in July. We are (also fingers crossed) renting a car for the first time. I know that parking is included at the resorts and parks. How does it actually work? We're resale members if that makes a difference. Do I show my white card of shame?

 

[Sandisw]

Any points reservation will not have the parking fee added. You don’t need to show anything special.

 

[Masterbetatesta]

I haven't been in a while but from what I remember they give you a parking pass to display on your dash.

 

[CarolynFH]

I haven't been in a while but from what I remember they give you a parking pass to display on your dash.

No parking passes on the dash anymore. The guard at the gate checks your ID when you first arrive to check in, and after that you scan your MB to open the gate. They’ve been pretty strict about not letting anyone park at the resorts unless they’re staying there or have a dining reservation there, especially at the near-park resorts.

 

[Masterbetatesta]

Does the MB work at other resorts or you can't visit other resorts anymore?

 

[CarolynFH]

Does the MB work at other resorts or you can't visit other resorts anymore?

You’re welcome to visit other resorts if you arrive via Disney transportation. For the near-park resorts and the resorts on the Skyliner route, you pretty much need an ADR. For the resorts that aren’t near parks or on the Skyliner route, you might be able to park there for a visit, but sometimes the guard might turn you away.

 

[Marionnette]

Does the MB work at other resorts or you can't visit other resorts anymore?

The MB doesn't work for other resorts. Only for the one you are staying at. For other resorts you have to check in at the guard shack and, as others have already stated, you most likely will need an ADR to park there.

 

[Thegoatfeeder]

How does this work for parking at the park? As far as I remember there isn't anywhere to scan an MB when entering a parking lot?

 

[erionm]

How does this work for parking at the park? As far as I remember there isn't anywhere to scan an MB when entering a parking lot?

There are CMs with handheld scanners that man the booths at the entrance to the parking lots.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Any points reservation will not have the parking fee added. You don’t need to show anything special.

I remember checking a couple years ago, and it was DVC members, whether staying on points or cash. We checked because we were staying on Members Cash for a few nights. Has it changed?

 

[erionm]

I remember checking a couple years ago, and it was DVC members, whether staying on points or cash. We checked because we were staying on Members Cash for a few nights. Has it changed?

Since member cash reservations can only be at DVC resort, members would not be subject to the daily resort parking fee. Members would only be subject to the daily resort parking fee when booking a cash room at a non-DVC resort.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Since member cash reservations can only be at DVC resort, members would not be subject to the daily resort parking fee. Members would only be subject to the daily resort parking fee when booking a cash room at a non-DVC resort.

Got it! Thanks a lot-I get confused.

 

[CarolynFH]

Got it! Thanks a lot-I get confused.

But it doesn't hurt to check your account in MDE early in your stay, just in case you were charged by mistake. You can go down to the front desk and let them know you're a DVC member staying on cash, and they'll take the charge off, no problem.

 

[DonMacGregor]

There are CMs with handheld scanners that man the booths at the entrance to the parking lots.

Lesson learned: if you want to upgrade to preferred parking, you CAN pay the difference at the booth, but you need to make sure the CM scans your MB so you get the base parking fee comp'ed. We had one CM in February at Epcot mess it up, and I got charged the whole cost of preferred parking. Thankfully, the front desk CM at OKW saw the charge on my folio and backed it out for me on the spot (actually comped the whole fee, including the preferred upgrade). With base parking free, it's really painless to upgrade to preferred for the extra $15 or so. This was really helpful when the trams weren't running, especially at the TTC.

 

[TinkB278]

We have some friends staying on our points but not going to a park so they won’t have magic bands. How does the parking work for them without magic bands?

 

[erionm]

We have some friends staying on our points but not going to a park so they won’t have magic bands. How does the parking work for them without magic bands?

When they arrive at the resort, they need to tell the guard that they are checking in. The driver should be prepared to show their drivers license.

 

[CarolynFH]

We have some friends staying on our points but not going to a park so they won’t have magic bands. How does the parking work for them without magic bands?

And after they check in, they’ll tap their room key cards to get through the gate when they return from an excursion.

 

[GCorbett]

We were thinking about going to Animal Kingdom lodge to check it out. Would that be considered a "near park resort"? I know it will depend on several factors. I was hoping it's far enough out of the way that it wouldn't be a big deal to stop in, grab some quick service meals and wander around the hotel

 

[CarolynFH]

We were thinking about going to Animal Kingdom lodge to check it out. Would that be considered a "near park resort"? I know it will depend on several factors. I was hoping it's far enough out of the way that it wouldn't be a big deal to stop in, grab some quick service meals and wander around the hotel

I don’t remember reading about anyone being turned away from AKL, so hopefully you won’t have any problems. If you are turned away, go park at AK and take the bus. It’s a short trip.

 

[AdamsMum]

Do I show my white card of shame?

I have to sympathize with you, this whole class system and the ever growing # of restrictions based on when you purchased is ridiculous. If they're trying to squash the resale market, they aren't having much luck.
As for parking they used to give you a paper pass to put on the dash, we were always just waved through at the theme park. I haven't had a car there for a while.
Mistakes do happen though, I got home from Poly and found they had charged me for valet parking for only one night when I didn't even have a car. One call to member services (I think) and they reversed the charge to my card. If you get charged, call them and get them to remove it. Free parking hasn't anything to do with white card/blue card.