How long before ADR can I enter resort?

[Espiriwin]

How early before an ADR can I enter a resort area? And how long could I stay after? We want to enjoy Christmas decorations at the GF but my son also likes riding loops on the monorail. I thought it might be a good time to check out CR and Poly at the same time.

I’ve read something on these boards about three hours but not sure where that comes from or how it applies.

Along that vein, is there any policy to parking at a resort without an ADR? We did this at boardwalk to get cinnamon buns on departure day but don’t know if that was us getting lucky or accepted policy.

 

[Marthasor]

Security tightens even more around the holidays as so many people want to resort hop and see the decorations. How early you are allowed to enter GF with an ADR is going to be at the discretion of the guard in the kiosk when you enter, so YMMV. You can always park at TTC and take the monorail around. You got lucky at BWI - do not expect to be allowed to park without an ADR, particularly during the holiday season. Even outside the holiday season, I have gotten grilled at just about every deluxe resort security kiosk when trying to enter (even in a lyft, not even parking) with an ADR.

 

[mom2rtk]

If you like riding the monorail anyway, there's no reason not to just park at TTC and monorail around to the monorail resorts.

It's very likely you won't be able to park at a resort without an ADR. My friend was staying on property about a month ago and tried stopping at GF on her departure day. She wanted to shop at the Basin store inside. Wouldn't let them park. Wouldn't even let them drop her off to run in and get what she wanted.

 

[gottalovepluto]

There are reports if you valet the car the time limit won’t apply

 

[drusba]

The MK resorts typically have a three-hour parking rule with an ADR. If you show up three or more hours before, you will be too early; generally safe if between one and two hours before reservation.

As to parking valet, a single day valet charge applies to everywhere. Thus, if you valet at the time at resort at which you are staying, you can valet for no extra charge (other than tip) at MK resort. They may also let you in if you say you are going to valet park even though you do not already have valet for the day elsewhere. You do not have to have an ADR to valet park. Valet parking for years has been the exception to the rule prohibiting you from parking at a resort just to visit or go to a park.

 

[Her Dotness]

There are reports if you valet the car the time limit won’t apply

Yes, that's true but costs more than parking at the TTC if that's a concern. The car can be left in valet parking until day's end so would be convenient for you to do monorail touring.

Otherwise, the pp's detailed info applies.

Something that may not be relevant is that valet parking is free if someone in the car has a valid handicap placard or the car has handicap plates. You just hand the placard to the attendant who'll record its number.

That's a very generous Disney perk.

 

[DaniPoppins]

Something that may not be relevant is that valet parking is free if someone in the car has a valid handicap placard or the car has handicap plates. You just hand the placard to the attendant who'll record its number.

That's a very generous Disney perk.

Wow, really?!! I never knew that. My dad is handicapped and in a wheelchair. This would be so very helpful to him and my mom. They usually use Disney transportation, but he hates riding on the buses because he feels like he's holding people up and taking up too many seats. My mom doesn't like dealing with the traffic at the parks, but this could be a solution for everywhere except AK. Thanks for the info!

 

[Kae]

The 2 hours is for parking. If staying on the Property bus to MK and then hop on the monorail. If staying off-site park at TTC or DS and then go to the resorts you want to see.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

IMO showing up 2 hours before your ADR and being let in is going to lead to mixed results. Especially if during the height of the holiday hustle and bustle at the monorail resorts, they could easily tell you you're too early.

As is always the case with this topic it's YMMV based on the guard and whatever else may be going on at the resort at the time, but I wouldn't treat getting in that early as a given.

 

[Her Dotness]

Wow, really?!! I never knew that. My dad is handicapped and in a wheelchair. This would be so very helpful to him and my mom. They usually use Disney transportation, but he hates riding on the buses because he feels like he's holding people up and taking up too many seats. My mom doesn't like dealing with the traffic at the parks, but this could be a solution for everywhere except AK. Thanks for the info!

Glad I mentioned it, then.

We've done this for so long I tend to forget not everyone is aware of it.

Really a wonderful privilege for the mobility disabled.

We really love using it when merely going to another resort to dine.

 

[pryncess527]

Glad I mentioned it, then.

We've done this for so long I tend to forget not everyone is aware of it.

Really a wonderful privilege for the mobility disabled.

We really love using it when merely going to another resort to dine.

I didn’t know either, I’m so glad you shared! Thank you

 

[OKW Lover]

Something that may not be relevant is that valet parking is free if someone in the car has a valid handicap placard or the car has handicap plates. You just hand the placard to the attendant who'll record its number.

No need to hand the placard to the attendant. As long as it's in the car windshield you are all set. They don't record the number.

 

[Her Dotness]

Huh. I figured they did since they record our disabled plate number.

Maybe that it's the plate number is why, for identifying the car.

Sorry about giving wrong info.

 

[nickah79]

What if you're staying at another Disney resort? We usually would go to AKL or WL and grab quick service breakfast and visit the gift shop, so in this case, we wouldn't need an ADR. Our resort parking pass was always enough to let us in. Thoughts?

 

[_19disnA]

Lots of similar threads about parking. Disney has gotten wise to people who try to park for free at a Disney hotel and then walk to one of the nearby parks as way to avoid paying for parking. Proximity to parks matters, as well as time of day and how busy they are. Parking at the TTC and riding the monorail would enable you to visit all three of the monorail hotels with no issues.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

What if you're staying at another Disney resort? We usually would go to AKL or WL and grab quick service breakfast and visit the gift shop, so in this case, we wouldn't need an ADR. Our resort parking pass was always enough to let us in. Thoughts?

In recent years, they've tightened up on guests parking at a resort where they don't have a room or dining reservation. When we were staying at AKL in March, 2022, there was a sign at the guard shack entering the property that basically said 'no admittance without a reservation'. That might have eased, but I kinda doubt it. And if they were doing that at AKL, they're likely doing it for most/all resorts. They might not let you in with a car. Entering via Disney transport is a non-issue.

 

[nickah79]

In recent years, they've tightened up on guests parking at a resort where they don't have a room or dining reservation. When we were staying at AKL in March, 2022, there was a sign at the guard shack entering the property that basically said 'no admittance without a reservation'. That might have eased, but I kinda doubt it. And if they were doing that at AKL, they're likely doing it for most/all resorts. They might not let you in with

So we called Disney tonight to ask them about this. We were told that if you're staying at a Disney resort and paying to park there, then you can visit any other resort to park and dine, with or without dining reservations. Rep said the policy pertains to non-Disney resort guests (guests not staying on property), and only to Disney resort guests when another Disney hotel reaches a capacity limit. Thoughts? I'm going to email management to get it in writing.

 

[mom2rtk]

So we called Disney tonight to ask them about this. We were told that if you're staying at a Disney resort and paying to park there, then you can visit any other resort to park and dine, with or without dining reservations. Rep said the policy pertains to non-Disney resort guests (guests not staying on property), and only to Disney resort guests when another Disney hotel reaches a capacity limit. Thoughts? I'm going to email management to get it in writing.

My friend who was staying at a Disney resort (and paying parking) was turned away from visiting Grand Floridian in their car. This is very much a YMMV situation.

 

[focusondisney]

So we called Disney tonight to ask them about this. We were told that if you're staying at a Disney resort and paying to park there, then you can visit any other resort to park and dine, with or without dining reservations. Rep said the policy pertains to non-Disney resort guests (guests not staying on property), and only to Disney resort guests when another Disney hotel reaches a capacity limit. Thoughts? I'm going to email management to get it in writing.

I think most people will tell you, phone CMs aren’t the most reliable source of information for stuff like this. And who’s to say what the capacity limits are? It will still be the guard at the gate that day who will decide. What will you do with it in writing?? Pull it out & show the guard? Who will most likely tell you the capacity limit is reached.

 

[mom2rtk]

If you're staying onsite, parking at the TTC is free anyway. It's not worth the hassle. Just park at TTC and monorail over.