I have to pay $12 to park to DINE at a Swan and dolphin restaurant????

[Tiger926]

DH said a lot of people were parking at the Fantasia mini golf parking lot and walking over to the S&D for dinner when we were there this past weekend.

Exactly my point...if you give people an inch, you know what they'll do. People don't want to pay, so they'll figure out a way, at the expense of others.

Again, I'm going to be pretty ticked if I've come to pay to play mini golf, and I have to leave because thoughtless people are over there parking for free.

Disney is getting very lazy with parking situations lately, and as a paying guest, it is starting to bother me.

Tiger

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm pretty sure that Disney doesn't mind because if/when I do park at their resorts I walk past gift shops and such and end up often spending money there. Also, the Boardwalk is one of those resorts that advertises the nightly street entertainment to draw in guests including those not staying there as well as bringing people to the area to dine at all the various restaurants.
The EPCOT resort maps have all of those resorts, including the Swolphin, listed together and all the restaurants, shops, etc. lumped together as well. It seems they are the only combined resorts that do this for their area and want guests to come over and spend some money.

Finally, after 40 visits, I have noticed that if parking is a bit full, the security guard at the gate will provide a permit that limits guests to 2 hours so that should not be a problem for resort guests if Disney is monitoring the resort capacity and guests. Anytime I have gone to any Disney resort driving and the guard speaks to us, we will say we are coming over to sightsee, or shop, or dine, or whatever it is. They ALWAYS say we are welcome and often will point out some things we should look out for when we are even just sightseeing.

So, if Disney doesn't have a problem with the parking, then I don't either. I spend an enormous amount of money there. They get it one way or another. I suggest that if you can't find a parking space on a visit when you are paying that much for a deluxe resort that you mention it to the resort and ask them to provide you with complimentary valet. It is not the fault of other guests who are being welcomed by Disney to enjoy the resort.

Those that are parking at BW in order to shop (which I find hard to believe since there is nothing resort specific there) or to enjoy the evening entertainment (again hard to beleive since it's not all that terrific and nothing I would go out of my way to see) are not the issue. Nor are those who are attending Jellyrolls at night. It is those who park at BW, in the guest self park area, that intend to hit the park that day but don't want to pay the parking fee or to have quicker exit availability than parking at the Epcot lot itself. Parking at a resort, for park access, is NOT allowed.

As already noted by Tiger926...it is disheartening to try to find a place to park at the resort you are paying to stay at due to those who want to head to a park but not pay to park. If you want to avail yourself of the things the resort has to offer, fine. But that doesn't include parking your car there, walking past a gift shop and stopping in to buy a postcard and then eating at Boardwalk Bakery and then hitting Epcot for the day, returning later in the evening to watch the boardwalk entertainment after IllumiNations and then back to your car to head back to your resort or home. That is not what Disney intends.

When staying at the S/D, it would be nice if they credited you back what you had paid to park your car there. Or at least had a key card reader that allowed you to self park for no cost. But to charge guests of their hotel a daily parking fee is just nuts. If restaurants want to validate, that should be fine. Many restaurants do just that.

 

[Brian Noble]

At the Boardwalk, I would think that parking in the "across the street" lot would be more than fine, as you are out of the way of any resort guests. Disney's policy (as I understand it) is that you are welcome to park at a resort lot for more or less any reason *except* to visit a theme park. So, no ducking into Epcot or the Studios from there.

Personally, if I wanted to eat at Garden Grove for dinner, and I wasn't already at Epcot or Studios, I'd just valet park at the Swolphin. It's vacation, live a little! Alternatively, take a cab there and back, which gives you license to have that second glass of wine with dinner.

 

[FireDancer]

So park at the Boardwalk or even the Yacht Club for free and then walk next door to the Swolfin. Those are lovely places to check out as well.
The hotels are all practically attached to each other.
You can even take a free boatride around the lake there.

Enjoy your dinner there and just park next door.

This is what I was going to suggest. The parking at the Boardwalk is for the entire Boardwalk area not just the resort and anything along Crescent Lake is the Boardwalk IMO so teh Swan/Dolphin fit the bill. When you pull up to the guard house tell them you are eating on the Boardwalk and if there is room in the lot you will be allowed in.

When I lived in FL and had an AP I would park at the Boardwalk every single time I went and would either walk to Epcot or DHS or hit the bus to the parks. Worst case you can park at the overflow parking behind the Hess station if the lot is full. It really isn't that far of a walk.

 

[brergnat]

If you are willing to park at another Disney resort, or at the mini golf course, to avoid the Swan's parking fee, then don't be the first to complain when DISNEY starts charging to park in all THEIR lots too.

People that do this sort of thing are just what Disney needs to justify this type of practice. They see the S/D getting away with it (SOG as well). It's only a matter of time before they start implementing a charge in all their lots. Even Downtown Disney.

And it has NOTHING to do with parking availability, but everything to do with people "skirting the system" and Disney knowing that if they charge, people will have no choice but to pay, thus putting more $$$ into Disney's revenue stream.

I can't believe that people staying offiste wouldn't just park at Downtown Disney for free and then FOLLOWING DISNEY WRITTEN SIGNS, "take the bus to the Port Orleans Resort, and transfer to the park from there".

I think people do this a lot. We were at WDW over spring break and one morning the DtD lots were ALL full. BUT, Downtown Disney was relatively empty. So, who did all those cars belong to?

 

[tony67]

I would be willing to try it again, not sure my husband would, though. We ate there for breakfast in Aug 2008. It was REALLY bad, not just "eh" bad. I do realize that many restaurants at WDW seem to go back and forth with quality. I just hate it when, I have a bad experience somewhere, I give it another try...and I have another bad experience. I feel so suckered!

I am wondering if the breakfast is just not as good as the dinner? I figured if they messed up breakfast so badly, how could dinner be good? Anyway, we are staying at the Dolphin in Oct...if I could find a certificate on restaurant.com, maybe I can talk DH into trying it again.

have a great day!

Just a general comment on Starwood (Sheraton, Westin, Swan, Dolphin etcc..) in general - I have not had a good breakfast buffet.
I stay at least 30 nights a year at Starwood hotels and the breakfast buffet is usually runny eggs, undercooked sausages and undercooked stringy bacon.
I always ask them to make me poached or fried eggs they will do it although they do not tell you.

So do not judge the dinner by the breakfast.

 

[Tiger926]

This is what I was going to suggest. The parking at the Boardwalk is for the entire Boardwalk area not just the resort and anything along Crescent Lake is the Boardwalk IMO so teh Swan/Dolphin fit the bill. When you pull up to the guard house tell them you are eating on the Boardwalk and if there is room in the lot you will be allowed in.

When I lived in FL and had an AP I would park at the Boardwalk every single time I went and would either walk to Epcot or DHS or hit the bus to the parks. Worst case you can park at the overflow parking behind the Hess station if the lot is full. It really isn't that far of a walk.

The swolphin is a separate hotel, and thus, has a separate parking lot. Seriously, I still can't believe there are people on here who willingly encourage other guests to break rules in order to accommodate their selfishness, at the expense of other guests.

If you are willing to park at another Disney resort, or at the mini golf course, to avoid the Swan's parking fee, then don't be the first to complain when DISNEY starts charging to park in all THEIR lots too.

People that do this sort of thing are just what Disney needs to justify this type of practice. They see the S/D getting away with it (SOG as well). It's only a matter of time before they start implementing a charge in all their lots. Even Downtown Disney.

And it has NOTHING to do with parking availability, but everything to do with people "skirting the system" and Disney knowing that if they charge, people will have no choice but to pay, thus putting more $$$ into Disney's revenue stream.

I can't believe that people staying offiste wouldn't just park at Downtown Disney for free and then FOLLOWING DISNEY WRITTEN SIGNS, "take the bus to the Port Orleans Resort, and transfer to the park from there".

I think people do this a lot. We were at WDW over spring break and one morning the DtD lots were ALL full. BUT, Downtown Disney was relatively empty. So, who did all those cars belong to?

Tiger

 

[kaybird]

Even simpler than all these suggestions, why not just go to S/D on a park day when you will be at EPCOT or DHS, and take the boat.

 

[Tiger926]

Even simpler than all these suggestions, why not just go to S/D on a park day when you will be at EPCOT or DHS, and take the boat.

Several of us have already suggested that, but OP hasn't been back, so not sure if he's seen this suggestion or not?

Tiger

 

[livie1205]

I see NO problem with someone parking to eat or shop...and wdw does not mind either and they do think of s&D as eating at the boardwalk.The parking there is not just for resort guests it is also for people wanting to visit the boardwalk...just like you would park there while on a fireworks cruise which is not a part of the resort AND you are going into epcot to watch the fireworks show.I did not see anyone tell someone it was ok to "break the rules" DIS rules are not wdw rules.She is going to EAT there not stay there the week.

 

[dburg30]

I see NO problem with someone parking to eat or shop...and wdw does not mind either and they do think of s&D as eating at the boardwalk.The parking there is not just for resort guests it is also for people wanting to visit the boardwalk...just like you would park there while on a fireworks cruise which is not a part of the resort AND you are going into epcot to watch the fireworks show.I did not see anyone tell someone it was ok to "break the rules" DIS rules are not wdw rules.She is going to EAT there not stay there the week.

Where does it say they consider the swolphin part of boardwalk? And I'm sure there are times they may tell you to park there ie; the fireworks cruise (although I dont know that for sure), I do know they told us to park at CR and walk to MK for our steam train tour since it starts really early.

Plus the s/d HAS A PARKING LOT, so if you were going to the S/D how would parking at BC/YC/BW not be 'wrong' since there is a lot at S/D? The only truthful answer would be 'because I dont want to pay to park' no other good reason to park at BW and eat at S/D.

 

[Brian Noble]

I can't believe that people staying offiste wouldn't just park at Downtown Disney for free and then FOLLOWING DISNEY WRITTEN SIGNS, "take the bus to the Port Orleans Resort, and transfer to the park from there".

I've stayed offsite, but the hour or two of my time I would lose making bus connections for the round trip is worth more than $14. Much more.

 

[brergnat]

I've stayed offsite, but the hour or two of my time I would lose making bus connections for the round trip is worth more than $14. Much more.

Not everyone thinks that way. And, the bus from DtD and then back to a park is an extremely short trip, since POR is right next to Downtown Disney. I've done it. From DtD to POR and then to MK took 37 minutes. I'm sure it would have taken a similar amount of time to park in the TTC, hop the shuttle to the TTC entrance, transfered to either the ferry or monorail, and arrive at MK.

 

[livie1205]

Where does it say they consider the swolphin part of boardwalk? And I'm sure there are times they may tell you to park there ie; the fireworks cruise (although I dont know that for sure), I do know they told us to park at CR and walk to MK for our steam train tour since it starts really early.

Plus the s/d HAS A PARKING LOT, so if you were going to the S/D how would parking at BC/YC/BW not be 'wrong' since there is a lot at S/D? The only truthful answer would be 'because I dont want to pay to park' no other good reason to park at BW and eat at S/D.

where does it say? THEY SAY...anytime we have went to the boardwalk and the guy at the gate asks what we are there for and we say to eat he says enjoy we have many places to eat blah blah blah in which he includes the S&D...for petes sake they are eating for a hour or two not parking to go to epcot! I know that everytime we have done a fireworks cruise we are told park at the boardwalk and go to the marina..and that takes much longer then eating, getting there a hour early to look around then a few hours for the little boat ride then watch the firworks then boat ride back then maybe grab a bite before leaving.....and people are worried she will take their spot while they eat?...maybe they should pay the parking fee to the parking,pool and mug police. I mean really...I have never not found a spot there, maybe its waaaaay in the back of the lot but I always find one.I know this is snarky but man no one gets a break on here, I have seen so many new posters leave because of stuff like this.This is info sharing, NONE of us have the power to make the rules at wdw and IF wdw had a issue with this they would be towing tons of people...yeh yeh I know "someone" saw "someone" get towed for this same thing.RANT OVER ...can we just sometimes answer a op question without flaming for a change?

 

[Tiger926]

where does it say? THEY SAY...anytime we have went to the boardwalk and the guy at the gate asks what we are there for and we say to eat he says enjoy we have many places to eat blah blah blah in which he includes the S&D...for petes sake they are eating for a hour or two not parking to go to epcot! I know that everytime we have done a fireworks cruise we are told park at the boardwalk and go to the marina..and that takes much longer then eating, getting there a hour early to look around then a few hours for the little boat ride then watch the firworks then boat ride back then maybe grab a bite before leaving.....and people are worried she will take their spot while they eat?...maybe they should pay the parking fee to the parking,pool and mug police. I mean really...I have never not found a spot there, maybe its waaaaay in the back of the lot but I always find one.I know this is snarky but man no one gets a break on here, I have seen so many new posters leave because of stuff like this.This is info sharing, NONE of us have the power to make the rules at wdw and IF wdw had a issue with this they would be towing tons of people...yeh yeh I know "someone" saw "someone" get towed for this same thing.RANT OVER ...can we just sometimes answer a op question without flaming for a change?

Ummm...I'm not sure what the rant is about. Those of us who actually have been paying guests of the Boardwalk, have not been able to find parking, so it's a legitimate concern. I'm sorry, but when people encourage this kind of behaviour, I feel a responsibility to let others know that your decision may make things difficult for someone else. Disney used to tow from Contemporary and Poly all of the time, but not so much anymore. Why? Probably because it costs too much, so they probably thought that intelligent guests would be able to figure out that if they are not staying at or eating/shopping/visiting the Boardwalk, then they have no business parking there. Not sure why you would need to tell anyone that? I have communicated my frustration with this to Disney security, but I think it's some union or work condition thing, because I've heard different reasons as to why they are lazy about this. Anyway, just because they are lazy about it, it doesn't mean it gives guests the right to do what they want.

Honestly, I'm not sure what is so hard to understand that. Perhaps if you had been in the same predicament late at night with two sleeping babies in the car, you would be a little bit more understanding...

Tiger

 

[Polydweller]

I see NO problem with someone parking to eat or shop...and wdw does not mind either and they do think of s&D as eating at the boardwalk.The parking there is not just for resort guests it is also for people wanting to visit the boardwalk...just like you would park there while on a fireworks cruise which is not a part of the resort AND you are going into epcot to watch the fireworks show.I did not see anyone tell someone it was ok to "break the rules" DIS rules are not wdw rules.She is going to EAT there not stay there the week.

No she is not. She is not going to the Boardwalk area she is going to the Swan and Dolphin which are not Disney properties. The Boardwalk parking is for the Disney Boardwalk and people using Disney services.

As I've said in other threads, the real issue is about respect and courtesy for others, not rules. In this case its about the guests staying at the resort and respecting their need to be able to park where they are staying. Try to put yourself in their shoes, how difficult would it be for you if you couldn't park where you were staying? Obviously it is terrible but I realize that courtesy to and respect for others is disappearing in today's "it's all about my needs" world.

 

[tony67]

Can I refill my mug that I got from the CSR last year when I am parking at the BW to go to diner at the Dolphin Fountain?? ;-)

BTW - They are on Disney property, just not owned by Disney - kind of like some of the BW and Epcot restaurants, not that I agree with parking there...

 

[livie1205]

Ummm...I'm not sure what the rant is about. Those of us who actually have been paying guests of the Boardwalk, have not been able to find parking, so it's a legitimate concern. I'm sorry, but when people encourage this kind of behaviour, I feel a responsibility to let others know that your decision may make things difficult for someone else. Disney used to tow from Contemporary and Poly all of the time, but not so much anymore. Why? Probably because it costs too much, so they probably thought that intelligent guests would be able to figure out that if they are not staying at or eating/shopping/visiting the Boardwalk, then they have no business parking there. Not sure why you would need to tell anyone that? I have communicated my frustration with this to Disney security, but I think it's some union or work condition thing, because I've heard different reasons as to why they are lazy about this. Anyway, just because they are lazy about it, it doesn't mean it gives guests the right to do what they want.

Honestly, I'm not sure what is so hard to understand that. Perhaps if you had been in the same predicament late at night with two sleeping babies in the car, you would be a little bit more understanding...

Tiger

I HAVE had sleeping kids..staying at the poly where there is even less parking and it was very hard to find a spot but I also go there when I am not staying there to eat and shop so I can see it both ways.I just dont think it is a big deal to park at the boardwalk to eat somewhere that is pretty much right there for 2 hours.Like I said it takes up the spaces alot longer when people are hanging out for hours on the boardwalk shopping and eating and doing the cruises then it will be for her to eat a meal and get back to her car.

 

[Kat&Dom]

I saw this in another post. Does anyone know if it is really true? do you really have to pay $12 to park if you want to eat at a dolphin or swan restaurant??????

I think that has made our decision not to try Garden Grove!

Hi proud canadian,

I made the same decision to cancel our reservation at Garden Grove. I don't mind paying $14 to park at Disney and play all day but I don't like having to pay $12 to eat at a restaurant for 2 hours when I am already paying premium prices for dining. It's funny because if it was $5, I would do it but $12 is just too much in my mind.

I am so glad for the DISboards to be able to find out something like this before one gets to Disney. I would have be P.O.'d if we arrived at the restaurant and had to shell out $12 for the parking. Knowing ahead of time made the decision easy for me. LOL

 

[Jeanieblue114]

Just for the record, I never condoned parking at a resort to get free parking for one of the parks. If you are going to a PARK and not a disney guest, you should pay. Disney is clear that resort parking is not allowed for going to a park and I'm sure if you told the guard that you were there for that they would direct you to the park entrance parking lots.

But, resort parking is provided (for a limited amount of time) for those who go to the resort(s) in that area to shop, dine, watch fireworks, sightsee etc.

personally, if I'm paying the deluxe prices and parking is a pain, I'm going to address it with the CMs and ask for complimentary valet or just use valet myself (which I do on many occasions).

I am only supporting the policies that Disney allows and never encouraged anyone to do otherwise.