I LOVE OUR DVC, BUT THIS I HAVE TO POST :(lengthy)

[DeeCee735]

I'll start with the good because I don't really like to post negative things regarding DVC or WDW, as we've been happy members for 18 years and recently spent (mostly) a wonderful few days with our growing family there. 1st time for our daughter in law, 1st time for our grand baby. 34th wedding anniversary for DH and I. This is the first time in 18 years we rented cars.

We couldn't get the 3 bedroom grand villa at BWV (one of our two home resorts), even though we were wait listed until 7 days prior to arrival. Okay, no problem. The grand villa at Saratoga Springs was beautiful, of course so roomy, offering plenty of common space as well as plenty of private space.

Having the car at Saratoga was a good idea, the resort is very big and we liked being able to park right outside our building. We used the car during the week to visit the Grand Floridian, to drive over to our reservation for Chef Mickey's at Contemporary, to go over to Animal Kingdom Kidani Villas (our other home resort) for lunch at Mara and to show our first timers the giraffe and zebra. As well as to and from the airport, of course.

In true Disney Spirit we were welcomed with friendliness and "welcome home's".

Until.....we attempted to go over to the Boardwalk in early afternoon for a bite to eat, shop in the general store and get ice cream. We also wanted our daughter in law and son in law to see the model room there so they could see what options they have on the future trips where we don't travel all together.

Well, we were stopped at the gate and literally told we weren't allowed in without a reservation. No explanation, no kindness, nothing. Just "you have to leave if you don't have a reservation". Well, Big River Grille doesn't take reservations, neither does the ice cream shoppe or the model room. My kids were in their car ahead of us and were told to turn around and leave, and as they were on the opposite side of the gate leaving, I opened the window and told them to get back in line to enter, behind our car.

I explained to the Security Guard at the gate why we were coming in, that this was one of our home resorts, and that the places we were looking to go didn't take reservations. Besides the fact that the Boardwalk presents itself to all the world as an entertainment, dining, shopping (and now bars) area welcoming visits - I explained this as well. She told me we couldn't come in. Okay, so now I'm getting a little annoyed. I ask her to get on the phone with her manager because I found this unacceptable. Keep in mind she did not ask me if I was going to use Valet Parking or anything of the nature...this matters later on. We were granted a two hour visit and she followed us to our parking spots.

I went into the lobby to speak to a manager. The manager said the same thing the security guard said, we weren't allowed in without a reservation to dine but that she was the one who gave us the courtesy two hour limit. I said the same thing to the manager that I said to the security guard, not all places take reservations. She told me they lost 200 parking spots to the construction of the skyway, I told her while that wasn't my problem, they could open the valet lot to accommodate cars. She said the free parking had to be available to conventioneers and guests of the hotel. I said I understand that, and that not all conventioneers may be resort guests, it's the middle of the day and the lot was no where near full. She said again we were allowed a two hour visit. I asked if we were to pay the valet fee can we stay as long as we want and go wherever we want with no questions asked. She said yes.

I said let me talk to my family, who were in the lobby now, watching this conversation. In all fairness, at this point, while not yelling (I don't go to Disney to argue), I was stressing my point strongly, so was she.

I walked over to my family and explained our options, which of course I was not in agreement with or happy over. Two members of my family told me the manager made a face and rolled her eyes as I walked away. I went back to the manager, got her name and reminded her that making a face and rolling her eyes was very unprofessional, which of course she denied doing. My son in law called her out and said they were watching the conversation and they saw her make the face and roll the eyes. I wouldn't accept or expect this in an economy hotel off 95, let alone a deluxe resort on property.

Okay, so we decide it's not worth visiting there since we were made to feel pretty unwelcome from the beginning, let alone childish responses (face making) from a manager. We were out of there.

I emailed DVC and explained the entire situation, along with the names of both the security guard at the gate and the manager. They did get back to me. Of course, and as expected, they defended their position of not allowing non resort guests access to the parking lot during festival time, (that was the first reason I got). I explained to the very nice woman on the phone that there were no festivals taking place during the entire time we were on property. She rethought and agreed. She further explained that new parking limitations have been placed on deluxe resorts. And that signs are sometimes posted and two hour visiting limits are sometimes put in place. I explained that none of this was told to us by either the security guard, or the manager and that no signs were posted. I also explained that when visiting Grand Floridian we were told there were two weddings, and resort was full so we may have a hard time finding parking, followed by a "welcome home" and "enjoy your visit". GF, it doesn't get more deluxe than that.

Bottom line, I was told things weren't going to change, and the two hour limit was all I could hope for when parking limits were put in place, although there was no sign stating so, nor were we notified of this. She did agree that the way it was handled was inappropriate and it would be looked into.

Quite a few minutes into the conversation with DVC member satisfaction, I was offered fast passes for a future trip. I took them and of course said thank you, although I don't really feel it was enough to compensate for such poor treatment of my family and I, or the time wasted with all this stuff. I'm not sure I expected anything, yet expected something. I just know I'm unbelievably disappointed in the way this was handled, the way we were so unwelcome and this unnecessary experience on our last day and in our favorite place on property. Of course, Disney would take our money (i.e., valet parking fee), restaurants, bars, shopping and ice cream at the boardwalk, but never offer anything worth a dime. Maybe a direct apology from the manager would help although that'll never happen.

I guess I'm just venting. I'm more sensitive than the rest of my family who already wrote this off as one bad experience in a great week. But I got a good dose of the fact that the all mighty dollar speaks volumes over customer satisfaction.

All of this being said, we won't let one bad experience change how we enjoy our membership going forward....nothing is perfect....and the nightmare in the dream, is hopefully few and far between.....

 

[cvjw]

Sorry, but I think you are in the wrong. We stay at bwv multiple times per year. It has gotten so hard to find a parking spot that is not out by the guard shack. I personally want them to reserve parking in the bwv lot to guests actually staying at the resort. There is another lot across the street that is overflow parking for situations like yours.

I have been told the exact same thing when trying to visit the poly for a dole whip. We went to the ttc and parked and walked over. No drama, no fights with the manager.

Hotel parking lots should be available for hotel guests, not guaranteed for anyone who wants to visit.

 

[DeeCee735]

Sorry, but I think you are in the wrong. We stay at bwv multiple times per year. It has gotten so hard to find a parking spot that is not out by the guard shack. I personally want them to reserve parking in the bwv lot to guests actually staying at the resort. There is another lot across the street that is overflow parking for situations like yours.

I have been told the exact same thing when trying to visit the poly for a dole whip. We went to the ttc and parked and walked over. No drama, no fights with the manager.

Hotel parking lots should be available for hotel guests, not guaranteed for anyone who wants to visit.

Had we been told anything other than what we were told at the gate, it would never have gone to the manager. That’s the point. The way it was handled. Nothing was explained to us about needing to be resort guests. It was said as “if you don’t have a dining reservation you need to leave”. There are ways to say things and ways not to say things. Being in the hospitality field they should know better. We’ve been visiting the Boardwalk for years when staying at other DVC properties with no problem. If new rules have been created telling us would have gone a long way. Also, there’s no consistency from deluxe to deluxe resort. That confused the situation as well.

 

[CarolMN]

Respectfully, I am glad this policy is in place and agree with it. Normally, when parking restrictions are in place (and they often are for the BWI/BWV), there is a sign posted at the entrance and/or the website. It's unfortunate that wasn't the case when you drove up.

I do not necessarily condone the Manager's actions, but it must be difficult / frustrating to deal with guests who will not accept a resort policy and IMO, no compensation should have been offered.

 

[DeeCee735]

Again, you miss the point. Had it been explained at the gate it would never have gone to the manager. The Security Guard said nothing about there being a policy limiting parking to non resort guests, there was no sign posted and it wasn't explained by the manager until well into the conversation.
As I said earlier, we've done this before without a problem, so if something new is in place, being told at the gate would have ended the conversation right there. We would have gone in for the 2 hours, or not gone in at all.

Hopefully they put something in place where guests of the resort or resort area get first dibs on reservations for breakfast/dinner as well. They're becoming increasingly difficult if not impossible to get, even when staying there. Maybe they should also reserve parking for all the other deluxe resorts for those guests staying at those resorts as well, and cut the visiting to other resorts out altogether. Although I don't see that happening as it ensures revenue, which is why I mentioned the lack of consistency from one deluxe to another deluxe as far as rules.

 

[Chuck S]

I do understand your frustration...but in December a friend and I were meeting a fellow moderator at Boardwalk, I didn't have a car, we were staying at OKW. We really didn't have a major problem using the WDW bus system and transferring at Disney Springs. We just allowed some extra time. Since they've lost the extra parking spaces, at least during construction, I'd have just understood and gone elsewhere, or driven across the street, parked at the Studios and taken the boat, since as an onsite guest you get free parking. Guests at the hotel, and convention people (who paid a LOT to use the convention center) as well as those with dining reservations should get priority. More and more Disney resorts are limiting parking to resort guests and those with reservations only. And dining reservation often get a 3 hour limit, unless the reservation is for a dinner show, like the Luau.

 

[pineapplepalms]

When we would like to park at another resort, we typically try to book a dining reservation to avoid the parking issue. There have been a handful of times we have been allowed to park without a dining reservation, but would have been okay with it if they turned us away. Once we did have an ADR at the Poly and they still said we only had a few hours to park there since they were very busy. I can understand why the policy is in place since parking can be quite limited. I do think it is unfortunate that you encountered a less than stellar customer service experience, and it can be a bit confusing since not all resorts enforce parking rules the same way. For example, we had family staying at another resort visiting us when we were staying at CCV, and they were let in to park without issue (although perhaps their parking lot is not as limited). We were also allowed to park at the Yacht Club when we wanted to check out the holiday decorations (love that little train display).

If you think of it as "no parking is guaranteed unless you are a resort guest or have an ADR (and you might have restricted parking even with an ADR)," then any time you do get to park without a resort reservation or ADR is a happy bonus

 

[BillPA]

The DVC site has had this parking warning posted for over a year now, dining has always been difficult even at the 180 day ahead mark you can have a problem getting some reservations. It's not really a new problem, but it is getting much worse. Sorry it had a negative impact on your trip.

 

[DeeCee735]

The DVC site has had this parking warning posted for over a year now, dining has always been difficult even at the 180 day ahead mark you can have a problem getting some reservations. It's not really a new problem, but it is getting much worse. Sorry it had a negative impact on your trip.

Thanks, not negative enough to call it a bad trip, it was an awesome trip. The situation was more like a damper....I don't read the rules and regs on the site often enough I guess. I also have no intention of ever bringing a car to the BW again. From now on, only when I stay at AKV will I use a car.

As far as making reservations, Big River Grille doesn't take reservations and going there was our intention. If we paid the Valet fee, we were free to use up that spot and stay all day and all night. My family opted to leave after the faces they saw the manager make. I would have gladly paid the $25 valet fee for the convenience and no restrictions on time.

Again, it was the way it was stated and NOT explained and the way it was handled that was unbecoming of anyone in the hospitality field, and being compensated with fast passes wasn't my idea, it was the idea of DVC member services team, who apparently felt it was appropriate to offer.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Instead of taking the 2 hours, dining, going to see the model rooms, and getting ice cream, you chose to spend it making a scene because you think you are entitled because you own there. You are still making a scene about it. Parking for hotel guest first has been the policy since 1995 or before, as it should be. As others have mentioned, you could have accepted this not new policy and parked elsewhere. You got your 2 hours, you could have gone on with your day. You chose to ruin everyone's experience. What do you think your daughter-in-law and son-in-law are going to remember about that day of your trip?
I agree with those above, your were wrong. And you were DEMANDING your way, and still wanting vindication.

 

[DeeCee735]

I certainly don't need vindication. I wouldn't have changed the way we chose to respond to the way they spoke to us at the gate or the way they handled it after that. But I appreciate your point of view. Thanks for your input.

 

[keishashadow]

I'll start with the good because I don't really like to post negative things regarding DVC or WDW, as we've been happy members for 18 years and recently spent (mostly) a wonderful few days with our growing family there. 1st time for our daughter in law, 1st time for our grand baby. 34th wedding anniversary for DH and I. This is the first time in 18 years we rented cars.

We couldn't get the 3 bedroom grand villa at BWV (one of our two home resorts), even though we were wait listed until 7 days prior to arrival. Okay, no problem. The grand villa at Saratoga Springs was beautiful, of course so roomy, offering plenty of common space as well as plenty of private space.

Having the car at Saratoga was a good idea, the resort is very big and we liked being able to park right outside our building. We used the car during the week to visit the Grand Floridian, to drive over to our reservation for Chef Mickey's at Contemporary, to go over to Animal Kingdom Kidani Villas (our other home resort) for lunch at Mara and to show our first timers the giraffe and zebra. As well as to and from the airport, of course.

In true Disney Spirit we were welcomed with friendliness and "welcome home's".

Until.....we attempted to go over to the Boardwalk in early afternoon for a bite to eat, shop in the general store and get ice cream. We also wanted our daughter in law and son in law to see the model room there so they could see what options they have on the future trips where we don't travel all together.

Well, we were stopped at the gate and literally told we weren't allowed in without a reservation. No explanation, no kindness, nothing. Just "you have to leave if you don't have a reservation". Well, Big River Grille doesn't take reservations, neither does the ice cream shoppe or the model room. My kids were in their car ahead of us and were told to turn around and leave, and as they were on the opposite side of the gate leaving, I opened the window and told them to get back in line to enter, behind our car.

I explained to the Security Guard at the gate why we were coming in, that this was one of our home resorts, and that the places we were looking to go didn't take reservations. Besides the fact that the Boardwalk presents itself to all the world as an entertainment, dining, shopping (and now bars) area welcoming visits - I explained this as well. She told me we couldn't come in. Okay, so now I'm getting a little annoyed. I ask her to get on the phone with her manager because I found this unacceptable. Keep in mind she did not ask me if I was going to use Valet Parking or anything of the nature...this matters later on. We were granted a two hour visit and she followed us to our parking spots.

I went into the lobby to speak to a manager. The manager said the same thing the security guard said, we weren't allowed in without a reservation to dine but that she was the one who gave us the courtesy two hour limit. I said the same thing to the manager that I said to the security guard, not all places take reservations. She told me they lost 200 parking spots to the construction of the skyway, I told her while that wasn't my problem, they could open the valet lot to accommodate cars. She said the free parking had to be available to conventioneers and guests of the hotel. I said I understand that, and that not all conventioneers may be resort guests, it's the middle of the day and the lot was no where near full. She said again we were allowed a two hour visit. I asked if we were to pay the valet fee can we stay as long as we want and go wherever we want with no questions asked. She said yes.

I said let me talk to my family, who were in the lobby now, watching this conversation. In all fairness, at this point, while not yelling (I don't go to Disney to argue), I was stressing my point strongly, so was she.

I walked over to my family and explained our options, which of course I was not in agreement with or happy over. Two members of my family told me the manager made a face and rolled her eyes as I walked away. I went back to the manager, got her name and reminded her that making a face and rolling her eyes was very unprofessional, which of course she denied doing. My son in law called her out and said they were watching the conversation and they saw her make the face and roll the eyes. I wouldn't accept or expect this in an economy hotel off 95, let alone a deluxe resort on property.

Okay, so we decide it's not worth visiting there since we were made to feel pretty unwelcome from the beginning, let alone childish responses (face making) from a manager. We were out of there.

I emailed DVC and explained the entire situation, along with the names of both the security guard at the gate and the manager. They did get back to me. Of course, and as expected, they defended their position of not allowing non resort guests access to the parking lot during festival time, (that was the first reason I got). I explained to the very nice woman on the phone that there were no festivals taking place during the entire time we were on property. She rethought and agreed. She further explained that new parking limitations have been placed on deluxe resorts. And that signs are sometimes posted and two hour visiting limits are sometimes put in place. I explained that none of this was told to us by either the security guard, or the manager and that no signs were posted. I also explained that when visiting Grand Floridian we were told there were two weddings, and resort was full so we may have a hard time finding parking, followed by a "welcome home" and "enjoy your visit". GF, it doesn't get more deluxe than that.

Bottom line, I was told things weren't going to change, and the two hour limit was all I could hope for when parking limits were put in place, although there was no sign stating so, nor were we notified of this. She did agree that the way it was handled was inappropriate and it would be looked into.

Quite a few minutes into the conversation with DVC member satisfaction, I was offered fast passes for a future trip. I took them and of course said thank you, although I don't really feel it was enough to compensate for such poor treatment of my family and I, or the time wasted with all this stuff. I'm not sure I expected anything, yet expected something. I just know I'm unbelievably disappointed in the way this was handled, the way we were so unwelcome and this unnecessary experience on our last day and in our favorite place on property. Of course, Disney would take our money (i.e., valet parking fee), restaurants, bars, shopping and ice cream at the boardwalk, but never offer anything worth a dime. Maybe a direct apology from the manager would help although that'll never happen.

I guess I'm just venting. I'm more sensitive than the rest of my family who already wrote this off as one bad experience in a great week. But I got a good dose of the fact that the all mighty dollar speaks volumes over customer satisfaction.

All of this being said, we won't let one bad experience change how we enjoy our membership going forward....nothing is perfect....and the nightmare in the dream, is hopefully few and far between.....

As a fellow owner at BWV, I am surprised you’ve never experienced a long hunt for a parking space when staying at BWV. Several years ago, we were thrilled when they started to direct non-guests to overflow parking. It has helped but at times we find ourselves circling the lot when returning ‘home’ at the end of the day. That is when it tends to get hairy, dinner hour & beyond.

While I understand that the resorts are destinations for non-guests, those who are paying for a room should be the only ones permitted to use the self-park at resorts with such limited parking.

The manager stated the rules to you & she gave you a two hour courtesy parking validation. You didn’t agree and went back & forth with the manager, who lost her cool. That is very unfortunate. It is a shame you felt uncomfortable in front of your family.

The standard tossing of fast passes out as though they are golden tickets never ceases to amaze me. JMHO but the practice is insulting and tends to trivialize one’s concerns.

Just back, we enjoyed both the Luau and Lilo and stitch breakfast @ the Poly. (No we didn’t visit the MK on either days lol). Noticed the sign posted near guard shack as to only guests of resorts and those with dining reservations were allowed to enter. Was at BWV in October, can’t say I noticed it then.

Again, you miss the point. Had it been explained at the gate it would never have gone to the manager. The Security Guard said nothing about there being a policy limiting parking to non resort guests, there was no sign posted and it wasn't explained by the manager until well into the conversation.
As I said earlier, we've done this before without a problem, so if something new is in place, being told at the gate would have ended the conversation right there. We would have gone in for the 2 hours, or not gone in at all.

Hopefully they put something in place where guests of the resort or resort area get first dibs on reservations for breakfast/dinner as well. They're becoming increasingly difficult if not impossible to get, even when staying there. Maybe they should also reserve parking for all the other deluxe resorts for those guests staying at those resorts as well, and cut the visiting to other resorts out altogether. Although I don't see that happening as it ensures revenue, which is why I mentioned the lack of consistency from one deluxe to another deluxe as far as rules.

I think it’s likely a given that the popular resorts near the parks are/will follow this policy. I know it wasn’t your intention, but it’s obvious that many people have elected to park in the self-park lots all day while visiting the park.

As for the security guards being rude, as with the manager that is unacceptable. However, nobody wants to be stuck in a long line while the guard carries on a lengthy conversation in another vehicle either. It could be they are coached to be brief and refer complaints to the management in order to keep traffic flowing.

Again, I know how awful it is to be so excited to share your love of DVC/Disney and have the rug pulled out from under you. What’s important to you may not be a dealbreaker for another and vice-a-versa. Now that you know the current policy, you can plan accordingly.

 

[bumbershoot]

When were you there? I can’t see signatures on mobile.

I wouldn't accept or expect this in an economy hotel off 95, let alone a deluxe resort on property.

You won’t accept someone’s emotions about something you’re saying? Or by something that might have nothing to do with you? Seriously?

Yesterday we had a lovely breakfast at the Wave and the server suddenly apologized and let us know that she wasn’t rolling her eyes (as she listed the soft drinks), but she was “looking at the list in her brain”, which all of us at the table had done and fully understood. She had recently gotten a reprimand because a guest complained because they felt she rolled her eyes. We all were shocked because we’ve all been there. Reminds me I need to use their FB feed to give her a kudos.

Looking up is an extremely common thing to do when thinking.

Or maybe the manager had a contact out of place and was trying to put it back without touching her eyeball.

Nothing was explained to us about needing to be resort guests. It was said as “if you don’t have a dining reservation you need to leave”.

I see no difference in those statements. Or nothing contradictory at least.

We first visited BW in 2010, and each time we’ve visited as non BW guests we’ve ASKED if we can park. We’ve known this was an issue for over 7 years now.

If new rules have been created

Nope. Common. Now even more difficult because of the loss of some spots. But nothing new.

Also, there’s no consistency from deluxe to deluxe resort.

Nor is there consistency in the sheer size of the lots. Check out GF vs BW. BIG difference.

And at BW you can *walk* on over to Epcot. Another big difference.


FYI you’re likely going to get that same response at contemporary/BL.

As I said earlier, we've done this before without a problem

No you actually haven’t.

This is the first time in 18 years we rented cars.

You haven’t visited BW as non BW guests without any reservation with a car. According to your words. Well, I’m 18 years.

You’ve visited other resorts at different times than the attempted BW visit.

December 2016 GF’s lot was restricted to GF and GFV guests ONLY. Not even others with dining reservations (though I bet they let the v&a people in).


We went to Bon Voyage on Saturday and only got into the lot because of our adr.


Well, it’s too bad you hadn’t noticed 7+ years of threads about this possibility, but at least you know now!!

 

[bumbershoot]

As a fellow owner at BWV, I am surprised you’ve never experienced a long hunt for a parking space when staying at BWV.

They havent in at least 18 years, since they haven’t rented a car in that time.

If they ever did, they might have the same “whew” response that many people staying at BW have when the lot is fully restricted.

 

[sgtdisney]

I guess I haven't been paying attention much lately either. So for some resorts, they absolutely won't allow you to park in the lot to visit the resort, have a snack or visit the gift shops? For us, in recent years, they would give you a 2 hour pass before when we've gone to the Polynesian or CR. What do you do if you wanted to, say, visit the Top of the World one afternoon or get a Spiked Dole Whip at PV? Do you have to only use the internal transportation now. Just asking because we're going this summer and were hoping to visit a few resorts. Someone mentioned this is all on the member site, any tips where i can find it.

 

[DeeCee735]

As a fellow owner at BWV, I am surprised you’ve never experienced a long hunt for a parking space when staying at BWV. Several years ago, we were thrilled when they started to direct non-guests to overflow parking. It has helped but at times we find ourselves circling the lot when returning ‘home’ at the end of the day. That is when it tends to get hairy, dinner hour & beyond.

While I understand that the resorts are destinations for non-guests, those who are paying for a room should be the only ones permitted to use the self-park at resorts with such limited parking.

The manager stated the rules to you & she gave you a two hour courtesy parking validation. You didn’t agree and went back & forth with the manager, who lost her cool. That is very unfortunate. It is a shame you felt uncomfortable in front of your family.

The standard tossing of fast passes out as though they are golden tickets never ceases to amaze me. JMHO but the practice is insulting and tends to trivialize one’s concerns.

Just back, we enjoyed both the Luau and Lilo and stitch breakfast @ the Poly. (No we didn’t visit the MK on either days lol). Noticed the sign posted near guard shack as to only guests of resorts and those with dining reservations were allowed to enter. Was at BWV in October, can’t say I noticed it then.



I think it’s likely a given that the popular resorts near the parks are/will follow this policy. I know it wasn’t your intention, but it’s obvious that many people have elected to park in the self-park lots all day while visiting the park.

As for the security guards being rude, as with the manager that is unacceptable. However, nobody wants to be stuck in a long line while the guard carries on a lengthy conversation in another vehicle either. It could be they are coached to be brief and refer complaints to the management in order to keep traffic flowing.

Again, I know how awful it is to be so excited to share your love of DVC/Disney and have the rug pulled out from under you. What’s important to you may not be a dealbreaker for another and vice-a-versa. Now that you know the current policy, you can plan accordingly.

No we never had a problem parking at the Boardwalk in the all the years we drove down with our own car, whether we stayed there or not.
New rules, ok, I get that. Again, it's the way its said, not that it's said. I kept my cool throughout the conversations. And in my conversation with DVC management over the phone, and it's not necessary that I explain that. I was simply an unsatisfied customer at the way we were spoken to and I took it up with a manager who rolled her eyes at me as if I were some sort of inconsequential person. A manager should hold her eye rolling until she's in the staff room. My asking to speak to her was certainly not out of the ordinary and just because she deals with people who complain every day doesn't mean she's justified in unprofessional behavior or responses.

Funnier thing is, we were let in two nights before, without being asked if we had any reservations or why we were there, I'm guessing there was a sign then, or no sign then? Who knows? I never saw it. We had a reservation at ESPN , but no one asked so we didn't think to mention it. Again, the poor attitude was theirs, not mine. The inconsistencies in the rules, there's not mine.

Boardwalk is a home resort, and I'll be back repeatedly for years and years and years and years - with or without a car or valet parking. Hopefully received the way any guest should be received, whether or not they're staying there or at any other WDW resort or off property for that matter. A guest (paying especially) is a guest and should be treated as such.

Rules should be explained to those of us who don't know about them or forget about them or are not made to follow them from one day to the next, and explained nicely and professionally. My taking it to a manager and further seems to be deemed wrong here, and that's okay, you all have a right to your opinions. I was in a situation where my family and I were not treated in a way any one of you would hope to be treated.
I took it where I thought it should go, and I darn well will in the future if a circumstance calls for it.

Thanks for your comments, replies, suggestions and reminders that BWV now has a rule about parking that I honestly didn't know about. Therefore so does GF, POLY, Contemporary, and all the others, I suppose?
From now on whenever we have a car, (although why we would have a car is now questionable), we'll be more aware that even if they're not consistent in following their own rules, we should from now on.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

What do you do if you wanted to, say, visit the Top of the World one afternoon

The DVC site explicitly says DVC members don't get courtesy parking for TOTW. So don't drive there. It is quite clearly stated.

 

[lovin'fl]

I have always just understood that you have to have a reservation, hotel or dining, to get through the gate...hence the gate. If we want to visit for shopping or ice cream we go from the parks. And Big River does have reservations as does Beaches and Cream now...all the food places except those little booths on the Boardwalk. Also, there are no model rooms there anymore...at least from what I was told. I am also a BWV owner and while I agree that the staff there can be less than super Disney like pleasant...in your situation I think they handled it fine (Maybe could have left out the eyerolls but I'd have rolled eyes too, sorry).

 

[Chuck S]

Rules should be explained to those of us who don't know about them or forget about them or are not made to follow them from one day to the next, and explained nicely and professionally.

But therein lies the problem. There really is no hard and fast rule for parking, except you can be be turned away, not that you will be turned away. Whether you are actually turned away will depend on a lot of factors...for instance, the convention center may not be in use every day, or part of the parking lot may not be lost for construction every day, or the hotel may not be fully booked every day. All of these factors combine so that some days parking may be limited, and other days there may be plenty of parking...

So, it really is best, if there is something specific you want to do at a resort where you are not staying and where you don't have an ADR, to use Disney transportation. I remember when you could drive over to Y/BC, park, and wait no more than 20 minutes for a table at Beaches and Cream, or easily find parking at DtD, then it got so bad they had to build the current parking structures.

If you do decide to drive to another resort, be prepared to be told "no parking" and have an alternate plan in mind. I was surprised when, on my most recent trip, we decided to go to Grand Floridian Cafe for lunch rather than grab something in Magic Kingdom. I've never had problem being seated there without a reservation. Well, I was surprised it it was fully booked for whole day...be prepared.

 

[pineapplepalms]

I guess I haven't been paying attention much lately either. So for some resorts, they absolutely won't allow you to park in the lot to visit the resort, have a snack or visit the gift shops? For us, in recent years, they would give you a 2 hour pass before when we've gone to the Polynesian or CR. What do you do if you wanted to, say, visit the Top of the World one afternoon or get a Spiked Dole Whip at PV? Do you have to only use the internal transportation now. Just asking because we're going this summer and were hoping to visit a few resorts. Someone mentioned this is all on the member site, any tips where i can find it.

I don't know where you can find it officially, but I think it can vary depending on the time of year and how busy they happen to be. Your chances are probably better during non-peak times. You could always try to park at the resort and just park in the nearest theme park lot if they won't let you park at the resort. If you park at the TTC, it's a short walk to the Poly for Dole whip or a monorail ride away from TOTWL. Sometimes we try to park at a resort without an ADR if we just wanted to visit for a quick stop to take photos of the holiday decorations on the way to another park, or want to get something from a certain gift shop. For example, when we parked at the Yacht Club to check out the train display, there were a ton of empty spots, so that's probably why they didn't mind us parking there for a short time. If they did turn us away, we'd either park at a theme park lot and take Disney transportation to the resort, or modify our plans to try to visit another time. Not a big deal as long as your plans are flexible!