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

[kittyab]

I know at our home resort (VGF) parking is for registered guests only. If you want to visit different resorts, use the Disney transportation. Problem solved.

There are large signs posted as you enter the parking lots stating this policy.

 

[pineapplepalms]

I know at our home resort (VGF) parking is for registered guests only. If you want to visit different resorts, use the Disney transportation. Problem solved.

There are large signs posted as you enter the parking lots stating this policy.

That isn't necessarily the case. We've been able to park at the GF for ADRs, salon appointments, and even just to see the holiday decorations without any reservations. I think it can really depend on how busy they are. We aren't typically going at the busiest times, and we're also not parking with the intent of parking all day so we're not taking up valuable parking real estate (usually there are plenty of spots when we park and plenty when we leave).

I think the key with resort parking when you're not a guest is just to not expect it; if you can park there, fantastic, but if not we're fine parking in the nearest theme park lot and taking Disney transportation over. In our experience, we haven't really had issues with parking or finding many empty spots when we have gone to various resorts. However, we also don't typically try to park at the Boardwalk when we're not staying there and it sounds like the parking situation there can be much more difficult (we love the Epcot resort area and often stay at one of the resorts there, so don't often try to park without being a guest).

 

[kittyab]

That isn't necessarily the case. We've been able to park at the GF for ADRs, salon appointments, and even just to see the holiday decorations without any reservations. I think it can really depend on how busy they are. We aren't typically going at the busiest times, and we're also not parking with the intent of parking all day so we're not taking up valuable parking real estate (usually there are plenty of spots when we park and plenty when we leave).

I think the key with resort parking when you're not a guest is just to not expect it; if you can park there, fantastic, but if not we're fine parking in the nearest theme park lot and taking Disney transportation over. In our experience, we haven't really had issues with parking or finding many empty spots when we have gone to various resorts. However, we also don't typically try to park at the Boardwalk when we're not staying there and it sounds like the parking situation there can be much more difficult (we love the Epcot resort area and often stay at one of the resorts there, so don't often try to park without being a guest).

That's why I said a phone call ahead would had prevented a head ache.

 

[pineapplepalms]

That's why I said a phone call ahead would had prevented a head ache.

Sorry, I just saw your one post and didn't realize you had another post saying that. For us it's really just about expectations. We never call ahead, but also don't expect we can park at any resort. If they're full and can't accommodate us for parking, we just adjust accordingly and park elsewhere. We're on vacation which is the most important part!

 

[kittyab]

Sorry, I just saw your one post and didn't realize you had another post saying that. For us it's really just about expectations. We never call ahead, but also don't expect we can park at any resort. If they're full and can't accommodate us for parking, we just adjust accordingly and park elsewhere. We're on vacation which is the most important part!

I prefer the Disney Transportation myself. I do not want to deal with traffic etc while on vacation. Disney can do the driving

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I know at our home resort (VGF) parking is for registered guests only. If you want to visit different resorts, use the Disney transportation. Problem solved.

There are large signs posted as you enter the parking lots stating this policy.

In actual experience that is not true. Have yet to be turned away from any resort we were going to visit. There's real life experience and then there are signs they put up to point to if they should ever did decided to not allow visitors in to park. At GF/VGF that would probably only happen if there was a very large wedding there that day.

That's why I said a phone call ahead would had prevented a head ache.

IMO the phone call would cause more headaches. You won't reach anyone at the resort and it's iffy what the result would be. Will the person say what's on the sign or will they state what is normally allowed - for any visitor to come in and park. It still just depends on the gate guard.

And the real life experience is what can make being turned away upsetting. If you allow it 99.9% of the time?

 

[DeeCee735]

The model room still exists at the Boardwalk. Saw the sign with the door open two nights before they turned us away, when we were allowed in with no reservation.

We have no intention of driving over to the boardwalk when we’re not staying there anymore.

Next time we have cars (next year) it will be purposely to visit offsite places, Universal and Citywalk, the outlets and off property restaurants. We discussed doing so since we came home. My adult kids aren’t as Disney obsessed as I am. And we haven’t been to the other parks in a while.

 

[DeeCee735]

In actual experience that is not true. Have yet to be turned away from any resort we were going to visit. There's real life experience and then there are signs they put up to point to if they should ever did decided to not allow visitors in to park. At GF/VGF that would probably only happen if there was a very large wedding there that day.



IMO the phone call would cause more headaches. You won't reach anyone at the resort and it's iffy what the result would be. Will the person say what's on the sign or will they state what is normally allowed - for any visitor to come in and park. It still just depends on the gate guard.

And the real life experience is what can make being turned away upsetting. If you allow it 99.9% of the time?

 

[DeeCee735]

I’ve never been turned away from visiting any resorts with no reservation ever. This was a first which is why We were so surprised. Especially after being let into the BWV without a res two nights before in the hopes of eating at ESPN with little or no wait. Which we did.

I usually go to a spa when there, the spa at GF. We’ve driven and parked without a problem in the past. We usually visit the Polynesian for drinks and shopping or to see if we can get into Kona and we never had a problem with a car there either.

Things are changing, so from now on without a reservation no resort visiting anymore with our car. There are too many other places to drive to off property.

 

[sgtdisney]

I’ve never been turned away from visiting any resorts with no reservation ever. This was a first which is why We were so surprised. Especially after being let into the BWV without a res two nights before in the hopes of eating at ESPN with little or no wait. Which we did.

I usually go to a spa when there, the spa at GF. We’ve driven and parked without a problem in the past. We usually visit the Polynesian for drinks and shopping or to see if we can get into Kona and we never had a problem with a car there either.

Things are changing, so from now on without a reservation no resort visiting anymore with our car. There are too many other places to drive to off property.

That is what I am thinking too. If it's so hard to get somewhere considered as an dining/entertainment venue, it's just not worth going (for me). There are a ton of places all over Orlando to explore which have ample parking. I really feel that Disney should find a way to prevent people who are abusing the resort parking lots, by parking in them to get to Epcot. The suggestion a few pages back was good. Charge for parking for non-hotel guests. Make it a pay lot, if they want to be nice give 2 free hours (subject to availability.) If someone is over the allotted time, and is not a resort guest then charge them. If people aren't filling up the valet lots and running over to Epcot, there is obviously a price vs. benefit for the people abusing the parking privileges. Say any parking without an ADR over 1-2 hours cost 25.00 with an ADR 3 hours. Something like that. Maybe they could use Magic bands, there has to be something they can do. If they can rework an entire restaurant over Cupcake-gate, I am sure if this becomes a big enough issue for them, they will figure something out.

 

[Halle]

OK, I'll be on the other end of it.

If the security guard had been nicer and said that parking was only for guests staying at the hotel, I think the OP wouldn't be here venting. But, instead, she got an excuse that she had never heard received before at any of the other resorts - that she had to have a reservation at a restaurant that Disney doesn't accept ADRs for. So, if she had lied and said she had a reservation, she would have gone through because the guy at the gate would have had no way of verifying it was true based upon the magic band.

Interestingly, the guy at the gate didn't offer the option of valet parking either, in an effort to make a guest happy and to make some $ for Disney.

We had the same thing happen to us at the Wilderness Lodge in May. We wanted to eat at the new pool restaurant that does not take reservations. We were turned away for lack of reservation.

 

[tjkraz]

Things are changing, so from now on without a reservation no resort visiting anymore with our car. There are too many other places to drive to off property.

No, nothing has really changed. I do a fair amount of resort hopping and, although it happens very infrequently, have been declined entry to resorts before. I have also seen other vehicles turned around by resort security staff.

The fact that it's never happened to you before is purely happenstance. May have something to do with the time of year you visit, resorts visited, even time of day. This really is nothing new.

I really feel that Disney should find a way to prevent people who are abusing the resort parking lots, by parking in them to get to Epcot. The suggestion a few pages back was good. Charge for parking for non-hotel guests. Make it a pay lot, if they want to be nice give 2 free hours (subject to availability.) If someone is over the allotted time, and is not a resort guest then charge them. If people aren't filling up the valet lots and running over to Epcot, there is obviously a price vs. benefit for the people abusing the parking privileges. Say any parking without an ADR over 1-2 hours cost 25.00 with an ADR 3 hours. Something like that. Maybe they could use Magic bands, there has to be something they can do. If they can rework an entire restaurant over Cupcake-gate, I am sure if this becomes a big enough issue for them, they will figure something out.

The BoardWalk parking problem isn't limited to people who want free parking for a full day at Epcot. The close proximity of the International Gateway means that even onsite guests and locals can easily park at BW and pop-into the park for a short visit. You can have a meal at Spice Road Table or grab some sweets at the bakery and be back to your car in less than 2 hours. Compare that to what it would take to park in the main lot, ride the tram, walk through all of Future World to the rear of the park.

The temptation will only grow when the Ratatouille attraction opens in a couple of years, conveniently located about 3 minutes from the IG.

As for the BoardWalk itself, Disney doesn't really market it as a destination unto itself. Sure it appears in highlight reels for the BW resort, but it's been a long time since they aggressively courted the public to drive over for lunch or a snack. And these logistical issues are big part of the reason.

I wouldn't expect Disney to start charging for parking unless such policies are implemented at all resorts property-wide. Issuing timed passes and collecting payment upon departure requires capital investment, systems integration, added labor force, etc. The current procedure works fine, even if it means turning people away at times.

 

[kittyab]

No, nothing has really changed. I do a fair amount of resort hopping and, although it happens very infrequently, have been declined entry to resorts before. I have also seen other vehicles turned around by resort security staff.

The fact that it's never happened to you before is purely happenstance. May have something to do with the time of year you visit, resorts visited, even time of day. This really is nothing new.



The BoardWalk parking problem isn't limited to people who want free parking for a full day at Epcot. The close proximity of the International Gateway means that even onsite guests and locals can easily park at BW and pop-into the park for a short visit. You can have a meal at Spice Road Table or grab some sweets at the bakery and be back to your car in less than 2 hours. Compare that to what it would take to park in the main lot, ride the tram, walk through all of Future World to the rear of the park.

The temptation will only grow when the Ratatouille attraction opens in a couple of years, conveniently located about 3 minutes from the IG.

As for the BoardWalk itself, Disney doesn't really market it as a destination unto itself. Sure it appears in highlight reels for the BW resort, but it's been a long time since they aggressively courted the public to drive over for lunch or a snack. And these logistical issues are big part of the reason.

I wouldn't expect Disney to start charging for parking unless such policies are implemented at all resorts property-wide. Issuing timed passes and collecting payment upon departure requires capital investment, systems integration, added labor force, etc. The current procedure works fine, even if it means turning people away at times.

At the VGF, they give you parking pass if you are a registered guest. I think if you don't have a parking pass, you should have to pay to park.

 

[tjkraz]

At the VGF, they give you parking pass if you are a registered guest. I think if you don't have a parking pass, you should have to pay to park.

Every resort issues parking passes to registered guests. There are only handful of resorts where parking is an issue and current policies seem to provide adequate traffic control. If you're a resort guest or have an ADR, you're immediately allowed in. Others are screened and may be turned away if security deems it necessary. The percentage of time it actually happens doesn't suggest a need for a radical change in procedures property-wide.

The one part of the original post that rubs me the wrong way involves the parking spaces lost to construction. "That's not my problem" is not an appropriate response. Less parking means less parking.

I've never known Disney staff to aggravate guests with senseless rules and procedures. BoardWalk security and management deal wrestle with the parking dilemma on a daily basis and it's clearly been exacerbated by nearby construction. Regardless of how full the lots looked at any given time, they must apply their expertise to the knowledge of how many guests and groups are incoming, how many restaurant diners (with ADRs) are expected that day and so forth, and determine whether or not to accommodate drop-in visitors.

It sounds like the message could have been delivered better, etc., but if the resort is down (approx) 200 parking spaces, visitors cannot demand to be let in because (paraphrase) "we own points here and we've never been turned away before."

 

[DVC Sue]

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.....

 

[DVC Sue]

Interesting topic. To be honest, I only read first page. Communication is not a Disney strong suit if it is bad news - they concentrate on good news and marketing (as they are a business). Some suggestions are valid but not necessarily doable (what if you were a handicapped party - as we are?).

But I do have to say the important aspect is employee attitude. I believe COMPLETELY you got an eye roll. Disney "cast members" (called that to get certain employee category status that benefits them) are not highly paid and the vast majority are part time and receive no benefits. To be fair, that was several years ago. On their side, it must get to be a lot to protect the resort and make everyone happy. The sad part is this was SOOOOO preventable with a little listening on their part - including the satisfaction group.

I am glad you still had a good time.

Sue

 

[DVC Sue]

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.

 

[DVC Sue]

I think had the valet option been available this would not have happened. Dee is getting a lot of shade but how could she know about the parking? No one posted signs. No one told her why. The reasons kept changing. And with wait times how can you eat there in 2 hours. And what happens if you don't return on time?

Not many people on this board would have taken her experience well - especially with 2 cars, a small child and an argumentative cast member. I know I wouldn't.

Sue

 

[kittyab]

Every resort issues parking passes to registered guests. There are only handful of resorts where parking is an issue and current policies seem to provide adequate traffic control. If you're a resort guest or have an ADR, you're immediately allowed in. Others are screened and may be turned away if security deems it necessary. The percentage of time it actually happens doesn't suggest a need for a radical change in procedures property-wide.

The one part of the original post that rubs me the wrong way involves the parking spaces lost to construction. "That's not my problem" is not an appropriate response. Less parking means less parking.

I've never known Disney staff to aggravate guests with senseless rules and procedures. BoardWalk security and management deal wrestle with the parking dilemma on a daily basis and it's clearly been exacerbated by nearby construction. Regardless of how full the lots looked at any given time, they must apply their expertise to the knowledge of how many guests and groups are incoming, how many restaurant diners (with ADRs) are expected that day and so forth, and determine whether or not to accommodate drop-in visitors.

It sounds like the message could have been delivered better, etc., but if the resort is down (approx) 200 parking spaces, visitors cannot demand to be let in because (paraphrase) "we own points here and we've never been turned away before."

For me if I see Parking only for Registered Guests, I take it as if I am not a guest there, I can not park there unless I am a guest there or have a dining Reservation.

 

[DeeCee735]

For me if I see Parking only for Registered Guests, I take it as if I am not a guest there, I can not park there unless I am a guest there or have a dining Reservation.

Me too. Didn’t see a sign stating so.

And as I stated previously, I wrote this off as could have been handled better on all our parts. We have no intention of resort hopping anymore. We’ll keep our money in our pockets or spend it at the place we’re staying at or off property from now on. It’s just not worth it. The resort restaurants are a nice experience but we haven’t had outstanding food or service in years so we just won’t bother anymore. We’ve done it all enough.