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

[crisi]

Eventually they’ll come up with a solution to solve the problems of guests visiting, staying or those with reservations having parking issues. Maybe they need to build more parking or re route conventioneers somehow. I don’t know the lay of land around the convention center much, I just see that this has been an on going problem, something else I was not aware of.

Their solution is to limit cars to those people who are guests of the BWI/BWV and conventioneers. Conventions pay Disney a ton of money to use their space, their attendees are going to expect parking at the resort. (And conventioneers often have cars because - hey! expense account! I was always surprised how many of my coworkers would want rentals in cities like Boston or London - where they are FAR more hassle than they are worth) The other part of the solution is to provide Magical Express for free, which does make a dent in the number of cars at Disney resorts (imagine the issues if everyone coming into the airport rented a car!)

Parking ramps are VERY expensive to build - Disney isn't going to spend money on a parking ramp so people can buy a $10 ice cream cone or a $14 martini. And they certainly aren't going to build it so someone can get validated for a $10 ice cream cone and avoid Epcot parking fees when they are staying offsite.

And Disney wants to limit the number of cars on property. Cars are involved in accidents - accidents on vacation are not magical. More cars means more accidents. Plus, with a car you can get to Universal or Sea World. There is little upside to Disney in encouraging people to have a car on property - and a lot of reasons why they'd rather you just get on their buses.

(But you are right that the guard could have been far more polite and helpful)

 

[thelionqueen]

Respectfully, I have to say this was a bit of both sides sticking their feet in the mud and refusing to compromise. On the one hand, it is never acceptable to be treated poorly, unless, the treatment is a reflection of the person giving it. My impression of this situation, by your words, is that there was a bit of frustration on your side as well as a bit of entitlement. Whether valid or not, that's my take. The manager was then reacting to your frustration with frustration which just further pushed you into more of a defensive position.

My personal opinion is that, being a DVC member for so long, should know of and/or be aware of parking restrictions at the resorts. Whenever I plan on parking at a resort I'm not staying at, I either get a reservation or valet. I vote with Disney on this one.

 

[Disney & ME]

We are DVC too and wanted to visit some other resorts for research for possible stays when we were down for F&W last fall. We were turned away from Fort Wilderness since they said it was only for people with reservations but were told at WL that parking just might be an issue. Maybe because we had a reservation for a tour of Copper Creek?

But, my sister was staying at the CR and had a car. She had no trouble getting into Poly to pick us up or park.

 

[sgtdisney]

My personal opinion is that, being a DVC member for so long, should know of and/or be aware of parking restrictions at the resorts. Whenever I plan on parking at a resort I'm not staying at, I either get a reservation or valet. I vote with Disney on this one.

Sorry, I have to disagree with this statement. I have been a member since 1992. I was not aware of this restriction. Guess I've been lucky or the timing has been right. I have never been turned away from the resorts, ever, with or without an ADR. At least now, after reading this thread, I am aware of it. I didn't realize that this had become such a big issue since I was last at WDW in 2016. I haven't been to Boardwalk in 10+ years, it's not my cup of tea. But I never had a problem at the MK resorts, ever. The issue here is not the ability to park in a lot, I know Disney has to make sure paying resort guests have a place to park. The issue is, for me, the delivery of the message. A cast member should take the time and explain WHY you can't park somewhere, where it was allowed before. Courtesy and communication go a very long way.

Disney should be a little more clear that day visitors, in their own vehicles, are not welcome to park at any resort close to a theme park. Personally, I don't use valet, I knew a few and heard lots of stories. I don't take taxis don't feel safe in them, same as lyft and uber. Disney Transportation is good, but without point to point travel, which I know is a logistical nightmare, it's time consuming. Now that I know about these restrictions, I will do something different when we go to the MK resorts and park in the MK lot. Or if we don't want to spend the time trying to get to them, we can just as easily go to another resort or even better, off property, to spend the money.

 

[TexasChick123]

I think people are missing the point. She didn't mind that she couldn't park there, policy or not. What she minded was how condescending the gate attendant and manager were. We all spend a ton of money at these parks, and the people who work there are supposed to be the best in the world in the hospitality industry. As such, there are ways to deliver bad news in a polite manner. For example, "We are currently at capacity in the self-park lots because of hotel guests and dining reservations for the day and cannot take any more cars in the lot at this time. Please feel free to use the lot across the street to park as it is just a short walk. Would you like me to show you where it is?" You certainly cannot please everyone, but I have been there where someone was rude completely unnecessarily, and it is infuriating when you are spending money for someone to be rude to you. I wasn't there, but I don't think she is arguing the policy, but the manner in which she was treated. OP, please chime in if I am mischaracterizing your anger/frustration with the situation.

 

[Chuck S]

I don't take taxis don't feel safe in them, same as lyft and uber. .

Just an FYI the Disney Minnie Mouse vans are part of the Lyft system, I don't know if the drivers are contracted/background checked by Disney or not, but I wouldn't rule them out as a pay to play transportation option.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

Our home resort is at BWV....the last few years...restrictions are hard and fast at BW....you better have a reservation to stay there or have lunch or dinner...my guess is you could have taken the buses over or Minnie Van or valet parked...
the thing is so many people abuse parking there to go to Epcot...not so much these days...they are strict..we stay there a few times a year...so are familiar with the parking situation...
My guess is the guard doesn't have much time to explain every rule to everyone trying to get in...the lot...

 

[thelionqueen]

Sorry, I have to disagree with this statement. I have been a member since 1992. I was not aware of this restriction. Guess I've been lucky or the timing has been right. I have never been turned away from the resorts, ever, with or without an ADR. At least now, after reading this thread, I am aware of it. I didn't realize that this had become such a big issue since I was last at WDW in 2016. I haven't been to Boardwalk in 10+ years, it's not my cup of tea. But I never had a problem at the MK resorts, ever. The issue here is not the ability to park in a lot, I know Disney has to make sure paying resort guests have a place to park. The issue is, for me, the delivery of the message. A cast member should take the time and explain WHY you can't park somewhere, where it was allowed before. Courtesy and communication go a very long way.

Disney should be a little more clear that day visitors, in their own vehicles, are not welcome to park at any resort close to a theme park. Personally, I don't use valet, I knew a few and heard lots of stories. I don't take taxis don't feel safe in them, same as lyft and uber. Disney Transportation is good, but without point to point travel, which I know is a logistical nightmare, it's time consuming. Now that I know about these restrictions, I will do something different when we go to the MK resorts and park in the MK lot. Or if we don't want to spend the time trying to get to them, we can just as easily go to another resort or even better, off property, to spend the money.

I have to disagree. BLT and Contenporary have always had the strictest policies in regard to parking. I never had an issue at BC or Poly but have at all the others and I haven’t been a member as long as you. You must’ve been very lucky indeed.

I agree that courtesy is appreciated and expected. But when you have a huge line of cars backing up to pacify a guest...there comes a point when courtesy turns to duty and needs of many vs 1.

 

[DizBub]

...the last few years...restrictions are hard and fast at BW....you better have a reservation to stay there or have lunch or dinner...
the thing is so many people abuse parking there to go to Epcot...not so much these days...they are strict..we stay there a few times a year...so are familiar with the parking situation...
My guess is the guard doesn't have much time to explain every rule to everyone trying to get in...the lot...

I very much agree with these statements. Being fairly frequent guests there we experience this every time. There is always a long line to get into Boardwalk and my estimation is 8 out of 10 cars are turned away at the gate especially during F&W. As returning guests just trying to get back to our room it takes forever and even longer when the guard has to argue with almost everyone trying to get in. It's no wonder they get a little prickly during busy times.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Sorry OP. An interaction like that can definitely leave you with a negative influence on an otherwise great trip.

IMO the parking at BWV is mismanaged. Too much set aside for valet ( it's almost always, if not always half empty at least. And they set too much aside for conventions too. Even mid afternoon they'll have a guard stopping guests of the resort from parking in the one lot even when it is only 1/3rd in use. And it's not because of evening events to come as every time just a little later they've finally opened it up.

Lots of people complain about how far away the parking is but it's never been my complaint. My complaint is how difficult they make it for the paying resort guests when there are open spots. I'll say it's also the different resort in the equation. It's been used and abused for free Epcot parking and I've even read of AP holders who would park there because they could get into Epcot and World Showcase easier and faster. I've driven to many resorts - Poly, CR, BCV, WL, FW SSR, OKW, AKV with intent to visit and eat at the resort and been ready to be turned away at a few but have always been let in. To drive up to BWV and expect the same isn't unreasonable and the CMs there ought to realize that and realize a little more explanation isn't out of line either.

I also have not noticed the remark about limited parking on the booking website for awhile. Or at least it isn't front and center like it was. It was up for a few months but hasn't been a permanent restriction listed.

 

[sgtdisney]

I have to disagree. BLT and Contenporary have always had the strictest policies in regard to parking. I never had an issue at BC or Poly but have at all the others and I haven’t been a member as long as you. You must’ve been very lucky indeed.

I agree that courtesy is appreciated and expected. But when you have a huge line of cars backing up to pacify a guest...there comes a point when courtesy turns to duty and needs of many vs 1.

I haven't been to BLT or CR for a couple of years, but before that, no problem. They'd see our OKW parking pass on the dash, I'd let them know my intentions on dining and shopping and they'd let me in. Same with Poly and GF. But we never did it with intentions to park and leave the car there all day. As I said I haven't been any of the Epcot resorts in years as it's just not a draw for me. It's funny, too, as Disney still considers BW as an entertainment venue on their website, in the same section is Disney Springs.

As for the courtesy, I don't know why everyone is assuming there was a long line. I didn't read that in the OP's post. It only takes a few seconds to be polite and explain why a parking lot that is sometimes open isn't at this time. I think they could have handled this differently whether they were busy or not. Disney prides itself on customer service. I don't think it's good to excuse unwarranted, bad behavior.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Sorry OP. An interaction like that can definitely leave you with a negative influence on an otherwise great trip.

IMO the parking at BWV is mismanaged. Too much set aside for valet ( it's almost always, if not always half empty at least. And they set too much aside for conventions too. Even mid afternoon they'll have a guard stopping guests of the resort from parking in the one lot even when it is only 1/3rd in use. And it's not because of evening events to come as every time just a little later they've finally opened it up.

Lots of people complain about how far away the parking is but it's never been my complaint. My complaint is how difficult they make it for the paying resort guests when there are open spots. I'll say it's also the different resort in the equation. It's been used and abused for free Epcot parking and I've even read of AP holders who would park there because they could get into Epcot and World Showcase easier and faster. I've driven to many resorts - Poly, CR, BCV, WL, FW SSR, OKW, AKV with intent to visit and eat at the resort and been ready to be turned away at a few but have always been let in. To drive up to BWV and expect the same isn't unreasonable and the CMs there ought to realize that and realize a little more explanation isn't out of line either.

I also have noticed the remark about limited parking on the booking website for awhile. Or at least it isn't front and center like it was. It was up for a few months but hasn't been a permanent restriction listed.

It’s ridiculous the number of spaces set aside at BW for valet parking. I took pictures one year when we got the last spot, during the day, in self parking, and valet was almost deserted.

 

[thelionqueen]

I haven't been to BLT or CR for a couple of years, but before that, no problem. They'd see our OKW parking pass on the dash, I'd let them know my intentions on dining and shopping and they'd let me in. Same with Poly and GF. But we never did it with intentions to park and leave the car there all day. As I said I haven't been any of the Epcot resorts in years as it's just not a draw for me. It's funny, too, as Disney still considers BW as an entertainment venue on their website, in the same section is Disney Springs.

As for the courtesy, I don't know why everyone is assuming there was a long line. I didn't read that in the OP's post. It only takes a few seconds to be polite and explain why a parking lot that is sometimes open isn't at this time. I think they could have handled this differently whether they were busy or not. Disney prides itself on customer service. I don't think it's good to excuse unwarranted, bad behavior.

Not excusing unwarranted bad behavior at all. In reading the OP, there were 2 cars involved and, estimating the length due to dialogue mentioned, it seems obvious that this lasted more than just a few minutes. Having stayed at BWV often (or any resort for that matter) the number of cars that pass through with even the slightest delay, causes large back-ups. I agree with DizBub as they relate to the amount of time to get into the resort parking lot as a registered guest. Literally, every single time we went back to park, there were at least 3 cars in line, and I saw several have to "u-turn" to get back out. It is a serious problem and I absolutely stand by their decision to enforce rules for non-registered guests or those without a reservation. Unfortunately, many are looking to use the parking lot for the parks which creates significant issues for those paying to stay there. It is never OK to be rude nor do I support such actions, but in my reading of the issue, and in my opinion, there was reasoning for the decision and handling of the situation.

 

[bakerworld]

The Boardwalk, unfortunately for us as I can quite often find a SV studio 5 to 7 months out, my husband will no longer stay due to the customer service we've experienced. My eldest still loves it there - it was her first experience with DVC - but she has often been given a hard time over checking in and parking. Just our experience.

 

[wnielsen1]

Coming soon...the latest DVC...Parking at Boardwalk Villas! How many parking points would you like to buy? Make sure you buy direct as your points are valid for the closest parking lots. Resale parking is across the street.

 

[kboo]

Coming soon...the latest DVC...Parking at Boardwalk Villas! How many parking points would you like to buy? Make sure you buy direct as your points are valid for the closest parking lots. Resale parking is across the street.

 

[DeeCee735]

I think people are missing the point. She didn't mind that she couldn't park there, policy or not. What she minded was how condescending the gate attendant and manager were. We all spend a ton of money at these parks, and the people who work there are supposed to be the best in the world in the hospitality industry. As such, there are ways to deliver bad news in a polite manner. For example, "We are currently at capacity in the self-park lots because of hotel guests and dining reservations for the day and cannot take any more cars in the lot at this time. Please feel free to use the lot across the street to park as it is just a short walk. Would you like me to show you where it is?" You certainly cannot please everyone, but I have been there where someone was rude completely unnecessarily, and it is infuriating when you are spending money for someone to be rude to you. I wasn't there, but I don't think she is arguing the policy, but the manner in which she was treated. OP, please chime in if I am mischaracterizing your anger/frustration with the situation.

Hi. We weren't aware of the policy, maybe I should have been, but like I said we weren't turned away at all during the week anywhere else we visited and that just contributed to the situation.

When the guard told my kids to they had to leave due to no reservation, and actually had them turn around, yeah, I was surprised. When I got to the gate and showed my ID & DVC card and explained we weren't turned away anywhere else as mentioned above, she said we couldn't stay without a res. That's when the back and forth started. Some places on the BW don't go by reservations and a person doesn't need to have reservation if they're willing to put their name on a list a wait.

So, yes the delivery of the message needs work. The guard could have mentioned valet parking as an option, or any kind of explanation as to why they couldn't let us in, or mention a 2 hour limit. Had anything other than being told to leave been mentioned, like a policy we weren't aware of, the whole thing would have been different. We may have been disappointed, but we get policies and we would have figured something else out. Frustration wouldn't have been part of it, the manager wouldn't have been brought in, and my frustration wouldn't have lead her to unprofessional behavior (face making and eye rolling).

I spoke to DVC member satisfaction, I took responsibility for my part in it, refused the offer for fast passes as compensation and wrote it off as an uneducated interaction, on all our parts. The employees need to be trained as what to say and/or how to disappoint a guest in a more positive way, (offer alternatives is one idea), and I need to recognize that not everything in the World is perfect and will go as we want it to and just let it go and be about enjoying our time there in some other way.

That's it...on to planning my next trip to.....the Boardwalk !!

 

[DeeCee735]

I have to disagree. BLT and Contenporary have always had the strictest policies in regard to parking. I never had an issue at BC or Poly but have at all the others and I haven’t been a member as long as you. You must’ve been very lucky indeed.

I agree that courtesy is appreciated and expected. But when you have a huge line of cars backing up to pacify a guest...there comes a point when courtesy turns to duty and needs of many vs 1.

Just to clarify, there was no huge line of cars behind us, because there were two security guards so one of them routed the cars to the bus line and let everyone of them in.

 

[disneynutz]

Coming soon...the latest DVC...Parking at Boardwalk Villas! How many parking points would you like to buy? Make sure you buy direct as your points are valid for the closest parking lots. Resale parking is across the street.

A bus driver told me that DVC parking will be for direct buyers only.

Bill

 

[DeeCee735]

It’s ridiculous the number of spaces set aside at BW for valet parking. I took pictures one year when we got the last spot, during the day, in self parking, and valet was almost deserted.

Valet was not full, neither was the lot the day we were there. I would have paid the valet. I will no longer EVER attempt to bring a car to the Boardwalk. So for our upcoming trips, we won't be renting a car. I'll limit car rentals to Animal Kingdom Lodge and Saratoga Springs stays.

I will say this, the convenience of the Minnie cars, or Lyft/cabs, whatever, is nice and I've used them to get to an onsite spa or to make an ADR without having to leave where I am 90 minutes early, or just to shop (there's a couple of stores in resorts I favor). I just don't like laying out more money to get from one resort to another to spend more money in the resort after spending more money in the parks, after spending more money on the tickets.
Would love to see free Dis transport between resorts, they are destinations in their own right and it would alleviate the problems with parking lots.
Of course, I know that'll never happen if Disney can make more money out of their already paying customers to get from one place to another.....

JMHO