Live at Boardwalk - not happy about parking

[cdtommie]

Evidently there is a new parking class system that was instituted a few weeks ago at the Boardwalk (I talked to a manager about an hour ago) that only convention and wedding guests are permitted to park in the lot on the right and Vacation Club members now have to park in the lot behind Valet. Given the commitment DVC members have made relative to conventioneers I find this change rather insulting. Wonder what other DVC members think of this new policy.

 

[disneynutz]

Evidently there is a new parking class system that was instituted a few weeks ago at the Boardwalk (I talked to a manager about an hour ago) that only convention and wedding guests are permitted to park in the lot on the right and Vacation Club members now have to park in the lot behind Valet. Given the commitment DVC members have made relative to conventioneers I find this change rather insulting. Wonder what other DVC members think of this new policy.

DVC owners have to use their points and will vacation each year even if they are treated differently than cash guests. Cash and convention guests on the other hand have a choice of where they stay so Disney will work harder to keep them happy.

As DVC owners we really don't have any leverage to insure satisfactory service or accommodations.

You can send a email to dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com to voice your dissatisfaction.

Bill

 

[rcchello]

Wedding parties and conventions pay huge amounts of money to Disney. A large convention can drop a huge amount of money a year at Disney. How many times have you rented out a whole park for an evening and sent bus-loads of spouses on the most expensive Disney tours. The last convention I was there for did that and had their own private dinner that included dancing with characters. Entry to the park was not included but I bet the conventioneers probably dropped an additional 100 -200 thousand on tickets and food. I don't think you will get anywhere by saying you bring in more money than a convention.

 

[DebbieB]

Is this all the time or just when there is a convention or wedding? That lot is huge, it would be ridiculous to close it off to members if there isn't an event.

Where are they putting the people with restaurant reservations (or claim to)?

 

[DisneyNutMary]

This just makes me miss free valet parking. They can put my DVC member car in east jabip if they want to if free valet for members were restored. The valets would still earn some $ from my tips.

Things have changed so much in my twelve years as a loyal member- I don't sweat the small changes like this so much. I think it's partially made up for in great new resorts (Aulani, BLT, grand Floridian villas) in discounts on APs, and cool member cruises on DCL

 

[dvcterry]

i would still complain. if you feel that it made your stay less than magical, then by all means let them know via the email pp gave.

 

[jekjones1558]

I wonder if this is related to the combination of an event at the Inn and F&W parking. I parked in the lot in front of the Inn all week when we were there (Oct. 9 - 16) with no problems. There was a guard at that lot on the weekend and I had no issue parking in that right side lot.

 

[RSHEALAND]

Is this all the time or just when there is a convention or wedding? That lot is huge, it would be ridiculous to close it off to members if there isn't an event.

Where are they putting the people with restaurant reservations (or claim to)?

When we were there Friday we had to park in the lot across the street behind the Hess station to go to our reservation

 

[MouseMomx2]

The situation described in the OP was the same in February. I didn't mind at all.

 

[CarolMN]

Evidently there is a new parking class system that was instituted a few weeks ago at the Boardwalk (I talked to a manager about an hour ago) that only convention and wedding guests are permitted to park in the lot on the right and Vacation Club members now have to park in the lot behind Valet. Given the commitment DVC members have made relative to conventioneers I find this change rather insulting. Wonder what other DVC members think of this new policy.

DVC owners have to use their points and will vacation each year even if they are treated differently than cash guests. Cash and convention guests on the other hand have a choice of where they stay so Disney will work harder to keep them happy.

As DVC owners we really don't have any leverage to insure satisfactory service or accommodations..........

If this is a permanent change, then I expect to see an adjustment in my annual dues. DVC members help to pay for parking lot maintenance and supervision. As I recall, the lot behind the valet is much smaller than the lot in front of the convention center.

I do not think this is a permanent change. The lot behind the valet is not large enough to accommodate all of the BWI and BWV guests on a regular basis. I agree with those who think a large event is behind a temporary restriction.

That said, there are many events at the convention center. I'm not crazy about my dues helping to pay for infrastructure that does not benefit me. IMO, it is up to Disney to figure out a way to accommodate employees, convention attendees and wedding and special event guests.

 

[jekjones1558]

If this is a permanent change, then I expect to see an adjustment in my annual dues. DVC members help to pay for parking lot maintenance and supervision. As I recall, the lot behind the valet is much smaller than the lot in front of the convention center.

I do not think this is a permanent change. The lot behind the valet is not large enough to accommodate all of the BWI and BWV guests on a regular basis. I agree with those who think a large event is behind a temporary restriction.

That said, there are many events at the convention center. I'm not crazy about my dues helping to pay for infrastructure that does not benefit me. IMO, it is up to Disney to figure out a way to accommodate employees, convention attendees and wedding and special event guests.

Well said, Carol! I want you in my corner when the final arguments are offered!

 

[Dean]

If this is a permanent change, then I expect to see an adjustment in my annual dues. DVC members help to pay for parking lot maintenance and supervision. As I recall, the lot behind the valet is much smaller than the lot in front of the convention center.

I do not think this is a permanent change. The lot behind the valet is not large enough to accommodate all of the BWI and BWV guests on a regular basis. I agree with those who think a large event is behind a temporary restriction.

That said, there are many events at the convention center. I'm not crazy about my dues helping to pay for infrastructure that does not benefit me. IMO, it is up to Disney to figure out a way to accommodate employees, convention attendees and wedding and special event guests.

Ignoring valet and HC parking I think they are very close in size overall. As long as parking is provided it'd be hard to argue for a reduction since it costs the same to maintain all of the lots. Given the location and situation it's reasonable to hold the lot in front of the convention center for the noted group's. The Convention business also pays for part of our dues in a sense or at least keeps them lower. I think it most reasonable to restrict the lot when there are events and not otherwise.

 

[Chuck S]

There are a LOT of private events at Disney lately, there were at least 4 large reserved areas for the fireworks one night at EPCOT last week, 2 weddings, a convention and Chase cardholders, there may have been even more private events that weren't so noticeable.

More people seem to be shifting big events to coincide with F&W.

 

[Scoobypop]

Just got back last week from 6 incredible days. 2 bedroom was in perfect condition. Better than my last stay there in '09. Honestly, I didn't even notice that parking was In a different place than last time. Had absolutely no trouble finding parking any time we arrived back, there were plenty of spots every time. Found no inconveniences from the parking situation, and after my 6 nights there, I declared bwv my new favorite resort.

 

[figment814]

My BFs daughter was told last weekend that she could not self park at Boardwalk, that she had to valet. They had blocked the parking lot she had used for three days. She's feisty, and would have none of that! They ended moving cones for her to park.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

We're checking in on Wednesday ...wanted to,see if anyone had any updates on the parking

 

[spruce]

I was disappointed during our early October trip to find that I couldn't pull down and turn left to park as this whole area now belongs to valet parking. I couldn't pull down and go right as this was for conventions. I had to park by the guard shack. Both those other lots used to be open for Dvc members. This was just one of my disappointments this trip. All I really want is a little respect as a dvc owner. There were 19 of us.... That's 19 MNSSHP tickets, 19 MYW 5 day hoppers, 8 dining reservations for between 13 & 19 at cost level of Le Cellier. We brought business to Disney plus invested 30k yet we have to park far away, most restaurants took large party reservations 180 days out but couldn't manage their tables to seat us together without an hour wait. We are repeat customers who have done multiple large group trips, how about treating us with a little respect? That's my small rant. Members are not special any longer, that's my greatest disappointment with dvc today. I did get what I paid for though, rooms!

 

[disneynutz]

I was disappointed during our early October trip to find that I couldn't pull down and turn left to park as this whole area now belongs to valet parking. I couldn't pull down and go right as this was for conventions. I had to park by the guard shack. Both those other lots used to be open for Dvc members. This was just one of my disappointments this trip. All I really want is a little respect as a dvc owner. There were 19 of us.... That's 19 MNSSHP tickets, 19 MYW 5 day hoppers, 8 dining reservations for between 13 & 19 at cost level of Le Cellier. We brought business to Disney plus invested 30k yet we have to park far away, most restaurants took large party reservations 180 days out but couldn't manage their tables to seat us together without an hour wait. We are repeat customers who have done multiple large group trips, how about treating us with a little respect? That's my small rant. Members are not special any longer, that's my greatest disappointment with dvc today. I did get what I paid for though, rooms!

I understand your frustrations but based on repeated evidence, Disney isn't worried about you being upset. All you can do is sell your contract(s) if you are fed up and your buyer takes your place. Disney doesn't have any reason to change things.

Bill

 

[DebbieB]

I would like to know if our dues are going towards the parking lot and how much. If we are maintaining half of it, we should have access to half of it, in a decent spot, not shoved to the back. Parking has always been a sore spot at BWV, I talked to the General Manager after the annual meeting I think in 2000 and his response was that is why we give you free valet parking. Well, we don't have free valet parking anymore, so what is the solution?

 

[spiceycat]

I would like to know if our dues are going towards the parking lot and how much. If we are maintaining half of it, we should have access to half of it, in a decent spot, not shoved to the back. Parking has always been a sore spot at BWV, I talked to the General Manager after the annual meeting I think in 2000 and his response was that is why we give you free valet parking. Well, we don't have free valet parking anymore, so what is the solution?

i think we paid for more than half of the parking - BWV is the bigger part of BW

despite what you heard here definitely write to disney - if you know the name of the guard put that in your letter or email to Disney and DVC.