More Parking Insanity...

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I watched a car get towed from the CR parking lot. We were staying there and parking was difficult.
I had seen security going through the parking lot earlier in the day with a clipboard so I figured they were looking at cars to see how long they were in the lot and if they had the parking passes for CR

Now it could've been a car that had broken down but I didn't see anyone else around but me and the tow truck driver.

My thinking was if it was a car parked too long, those people were going to be annoyed when they got back to their car and then they have to figure out where the car was towed to. Then find a way to get to the impound lot and have enough cash to get the car out of impound. Not a fun way to end the day for them.

I think the guards are more lenient when 1) it's not crowded and 2) if there is alot of parking available. I have never taken the chance. I'd rather park my car at the theme park than risk it being gone when I return.

 

[Iris]

It varies, but I've found the MK resorts to be a little more restrictive. This January we tried to go to the Contemp just to look around. We told the guard that my daughter, who was in the car, just moved in for the College Program and got assigned to the shops in the Contemp Concorse and we wanted to get a look. My daughter had her CP housing ID with her but had not gotten her employee ID (yep, there are two ID's) yet. We were refused entry. He said he would have let us in if she had the employee ID. So we drove over to the WL and took the boat over.

Really? This surprises me just a little. I am one of those people who realizes that just because we were allowed to do something on a certain trip, doesn't mean we can do it on all of our trips. I think the majority of people feel that just because they were allowed to do it once, they are "entitled" to do it all of the time and cause a scene when they are told something else, but I digress.

I am surprised that as DVC members you were not permitted to shop at the contemporary, especially in January which is normally a slow month. Regardless as to whether your daughter had her CM ID, just the fact that you are DVC members usually, and I say usually, will allow you to park at any other DVC resort. Had you been staying at a DVC resort? If so, did you have your parking pass? Maybe you were not staying on property this time, but still, wanting to shop in January, I would think they would have allowed it. We normally stay at BW, OKW or SSR and always want to hit resort shops during our stays, especially CR. We have never had an issue in all of our years being permitted to park and shop. Sometimes, during a peak season, we are given a 3 hour parking pass and that is fine, since we don't normally shop that long. Other times we are just let through. We do always make it a point these days to have our parking pass placed properly and have our resort key, ID and DVC card ready to show. Only once was my husband turned away during MNSSHP. I was already in the park, he had picked up my mom from the airport and tried to park at CR, even though I told him he couldn't do this. He was turned away and parked in MK parking lot instead (like I had told him to do anyway).

I don't try to park at CR and walk over to MK unless I am staying there. I have stayed at CR twice, and it was a pain to find parking because of all the people parking there and walking over.

 

[kelleigh1]

The "entitlement" attitude: I'm going to do what I want until someone makes me follow the rules.

 

[kidsgobears]

deleted

 

[ols386]

I would never park in a resort parking lot for an ADR, and then just walk over to the park following my meal. I don't care if a guard told me it was ok to do that or not, I know in my own mind that I'm not supposed to do that, and there are signs, as well, telling me that.

That is nothing more than being completely inconsiderate of those who are guests at that particular resort....and them returning back to their resort, and there is no place to park, because park-goers are taking up the parking spots.

Even if a guard tells you that you can park in a resort parking lot for an ADR, and leave your car there while you go to a park....who's to say that they (WDW security in general) might just decide to tow your vehicle from the lot? Wouldn't that be fun, going to retrieve your vehicle from where they store them after they are towed, and then paying the cost.

I just wouldn't do it period.

 

[princessallegra]

Nothing, my parents neighbors do it all the time. From what I have heard is that they simply say they are going to the Contemporary at the parking gate and then just park in the MK lot. Now that said they also use a GAC and are perfectly fine. Not condoning any of it just reporting what I see/hear.

Your parent's NEIGHBORS sound awesome! integrity!

Better? Sorry for the quick read. No Dis elite here. Just like to live within honesty in this life. White lies to get a GAC card to me is sealing your karmic fate. It blows my mind! I would hate for your parent's neighbors to actually have a disability that required them or one of their children to actually NEED a GAC. Just smh.

 

[eranwolf]

Your parents sound awesome! Integrity! Cool!

Hmm let me repost my earlier statement from another person who obviously reads too quickly or at least runs their mouth before double checking what was said!! Double-Checking! Cool!

Maybe you should re-read the post one more time a little slower!! It says "my parents NEIGHBORS". My parents follow the rules, but some of you Disney Elite seem entitled to not follow the rules, especially locals like my parents NEIGHBORS. Also, please spare me the moral high horse you are riding. He who throws the first stone, as they say. Once again I am merely passing on what my parents NEIGHBORS do, not what I or my parents do. I hope you grasped the cynicism with which I typed that because I was laying it on pretty thick.

But just in case you still don't get it, let me sum it up in a picture for you:

 

[kaytieeldr]

Your parents sound awesome! Integrity! Cool!

Again, it's the parents' NEIGHBORS behaving badly: telling security they're going to the Contemporary, then diverting themselves to the MK parking lot, and abusing the Guest Assistance Card (aka 'putting one over on Disney', aka scamming Disney), NOT that poster's parents.

Is there a way to make that more clear? I'd hate to have my parents repeatedly and wrongly accused of scamming, simply because of a misunderstanding over who was behaving badly.

 

[eranwolf]

Again, it's the parents' NEIGHBORS behaving badly: telling security they're going to the Contemporary, then diverting themselves to the MK parking lot, and abusing the Guest Assistance Card (aka 'putting one over on Disney', aka scamming Disney), NOT that poster's parents.

Is there a way to make that more clear? I'd hate to have my parents repeatedly and wrongly accused of scamming, simply because of a misunderstanding over who was behaving badly.

Again, thank you kaytieeldr for defending the messenger!! People need some reading comprehension lessons on here.

 

[princessallegra]

Hmm let me repost my earlier statement from another person who obviously reads too quickly or at least runs their mouth before double checking what was said!! Double-Checking! Cool!

Maybe you should re-read the post one more time a little slower!! It says "my parents NEIGHBORS". My parents follow the rules, but some of you Disney Elite seem entitled to not follow the rules, especially locals like my parents NEIGHBORS. Also, please spare me the moral high horse you are riding. He who throws the first stone, as they say. Once again I am merely passing on what my parents NEIGHBORS do, not what I or my parents do. I hope you grasped the cynicism with which I typed that because I was laying it on pretty thick.

But just in case you still don't get it, let me sum it up in a picture for you:

Adequately thick, thank you

 

[Jestocost]

I sometimes drive over the speed limit. Sometimes a police officer sees this. Since I have never received a speeding ticket, can I assume that speeding is legal or that I never will receive a speeding ticket?

 

[disneymomjcs]

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Maybe you should re-read the post one more time a little slower!! It says "my parents NEIGHBORS". My parents follow the rules, but some of you Disney Elite seem entitled to not follow the rules, especially locals like my parents NEIGHBORS. Also, please spare me the moral high horse you are riding. He who throws the first stone, as they say. Once again I am merely passing on what my parents NEIGHBORS do, not what I or my parents do. I hope you grasped the cynicism with which I typed that because I was laying it on pretty thick.

But just in case you still didn't get it let me show you in a picture:

either way.. they should not be doing it...... I am NOT Disney elite.. I follow the rules, that is all. I don't want my passes to go up in price due to others who decide not to follow rules. We all know that when someone steals, prices go up .. fact of life... profit and loss.... who is the one on the loss side, the consumer is! We guests will be at a loss when the parking price and pass prices continue to increase due to people who continue to scam the system... so once again.. regardless who did it, your parents or their neighbors, it is wrong... Just because it isn't your parents, doesn't make it right.. and as I said, you are only the messenger.. and you do not condone what they are doing.. Sooooo read that a little slower... and you may understand what I said too...

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

This may sound a little off topic but after this thread, the numerous FP threads and debates and all the other hot button issues around here over the years about pool hopping, refillable mugs etc. I finally got my hands around something with one of the most innocent questions being asked on this board.

Someone wanted to know about golf reservations and if you still had to leave a credit card number and was the cancellation policy still 24 hours. Having golfed at WDW many times, I immediately answered the question because hey, I've been enough times that know all that stuff.

I answered and in the response said just go look at the policy online and it explains everything. Then I thought to myself, when is the last time I looked at the policy? So I did, and guess what the answer I gave was wrong. WDW requires a credit card number for golf reservations, and has a 48 hour cancellation policy and stated rates for all seasons and course. Problem was everything I was reading went against everything I thought I knew.

Then I tried to reconcile the whole thing in my mind and suddenly a whole lot of things became very clear. Disney has a policy written out for just about everything that goes on there that they offer to the public. That is their official policy and if you are an honest person that reads rules and accepts them then that's all you need and you move on.

Now I am not suggesting that anyone that moves to the next step in the process is dishonest but this is where the wheels come off in a lot of the discussions. I will only speak to what I know best which is the Tee time policy as written vs to what actually happens. First I go in the summer, and not a lot of folks want to play golf because of the heat and humidity so call it the "off" season for golf. Disney says the cheaper rates start at 2:00 PM, every time I call for a tee time they tell me the cheaper rates start at 10:00AM. Official policy wants a credit card, when I call they say all they need is my reservation number and won't charge me anything if I don't show up. When I get to the course as a single player at 9:15 they offer to start me right away, I say no I have the after 10:00 rate, they say that's fine you can start now there's no one on the course.

What I am trying to get at is there is the "official" policy, and then there is the reality of practicality. Rules for golf don't count in the off season when theres's no one playing. But come back from October through March and the rules apply to the tee, no exceptions.

So the moral of this long rambling story is this, there are rules that say don't park at the resorts to go to a park, use the FP during the window, refillable mugs are only good during your current stay etc. Can you do it and get away with it? Yes. Can you sometimes do it and even get it blessed by the CM on duty at the parking lot, at the FP entrance, or in a food court? Yes again. Could your car be towed, you be denied entrance with a late FP, or be asked to pay for drinks got in the old mug? Once again, YES! So the lesson learned is simple, they have rules that depending on circumstance may or may not be enforced to the letter. Since I am on vacation and do not want to take the chance of ruining my fun, I will adhere to the rules and not take a chance of having unpleasant things happen. Others are willing to take that chance, I am not. All I can say is when they do enforce the rules, don't get mad, yell at CM's or threaten anyone, just say okay, and deal with the consiquinces of your decision.

You are very wise.

 

[Orlando313]

I didn't realize there were so many complete angels here on the Dis.

NOT! People do things that are against the rules/law everyday of their life. I feel that it's pointless for people to come on here and be so self-righteous when there is no perfect person.

 

[ccgirl]

Said another way...

I know it's against the rules but I got away with it. Just because you can get away with something doesn't mean you should do it.

For those of you that have children and do this...I hope you keep this in mind with your children. If they are not supposed to do something but get away with it...hey no harm no foul; right?

 

[Suellen]

Also we ate a Quick Service meal at the CR.
And we were talking to the Cast Member there who was on duty at the counter - she was a manger.
She offered up the advice of getting a bottled juice or soda to save for later and using out mug from another resort for a drink now.

the horror!!!

she offered it up to us without asking!!!

We've had a similar experience where we didn't have our mugs with us and the cashier tried to get us to buy one (we were buying paper cups to get drinks at CR even though we were staying elsewhere... can't remember where) when we said no thank you we have them for X resort we are staying at and we were just stopping here on the way to MK (via monorail) for a drink the cashier said "don't be silly then... if you have mugs you don't have to buy these ~ just take them and fill up!"

Nice? Yes. Do I expect it when we go again. Absolutely not. Accept Pixie dust when it happens... it doesn't mean a certain rule no longer applies.

 

[goofy4tink]

That's what they do at the Swolphin. They have a machine and you must enter you room key for the arm to go up. If you aren't a guest, you pay, even if you are going there only to eat at Il Mulino.

For whatever reason, WDW has decided not to do this.

And those S/D guests are being charge to park every day. Disney doesn't have to charge us to park, they just have to put into use what they already have at the resort entrances....room key activated gates. Simple. They could leave one lot that is available to anyone to use...one that is a bit more distant perhaps.

I didn't realize there were so many complete angels here on the Dis.

NOT! People do things that are against the rules/law everyday of their life. I feel that it's pointless for people to come on here and be so self-righteous when there is no perfect person.

Nope, far from an angel here!! I just like to be sure that everyone has as much knowledge as they can get..it helps them make informed choices.

We've had a similar experience where we didn't have our mugs with us and the cashier tried to get us to buy one (we were buying paper cups to get drinks at CR even though we were staying elsewhere... can't remember where) when we said no thank you we have them for X resort we are staying at and we were just stopping here on the way to MK (via monorail) for a drink the cashier said "don't be silly then... if you have mugs you don't have to buy these ~ just take them and fill up!"

Nice? Yes. Do I expect it when we go again. Absolutely not. Accept Pixie dust when it happens... it doesn't mean a certain rule no longer applies.

And that's really the issue, isn't it? Lack of consistency. I actually brought back (gasp) a Pop mug from a previous stay. I had stayed for about a week on that stay, but was only staying two nights this time. I really didn't want to buy a new mug just for 3 or 4 drinks...so brought the old one. I know, I know. But hey, at least it was the same resort, and it was just one design old!!! Anyway.....the CM looked at it, on my tray, and said, and I quote...'I'll let it go this time, but you really need to buy a new one.' Told her that yes, I did.
The next morning, I went back, mug in hand, to fill up with coffee. As I went through the line with my breakfast, and empty mug, the CM on duty said..'Hey, good for you...I love seeing the old styles. I loved that design.'
So....it all depends on what CM you get. Was I correct in bringing back the mug? No, not officially. Did I expect to end up in Goofy Jail? No. But, at least I had the correct info I needed to make an informed decision....right or wrong decision, but at least I was informed.

I hate it when people come back here and tell us that 'Well, someone on the DIS told me I could do it, so I figured they were right. The CM told me I couldn't.' So, ask here, I'll tell you what I believe to be correct. If you choose to do something contrary to that, that's your deal. But don't come back here saying you had no idea!!!!

 

[Wadecool]

Hmm let me repost my earlier statement from another person who obviously reads too quickly or at least runs their mouth before double checking what was said!! Double-Checking! Cool!

Maybe you should re-read the post one more time a little slower!! It says "my parents NEIGHBORS". My parents follow the rules, but some of you Disney Elite seem entitled to not follow the rules, especially locals like my parents NEIGHBORS. Also, please spare me the moral high horse you are riding. He who throws the first stone, as they say. Once again I am merely passing on what my parents NEIGHBORS do, not what I or my parents do. I hope you grasped the cynicism with which I typed that because I was laying it on pretty thick.

Uh oh! You forgot your

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Huge pet peeve of mine. Happens every single night there. Now, I don't mind if they have parked behind the Hess station, across the street. But to return to BW, midday, to freshen up before the evening festivities and not be able to find a decent parking space is really annoying. Especially when you watch all those 'front spot' cars leaving about 30 mins after IllumiNations is over. Yeah, they're staying at BW...NOT.


In all reality? I wish Disney would make all resort parking lots room key accesible. There can be short term parking for those checking in, but after that?? You need a room key to access the parking lots. Should be pretty easy. Then, you can get a parking pass which you can get validated while eating or shopping at that resort. If it is validated and you are within the 3 hr window, you don't pay to park. But, if there is no validation, or you have gone into the 4 or 5 hr window??? You now get to pay for resort parking. Should be very easy to do.
I have watched people walk back to their cars after Wishes...they park in the BLT lot. They take up spots that are very close to the walkway to MK..then, about 15 mins after Wishes is over, or MK closes, you see a bunch of people heading down the walkway...right to their cars. They hop in, and drive away...pretty much the same as at BW. While it's nice to sit out on your balcony at night, watching the fireworks at MK, it can get very annoying seeing what is going on below you.

So, long story short???? You are not supposed to park at a resort you are not paying to stay at, and then head to a park. That is the official Disney policy. You can pay to valet park and then head wherever you wish to for as long as you wish to. But self-parking is for those eating/shopping at the resort, or those staying there.

Can you get away with it? Sure you can. Just don't come back here and tell us how easy it was. We know it is. And many of us hope that so many people do it that Disney decides to lock down their parking lots. I mean really?? Why pay to stay at the CR or BW when you can stay at the Motel 6 out on International Dr for $60 a night, and then drive to WDW and park at the CR and have the same access those paying $350 a night get???

This past December when we stayed at the Boardwalk Inn I remember coming back on a Friday around 4:00 PM and there was a huge line up of cars waiting to get in, so we used the keyed access lane and opened the gate with one of our KTTW cards. Anyway I also remember there was a sign in front of the guard shack which said parking was restricted that night to BWI/BWV guests and those with confirmed ADR's. Plus once we got in and were drving to the self parking lot in front of the Convention Center, there was another Cast Member standing at the entrance checking our KTTW card to make sure we were allowed to park there. Now in my four total times staying there that's the first time I ever seen that much security trying to park.