Need Contact Info For DVC & Poly Leadership (Major Issue On Welcome Home Stay July 1-4)

[tjkraz]

The roadways and access points for the Poly are being completely reconstructed. This has been disclosed for months now. During the project, parking is more limited and they're having to redirect people to the TTC.

I don't know why screening at the resort entry broke down. I've been asked for ID and proof of being a resort guest every visit for the past 20 years. I won't pretend that guards are 100% compliant, but they should have been more on their toes for a peak holiday period. Definitely an opportunity to improve.

I'm not sure that there are long-term issues with resort parking. Not once the construction is complete and screening is done properly.

As for the beach, they were definitely distributing wristbands and screening guests. Did some people sneak around the screening process? Maybe. But it's still July 3/4. Large crowds would have formed even if it was just resort guests.

 

[coreynyc]

My point was not just the DVC money they have, they've also already gotten the money from the cash staying guests. It would take too many CM (aka expenses) to keep people out of the beach area. Whereas, when @sndral was escorted out of MK it was because they had not paid for the party and it only took 1 CM who was already there to do so.

They can put up temporary fencing/barriers, they did it for one section of the Poly beach so they can do it for more. They can prevent non overnight guests from certain areas with gates and CM's.

 

[coreynyc]

Maybe Chapek was onto something when he decided it was time to charge for parking haha. TBH, that is probably the quickest and easiest way for Disney to fix the problem. Make it free for DVC members - maybe even make it another direct benefit to drive direct sales. That's how Disney likes to fix crowd problems - make money and fix it at the same time (at least for those who want to pay more $$).

Everyone coming into the lot for parking gets a ticket. Overnight guests get it comped by front desk. Dining guests get it validated at restaurant for 2-3 hours. Everyone else pays $100 including anyone who stays for dining over the allotted period. Send dining guests to TTC on high impact days (basically NYE & 7/4) Problem solved.

 

[mommy2twingles]

The parking lot at the tower seems to be too small. But on the night of July 3 (when there was the first night of July 4 fireworks), the gate was broken and they had security guard stationed there. I told the guard I was a guest and he let me right in. No scanning of Magicband or room key, no referencing to a list of registered guests. They let me right in based on my word.

It was pouring rain and the lot had no spots. I waited just about an hour. Security guard told me I had to park at TTC, the regular Poly lot was full too. Completely unacceptable to have no parking available for resort guests, obviously the regular Poly side let people park there who also had no business being there. Resort guests pay far too much for a 20 minute parking expedition at the TTC

Also, the resort was supposed to restrict non-guests from the beach areas for fireworks viewing but that clearly didn't happen as guests were given bracelets to wear and most people did not have them on.

None of these issues should apply to your Thanksgiving trip

We stayed at Poly over July 4th. Wristbands were not issued for the 3rd, only the 4th. Parking at the resort is limited because of the construction. We were on the regular resort side and they were not letting anyone in that did not have a reservation.

 

[coreynyc]

The roadways and access points for the Poly are being completely reconstructed. This has been disclosed for months now. During the project, parking is more limited and they're having to redirect people to the TTC.

I don't know why screening at the resort entry broke down. I've been asked for ID and proof of being a resort guest every visit for the past 20 years. I won't pretend that guards are 100% compliant, but they should have been more on their toes for a peak holiday period. Definitely an opportunity

As for the beach, they were definitely distributing wristbands and screening guests. Did some people sneak around the screening process? Maybe. But it's still July 3/4. Large crowds would have formed even if it was just resort guests.

Construction limiting parking should have made it obvious to the people running things to be restrictive and vigilante in regards to who is parking there.

Overnight guests should be prioritized above all others. Full stop.

Also the beach on the Island Tower side was open to everyone and the area they did fence off for guests on the original side was not big enough to accommodate enough guests.

 

[coreynyc]

We stayed at Poly over July 4th. Wristbands were not issued for the 3rd, only the 4th. Parking at the resort is limited because of the construction. We were on the regular resort side and they were not letting anyone in that did not have a reservation.

I never said there were wristbands for the 3rd. Also, were you monitoring security the whole time to ensure they didn’t let anyone in who didn’t have a reservation? And again, if they are limited by construction on a high demand event, they should have prioritized overnight guests above diners.

 

[Mouseforward]

I thought the fee to cancel in less than 2 hours stopped most of that scamming?

I think making dining guests park across the street is fine personally.

Parking is $30 the cancel fee is $10.

 

[airjay75]

I think another potential fix would be (1) no parking at resorts on July 4th for ADRs, and (2) posting a couple CMs at MK and TTC resort line entrances to screen for either hotel guest or ADR. Basically, just close off the resort line of the monorail to people not staying at one of the 3 hotels or who have an ADR. Maybe you’d get some people willing to walk in the July heat from MK or TTC, but after being denied monorail entrance, most would probably give up. That way you don’t need to worry about barricading parts of the resort for resort guests.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Depending on the size of your party, probably cheaper than paying for general parking too. I think it's $10 per person if you cancel. And I wonder whether, if you make a reservation for a party of 1 or 2, do they confirm that the number of people in your car match the ADR? Pretty easy system to game if you don't care about rules.

This reminds me of the alternate street side parking game in NYC. If you’re traveling for a week and need to move your car, you can pay for a garage (@ - $300 per week) - OR - leave the car where it is and pay the fine ($45-$65). You know which the majority of folks pick… (Editing to add that I do not condone playing this game!)

 

[lowlight]

The roadways and access points for the Poly are being completely reconstructed. This has been disclosed for months now. During the project, parking is more limited and they're having to redirect people to the TTC.

I don't know why screening at the resort entry broke down. I've been asked for ID and proof of being a resort guest every visit for the past 20 years. I won't pretend that guards are 100% compliant, but they should have been more on their toes for a peak holiday period. Definitely an opportunity to improve.

I'm not sure that there are long-term issues with resort parking. Not once the construction is complete and screening is done properly.

As for the beach, they were definitely distributing wristbands and screening guests. Did some people sneak around the screening process? Maybe. But it's still July 3/4. Large crowds would have formed even if it was just resort guests.

This sounds like an awful lot of making excuses. For $1000 a night, you don't tell a guest "sorry we have construction going on, but you can park 15 minutes away and hike it over in the rain." Offer free valet for overnight guests when the lot is full. Hire someone to check for bands at the beach. These are not hard or expensive issues to solve.

 

[Cfabar1]

Heard our waiter at California Grill complaining how he was losing many tables/income from guests booking a no show ADR for parking at the contemporary during late night/party events. They don't mind paying the no show fee for the convenient parking.

Isn't it only like $10 per seat or something like that?

 

[Mouseforward]

Isn't it only like $10 per seat or something like that?

Yeah only HDD, V&A, Chez Paul , CRT and Takumi-Tei have additional fees.

 

[Cfabar1]

I don't recognize all the initials but my point is you could do a table for one or two and pay LESS than standard parking AND find yourself closer to the MK than the TTC would put you...

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, disability placards still get free valet.

I didn't know that, and yet I'm disabled and have a placard. Thanks!

 

[PolyRob]

I didn't know that, and yet I'm disabled and have a placard. Thanks!

No problem!

Disability placards also continued to receive free parking at resorts when WDW started charging cash guests. You just had to show it at the front desk. Not an issue anymore, but it was good that it was provided.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

Definitely. My family is. Rental cars aren’t that expensive but we would never even have considered one back in the DME days.

Yup. Years ago getting rides on DME was the best way to start a trip. Would never have even thought about renting. Now? I can't imagine ever NOT renting a car. Leaving on my own time. Shopping. Going other places in Orlando. Driving to Epcot, HS, and AK so as not to deal with the bus. It's the best and I'm usually getting weeklong cars for right around 300-350. Sometimes my credit card even gives me back 75 or so as a special offer.

On the July 3rd this year we had a res at Narcoossee's. The line to get in the lot was ridiculous. Was eventually told to turn around and park next door at the wedding pavillion parking. Honestly thatr worked out so well...lots of spots and was right up front. Two days later we switched resorts and stayed at Poly. Will say I had a very hard time finding spots in the lot with all the construction. One time coming back in evening I thought I wouldn't even find a spot and eventually sorta kinda squeezed into one. I agree if you have paid to stay at a resort you must get priority parking.

 

[toesmom]

We had originally booked to go this 4th after hearing how empty it was last 4th, but decided against it. I’ve heard a lot of locals are doing the monorail hopping thing on holidays, and if Disney doesn’t stop them, I can’t blame them. Dole whips, nice pools, roasted marshmallows, kids activities, food, drinks and free fireworks without paying for a hotel room? Sounds like a nice 4th if I lived nearby.

I agree there should have been more care to keep the resort amenities including the beach, for resort guests. Very frustrating and I do understand how OP feels, especially for the points used to stay in the new tower.

 

[sethschroeder]

You submit your issue online through their contact form.
https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/contact/email

In the end its July 4th at Disney. POLY they even do wristbands fairly sure to try and deal with the volume of non-resort guests.

Parking is always an issue and I am doubtful even with a working gate it would have then left any spots for you.

Your issue is likely increased with locals booking on major holidays only.

 

[sethschroeder]

It is usually around $500 to $600 for the week, when I checked Mears, it wasn't $160 for the trips to MCO it was more expensive. Plus you have account for the Uber rides for a week, so yes it comes close, plus we go to the grocery store at least twice a vacation.

You go to the grocery store twice in a single week?

In the end Tiffany Towncar -> Ubers a couple times -> Tiffany Towncar = $440 for our 16 night trip this summer

So I can't imagine renting really save you anything unless you are constantly going off property which Magical Express wouldn't save you anything. In the end this comes down to a number of people renting cars but also 4th of July being likely a big locals going to the parks time of the year and parking correctly or incorrectly in the lots as well.

Not sure why Disney has never added parking ramps to their parking lot areas honestly.

 

[sethschroeder]

Yeah I agree I'd probably do the same.

I think if you do decide to go on the 4th, just stay at AKL or Saratoga or whatever. That's what we'll do in the future. It is a great time to visit I think. I love the special fireworks.

You are fine pretty much everywhere but POLY and to an extent VGF.

BCV and that area wasn't bad at all staying there. Even the skyliner that we took in the evening wasn't bad except for when the boats went down and the skyliner was then overrun and it was a 30 min wait per the CM. (We had went to AOA for dinner just to randomly try it that night and was pleasantly surprised in quality)

We have been on the 4th multiple times post COVID and stay in both the Boardwalk and Monorail areas.

My suggestion is simply not to have a rental car with DVC unless you are at one of the resorts that essentially require it like AKV, SSR, OKW. Just catch a couple ubers and even get a towncar for airport pickup.