Off-site on first night, how to avoid paying Parking for on-site check-in day.

[AzzySpazbourne]

Hi all,

Wasn't sure to post here or on Resorts Board. Moderator, feel free to move if necessary.

We are planning another trip for later this year. We will be traveling down for a total of 7 days/6 nights.

We are staying for free at an off site hotel on our first and last night, and are NOT planning any Disney fun on these days. On our first day we will simply be arriving to the off site hotel having dinner locally, swimming at the pool, and sleeping.

My question pertains to our "Day 2" (the first day in the parks) and our Disney resort check-in day.

First, I have read on the Disney website that park parking is free for on site guests. If we wanted to be at Magic Kingdom by rope drop, what do we need to do to ensure that we will not be charged for parking?

 

[goofy4tink]

The only way that can be fine is if you have an AP. Yes, you have a resort reservation. But because you haven't checked in yet, it isn't officially activated. Now....that may have changed, I'm not 100% positive.
If it were me? I would just go to the resort, early, get checked in, and then head to a park.
If anyone knows if you can just head to a park, without checking in, and park free, let us know. Thanks.

 

[JoeyEmmaMomma]

They will scan your magic band at the booth where people pay to park. They will see you are a guest on property that night, and not have to pay.
We did this over the weekend.

 

[AzzySpazbourne]

The only way that can be fine is if you have an AP. Yes, you have a resort reservation. But because you haven't checked in yet, it isn't officially activated. Now....that may have changed, I'm not 100% positive.
If it were me? I would just go to the resort, early, get checked in, and then head to a park.
If anyone knows if you can just head to a park, without checking in, and park free, let us know. Thanks.

Would this apply if we used online check-in? If not, what are the steps I need to take to either avoid being charged or get reimbursed? Do I need to go to the security office at the resort the morning of my official check-in day? Do I need to stand in line at the concierge to explain everything?

I find it hard to believe there is no possible way that it can be handled. I bet tons of people go to the parks before the official 3:00 check-in time (or prior to room assignment).

I'm just trying to find the quickest and least-amount of headache to not have to pay the parking when I will be a resort guest starting that day.

 

[AzzySpazbourne]

They will scan your magic band at the booth where people pay to park. They will see you are a guest on property that night, and not have to pay.
We did this over the weekend.

THANKS! PERFECT! Just in case, MDE is down (and that rarely happens, right?) do you think it'll help if I also print out my room/stay confirmation?

 

[JoeyEmmaMomma]

THANKS! PERFECT! Just in case, MDE is down (and that rarely happens, right?) do you think it'll help if I also print out my room/stay confirmation?

That sounds like a good plan. But you shouldn't have to pay for parking. It won't be a problem.
They literally scanned my husbands band and said, bye have a nice day! We were right through.

 

[AzzySpazbourne]

... We were right through.

Awesome! Thanks! I was having worries about standing in line at the resort lobby trying to get some sort of parking decal at 6:30am with someone who really is looking forward to the 7am shift change.

 

[goofy4tink]

Thanks guys!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

You can do the checkin process as early as 6am, when the computers switch over, so there's no issue with you going to your resort, stashing bags with bell services (safer than leaving them in your car), and having it all official.