Originally a thanks note - is heating up as a near debate on BCV/BWV valet parking

[jaysue]

Many thanks for the members who suggested the free valet parking for DVC members as a way to easily commute to the Boardwalk and Epcot WS - we used this "perk" to go to Epcot/WS for dinner and boardwalk for entertainment during our recent trip

DW was impressed that we could just drive up to valet parking, hand over the keys and a small gratuity and waltz into the BWV/BWI lobby and then downstairs to the Boardwalk and a short walk over to Epcot/WS

One of the many "little" things that validated the DVC purchase for her (it was my idea to buy)

thanks
Jason

 

[hulagirl]

jaysue - Is it free even if you're not staying at the Boardwalk? I didn't know that! Does that mean valet parking is free at all DVC resorts even if you are not staying DVC? (as long as you are a member?)

 

[hulagirl]

jaysue - Is it free even if you're not staying at the Boardwalk? I didn't know that! Does that mean valet parking is free at all DVC resorts even if you are not staying DVC? (as long as you are a member?)

 

[dianeschlicht]

The official word is that DVC valet parking at DVC resorts ony is free to DVC members staying on DVC points. That being said...If you are staying at a DVC resort on points and have the free valet card for your car, you will probably be admitted to other resorts as well on that day, but that is not the offical word. Valet parking at DVC resorts is NOT free if you are not staying on points.

 

[jaysue]

Yes, the valet parking was free - had the OKW parking card in my car - not sure if they checked that or just went on me presenting my DVC member card - we were staying at OKW on points when we used the service last week

Have not tried to valet park without a valid parking pass & staying on points so not sure what would happen "officially"

thanks
jaysue

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
The official word is that DVC valet parking at DVC resorts ony is free to DVC members staying on DVC points.

Diane, that's what I thought too until others on this board corrected me. I just re-checked the member site and it sounds like "valet any time" is the policy.

Valet Parking at the Walt Disney World® Resort
Disney Vacation Club Members are not charged for valet parking at Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge, regardless of where you're staying. You must present your Disney Vacation Club Member card or Walt Disney World Resort ID with your "DVC Member" designation on it when leaving your vehicle to be parked.

The tag line reminding that tipping is still expected was further into the non-DVC resort explanation.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
The official word is that DVC valet parking at DVC resorts ony is free to DVC members staying on DVC points. That being said...If you are staying at a DVC resort on points and have the free valet card for your car, you will probably be admitted to other resorts as well on that day, but that is not the offical word. Valet parking at DVC resorts is NOT free if you are not staying on points.

No. This is not true. There is no requirement that you be staying on points to get free valet parking. From the Fall, 2001 Issue of Vacation Magic: "As of July 16, 2001, the Walt Disney World Resort adopted a standard industry practice and will charge for valet parking at all Walt Disney World Resort locations that offer this guest service. The $6.00 fee (among the lowest in the market) is a daily charge, so once you have paid for valet service, you will receive unlimited valet parking for the remainder of the day. However, Disney Vacation Club Members will not be charged for valet parking at Disney's BoardWalk Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge, regardless of where they are staying. Disney Vacation Club Members must show their DVC Member card or Walt Disney World Resort ID indicating that they are a DVC Member when leaving their vehicle to be parked in order to receive this service at no charge at either Disney's BoardWalk Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Members will be charged for this service at any other valet parking operation at the Walt Disney World Resort. Whether or not you are charged to valet park, gratuities are still appropriate. There will be no charge for guests with disabilities with the proper permits."

Note that there is no requirement for a points stay or even a resort stay. You could even be a day visitor. Valet parking is free for DVC members at the DVC resorts that provide this service. This applies to valet parking at BWV, BCV, and VWL only. All that is required is that you are a DVC member and you show your DVC Member card or a WDW Resort ID indicating that you are a DVC Member.

Ralph

 

[jaysue]

Any thoughts as to why this does not include valet parking at BCV?

thanks
jaysue

 

[LisaR]

Okay, is it just me or is BWV parking meant for those people either staying there or visiting the Boardwalk? To the best of my knowledge, it isn't meant as a parking lot for Epcot access. At least that has always been my impression. Correct me if I am wrong.

Lisa

 

[TandyR]

Valet parking at BWV or BCV and going over to the World Showcase is ok and not frowned apon? Just wondering because I was just told this morning when I was making a PS for the Princess Storybook Breakfast that I should leave VWL an hour before the PS and I got to thinking I might be able to cut off some of that time if I valet parked at BWV or BCV and walked in, but I don't want to do it if I really shouldn't do it...if you know what I mean. So what is the offical view on doing this?

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by jaysue
Any thoughts as to why this does not include valet parking at BCV?

thanks
jaysue

BCV valet parking is included. The VM quote does not mention BCV because it hadn't opened yet.

 

[Laurabearz]

So that explains (in part) why we had to wait over 15 minutes to valet our car when we were STAYING at the BWV...

It really sucked... but still not as bad as the bus service.

 

[disneyberry]

was just about to quote the website, but looks like Pam already posted it earlier.
just wanted to highlight it again in bold, 'cause i almost missed it myself earlier.

anyway, it clearly states BCV, BWV, or VWL, for those who were concerned about why BCV wasn't included in that Vacation Magic quote.

Originally posted by PamOKW
Valet Parking at the Walt Disney World® Resort
Disney Vacation Club Members are not charged for valet parking at Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge, regardless of where you're staying. You must present your Disney Vacation Club Member card or Walt Disney World Resort ID with your "DVC Member" designation on it when leaving your vehicle to be parked.

 

[jaysue]

thanks PamOKW, for what it is worth at the BWV/BWI gate we advised the gatekeeper that we were going to the Boardwalk and Epcot WorldShowcase both times - no issues

As for any delays, we had none - we arrived at 5:30pm on the one day and about 5pm on the other day - we handed the keys over with a tip, gave our names, showed our cards and off we went - it is a great service option to have

We left around 9:15pm on one of the days and 8:30pm on the other and again went fast with no delays - our car kinda paled next to the rest of the cars there (we drive a Mazda Protege ES) but that was cool since we get great gas mileage.....



thanks
jaysue

 

[JudithM]

A couple of related comments ... Valet parking is complimentary to DVC members at the Beach Club, but not the Yacht Club. I had a chat with valet parking CMs who said some members get upset when they have to pay the valet fee at the YC.

Also, valet parking is complimentary to guests with handicap plates/tags. Thank you, Disney!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by TandyR
Valet parking at BWV or BCV and going over to the World Showcase is ok and not frowned apon? Just wondering because I was just told this morning when I was making a PS for the Princess Storybook Breakfast that I should leave VWL an hour before the PS and I got to thinking I might be able to cut off some of that time if I valet parked at BWV or BCV and walked in, but I don't want to do it if I really shouldn't do it...if you know what I mean. So what is the offical view on doing this?

You are not supposed to park at the BWV to spend the day at Epcot. There are signs as you enter I believe.

I know at the Contemporary and the Poly they sometimes (depending the CM) issue a 3 hour pass for those eating/visiting the resort to discourage heading over to the MK. I don't know if they issue those same 3 hour passes at BWV? Anyone?

If you are only going to eat and not spend the day, I don't think it will be a problem.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Originally posted by PamOKW
Diane, that's what I thought too until others on this board corrected me. I just re-checked the member site and it sounds like "valet any time" is the policy.

Valet Parking at the Walt Disney World® Resort
Disney Vacation Club Members are not charged for valet parking at Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's BoardWalk Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge, regardless of where you're staying. You must present your Disney Vacation Club Member card or Walt Disney World Resort ID with your "DVC Member" designation on it when leaving your vehicle to be parked.

The tag line reminding that tipping is still expected was further into the non-DVC resort explanation.

THanks for the correction ! I was sure I had read differently, but I couldn't find it, so I must have been mistaken. Good information to know!

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by beattyfamily
You are not supposed to park at the BWV to spend the day at Epcot. There are signs as you enter I believe.

I know at the Contemporary and the Poly they sometimes (depending the CM) issue a 3 hour pass for those eating/visiting the resort to discourage heading over to the MK. I don't know if they issue those same 3 hour passes at BWV? Anyone?

If you are only going to eat and not spend the day, I don't think it will be a problem.

We usually visit the Boardwalk once or twice when staying elsewhere (OKW, CBR). We've never received a 3 hour pass or even been questioned where we were going. I discussed the parking situation with the Boardwalk GM about 3 years ago and he said because it is an entertainment area, they cannot restrict parking. I guess ESPN or Jellyrolls would not be happy if their customers were given 3 hour passes. People may go into ESPN and watch a football game and have a few drinks, that maybe longer than 3 hours. Now up to 11:00am, the only businesses open are Spoodles & the General Store, so that's when they should hand out the 3 hour pass, there's no reason to stay longer than 3 hours there. I'd bet most offsite people parking before 11:00am are doing it to avoid the parking charge at the parks. They should send them across the street to the overflow lot right off the bat.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Originally posted by LisaR
Okay, is it just me or is BWV parking meant for those people either staying there or visiting the Boardwalk? To the best of my knowledge, it isn't meant as a parking lot for Epcot access. At least that has always been my impression. Correct me if I am wrong.

Lisa

Lisa, I would have to agree. Using BWV parking as a substitute for Epcot parking seems to be an abuse of the system to me, and I don't think it should be encouraged. I believe there are signs asking for this not to occur. I would have to see resort parking availability limited because of these types of system abuses. I always thought the free valet parking was for the use of local resort restaraunts, not all day theme park parking.

I think it's pretty obvious that is not the intended use of these parking resources, and is just a customer service loophole people are using to take advantage. Well, I guess this will be another perk that will go by the wayside as a victim of abuse. Too bad.

I appreciate the effort of offerring a thank you, but this doesn't seem like a good idea or consistent with the rules.

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by Laurabearz
So that explains (in part) why we had to wait over 15 minutes to valet our car when we were STAYING at the BWV...

It really sucked... but still not as bad as the bus service.

Let me start by saying DVC has brought out the snob in me and my expectations.

That said, we were told by the valet our first trip home to call from the room for the car. I do this at all 3 DVC resorts. As we finish packing the backpack for the day, I call for the car. We are usually at the valet stand within 5-8 minutes and 95% our car is waiting.

Sandy