Park Hop AK to Epcot Question

[TinkSassy]

Hello! One day of our trip we will be at AK all morning and then will hop to Epcot for F&W until closing. We will have a car and was thinking to minimize walking about parking at the Boardwalk when we move and taking the boat in and out of the International Gateway. Has anyone tried this? Does it work or is getting a boat out at closing frustrating? Do you end up walking just as far from parking to the dock as to cross Future World?

We have never stopped at the Boardwalk before so not sure if this is a good option.

 

[Nohal]

I don't think you can park at another resort (other than the one you are staying at) unless you have an ADR or are a guest at that resort. You can enter Epcot from Boardwalk without taking the boat you can walk to the International Gateway

 

[downtownbrown]

Hello, while it's up to you, most consider parking at a resort your not staying at without paying the 25 dollar valet fee to be bad form since it denies parking to guests of that resort. I posted a similar thread a while back and that was the feedback I received. With that said, if you don't mind the fee taking the boat to the international gateway is a great way to get in and out of the world showcase.

 

[TinkSassy]

I thought the Boardwalk would have parking like Downtown Disney due to all the shops, bars and restaurants - is it all resort parking only?

 

[erionm]

I thought the Boardwalk would have parking like Downtown Disney due to all the shops, bars and restaurants - is it all resort parking only?

Parking at the Boardwalk Resort is often restricted to registered Boardwalk Guests, those attending a convention at the Boardwalk Conference Center and those with a dining reservation at a Boardwalk Restaurant. When restricted, those guests that don't fall into one of those categories will be directed across the street to a parking lot behind the Hess Station.

 

[ucfknight]

I don't think you can park at another resort (other than the one you are staying at) unless you have an ADR or are a guest at that resort. You can enter Epcot from Boardwalk without taking the boat you can walk to the International Gateway

Disney actually allows non-resort guests to park at their resorts (space permitting) in order to look around, shop, and eat. I believe officially you are only supposed to park for 3 hours or less, but certainly not if you only intend to park there to access one of the theme parks.

 

[joe1946]

There is free self-parking for those actually staying at the Boardwalk, and there's valet parking for $20 plus tip for anyone. If you valet park, you are not only totally within the rules but you've also saved yourself a lot of walking, because the self-parking spaces can be pretty far away.

 

[doconeill]

No, the Boardwalk does not have an expanded parking area. As it is, guests actually staying at the Boardwalk get relegated to the farthest spots so the pay-for valet service can have a very large lot close by.

That is why it is often restricted.

It also really wouldn't save you all that much on walking. You'd have to walk to the resort (again, from a spot that isn't close and potentially across the street), through the resort to the Boardwalk, to the pier, take the boat which brings you _near_ the IG, and then walk to and through the IG. Then to wherever your ultimate goal is...

If you want to park for free and still go this route, park at DHS. If you've already paid for parking it is free with receipt, and you can take the boat from there to the IG.

 

[DebbieB]

They are strict during food & wine, especially on weekends. It's either valet ($20) or park across the street (if there are spaces).

 

[Disney_Princess83]

There is free self-parking for those actually staying at the Boardwalk, and there's valet parking for $20 plus tip for anyone. If you valet park, you are not only totally within the rules but you've also saved yourself a lot of walking, because the self-parking spaces can be pretty far away.

You are allowed to valet without actually having a reservation at the resort. It's only if people aren't paying for parking by using "self park" that it's a problem.