Parking as DVC member

[felway17]

I am going to be staying at the SSR. But on a few nights I have dinner to the BCV and Epcot. For both I think it might be just as easy to park at BCV and walk over to Epcot. Does anyone know if I will be able to park for the day at BCV, maybe even the valet parking?

 

[OKW Lover]

You can park at BCV (or BWV), with free valet, if you have business at the resort. There are signs at the entrance that say they do not provide parking for guests going to Epcot.

 

[disfanforlife]

I have similar question. We are most likely driving to WDW in November and staying at SSR. Would most people who are DVC members and have a car recommend driving to dinner instead of buses? In the past we have always flown and taken buses so we have no experience with driving around to know if it is better or not.

 

[OKW Lover]

I have similar question. We are most likely driving to WDW in November and staying at SSR. Would most people who are DVC members and have a car recommend driving to dinner instead of buses? In the past we have always flown and taken buses so we have no experience with driving around to know if it is better or not.

We prefer to have a car and drive to the other resorts for dinner. Its quick and easy.

 

[disfanforlife]

We prefer to have a car and drive to the other resorts for dinner. Its quick and easy.

Are there maps or directions readily available? I am starting to think since we will have our own car maybe it is a good idea to drive for meals, but to take the bus to the parks.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Are there maps or directions readily available? I am starting to think since we will have our own car maybe it is a good idea to drive for meals, but to take the bus to the parks.

That is what we do all the time. Google maps work great.

 

[Chuck S]

If there isn;t a Disey property road map (not much of a map, but it shows the basics) in your check-in packet, you can get one at the front desk of your resort.

We drive almost everywhere onsite, except MK.

 

[DVCLiz]

I would always recommend driving your own car for a dinner reservation. It only takes once standing at a bus stop or boat launch, watching the clock tick and knowing that you are about to miss your dinner at Cinderella's table, to make you leave in plenty of time and have as much control over your situation as possible!!

As far as valet parking at the resorts, I've parked at the Contemporary and the Boardwalk in order to get a meal and asked if I needed to come back in 3 hours and move my car from the valet to the TTC or the main Epcot parking lot. Both times the guy looked at me like I was crazy, and said if I used valet parking they didn't care how long I stayed. I was getting valet parking free anyway as a DVC member, so I made sure to ask, but they have never made me move my car.

Come to think of it, they didn't make me move my car when I had dinner at Narcoossee's over Spring Break, either. We had dinner and then went to the MK for the evening - I got back to the GF about 11 or so, and the valet guy was happy to get my car - never said a word.

 

[disfanforlife]

I would always recommend driving your own car for a dinner reservation. It only takes once standing at a bus stop or boat launch, watching the clock tick and knowing that you are about to miss your dinner at Cinderella's table, to make you leave in plenty of time and have as much control over your situation as possible!!

As far as valet parking at the resorts, I've parked at the Contemporary and the Boardwalk in order to get a meal and asked if I needed to come back in 3 hours and move my car from the valet to the TTC or the main Epcot parking lot. Both times the guy looked at me like I was crazy, and said if I used valet parking they didn't care how long I stayed. I was getting valet parking free anyway as a DVC member, so I made sure to ask, but they have never made me move my car.

Come to think of it, they didn't make me move my car when I had dinner at Narcoossee's over Spring Break, either. We had dinner and then went to the MK for the evening - I got back to the GF about 11 or so, and the valet guy was happy to get my car - never said a word.

Great to know! Another good reason to have our car there. I think DH is winning on that one. I personally would rather fly. We haven't driven to Florida since 1996 and then it was with my parents so my Dad and DH took turns. If we drive this year DH will have to do at least 90 % of the driving because I do not like driving places I am not familiar with (small town girl). Still if he wants to do it, I guess we will try. Worse case, we hate it and never want to drive again. I honestly don't think we will be saving that much, he just likes the idea of being in control of our trip - not the airlines.

 

[OKW Lover]

Keep in mind that free valet for DVC members is only at other DVC resorts. So, this is a perk at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Lodge. You'll have to pay for valet at all the other resorts.

 

[disfanforlife]

Keep in mind that free valet for DVC members is only at other DVC resorts. So, this is a perk at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, Boardwalk and Animal Kingdom Lodge. You'll have to pay for valet at all the other resorts.

But, I can park there without valet right? Or do you have to use valet to park? Because I KNOW that we have to go to Chef Mickey's - my kids favorite restaurant.

 

[Donald is #1]

But, I can park there without valet right? Or do you have to use valet to park? Because I KNOW that we have to go to Chef Mickey's - my kids favorite restaurant.

Yes you can self park. I also think that you can valet park if you have a DDE card and are at the resort for a meal.

 

[ahutton]

Everyone's experience is different, but if traveling at a very busy time of year be prepared for the reality that even with a reservation (ADR, PS or whatever they are calling it now) there is a possibility that you may arrive at the hotel and there is no parking available for self park and you might be turned away at the gate. Unless there was a special reason we find that for monorail hotels it is just easier to take a MK bus from the hotel and walk/boat or monorail over. We do park at Boardwalk or WL periodically for dinner or the evening entertainment.

 

[mbhoxsie]

Has BCV straightened up their processes yet for member valets? Last year that was a big problem for us when we stayed at BCV...

Even though I showed the valets my membership card every single time I gave them the car keys and reminded them of the free service, I still was charged on a daily basis... I even went to the Conceirge desk two times, and while they removed the charges, they couldn't get the reoccuring valet charge to stop...

Other than that though BCV was awesome!!

 

[disfanforlife]

Everyone's experience is different, but if traveling at a very busy time of year be prepared for the reality that even with a reservation (ADR, PS or whatever they are calling it now) there is a possibility that you may arrive at the hotel and there is no parking available for self park and you might be turned away at the gate. Unless there was a special reason we find that for monorail hotels it is just easier to take a MK bus from the hotel and walk/boat or monorail over. We do park at Boardwalk or WL periodically for dinner or the evening entertainment.

Thank you - these are the kind of tips I need. I would never have thought of that being an issue - that there might not be room for us to park....Still undecided about flying or driving anyways - we may end up flying this year, still good to know for a future trip!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Here's an excellent map to use when driving at WDW...

http://www.disney.co.uk/usa-resorts/waltdisneyworld/VII/maps/pdf/wdwmap.pdf

 

[DVCLiz]

Oh, somebody mentioned the DDE card...

That's right, at the Contemporary and the GF, I had an ADR and used my DDE card to have free valet parking. I sometimes forget what I use and what perk it gets me!!!!