Parking at Beach Club question

[pat fan]

I think I know the answer, but I'm asking anyway....

We are going to Epcot (FW) in the morning and then we want to go to Beaches & Cream for lunch. We are staying at ASMovies and have 2 people in wheelchairs. Is it possible to park at Beach Club, take the boat to Epcot and then go back to Beach Club for lunch, get in our car and leave?

I just think the wheelchair folks will be whipped by the time lunch is over and hate the thought of dragging them all the way back through Epcot to leave after lunch.

 

[horselover]

I think I know the answer, but I'm asking anyway....

We are going to Epcot (FW) in the morning and then we want to go to Beaches & Cream for lunch. We are staying at ASMovies and have 2 people in wheelchairs. Is it possible to park at Beach Club, take the boat to Epcot and then go back to Beach Club for lunch, get in our car and leave?

I just think the wheelchair folks will be whipped by the time lunch is over and hate the thought of dragging them all the way back through Epcot to leave after lunch.

I'm sure this is not what you want to hear, but resort parking is for resort guests. It's not supposed to be used for people going to the parks. Sorry.

 

[DebbieB]

You can valet park for free if you have a handicapped parking permit. They would probably allow you to valet park at BC.

 

[smidgy]

actually, the OP is intending on eating lunch at beaches and cream. (not just "using" the lot for parking for epcot).
Op , if it is a problem, then park in the Boardwalk lot. it IS a destination, as it has many restaurants, venues, etc.

but I'm willing to bet, with wheelchairs, it won't be a problem. enjoy your lunch! I had a burger there, hubby had a sundae... yummy!

 

[goofy4tink]

actually, the OP is intending on eating lunch at beaches and cream. (not just "using" the lot for parking for epcot).
Op , if it is a problem, then park in the Boardwalk lot. it IS a destination, as it has many restaurants, venues, etc.

but I'm willing to bet, with wheelchairs, it won't be a problem. enjoy your lunch! I had a burger there, hubby had a sundae... yummy!

Really? And how do you figure BW is a 'destination'?? It's really no different than any other resort, it just has more to offer. General, non-resort guest parking is across the street, behind the Hess Station...not sure they are going to want to walk there either.

At leat if they are eating at Beaches and Cream they are using the facilities at the BC!! If they have a handicapped card, they can park valet for free...that's the best bet.

 

[Inkmahm]

I'd add that taking the boat from BC to Epcot saves you a very short distance. We had my mom at BCV in March and she is in a wheelchair. It is very easy to walk to Epcot from BC. When you get to the bridge, take the path along the water and you won't have to push the wheelchair uphill. The path along the water is much flatter and not really used by many people.

 

[mom2mizmous]

PLEASE Don't ! When people park at resorts and then go tho the theme parks, it limits the parking for guests at that resort. It is very annoying to arrive at your resort and have trouble finding a place or have to go a great distance to park because spaces have been taken up by people who park at resorts and then go to parks (just look at some of the issues reported at boardwalk. Rules very clearly state that parking is for guest of the resort only(unless you are eating there, and then is ONLY for your time there NOT park time even valet parking is NOT intended to allow for the park entrance.) I do not mean to sound unsympathetic, but the more people who do this (and many will say their their individual situations are 'special ' or should be an exception, not that I am saying you in particular are doing this, but lots of people can think of lots of reasons why rules don't apply to them ) the more abuse and therefore the problem of parking for hotel guests increases.

 

[Muhlenberg]

You can valet park for free if you have a handicapped parking permit. They would probably allow you to valet park at BC.

I second this. With two wheelchairs, and mobility issues, valet parking is the best option as you don't occupy regular resort guest parking spaces, the placard gets you free parking, and the mobility-challenged folks get dropped off as close as possible.

I have used Valet for that very reason at various resorts. With the institution of fees for valet, the valet lots (in my experience) aren't overflowing, and it saves a LOT of walking with those who can't walk like the rest of us. This is not, IMO, circumventing the system, but allowing mobility-challenged folks to enjoy WDW while they can.

The only other choice would be to park in the Handicapped lots at the entrance to Epcot, do your Epcot thing, walk back out, reload everyone back in the car, including wheelchairs, drive to BC, park in Valet and enjoy lunch.

 

[pat fan]

Thanks for all the information!

With the institution of fees for valet, the valet lots (in my experience) aren't overflowing, and it saves a LOT of walking with those who can't walk like the rest of us.

1-How much does valet parking cost?
2-Where is the valet parking? How do we get there in the am?

I'd add that taking the boat from BC to Epcot saves you a very short distance. We had my mom at BCV in March and she is in a wheelchair. It is very easy to walk to Epcot from BC. When you get to the bridge, take the path along the water and you won't have to push the wheelchair uphill. The path along the water is much flatter and not really used by many people.

So walking to Epcot would be better than waiting for a boat with the loading/offloading procedures? I wasn't sure I was reading your reply right. How far exactly (or about) is it from England to Beaches & Cream walking? In case we decide NOT to park at Valet and incur the wrath of the parking police

I do hate to tie up WDW transportation. It's why we rent a minivan instead of using the busses when my parents are with us.

 

[goofy4tink]

Valet parking is about $15 or so, plus tips. If you have a handicap placard, or hanger, you won't have to pay anything, other than tips.
You just drive up to the front of the resort, tell them you want to valet park the car. I can't remember when they take payment, but you should tip on both ends.

The boat between WS in Epcot and YC/BC is about 10 mins long. The boat will go to BW first, then to YC/BC. The walk from BC to the International Gateway is an easy one...especially if you do as a previous poster said...stay on the lower sidewalk that runs under the bridge. The walk is about 8 mins or so...depending on where you start from.

 

[goofy4tink]

PLEASE Don't ! When people park at resorts and then go tho the theme parks, it limits the parking for guests at that resort. It is very annoying to arrive at your resort and have trouble finding a place or have to go a great distance to park because spaces have been taken up by people who park at resorts and then go to parks (just look at some of the issues reported at boardwalk. Rules very clearly state that parking is for guest of the resort only(unless you are eating there, and then is ONLY for your time there NOT park time even valet parking is NOT intended to allow for the park entrance.) I do not mean to sound unsympathetic, but the more people who do this (and many will say their their individual situations are 'special ' or should be an exception, not that I am saying you in particular are doing this, but lots of people can think of lots of reasons why rules don't apply to them ) the more abuse and therefore the problem of parking for hotel guests increases.

I understand your point, and agree up to a point. I have asked at BW if valet parking allows you to go to a park. They have told me, every time, that yes, you can go anywhere you wish to if you valet park. I have asked at both the valet stand as well as at the front counter inside the resort itself. I have been told this by other resort CMs as well..it is not only BW that allows this. It just isn't an issue for valet parking. It isn't taking up any spots from guests who have paid to stay at that resort. If the valet lot gets too full, then they do limit it to resort guests only, but that just doesn't happen too often anymore..now that DVC owners have to pay to valet park just like everyone else.

 

[pat fan]

goofy4tink
Thank you. I really am not trying to scam anything. It is purely a case of trying not to exhaust my parents too much. They are both in their 70's with different health issues, and while they really want to be here for their DGS's graduation trip, I'd like to not kill them in the process!

The valet parking sounds like a good bet, or we may go with what the PP said, just enjoy Epcot, leave and load up and drive to Beach Club for lunch. although...can we park there for lunch? Or just valet park? If we have to use valet anyway, that makes it an easy decision. So, if we are eating lunch, can we park in the regular parking or would we have to use valet anyway?

Thanks!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Really? And how do you figure BW is a 'destination'?? It's really no different than any other resort, it just has more to offer. General, non-resort guest parking is across the street, behind the Hess Station...not sure they are going to want to walk there either.

Actually the Boardwalk has another parking lot just for guests going to visit/eat there and it's located on the left hand side of the guard gate, so each time my family and I have went there that is where the Cast Member told us to park.

The only time we parked across the street behind the Hess Station was a few years ago on New Years Eve and we still got a 3 hour parking pass, despite it's location.

 

[Inkmahm]

So walking to Epcot would be better than waiting for a boat with the loading/offloading procedures? I wasn't sure I was reading your reply right. How far exactly (or about) is it from England to Beaches & Cream walking? In case we decide NOT to park at Valet and incur the wrath of the parking police

I do hate to tie up WDW transportation. It's why we rent a minivan instead of using the busses when my parents are with us.

Definitely. It is a short walk from BC (we are usually at BCV) especially if you use the valet parking. From England, you literally take a right turn before the bridge that gets you to France. Walk to the International Gateway, along the water and you are at Beach Club. Same thing in the morning when you are going to Epcot. You walk from BC to the International Gateway and get into EPCOT there. Very little hassle with the wheelchairs.

 

[pat fan]

Definitely. It is a short walk from BC (we are usually at BCV) especially if you use the valet parking. From England, you literally take a right turn before the bridge that gets you to France. Walk to the International Gateway, along the water and you are at Beach Club. Same thing in the morning when you are going to Epcot. You walk from BC to the International Gateway and get into EPCOT there. Very little hassle with the wheelchairs.

Thanks. I think this is what we will do.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The valet parking sounds like a good bet, or we may go with what the PP said, just enjoy Epcot, leave and load up and drive to Beach Club for lunch. although...can we park there for lunch? Or just valet park? If we have to use valet anyway, that makes it an easy decision. So, if we are eating lunch, can we park in the regular parking or would we have to use valet anyway?

No Don't listen to them. Listen to me. I know what I'm talking about.

• Park in the Epcot lot in the morning.
• Enjoy Epcot.
• The driver and the parent with the HP placard leave through the front entrance and drive to Beach Club, where they valet park.
• The rest of the family leaves through the International Gateway and walks/rolls (with assistance if needed) to the Beach Club.
• Every meets outside Beaches and Cream, then they go and eat.
• After lunch, somebody tips the valet, then everybody gets in the car and goes - back to the hotel? Shopping? To wait in line for Jellyrolls to open in six hours?

 

[pat fan]

No Don't listen to them. Listen to me. I know what I'm talking about.

* Park in the Epcot lot in the morning.
* Enjoy Epcot.
* The driver and the parent with the HP placard leave through the front entrance and drive to Beach Club, where they valet park.
* The rest of the family leaves through the International Gateway and walks/rolls (with assistance if needed) to the Beach Club.
* Every meets outside Beaches and Cream, then they go and eat.

We might as well all go together then.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, I was going to suggest that JUST the driver go move the car while everybody else use the International Gateway... but at least in Massachusetts, the person to whom the HP placard is issued must be entering or exiting the vehicle in order for its use to be valid. So, since the Reedy Creek Sheriff's Department regularly patrols the parking lot and enforces handicap parking laws in Florida, if they're similar to ours you'd need to have that person with you getting into the car after Epcot and arriving at the Beach Club.

 

[Inkmahm]

No Don't listen to them. Listen to me. I know what I'm talking about.

• Park in the Epcot lot in the morning.
• Enjoy Epcot.
• The driver and the parent with the HP placard leave through the front entrance and drive to Beach Club, where they valet park.
• The rest of the family leaves through the International Gateway and walks/rolls (with assistance if needed) to the Beach Club.
• Every meets outside Beaches and Cream, then they go and eat.
• After lunch, somebody tips the valet, then everybody gets in the car and goes - back to the hotel? Shopping? To wait in line for Jellyrolls to open in six hours?

I guess it depends on what you plan to do at Epcot. I like entering from the International Gateway rather than the front entrance. That means parking at BC is more convenient and doesn't involve moving a car in the middle of the day. By lunch time, we are usualy done with Future World and on our way to the International section. Since the question was how far was BC relative to England, it is a lot closer to park at BC and start/leave from there.

 

[pat fan]

[QUOTEI guess it depends on what you plan to do at Epcot.][/QUOTE]
Well, we are doing FutereWorld, but wanted to end the morning with lunch at Beaches & Cream and I know my parents would be ired by then and propbably not thrilled with going back through all of Epcot to leave after lunch.