Parking at BWV for check in and luggage drop

[fla4fun]

It's been a while since I've stayed at the Boardwalk. With all the changes, is there still somewhere to park in that entrance circle near the doors to check in and unload luggage, or do you need to park in the main lot and walk? It will be a solo trip, so I can't leave someone with the car to move it - I would be leaving it alone for however long it takes to get through the check in process at the front desk. I do remember that long walk from the parking lot to the lobby (the only good thing is I won't need the car until the day I leave!) and don't really want to be dragging luggage all that way.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Even though I have never stayed at the Boardwalk I would assume their process is like all the other WDW Resorts. You could decide to park and walk up that hill to the front entrance, or you can arrive at the front entrance where you are greeted by a Cast Member who will then collect your bags. If you want them to I am sure you can keep them with you and then you can ask for them valet park your car. If you don't want them to valet park the rest of your family can go to the lobby and you can go park the car yourself. Whenever my family and I stay at the Contemporary we arrive at the front entrance, have our bags un loaded and then my Dad parks our car, while my Mom and I wait for him in the lobby.

 

[fla4fun]

The problem is that this is a solo trip, so no other family members to stay with the car (and personally, I don't like or trust valet parking - just a personal preference). I wouldn't ask, but on my last trip to the BC back in April, the new valet company literally yelled at me and came over to try to force me to move my car when we were loading up to leave (this was a family trip) and even when I showed them my family and the bellman headed right for the car (they were exiting the front of the resort as I parked) they continued to yell at me that I couldn't stop the car in front of the resort. I had made sure I was well out of the way of any vehicle that might come through, especially the buses, and it was a very negative experience. I just don't want to start my trip off on the wrong foot tomorrow. I haven't stayed at Boardwalk since the new valet group took over.

 

[gardenia]

We quit using the Boardwalk's valet and bell services several years ago, when they went from nice to nasty. Same with Beach Club and Yacht Club. I hate being treated rudely by overgrown frat boys in pantaloons. I long for the old days when someone immediately greeted you and asked if you needed help...

Anyway, you are correct that they won't let you park up front while you check in (or out), so your choices are:

1) bite the bullet and check your luggage up front, park your car, check in, and then call bell services for your luggage.

2) park in guest parking, check in, then haul your luggage up the hill yourself. This is what we do now.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The problem is that this is a solo trip, so no other family members to stay with the car (and personally, I don't like or trust valet parking - just a personal preference). I wouldn't ask, but on my last trip to the BC back in April, the new valet company literally yelled at me and came over to try to force me to move my car when we were loading up to leave (this was a family trip) and even when I showed them my family and the bellman headed right for the car (they were exiting the front of the resort as I parked) they continued to yell at me that I couldn't stop the car in front of the resort. I had made sure I was well out of the way of any vehicle that might come through, especially the buses, and it was a very negative experience. I just don't want to start my trip off on the wrong foot tomorrow. I haven't stayed at Boardwalk since the new valet group took over.

In that case maybe you should park your car yourself and walk to the front with your bags.

 

[DebbieB]

I've stayed at BWV many times, solo and with a guest and never had bad treatment. I was there last month. I just let them valet the car when I get there. You really can't park the car in front and then go in and check-in without having them valet the car. The best thing to do is have them unload the luggage (tip them) and then park the car yourself if you don't want to valet. Or walk the luggage from the parking lot.

 

[pixiechick]

My last stay was 12/06. I left DH and DS in another resort after a one night stay. I checked in early in the day. I told the valet I was checking in and leaving. I left the car, checked in, and returned within about 15 minutes. They had moved my car towards the end of the drive (near the standard view BWV, if that makes sense) and left it there. I handed them a couple of bucks, got my keys, walked the few feet, and left.

 

[fla4fun]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will pull up, drop the luggage, park the car, and then walk back to check in. Since it's a two week villa stay, my luggage includes some heavy groceries (water, soda, juice, laundry supplies, etc.) that I don't really want to haul all the way from the parking lot. I'll keep the one suitcase with the valuables with me, so I don't have to worry about it getting lost.

So far, I've only had problems with the new valet service at BC. I didn't have any trouble at WL/VWL or CR. But both of those have a lot larger area for leaving a vehicle while you check in. For my solo trips at BC/BCV I usually can park close enough in the lot that it's not too bad a walk with luggage. You would think they would have a designated spot or two for people checking in or checking out that are close to the door. Oh well, just a minor inconvenience - I'll still be at Disney!

 

[Hopefully]

Have a great trip.
2 week villa stay, I am jealous.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[fla4fun]

I just thought I would report back and let everyone know how it worked. I parked in self parking and took my small carry on bag (with the valuables like the camera) in with me to check in. I had to wait about a half hour for the room to be ready. I took the one bag up to the room, went back and got the car and brought it up to the entrance to drop off the rest of the stuff. Then went back and parked the car. By the time the car was parked, the bags were inside, and I just stopped at the bell services desk and we went to the room to drop the bags. It worked very well.

There really wasn't anywhere to leave the car at the door, without leaving someone with the car to move it. So this was the best option for someone traveling solo at BW/BWV. Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I just thought I would report back and let everyone know how it worked. I parked in self parking and took my small carry on bag (with the valuables like the camera) in with me to check in. I had to wait about a half hour for the room to be ready. I took the one bag up to the room, went back and got the car and brought it up to the entrance to drop off the rest of the stuff. Then went back and parked the car. By the time the car was parked, the bags were inside, and I just stopped at the bell services desk and we went to the room to drop the bags. It worked very well.

There really wasn't anywhere to leave the car at the door, without leaving someone with the car to move it. So this was the best option for someone traveling solo at BW/BWV. Thanks to everyone for all the great suggestions.

Good to see everything worked out for you.