Parking at GF for dinner reservation, then heading to the park

[AC7179]

I've asked this question before, but I just want to make sure my information is correct.

The reason I'm asking is because I want to do the right thing, so please do not jump on me for asking.

Our arrival night, we have reservations at 4:45 to eat at the GF. From there, we will head to the MK and hopefully meet some characters and ride some rides and see the parade.

I asked last time if it was frowned upon to park at the GF for dinner and then walk to the MK and was told yes, the parking is for the hotel guests and if you'll be longer than 2 hours, park somewhere else. That makes sense and that was why I asked.

Someone then suggested I valet park at the GF if I didn't want to mess with TTC (I'd really rather not, as we may be in a time crunch). They said the fee is $25.00. This would work fine for me, but I wanted to be sure it was okay to do. How would it work? Where would I pay? Are folks coming for dinner allowed to valet park for 4-6 hours while they enjoy the resort and then the park?

 

[Robo]

Someone then suggested I valet park at the GF if I didn't want to mess with TTC (I'd really rather not, as we may be in a time crunch). They said the fee is $25.00. This would work fine for me, but I wanted to be sure it was okay to do. How would it work? Where would I pay? Are folks coming for dinner allowed to valet park for 4-6 hours while they enjoy the resort and then the park?

Yes, you can valet park and leave your car there.

That is, IF there is room at the valet parking lot.

Just drive to the GF and tell the parking gate guard that you want to valet park.
(S)he'll direct you where to go, and the valet will take your car and give you a receipt.

BTW, I'm not sure that the valet cost has gone up to $25 (it might have) but be sure to tip the valet
driver(s,) too.

 

[AC7179]

Hmmm, we will be there around 4:30 on a Saturday, so I guess the chance might be high that it's full. Do you happen to know if it fills regularly?

 

[LiveYourLife]

What are the dates of your trip, OP?

 

[Robo]

Hmmm, we will be there around 4:30 on a Saturday, so I guess the chance might be high that it's full. Do you happen to know if it fills regularly?

It can fill during the busy holiday times (near Christmas, July 4th, Easter) but not usually during "regular" times.

If the MK parking lot is closed due to over-crowding, it's likely that the MK resort lots will be closed, too.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

It may have been because it was later in the evening, but when I asked at GF whether it would be okay to leave our car while we popped over to MK after our dinner at 1900 Park Fayre we were told yes, no problem. That said, it was about 9pm when I asked and the park closed at 11pm anyway.

So, we just got on the monorail and popped over for about an hour - the park was almost dead so we got on about 4 rides, but it was only our second night there and we were too tired to stay any longer. Plus I'd risked leaving my ECV in the car and going over on my walking stick as I wasn't in pain.

 

[AC7179]

We arrive on Saturday, March 7th.

We'll be driving in from the beach that day and I'm not sure how fast check in at our resort (WBC) will be.

Our dinner reservation is 4:45.

Thanks to all who have helped!

 

[Traveliz]

We arrive on Saturday, March 7th. We'll be driving in from the beach that day and I'm not sure how fast check in at our resort (WBC) will be. Our dinner reservation is 4:45. Thanks to all who have helped!

You should have no problem valet parking that night. It's 20.00 plus tip. Liz

 

[Itinkso]

If you don't mind moving your car after your dinner, park in the regular lot at GF and then move your car to the MK lot. As you leave GF, head away from GF so the MK lot is on your left. Stay in the left lane and follow the left turn sign to MK parking. That turn in takes you directly into the lot and you park your car without any fee involved.

It will save you the $20 + tip Valet fee.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Whenever we go off-property to eat at My French Cafe, I am always amazed when we return and pass by that MK lot free entry point. It surprises me that people don't drive around the Poly and then GF to enter the lot that way.

 

[SillyFamily]

Where do you park if valet is full? We have tables in wonderland. We are staying off site for 10 days around xmas and new years. I have reservations for breakfast and dinner at each of the mk resorts atleast 1x per trip. Will they have parking for us? Will we be charged if they dont have parking for us?

 

[hiroMYhero]

Last year we had an ADR for Citricos and the Guard sent us to park in the GFVilla lot which was closer than the GF parking lot.

I think the Valets know how to maneuver cars so the Valet lot will always accommodate someone who chooses to pay for Valet.

 

[Robo]

Where do you park if valet is full? We have tables in wonderland. We are staying off site for 10 days around xmas and new years. I have reservations for breakfast and dinner at each of the mk resorts atleast 1x per trip. Will they have parking for us? Will we be charged if they dont have parking for us?

If the MK area lots are full, the Epcot lot will still be open.

 

[DebbieB]

Whenever we go off-property to eat at My French Cafe, I am always amazed when we return and pass by that MK lot free entry point. It surprises me that people don't drive around the Poly and then GF to enter the lot that way.

Free entry point? There is a turnaround from the MK resorts but I think it takes you before the booths.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Free entry point? There is a turnaround from the MK resorts but I think it takes you before the booths.

You must try it! It's a left-turn lane with a posted sign: Magic Kingdom parking. Sends you directly into the lot and there's no way to get to the entry toll booth plaza.

This tip shows up on the Tips board but we enter from behind MK/GF area and the entry is for all to use.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3359423

 

[AC7179]

Wait, so............it will cost me $20.00 plus tip to valet park at the Grand Floridian, but it will cost me $17.00 to part at the TTC? Do I have to pay the $17.00 and then pay the $20? If not, that seems like a grand deal.

Thanks for the tip about the free parking!

 

[hiroMYhero]

If you choose Valet, pay the $20 and leave your car there.

If you choose TTC, pay $17 and leave your car there.

Or, park in the 3-hour parking at GF and move to TTC: free.

 

[NileNellie]

If you don't mind moving your car after your dinner, park in the regular lot at GF and then move your car to the MK lot. As you leave GF, head away from GF so the MK lot is on your left. Stay in the left lane and follow the left turn sign to MK parking. That turn in takes you directly into the lot and you park your car without any fee involved.

It will save you the $20 + tip Valet fee.

I'm sorry but this seems like way too much to deal with. Enjoy your meal, and by the time you are done, MK will only be open for a few more hours, so leave the car at GF and go to the park. I know, I know-that lot is only for hotel guests, but you had dinner there, so what's a few more hours at that point? I highly doubt you'll be keeping a hotel guest from parking in there.

Have fun!

 

[cedricandsophie]

We have left our car way beyond 3 hours at GF. Didn't know there was a limit. Had character breakfafst and left it all day while at MK. Self park with no fee. But at the MK lot if you are hotel guest with a parking pass there is no fee.

 

[NickEslick]

I am not sure about the whole parking situation at the GF because I never park there, but just so you know you can't walk from the GF to the MK. You'd have to take the boat or Monorail.