Parking at resorts for ADR's

[IlliniMouse]

I didn't know whether to put this here or transportation...please move if needed.

I just saw the valet rates went up and it made me wonder if I have to valet park for my dinner reservations at the resorts that offer valet parking. Anyone know? How does one go about parking if not? Will someone direct you or are the parking areas easy to see? We've always used Disney transportation, but this time we're renting a car. I think we'll end up driving to the resorts for a few of our ADR's to save time in transit.

Amazing all the little details that one realizes they want to know before they leave!

 

[maxiesmom]

You don't HAVE to valet park. If you choose not to you will be given a 3 hour parking pass. That means you have 3 hours to eat your meal and look around the resort before you need to move your car.

 

[bluesky225]

We went to a few resorts for meals, and we didn't use valet parking. We actually weren't given passes either. The parking areas were easy to find, and we had no trouble. We went to Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian, and Contemporary.

 

[n2mm]

If you have the TiW card you don't have to pay for valet parking. Other than that, there is a self parking at all of the resorts. However, be warned, the GF has the worse self parking of any of the resorts. It is across the street from the actual resort in a wooded area. This is one location I always use valet parking, and strangly, it also seems to be the place I eat at the most! Between being a DVC member and having an TiW I don't pay valet anywhere. Also, using your TiW card, remember, to get the fee waived they will require that receipt from dining there. We ate there twice in August and both times we were indeed asked for the receipt and card.

 

[disnut8]

You do not have to valet park your car. When you get to the resort, tell the gate guard you are dining at the resort. He/she should then direct you to either self parking or valet (giving you the option of which to choose). If he/she doesn't just take a minute and ask how to get to self parking. You may or may not be given a three hour parking pass. That depends on the resort itself and how busy the parks are on that day. But don't worry about the time limit - three hours is more than enough to enjoy your meal and some time at the resort, even Animal Kingdom Lodge. And while Disney will tow cars that are parked there all day, they aren't out right at your three hour mark with a tow truck.