parking at the disney resorts

[wbeck222]

I have stayed off property in the past with a car, I like to park at a different resort each morning, have breakfast, look around and then take the monorail or boat over to the parks for the day. Can I still do this? I've read you can only get a 3 hour free parking permit now. What I want to know is, Do they enforce this???

 

[jlewisinsyr]

You cannot self park at a resort and then go to the parks, it is prohibited. Now that said, if you pay for valet (and tip), you will not have any issues most likely (although, in theory, it is still prohibited, but most people have been told by valet workers/security that this is allowed).

 

[azdizzymom]

I have stayed off property in the past with a car, I like to park at a different resort each morning, have breakfast, look around and then take the monorail or boat over to the parks for the day. Can I still do this? I've read you can only get a 3 hour free parking permit now. What I want to know is, Do they enforce this???

Sorry but this really irks me. How is this fair to the PAYING GUEST RESORTS for someone to feel they are so special that they can come and eat at the resort and then park there ALL DAY to avoid the parking fee in the lots since they are staying off site.

We stayed at the Polynesian 2 years ago and rented a car. No matter what time of day it was the lot was usually fairly full. One night I had to follow someone to their car and wait for a spot and others were driving around trying to find spots. What makes you think it is ok to do this?

Yes they do enforce and if you PAY for valet go for it .... or if you choose to chance it plan on your car being gone when you get back from the day at the park.

Sorry for the rant but this is posted monthly maybe and is really irksome. I apologize OP for the rant and this is not just at your post...just to all those. No it is not o.k. to do, it is not fair to those who pay $$$$ to stay at the Disney on-site resorts to have others who stay off-site to not pay for parking.

Anyway have a fun trip...go to the resorts, eat and enjoy the breakfast and either move the car to the park lot OR pay for valet.

 

[DVC-Don]

Interesting first post.

 

[greengeen]

I have stayed off property in the past with a car, I like to park at a different resort each morning, have breakfast, look around and then take the monorail or boat over to the parks for the day. Can I still do this? I've read you can only get a 3 hour free parking permit now. What I want to know is, Do they enforce this???

The resorts have signs that say "We cannot provide Theme Park parking". What you did in the past is wrong, and still is, so don't even think about it. And FYI - I have seen cars towed from the Contemporary, for just this infraction.

 

[goofy4tink]

Why is this subject cropping up so often lately??? There have been at least 2 or 3 threads over on the Theme Parks board and they have all been closed.
So....here is the definitive word on parking at resorts at WDW (and please don't think I feel that my word is the last word...my info is based on conversations with CMs at the resorts!!).....

'If' you call Disney today, and ask then if you can park at BC and head to Epcot for the day, or park at CR and head to MK, they will tell you 'No..parking is not provided for park access. You have to park in that particular park's lot.'
When you get to each resort (GF, CR,Poly, YC/BC, BW primarily) there 'could' be signage up stating that parking for park access is not allowed. Is this signage up at all times? No, it is not.
Do resorts give out 3 hr parking passes?? Not so much anymore. I haven't heard of any being handed out from reports here on this board. And while they may have cars towed, it just doesn't happen all that often.

There will be times throughout the year, that you aren't even allowed past the security shack, to park, unless you can show a resort room key for that resort. BW is like this during Food and Wine weekends.

So....is this something everyone should do?? Absolutely not. If everyone starts parking at CR, for instance, in order to get closer to MK without having to pay the parking fee, then the parking lot is going to be crammed with non-CR guest cars, and no room for those with legitimate business at the CR. And, Disney will make changes to their parking allowances.

It's fine to park at a resort if you are doing something at that resort. But why do those who aren't even staying at a WDW owned resort feel it is okay for them to park at a resort in order to avoid parking costs when going to a park? I'm sorry, but it's bad enough when those staying at a WDW resort do it, but it's insulting and really annoying when those who are staying at the Motel 6, miles away, go to the CR, park in self parking, grab a bite to eat and then head to MK for the next 10 hrs.

Those that stay at a WDW resort don't have to pay to park in the lots, so it's not as if they are trying to avoid parking fees. It's those who are trying to avoid the fees that annoy everyone here.

Now, with all this in mind...I really don't want to get into the same old, same old argument that happened over on the Theme Parks board. It's a matter of doing what's right. I don't want to hear that Disney doesn't allow it...they do. I don't want to hear about the signage...it's there but not consistenly put out. I don't want to hear about those 3 hr parking passes....they aren't handed out consistently at this time. I don't want to hear about people stealing from Disney.
It doesn't matter what is said here...people will do what they want to do with little regard to what is said here.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Goof4tink, I think they are just looking to start a debate for there own enjoyment!

Just trouble makers........

AKK

 

[maxiesmom]

Is there some kind of conspiracy lately? This one is coming up on almost a daily basis.

No, it is not ok as a rule. You may get lucky and show up on a slow day where a guard gives you the ok to park, but as a rule it is not ok. And while you can ask the guard if it is ok, you shouldn't expect it to be.

Put yourself in the shoes of the people who pay to stay at that resort. How would you like it if you couldn't find a place to park, because so many other people parked at your resort to save money? It would be aggrivating, don't you think? How would you like to be that person?

 

[goofy4tink]

Yep...it's showing up a lot. And those who have just 'registered' are watched to see how and what they are posting.

 

[Laurabearz]

Now, with all this in mind...I really don't want to get into the same old, same old argument that happened over on the Theme Parks board. It's a matter of doing what's right. I don't want to hear that Disney doesn't allow it...they do. I don't want to hear about the signage...it's there but not consistenly put out. I don't want to hear about those 3 hr parking passes....they aren't handed out consistently at this time. I don't want to hear about people stealing from Disney.
It doesn't matter what is said here...people will do what they want to do with little regard to what is said here.

Let your Conscience be your guide...

Yep...it's showing up a lot. And those who have just 'registered' are watched to see how and what they are posting.

We're watching.... always watching.... (said in my best Roz voice)

 

[wbeck222]

Wow I think I did not explain myself very well. I'm not looking for free parking, if I want free I would take a free shuttle bus from my resort. I'm not staying at a Motel 6. I have stayed at most of the Disney resorts and I also have stayed off property. When I have been on or off property I like to visit ALL the resorts. I stayed at the Polonisia the year the park opened and it still smells the same, I go there to smell my childhood. I love all the resorts I have memories at most. That's why I like to visit. I have not been to Disney for about 6 years. It was ALWAYS free valet at the resorts, no mention of how long you could park. I'm writing because it looks like Disney now has parking rules, new parking rules. If I can valet for 12$ and go to the park from the resorts, that's fine, free is better but I have no problem paying. Also in all my times of staying on property I never had a problem finding a parking space, however I only go to Disney in off times, like October, it's really not crowded then.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Why is this subject cropping up so often lately??? There have been at least 2 or 3 threads over on the Theme Parks board and they have all been closed.
So....here is the definitive word on parking at resorts at WDW (and please don't think I feel that my word is the last word...my info is based on conversations with CMs at the resorts!!).....

'If' you call Disney today, and ask then if you can park at BC and head to Epcot for the day, or park at CR and head to MK, they will tell you 'No..parking is not provided for park access. You have to park in that particular park's lot.'
When you get to each resort (GF, CR,Poly, YC/BC, BW primarily) there 'could' be signage up stating that parking for park access is not allowed. Is this signage up at all times? No, it is not.
Do resorts give out 3 hr parking passes?? Not so much anymore. I haven't heard of any being handed out from reports here on this board. And while they may have cars towed, it just doesn't happen all that often.

There will be times throughout the year, that you aren't even allowed past the security shack, to park, unless you can show a resort room key for that resort. BW is like this during Food and Wine weekends.

So....is this something everyone should do?? Absolutely not. If everyone starts parking at CR, for instance, in order to get closer to MK without having to pay the parking fee, then the parking lot is going to be crammed with non-CR guest cars, and no room for those with legitimate business at the CR. And, Disney will make changes to their parking allowances.

It's fine to park at a resort if you are doing something at that resort. But why do those who aren't even staying at a WDW owned resort feel it is okay for them to park at a resort in order to avoid parking costs when going to a park? I'm sorry, but it's bad enough when those staying at a WDW resort do it, but it's insulting and really annoying when those who are staying at the Motel 6, miles away, go to the CR, park in self parking, grab a bite to eat and then head to MK for the next 10 hrs.

Those that stay at a WDW resort don't have to pay to park in the lots, so it's not as if they are trying to avoid parking fees. It's those who are trying to avoid the fees that annoy everyone here.

Now, with all this in mind...I really don't want to get into the same old, same old argument that happened over on the Theme Parks board. It's a matter of doing what's right. I don't want to hear that Disney doesn't allow it...they do. I don't want to hear about the signage...it's there but not consistenly put out. I don't want to hear about those 3 hr parking passes....they aren't handed out consistently at this time. I don't want to hear about people stealing from Disney.
It doesn't matter what is said here...people will do what they want to do with little regard to what is said here.

Thanks for this complete post addressing the OP.

Wow I think I did not explain myself very well. I'm not looking for free parking, if I want free I would take a free shuttle bus from my resort. I'm not staying at a Motel 6. I have stayed at most of the Disney resorts and I also have stayed off property. When I have been on or off property I like to visit ALL the resorts. I stayed at the Polynesian the year the park opened and it still smells the same, I go there to smell my childhood. I love all the resorts I have memories at most. That's why I like to visit. I have not been to Disney for about 6 years. It was ALWAYS free valet at the resorts, no mention of how long you could park. I'm writing because it looks like Disney now has parking rules, new parking rules. If I can valet for 12$ and go to the park from the resorts, that's fine, free is better but I have no problem paying. Also in all my times of staying on property I never had a problem finding a parking space, however I only go to Disney in off times, like October, it's really not crowded then.

Does the post from goofy4tink address the question? Thanks for posting.

 

[goofy4tink]

Wow I think I did not explain myself very well. I'm not looking for free parking, if I want free I would take a free shuttle bus from my resort. I'm not staying at a Motel 6. I have stayed at most of the Disney resorts and I also have stayed off property. When I have been on or off property I like to visit ALL the resorts. I stayed at the Polonisia the year the park opened and it still smells the same, I go there to smell my childhood. I love all the resorts I have memories at most. That's why I like to visit. I have not been to Disney for about 6 years. It was ALWAYS free valet at the resorts, no mention of how long you could park. I'm writing because it looks like Disney now has parking rules, new parking rules. If I can valet for 12$ and go to the park from the resorts, that's fine, free is better but I have no problem paying. Also in all my times of staying on property I never had a problem finding a parking space, however I only go to Disney in off times, like October, it's really not crowded then.

If you aren't looking for free parking, then by all means, pay to valet park and then go about your business for the rest of the day. Disney has always had parking 'rules'...not so much has changed in the 10+ years I've been going to WDW. Valet parking has never been free...unless you had DVC or some other such 'agreement'. The vast majority of guests realize that parking at each resort is pretty much for those who are using the facilities at that resort. If someone is eating at Chef Mickey's, then they are entitled to park there. When they are done eating, most would expect that the person would then move their car and head to their next destination. But, if you are staying at the CR, then you get to park there for as long as you wish to.

You want to eat at the Polynesian and then amble on over to MK? Then pay to valet park at the Polynesian, or pay to park at the TTC and then walk or monorail to the Polynesian. Then head to MK for the rest of the day. But, don't expect the vast majority of people to tell you it's just fine to drive up, from your offsite resort, to the Polynesian, tell them you are eating at 'Ohana, park in the guest parking lot, and the eat and finally head over to the MK for the rest of the day.

Here's the thing....sure, you're only one person, with only one car. So....if it's okay for you to do, then it's okay for everyone to do. So....all those people who are driving, both onsite and offsite guest, and are eating at 'Ohana, drive to the Polynesian, and park their cars there and then head to a park. It's easier and quicker than parking at the TTC...not to mention cheaper for those not staying onsite. Now, we have probably 100+ cars in that guest lot for the entire day. And it could be many more.
Or those who are eating at CMs at the CR. Park there, and then walk over to MK. So much easier and more convenient (not to mention cheaper) than parking at the TTC!! If one can do it, all can do it. And that would have not so nice results. Hugely packed parking lots. And Disney is missing out on the profits from parking lots.

Yes, I know...a bit over the top. But you get my point. So, do what you feel is right. There will be those who say you are wrong, and there will be those who say you are doing nothing wrong. I'll be Jiminy Cricket here...'Let your conscience be your guide'. Why not park at POP and then take their buses everywhere??? Lots of parking there!!

 

[nmanning19]

I am staying offsite and renting a car, I have a friend who is staying at Contemporary and I want to spend the day at the pool with her, is that allowed?

 

[goofy4tink]

I am staying offsite and renting a car, I have a friend who is staying at Contemporary and I want to spend the day at the pool with her, is that allowed?

Most likely. YOu should be able to park there....she can let them know you are coming and you'll be on their list.

 

[LSchrow]

simply: would you mind if i park in your driveway or garage to visit your neighbors' house?
would you mind if 10 or 20 ppl did it?

guests staying at the monorail and epcot resorts pay for the privilage of easy park transportation. aside from the legalities, it is just common courtesy to at minimum pay for valet to help offset the cost of maintaining the lot, the guards, the monorail/walkways, etc, just as those resort guests do.
else, pay for parking at the TTC or park, and your money will go toward the maintenance, etc of those lots.

 

[maxiesmom]

I am staying offsite and renting a car, I have a friend who is staying at Contemporary and I want to spend the day at the pool with her, is that allowed?

Most likely you will be able to hang out at the pool with your friend. Though if you are going during a busy time of year, they sometimes won't allow pool guests. If it looks busy ask the lifeguard by the pool as they are the ones in charge of the pool area. In all likelyhood you will be fine, but I wanted to give you a heads up, just in case.

 

[Danibelle]

Sorry but this really irks me. How is this fair to the PAYING GUEST RESORTS for someone to feel they are so special that they can come and eat at the resort and then park there ALL DAY to avoid the parking fee in the lots since they are staying off site.

We stayed at the Polynesian 2 years ago and rented a car. No matter what time of day it was the lot was usually fairly full. One night I had to follow someone to their car and wait for a spot and others were driving around trying to find spots. What makes you think it is ok to do this?

Yes they do enforce and if you PAY for valet go for it .... or if you choose to chance it plan on your car being gone when you get back from the day at the park.

Sorry for the rant but this is posted monthly maybe and is really irksome. I apologize OP for the rant and this is not just at your post...just to all those. No it is not o.k. to do, it is not fair to those who pay $$$$ to stay at the Disney on-site resorts to have others who stay off-site to not pay for parking.

Anyway have a fun trip...go to the resorts, eat and enjoy the breakfast and either move the car to the park lot OR pay for valet.

Thanks for the above post! This is getting to be a weekly thread on the boards! Yes it is irksome (very!) and I have had a lot of trouble at the GF finding a place to park because of this!

 

[seashoreCM]

Yes it is irksome (very!) and I have had a lot of trouble at the GF finding a place to park because of this! :

I know we each have to choose what battles we wish to fight but I kinda' think a complaint about parking from actual resort guests (ieach time a problem is encountered) is worth including in the selection.

So now Disney is out two parking fees, one from the day guest who parked in the resort lot and another from having to grant free valet parking to a resort guest who could not find a space.

 

[bicker]

I am as concerned about the casual disregard that prompts one to assume that this is something that they could even ask about, as much as I am concerned about the folks who deliberately do this. If a resort charges for something, then folks should expect to pay for it, rather than expecting to find a way to dodge the fee. And: If there is something provided for a specific purpose (i.e., a parking lot for a theme park), then folks should expect to use that thing for that purpose, rather than expecting to find some exploit that will allow them to bypass some of the bother of using the thing that is intended for that purpose. The expectation shouldn't be that everything will fall one's own way, but rather people should be delighted when something does turn out to be better than what it to be reasonably expected.