Parking at the parks - do DVC members pay?

[treloarf]

We are staying off-site while in WDW for 3 nights next week due to families activities with school band competitions (not enough points to include all of them) - we're using our points to go to Vero afterward for 4 nights (for some rest). Do we still pay to park at the parks? Can't remember all the perks/rules?

 

[DebbieB]

DVC Membership alone does not give you free theme park parking. You have to be staying at an onsite resort. You can however get free valet parking at the DVC resorts that have valet (BC, BW, WL).

 

[dis-happy]

Yes, you have to pay. Unless you used your DVC discount to buy an AP and then you can park for free.

 

[byoung]

Agree the AP will allow you to park.

 

[DebºoºS]

Just got back. We showed our DVC cards, told them we were staying at the BCV and they waived us through.

 

[Chuck S]

Just got back. We showed our DVC cards, told them we were staying at the BCV and they waived us through.

If you were staying at BCV you were entitled to free parking. If, on the other hand, you were staying off-site or were a local resident, you were not entitled to free parking simply by virtue of being a DVC member. If you were staying at BCV you should have had a car tag for your dashboard.

 

[MrShiny]

I believe even if staying off site, your DVC card still allows you free valet parking at the DVC resorts for the purpose of visiting those resorts.

 

[Doctor P]

I believe even if staying off site, your DVC card still allows you free valet parking at the DVC resorts for the purpose of visiting those resorts.

Correct. And it is not appropriate to park at a resort to go to a theme park.

 

[erikthewise]

Just to clarify: if you stay at a Disney resort (including DVC resorts) OR have an AP, theme park parking is free. So DVC members usually don't pay for parking. But free parking at theme parks is NOT a DVC perk.

I was confused about this several years ago, and presented my DVC card to the attendant, and he waved me in. But I would not have done it if I had the rules straight!

If you do not hold an AP and go to a theme park before checking in, you would have to pay for parking. This was an issue for us when we got off a DCL cruise before 8:00AM, got into our rental car and arrived at WDW around 9:00. It was tempting to just go to a theme park, but we decided to check in first.

 

[DebºoºS]

If you were staying at BCV you were entitled to free parking. If, on the other hand, you were staying off-site or were a local resident, you were not entitled to free parking simply by virtue of being a DVC member. If you were staying at BCV you should have had a car tag for your dashboard.

We were never given a car tag and yes I agree staying onsite entitles one to free parking.

 

[Chuck S]

We were never given a car tag and yes I agree staying onsite entitles one to free parking.

Odd, at OKW they always have asked if we had a car and printed a car tag when we check-in. Maybe you had a new front desk CM at BCV?

 

[Caskbill]

We were never given a car tag and yes I agree staying onsite entitles one to free parking.

Odd, at OKW they always have asked if we had a car and printed a car tag when we check-in. Maybe you had a new front desk CM at BCV?

Could it be possible they put the tag inside your Welcome Packet, and you just missed seeing it?

 

[DebºoºS]

Nope didn't get one. They didn't ask or I would've told them.
Since we didn't get one at the GF (using points) in Nov I wasn't aware there was a car tag. We didn't use the car to get around so there was never a situation to use one. DS took the car back to Tampa & we took DCL bus to the port Those were the only trips we've had a car. Used to have TTC drive us back and forth and to the port.
Interesting to see if in May we'll be given a car tag. TY, now I know to ask for one if we don't.

 

[dvc_john]

Last time I stayed at BCV, they had a pre-printed BCV car tag at the gate house when I arrived. When I checked-in, they asked if I had a car, and when I said yes, they gave me a more generic Disney Resort car tag.
I think VWL does the same thing. Last times I was at SSR, OKW, and BWV, they just gave me the car tag at check-in only.

 

[Disbug]

Actually, I've never heard it referred to as a "car tag" before. It is called a parking pass and is a half sheet of paper that has your check out date and resort name printed in Large Boldface print. You place it on top of your dash. DVC owners have "DVC Member" printed on the parking pass for free valet parking.

 

[Doctor P]

Actually, I've never heard it referred to as a "car tag" before. It is called a parking pass and is a half sheet of paper that has your check out date and resort name printed in Large Boldface print. You place it on top of your dash. DVC owners have "DVC Member" printed on the parking pass for free valet parking.

Actually, this is somewhat incorrect. First of all, the pass does not say DVC on it, though it does have the word "Member" in one place. Second, the parking pass itself is not SUPPOSED to be sufficient to get the free valet parking and, in our experience, usually isn't. You are supposed to show your Blue Member Card and we have usually been asked to do so.