Parking at the resorts Question

[canadiandisneyfamof4]

We are staying at wilderness Lodge and will have a rental car with us. We have an 8 AM reservation at Cape May Cafe and then I'm going to Epcot afterwards until lunch.

My question is do I have to move my car after breakfast to the Epcot parking lot or can I go straight to Epcot from the beach club and then pick my car up after lunch when we go back to the resort?

 

[goofy4tink]

Parking at resorts, for non-resort guests, is not provided for park access. You are expected to move the car to the Epcot lot. Many will come along to tell you that it is perfectly fine to leave your car in the BC parking lot. What I have told you is what I have been told at multiple resorts at WDW...I have made it a point to ask. You can pay to valet the car and leave it for as long as you like tho.

Up to you what you do.

 

[SteveMouse]

You could also either can from WL to BC and then use Disney transport or, potentially, take Disney transport to DHS (if restaurant is open for breakfast pre-opening) and walk or boat over to BC.

 

[mickeynut1]

We are staying at wilderness Lodge and will have a rental car with us. We have an 8 AM reservation at Cape May Cafe and then I'm going to Epcot afterwards until lunch.

My question is do I have to move my car after breakfast to the Epcot parking lot or can I go straight to Epcot from the beach club and then pick my car up after lunch when we go back to the resort?

As goofy4tink posted, the resort parking lots are not to be used by non-resort guests for park access; however, if you valet park, you can leave your car there. With that said, we've had 2 stays at the WL and have found the buses to be quick and efficient. MK is a short bus ride from the WL, so you can take a bus to MK and then hop on a bus to the BC if you wanted to avoid driving/parking.

 

[BareNecessities]

We are staying at wilderness Lodge and will have a rental car with us. We have an 8 AM reservation at Cape May Cafe and then I'm going to Epcot afterwards until lunch.

My question is do I have to move my car after breakfast to the Epcot parking lot or can I go straight to Epcot from the beach club and then pick my car up after lunch when we go back to the resort?

During one of my recent visits to Florida, I stayed at the Beach Club for a bit, then drove out to the gulf coast beaches for a few weeks, and for my return journey to MCO airport, I decided to stop in at the Beach Club for a nice late lunch (and one more visit to their insanely wonderful ice cream shop, and browse the pearl factory shop out by the lake). I also wanted to pick up a few snack souvenirs.

At the entrance gate, the very kind attendant mentioned that there is some kind of official policy that restaurant guests are afforded a couple of hours (2) of parking. I told him I wasn't sure if I'd be done my eating and shopping in 2 hours (which you get, as you will be eating at CapeMayCafe). He said it really wasn't being "timed," to the minute, although I suppose during full capacity times, they may actually have a system in place to check on cars. As it happened, I was there for almost 4 and 1/2 hours! I had received notification on my cell phone, that my flight was going to be delayed by 2 or more hours - this was during one of those many many delayed flights this past winter - and it was nicer to spend the extra time there than at the airport.

There were no issues with my parking. In that time, I would have certainly had time to go to Epcot for some last minute shopping too, had I known! It's a bit of a risk that way, but I would have done so, if it was only for a short visit. It saves you that little bit of extra travel time, so that you can spend it in Epcot, and spend more money there!

The idea of paying for valet parking makes the most sense to me, if I should ever find myself in that situation again.

My 2 cents.

 

[goofy4tink]

Do I have an issue with someone parking at, say BW, for a bit and then heading to Epcot for the fireworks? No, not a huge issue. But, that's just one car. Imagine what it would be like if this became common practice. All those people trying to avoid parking fees (off site guests), parking at resorts with easy access to the parks. It wouldn't take that many cars to cause an issue. There would be fewer spots for those of us staying at the resorts.

So, sure, go park at a resort for a few hours. But try to be considerate of those paying to stay at that resort. Take parking spots that are further removed.

 

[canadiandisneyfamof4]

Thanks for the information.

I have no issues moving my car to the Epcot parking lot after breakfast.
We've never had a car at Disney before so I don't know the protocol.
Since we are in property we get free parking at the parks so it's not a cost savings issues

The reason we are renting a car is to minimize travel time in the am for our 8am ADRs using disney transportation in the morning means we'd have to leave before 7am to get to BC.

 

[bocaj1431]

At the entrance gate, the very kind attendant mentioned that there is some kind of official policy that restaurant guests are afforded a couple of hours (2) of parking. I told him I wasn't sure if I'd be done my eating and shopping in 2 hours (which you get, as you will be eating at CapeMayCafe). He said it really wasn't being "timed," to the minute, although I suppose during full capacity times, they may actually have a system in place to check on cars. As it happened, I was there for almost 4 and 1/2 hours! I had received notification on my cell phone, that my flight was going to be delayed by 2 or more hours - this was during one of those many many delayed flights this past winter - and it was nicer to spend the extra time there than at the airport.

There were no issues with my parking. In that time, I would have certainly had time to go to Epcot for some last minute shopping too, had I known! It's a bit of a risk that way, but I would have done so, if it was only for a short visit. It saves you that little bit of extra travel time, so that you can spend it in Epcot, and spend more money there!

The idea of paying for valet parking makes the most sense to me, if I should ever find myself in that situation again.

My 2 cents.

While this is not aimed at you directly, I do not necessarily agree that just because you can get away with staying longer you should abuse that. If it is just one more hour, than that is no big deal but i do not think that is the case with what the OP is asking about.

My reason for being against taking advantage of parking in the hotel lot longer than allowed is due to the affect it has on the guests paying the high cost of staying at a resort close to the park.

I stayed at Bay lake towers and had a rental car. I remember some days having to park at the furthest spot from the hotel entrance. The lot was completely full and I thought that was odd. We had a MK view and the parking lot was also visible. Without fail, as soon as the park closed, there were barely any cars left in the lot. I could not believe it. It made me angry that I paid extra money to be as close as possible to the parks and others just took advantage of our perks. The main reason I was angry, is that it is much more difficult dealing with a special needs child in the parking lot and being closer to the main entrance made it much easier.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOMETHING JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN. This is not directed at those having dinner and running over the time allotted by an hour or due to unforeseen circumstances. This is also not directed at the OP. They are merely asking questions about what is allowed.

 

[goofy4tink]

While this is not aimed at you directly, I do not necessarily agree that just because you can get away with staying longer you should abuse that. If it is just one more hour, than that is no big deal but i do not think that is the case with what the OP is asking about.

My reason for being against taking advantage of parking in the hotel lot longer than allowed is due to the affect it has on the guests paying the high cost of staying at a resort close to the park.

I stayed at Bay lake towers and had a rental car. I remember some days having to park at the furthest spot from the hotel entrance. The lot was completely full and I thought that was odd. We had a MK view and the parking lot was also visible. Without fail, as soon as the park closed, there were barely any cars left in the lot. I could not believe it. It made me angry that I paid extra money to be as close as possible to the parks and others just took advantage of our perks. The main reason I was angry, is that it is much more difficult dealing with a special needs child in the parking lot and being closer to the main entrance made it much easier.

PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SOMETHING JUST BECAUSE YOU CAN. This is not directed at those having dinner and running over the time allotted by an hour or due to unforeseen circumstances. This is also not directed at the OP. They are merely asking questions about what is allowed.

I've stayed at BLT several times, MK view, with a terrific view of the parking lot. It boggled my mind to sit on my balcony and watch people drive in, park, and then hop out of their cars and walk toward MK. Then about 30 mins after the fireworks? Huge crowd of people walking back to the parking lot, load it up and drive away. Because I go fairly often, it's nice to take my time and rush around, so having coffee on the balcony in the morning, watching MK wake up is fun...and you get to see the parkers arrive!!! Then, at night...nice glass of wine and a nice view of the fireworks...and see the reverse with the parkers!!!

 

[MarineVet]

I've stayed at BLT several times, MK view, with a terrific view of the parking lot. It boggled my mind to sit on my balcony and watch people drive in, park, and then hop out of their cars and walk toward MK. Then about 30 mins after the fireworks? Huge crowd of people walking back to the parking lot, load it up and drive away. Because I go fairly often, it's nice to take my time and rush around, so having coffee on the balcony in the morning, watching MK wake up is fun...and you get to see the parkers arrive!!! Then, at night...nice glass of wine and a nice view of the fireworks...and see the reverse with the parkers!!!

We stayed at BLT once and also noticed the full parking lot, having to park almost to the guard shack when we returned to the hotel on some evenings. When we first arrived there, we had to have our name verified on a list, so how do these folks get to enter the parking lot with no dining reservation for the Contemporary or a resort reservation? We had breakfast at the Poly on the day of our departure, and again, had to be verified on a list to enter the parking lot.

 

[goofy4tink]

We stayed at BLT once and also noticed the full parking lot, having to park almost to the guard shack when we returned to the hotel on some evenings. When we first arrived there, we had to have our name verified on a list, so how do these folks get to enter the parking lot with no dining reservation for the Contemporary or a resort reservation? We had breakfast at the Poly on the day of our departure, and again, had to be verified on a list to enter the parking lot.

I have no idea! The problem is that perhaps some people just tell the security people they are there to 'look around' and they are let in. Disney is very happy to take your money, so if you want to just shop at a resort, that's okay with them. Of course, many people do that, and then head to a park!

I really wish Disney would make a large part of each resort parking lot room key accessible..only! Then they could take a smaller area and let anyone park there. They could actually charge for parking then, but allow it to be free with a time stamped, validated parking ticket. But....it will never happen.

 

[bocaj1431]

Because I go fairly often, it's nice to take my time and rush around, so having coffee on the balcony in the morning, watching MK wake up is fun...and you get to see the parkers arrive!!! Then, at night...nice glass of wine and a nice view of the fireworks...and see the reverse with the parkers!!!

I'll have to try that next time!

We stayed at BLT once and also noticed the full parking lot, having to park almost to the guard shack when we returned to the hotel on some evenings. When we first arrived there, we had to have our name verified on a list, so how do these folks get to enter the parking lot with no dining reservation for the Contemporary or a resort reservation? We had breakfast at the Poly on the day of our departure, and again, had to be verified on a list to enter the parking lot.

I asked myself the same question.

I have no idea! The problem is that perhaps some people just tell the security people they are there to 'look around' and they are let in. Disney is very happy to take your money, so if you want to just shop at a resort, that's okay with them. Of course, many people do that, and then head to a park!

I really wish Disney would make a large part of each resort parking lot room key accessible..only! Then they could take a smaller area and let anyone park there. They could actually charge for parking then, but allow it to be free with a time stamped, validated parking ticket. But....it will never happen.

That is true. While I love Disney, ultimately it is all about the $$$ to those who are in charge!

That is such a good idea about separating the parking lot and having an area to park for those staying at the hotel, which would only be accessible by room key.
If there was an actual suggestion box that would be the perfect suggestion.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

I stayed at Bay lake towers and had a rental car. I remember some days having to park at the furthest spot from the hotel entrance. The lot was completely full and I thought that was odd. We had a MK view and the parking lot was also visible. Without fail, as soon as the park closed, there were barely any cars left in the lot. I could not believe it. It made me angry that I paid extra money to be as close as possible to the parks and others just took advantage of our perks. The main reason I was angry, is that it is much more difficult dealing with a special needs child in the parking lot and being closer to the main entrance made it much easier.

I was actually yelled at by a resort guest for parking my car at BLT and walking with my family directly to Magic Kingdom. He elected to continue to badger me about how I was breaking the rules during my entire walk to MK. I chose not to respond directly and rather walked up to a security guard and informed the guard that I was being harassed by said guest. That guest was detained by security for at least the period of time it took for me to pass through bag check, through the park entrance and under the WDW railroad. I have no clue to what happened to him after that.

I feel no remorse for this whatsoever. His actions were rude and out-of-line......


.....especially since I was a registered guest at BLT and my family and I were just coming back from breakfast off-site.

 

[goofy4tink]

I was actually yelled at by a resort guest for parking my car at BLT and walking with my family directly to Magic Kingdom. He elected to continue to badger me about how I was breaking the rules during my entire walk to MK. I chose not to respond directly and rather walked up to a security guard and informed the guard that I was being harassed by said guest. That guest was detained by security for at least the period of time it took for me to pass through bag check, through the park entrance and under the WDW railroad. I have no clue to what happened to him after that.

I feel no remorse for this whatsoever. His actions were rude and out-of-line......

.....especially since I was a registered guest at BLT and my family and I were just coming back from breakfast off-site.

Perhaps you could have just said 'I know how you feel. I hate it when non-resort guests park here so they can walk to MK! That's why we drove our car to breakfast at another resort and came back here, to our resort, to park before heading to MK. Thanks so much for watching out for all of us.' Sure would have diffused the situation.

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

Perhaps you could have just said 'I know how you feel. I hate it when non-resort guests park here so they can walk to MK! That's why we drove our car to breakfast at another resort and came back here, to our resort, to park before heading to MK. Thanks so much for watching out for all of us.' Sure would have diffused the situation.

If the other person had initiated a conversation in a civil manner, I very well would have. When the person was confrontational I elected to ignore their intrusion into my vacation. When they persisted with the intrusion, I brought it to the attention of a Security team member.

 

[DSLRuser]

We are staying at wilderness Lodge and will have a rental car with us. We have an 8 AM reservation at Cape May Cafe and then I'm going to Epcot afterwards until lunch.

My question is do I have to move my car after breakfast to the Epcot parking lot or can I go straight to Epcot from the beach club and then pick my car up after lunch when we go back to the resort?

NO. Dont let the people on this board scare you. I did the exact thing you are wanting to do twice last week. never in issue. Never been an issue in 20+ years at WDW.

 

[goofy4tink]

If the other person had initiated a conversation in a civil manner, I very well would have. When the person was confrontational I elected to ignore their intrusion into my vacation. When they persisted with the intrusion, I brought it to the attention of a Security team member.

But imagine how incredibly stupid that person would have felt when you ever so sweetly made that statement!

NO. Dont let the people on this board scare you. I did the exact thing you are wanting to do twice last week. never in issue. Never been an issue in 20+ years at WDW.

No one is trying to scare anyone here. If you will notice, I do believe I told the OP to go ahead and do it. BUT....I certainly hope that there aren't 30 or 40 people out there, taking your advice, to just go ahead and have at it! Those lots are going to get pretty full. If non-guests would be thoughtful and take further removed spaces, allowing paying resort guests the spaces closer to the building, I doubt you would see so much angst here. But, they continue to show up, take those front spots, forcing paying guests to take further removed spots, only to have those front spots open up at park closing.
No scare tactics here...just good, tried and true info.

 

[leebee]

Easy solution. Explain your plans to the CM at the guard gate and ask him/her if you can leave your car in the lot, or would they like you to move it to the front of Epcot.

 

[goofy4tink]

Easy solution. Explain your plans to the CM at the guard gate and ask him/her if you can leave your car in the lot, or would they like you to move it to the front of Epcot.

Oh come now.....you're going to bring logic into this???? But, absolutely right. It means nothing for us, here on the DIS, to say what someone should do. It matters only what they are told at WDW...so when a guest gets to the guard shack thingie, it's the best idea to ask the security guard if the car can be left there after eating.