Parking at the resorts

[Chax]

The answer is probably out here, somewhere, but I can't seem to find it.
If we were to stay off site and choose to have a relax-at-the-hotel-day but do decide to have dinner at a Disney resort restaurant, how does the parking work?
Can we park our car at the resort and do we pay for that option?
Or should we park at the TTC and pay the 20 dollars and take the monorail or a bus from from the MK (depending on the restaurant we choose of course?)

And in that same line, if you park at let's say DHS for the day and choose to have lunch at a resort, should you take your own car as an offsite-guest or are you allowed to use the busses?

Thanks again for all the shared knowledge,
Chax

 

[Klayfish]

We always stay off site, but we have limited experience in parking at the resorts. The few times we have done it, we haven't had an issue. The security guard asks what the visit is for, but then lets us in. Last time was did it was for an event going on at the Yacht/Beach clubs and we had no troubles. I'm sure if you say you have a dinner reservation, you'll be fine.

You can use the WDW buses, even if you're off site, but I personally would take my own car.

 

[BigredNole]

If you have a dining reservation at a resort, you can park for free. You can even park for free without one. Simply tell the guard at the gate you are going to look through the resort.

Can you get away with parking at one for the day? Maybe. You should only park at the resort for the time of your reservation. On our final day on trip we were at Ohana for breakfast. Told the guy we wanted to go to the MK after until about noon. He said no worry and to enjoy the day.

 

[DeanDoug]

Just tell the guard at the resort gate that you are touring, visiting, eating a meal, etc. There isn't a fee.

 

[Chax]

Very clear. Thanx for the info.

 

[bankr63]

And just to be clear that you know, once you pay for parking, at say DHS, you are good for the entire day at any Disney paid parking. Just show your receipt from the first payment and you can pass. So no problem taking your car to dinner and then going back to the park later if you want.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

They are starting to crack down a little bit - especially at the Magic Kingdom area resorts. If you have a dining reservation, you can park for free. Occasionally they have tried to limit the time, but you should be ok. The other option, while technically not allowed - but I have never seen an issue, is to park at Disney Springs and take the buses to the resort(s) of your choice. It is certainly a violation to park at Disney Springs to get around parking at the parks and paying that fee. But, if you are going to be shopping/dining at Disney Springs and the resorts, you should be just fine. And, luckily, you can return to Disney Springs from any resort and vice versa.

I will do that often if I am in Orlando but not visiting the Parks. But, I always try to park in an out of the way spot and I always to actually spend time at Disney Springs first. And, it's a great excuse to start with Saratoga or Port Orleans via a nice little boat ride!

 

[gdrj]

Depending on the time of year and which Resort, if you do not have reservations they may not allow you to park there. If you do have Reservations it is not an issue.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

They are starting to crack down a little bit - especially at the Magic Kingdom area resorts. If you have a dining reservation, you can park for free. Occasionally they have tried to limit the time, but you should be ok. The other option, while technically not allowed - but I have never seen an issue, is to park at Disney Springs and take the buses to the resort(s) of your choice. It is certainly a violation to park at Disney Springs to get around parking at the parks and paying that fee. But, if you are going to be shopping/dining at Disney Springs and the resorts, you should be just fine. And, luckily, you can return to Disney Springs from any resort and vice versa.

I will do that often if I am in Orlando but not visiting the Parks. But, I always try to park in an out of the way spot and I always to actually spend time at Disney Springs first. And, it's a great excuse to start with Saratoga or Port Orleans via a nice little boat ride!

Might be off topic, but what time do the boats begin running? They are relaxing little rides!

 

[mbee3600]

If you have a dining reservation at a resort, you can park for free.

Great info. Thanks! We have ADR for Whistling Canyon dinner on the day we arrive (no park day) and it didn't even occur to me that we might need to pay for parking!

 

[BigredNole]

That assumed you were staying onsite. I am not sure what is required for staying offsite if you are only going to a resort for dinner.

 

[jwfla422]

Great info. Thanks! We have ADR for Whistling Canyon dinner on the day we arrive (no park day) and it didn't even occur to me that we might need to pay for parking!

I'm sure you meant Whispering Canyon Cafe (LOL) at the Wilderness Lodge, you will not need to pay. You just need to give the guard your name and reservation time or if you already have your magic band they will scan it. Go ahead and self-park at no cost. If you decide to valet then you would have to pay for that otherwise it is free to (self) park at any resort especially if you have a restaurant reservation. ENJOY!

 

[mbee3600]

I'm sure you meant Whispering Canyon Cafe (LOL) at the Wilderness Lodge, you will not need to pay. You just need to give the guard your name and reservation time or if you already have your magic band they will scan it. Go ahead and self-park at no cost. If you decide to valet then you would have to pay for that otherwise it is free to (self) park at any resort especially if you have a restaurant reservation. ENJOY!

Ha...yes! Whispering Canyon. Thank you for the parking tip!