Parking for Geyser Point?

[Ross Kratter]

I went back and checked my photos. We were staying offsite and went on Dec 18 at 1pm. We pulled up to the guard shack and said we would like to have drinks at the bar. Asked me to show ID and we were let in, no problem. It was a lovely day to kick up our feet. We ordered some drinks and sat in the sunshine overlooking the water.

Technically speaking, resort parking “phases” are set by resort management based on occupancy and anticipated parking availability. These can vary on a daily basis. Sometimes security will be allowed to have you park there, on other days they may redirect you to a park or Disney Springs.

 

[nolatravelgirl]

Technically speaking, resort parking “phases” are set by resort management based on occupancy and anticipated parking availability. These can vary on a daily basis. Sometimes security will be allowed to have you park there, on other days they may redirect you to a park or Disney Springs.

With anything Disney, YMMV (your mileage may vary) as they can change the rules whenever they want. I was just posting my one data point on a busy day near the start of the days where most kids were out of school.

 

[SusanDK]

My sister and I planned to meet at WL today (a Monday) for lunch at Geyser Point, coming from separate directions which is why we arrived separately. I arrived at 12:20, pulled up and the guard asked if I was checking in or dining. I said I was there for lunch at GP, he asked for photo ID, then said "you're all set" and I drove in and parked.

Ten minutes later, my sister phoned from the guard kiosk - he told her she could not enter without an ADR. I said that Geyser Point did not take ADRs, and that I had just been permitted to enter without a problem. He repeated that she could not enter but after a little pleading, since I was already inside, he allowed her to enter but made sure she knew that he was going above and beyond and really doing her a favor! From our description of the CM, it sounded like it was the same one who was at the post for both of us.

It was not busy at all - GP was more than half empty and the resort did not appear particularly full. I get that it's policy, but the inconsistency within 10 minutes was a bit frustrating. She even has a handicap hangtag (which I don't have) so would have had a more difficult time managing an alternative route than me, had she been directed elsewhere.

 

[fla4fun]

My sister and I planned to meet at WL today (a Monday) for lunch at Geyser Point, coming from separate directions which is why we arrived separately. I arrived at 12:20, pulled up and the guard asked if I was checking in or dining. I said I was there for lunch at GP, he asked for photo ID, then said "you're all set" and I drove in and parked.

Ten minutes later, my sister phoned from the guard kiosk - he told her she could not enter without an ADR. I said that Geyser Point did not take ADRs, and that I had just been permitted to enter without a problem. He repeated that she could not enter but after a little pleading, since I was already inside, he allowed her to enter but made sure she knew that he was going above and beyond and really doing her a favor! From our description of the CM, it sounded like it was the same one who was at the post for both of us.

It was not busy at all - GP was more than half empty and the resort did not appear particularly full. I get that it's policy, but the inconsistency within 10 minutes was a bit frustrating. She even has a handicap hangtag (which I don't have) so would have had a more difficult time managing an alternative route than me, had she been directed elsewhere.

It’s the inconsistency that is such a pain to deal with. If the resort sets the parking rules based on their occupancy and expected events, then it should be no problem to have a daily decision that could be posted on a sign where you enter the resort. Maybe Monday the sign says no parking unless you’re a WL guest or have a confirmed ADR, period. Tuesday it might say parking available for all dining between 11:00 - 3:00, all other hours restricted to WL resort guests or confirmed ADRs. There shouldn’t be a case where the situation is this different, ten minutes apart, on the same day, for no other reason than maybe a new guard came on shift. I would rather they would be strict like they are at the Beach Club than wishy washy about it. At least if they’re always strict, then you know what to expect.

Just to add another data point, we were staying at Fort Wilderness last week and drove over to WL around 1:30 for lunch on the 13th. We didn’t have an ADR and when he asked where we were going to eat, we said Roaring Fork. He let us in with no trouble, and we actually ended up at Geyser Point. Great lunch! We accepted the possibility we could be turned away before driving over and had a plan B in mind if we were.

 

[Dave006]

It’s the inconsistency that is such a pain to deal with. If the resort sets the parking rules based on their occupancy and expected events, then it should be no problem to have a daily decision that could be posted on a sign where you enter the resort.

It has always been up to the Guard at the gate to decide if you get to park at the resort. They have information on the available parking situation so they get to decide.

Dave

 

[toesmom]

On our arrival day we'd like to have lunch at Geyser Point. We'll be landing mid-morning at MCO and will have a rental car. Since Geyser Point doesn't take ADRs will we be able to park at the resort? We'll be there in Mid December before the heavy holiday rush, if it matters any.

Otherwise, I know we can park at TTC but was trying to avoid having to ride monorail to boat and back.

Edit: I should note we are staying on property, just not at the Wilderness Lodge

We were able to park there for our lunch last year. Maybe policy has changed since then but should not be a problem. Good menu

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

It’s the inconsistency that is such a pain to deal with. If the resort sets the parking rules based on their occupancy and expected events, then it should be no problem to have a daily decision that could be posted on a sign where you enter the resort. Maybe Monday the sign says no parking unless you’re a WL guest or have a confirmed ADR, period. Tuesday it might say parking available for all dining between 11:00 - 3:00, all other hours restricted to WL resort guests or confirmed ADRs. There shouldn’t be a case where the situation is this different, ten minutes apart, on the same day, for no other reason than maybe a new guard came on shift. I would rather they would be strict like they are at the Beach Club than wishy washy about it. At least if they’re always strict, then you know what to expect.

Just to add another data point, we were staying at Fort Wilderness last week and drove over to WL around 1:30 for lunch on the 13th. We didn’t have an ADR and when he asked where we were going to eat, we said Roaring Fork. He let us in with no trouble, and we actually ended up at Geyser Point. Great lunch! We accepted the possibility we could be turned away before driving over and had a plan B in mind if we were.

I agree it’s the inconsistency. I like consistency and knowing what to expect. It’s hard to plan out a day otherwise, I just use Disney resort transportation because then it’s one less thing I have to worry about because I know they will get me to where I know eventually, plus many times there are great convos to be had with others on the bus and the bus drivers tend to be friendly.

I also don’t like arguing on vacation or ever tbh.

 

[fla4fun]

It has always been up to the Guard at the gate to decide if you get to park at the resort. They have information on the available parking situation so they get to decide.

Dave

Not at all of the resorts. There are some resorts where policy appears to override guard discretion.

My experience at YC and BC has been no room or ADR, you must park elsewhere. I was part of a group Epcot fireworks cruise last year, and I made an ADR for dinner at B&C. I was glad I did because some of our group who did not have an ADR were not allowed to park at YC even though they had the confirmation number for the fireworks cruise reservation and the cruise leaves from the YC dock. They had to scramble to find alternative parking and then get to the YC before the cruise, as well as find a way back to that parking afterwards. If even one resort can have a set policy and make it work, it should not be difficult for the others to do the same.

 

[Dave006]

Not at all of the resorts. There are some resorts where policy appears to override guard discretion.

Sorry but no it is still up to the Guard at the Gate. Were you not able to show your Fireworks Cruise confirmation in MDE?

The Guard at the Gate can't lookup a reservation for your Fireworks cruise in the YC / BC system. This same type of issue happens at all Disney resorts that are near one of the parks.

Dave

 

[Isthisnormalatdisney]

Not at all of the resorts. There are some resorts where policy appears to override guard discretion.

My experience at YC and BC has been no room or ADR, you must park elsewhere. I was part of a group Epcot fireworks cruise last year, and I made an ADR for dinner at B&C. I was glad I did because some of our group who did not have an ADR were not allowed to park at YC even though they had the confirmation number for the fireworks cruise reservation and the cruise leaves from the YC dock. They had to scramble to find alternative parking and then get to the YC before the cruise, as well as find a way back to that parking afterwards. If even one resort can have a set policy and make it work, it should not be difficult for the others to do the same.

Wow at the price they charge for those firework cruises that’s crazy that they couldn’t park there.