Parking questions

[DeeCee735]

Hi. We are going to rent a car for our upcoming Saratoga Springs stay. We haven’t rented a car in a long time…..so, if we want to resort hop to see the decorations, will we be able to? We have reservations for dinner at one of the resorts so I know that won’t be a problem, but as far as drinking, shopping and browsing the other resorts, I am wondering if we can park with no reservation?

Thanks,
Dee

 

[thanxfornoticin]

You should plan on using Disney transportation to visit resorts where you do not have a dining reservation. Most are likely to not allow you in if you don't have a room or dining reservation - especially those located near the parks. You can always park at the MK/TTC (free, since you're an on-site guest), or perhaps Disney Springs and then bus to resorts. But if you're already at Saratoga, you might walk to Disney Springs and bus from there. Many options - you just shouldn't plan on parking at the other resorts without a reservation.

 

[HopperFan]

You should plan on using Disney transportation to visit resorts where you do not have a dining reservation. Most are likely to not allow you in if you don't have a room or dining reservation - especially those located near the parks. You can always park at the MK/TTC (free, since you're an on-site guest), or perhaps Disney Springs and then bus to resorts. But if you're already at Saratoga, you might walk to Disney Springs and bus from there. Many options - you just shouldn't plan on parking at the other resorts without a reservation.

THIS ^

 

[DeeCee735]

THIS ^

Thanks. I am actually hoping to avoid disney transportation. Too long for resort hopping. I will rethink our strategy.

Dee

 

[SteveH]

@DeeCee735 Based on your last comment, you can't totally avoid Disney Transport so your best bet would be to drive to TTC; then use the Monorail and/or boats to visit GF, Poly, CR and WL. Then park at DHS and walk/boat/Skyliner to See YC/BC and BW as it's the Deluxe resorts your more likely to be turned away with out and ADR.

 

[DeeCee735]

Thank you. I get why they turn people away who dont have reaervations, but I also think they should at least allow a couple of hours for DVC members or AP holders staying on property. I, for one, are more likely to drive off property altogether to do something if I can’t get into a resort for a drink or a look see. Its difficult and time consuming enough to use their free transport. And after 23 years of going there, I am getting tired of figuring out the cumbersome logistics just to keep spending my time and money there.

Dee

Dee

 

[HopperFan]

Thank you. I get why they turn people away who dont have reaervations, but I also think they should at least allow a couple of hours for DVC members or AP holders staying on property. I, for one, are more likely to drive off property altogether to do something if I can’t get into a resort for a drink or a look see. Its difficult and time consuming enough to use their free transport. And after 23 years of going there, I am getting tired of figuring out the cumbersome logistics just to keep spending my time and money there.

Dee

Dee

I hear you, for the last about 6 years we have stayed mostly offsite and drove. Even some years before we drove to parks from Disney resort (my other DS was having issues and packed buses were not going to work). We just skipped the visiting resorts we couldn't easily get to from parks. Plenty at Disney Springs and offsite to visit and get more for our dollar.

This summer I was on property with my one DS (both AP) up for the resort hopping. We used only Disney transportation and we actually had a great time ~ especially not worrying about driving after visiting some lounges. I felt like the transportation was more efficient than it had been a few years ago. We just built that in as our rest time.

At this point Disney doesn't need any non-resort guests for QS or shopping or even bars. There are plenty who use their transportation to get there and it leaves a bit more space for the hotel guests. We've heard for years from guests who wish their hotel was more restrictive, especially with parking. I get it.

Always said the biggest perk is the DDBD = Disney Designated Bus Driver

 

[SteveH]

@DeeCee735 I totally understand, and agree. Sadly two factors are play are that some people just ruin things for everyone else add to that Disney just wants to monetize everything. They sure seemed like they wanted us to visit to see the various resorts, but today it's near impossible to make happen without spending an inordinate amount of time getting around. How great would it be if, as an AP holder, DVC or even a resort guest if you could jump on a bus that was just going resort to resort. Sadly, I think many of us fans care more about the nostalgia of Disney than Disney does. As I've said here numerous times, the slogan of “Where Dreams Come True” has been replaced by "It's All About the Money."

 

[DeeCee735]

Yet there people (namely me and mine) that would gladly keep the vacation dollars with the mouse, but they aren’t making that so convenient. They want us in the parks, but that has become insanely expensive so we only go to parks when the kids and grandkids join. Alternative for us is resort hopping and dining. That is almost prohibitive with a car.

I will figure out how to maximize our time doing what WE want to do even with the mouse’s restrictions. One thought is Citywalk at Universal. Haven’t been in awhile and it would make for a nice night out. Another idea is visiting a friend not too far from Orlando. Our money can travel with a car. and our DVC can provide a great place to stay.

Thx again, Dee

 

[DeeCee735]

Next question….can we lyft to other resorts without a reservation or will it be the same restrictions? I imagine it will be…

Dee

 

[TCRAIG]

THIS ^

At first I thought the SkyLiner symbol was a helicopter-I was like WAH

 

[HopperFan]

At first I thought the SkyLiner symbol was a helicopter-I was like WAH

I barely convinced myself to ride the SkyLiner this year, no way no how you would ever get me in a helicopter outside life and death emergency. I even avoid the monorails.

 

[fla4fun]

Were you planning on setting aside a full day for this, or splitting it up? You could tour the monorail resorts on your MK day and the Epcot resorts on your Epcot day. Both of those would make for a nice midday break from the hustle and bustle of the parks without a huge time investment, and those resorts are the most difficult to get into and park without a reservation. That combined with one or two actual dining reservations at other resorts would be the easiest way to do it without relying too heavily upon Disney transport. The Epcot resorts are completely walkable from Epcot, no transport required, and you can walk to GF and Poly from MK if you like, as another option.

 

[DeeCee735]

Thank you. We are not doing the parks this trip. Saving that for when the kids are with us. We did get a reservation at the steakhouse in the Contemporary so we can hop those resorts with no problem. We have friends staying at AKV same time so we will be able to get over there, since we have the car we will be picking them up. As far as the Epcot resorts….maybe we will try for lunch at Big River Grille. We usually stay at BWV and dine there at least once. We will see. Thanks again

Dee

 

[SteveH]

@DeeCee735 with the ADR and your plan for CR and the monorail resorts you're covered. For the Epcot resorts hit Uber or Lyft to the SwanDolphin resorts you won't have any issues, be sure to check out their decorations then head to BC/YC/BW, you can get a ride to your place at any of those resorts or jump on the Skyliner to get to Riviera/CBR. Sounds like you have AKL covered! Good luck!

 

[DeeCee735]

Swan/Dolphin fantastic idea!!!!! Thanks. I just never thought of it. Have a great day.

Dee