Planning BWV morning arrival

[Opie100]

We are staying about 10 mins from Disney for a 2-3 nights before a one night day at BWV. We plan to visit Epcot that day. How should we plan our arrival? Should we just park at BWV and then leave the luggage in the car for the day and grab the ferry before checking in later (during a break)? Or do we have to check-in to get the right to park there? Should we get there at 8am to check in and park, knowing that our room won't be ready yet? I don't think we are going to use the dining plan.

 

[Pete W.]

Definitely check-in first. This will allow you to park at the resort, check your bags (rather than having to retrieve them from your car later) and there is always a chance, however slight, that a room will be available. There have been occasional reports of folks getting a room that early.

 

[DisneyWalker44]

Personally, I'd drive in, turn the bags over to the bellmen and valet park (free for DVC members). If it's early, go ahead and check in (your room is unlikely to be ready, but you can go ahead and get your keys). Otherwise, just walk/ferry over and enjoy your day.

 

[Opie100]

Thanks for the quick responses. I should have mentioned I'm renting points during this visit. I think that means I can't do valet. What time should I plan to get there? I think the park opens at 9am that day. Do you think we'll have to check in at the desk to get parking rights? (I assume I can't park and just leave luggage with the bellman without checking in?)

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks for the quick responses. I should have mentioned I'm renting points during this visit. I think that means I can't do valet. What time should I plan to get there? I think the park opens at 9am that day. Do you think we'll have to check in at the desk to get parking rights? (I assume I can't park and just leave luggage with the bellman without checking in?)

You get your parking pass when you check in. Tell the CM at the kiosk that you are checking in - other wise you may not be allowed to park in the Boardwalk self parking lot. (Depending on how busy it is, non-Boardwalk Villa or Inn guests are often directed to a lot across the street, which is a bit of a walk to the resort entrance).

My advice is to plan to arrive at the BWV around 8 am. (You can drive up to the entrance and unload luggage and then go park if you do not want to use valet). Check in to get your room keys and parking pass. (If you are getting the DP, you will then have access to your credits). If your room isn't ready, you can either leave your luggage in the car or with Bell Services. Then you can walk or boat to EPCOT and be there in time for park opening.

 

[DebbieB]

The last time I stayed at BWV (October), the guard at the gate gave me my parking pass when I drove in.

 

[Opie100]

Is it required to have a room key (or anything else) to use the boats from the parks to the resorts?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Is it required to have a room key (or anything else) to use the boats from the parks to the resorts?

No, they don't check for room keys on the boats. Anyone can be using the boats, even day trippers, just going from Epcot to DHS.

Bobbi

 

[5forDiz]

Is it required to have a room key (or anything else) to use the boats from the parks to the resorts?

No; but if you do DDP you'll want to definitely check-in first so the plan is activated ( and you'd need to present room key card at dining locations ).

As posters here have said and jmho too, get to BWV around 8 and get all the check-in formalities out of the way so you can get right to enjoying your day and need not be concerned about parking, etc. If you're villa isn't ready at that point you'll be given a number to call later on to find out when it is available.