Question About Visiting Resorts and Parking

[dpic]

We are planning our first MVMCP the first week of Dec. and we are staying at WL. We would like to visit the Beach Club and the Poly. Always in the past we have used park transportation, so this wasn't an issue. However, we would like to go to the Poly for the fireworks one evening, and driving over is much quicker than using the boat/monorail option. Also, we'd like to visit the Beach Club to see its Christmas decorations, and WDW transportation from WL to Beach Club seems to take forever. So, are we allowed to park in resort lots without ADR's for one of the restaurants?

I'm especially concerned about dropping by the Poly for the fireworks. Is it okay to just say, "We're here to view the fireworks?"

TIA!

 

[skiwee1]

The Poly can give you a 3 hour pass to dine there. I have heard some people asked for their PS to be allowed in. The Poly is pretty strict because of people parking and then going to the park. Also the beach is for Poly guests only so I don't think they would go for the "We're here to watch fireworks" bit.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

If it were me, I would call the Poly directly and ask the front desk. Then I would write down the name of who I spoke with.

I know certain resorts are having trouble with their parking situations, so they have become a more strict. However, since WDW encourages resort hopping as a form of entertainment, they may have a certain way of handling these situations other than just telling you to use their transportation. Depending on your schedule...perhaps just visit the MK that day, leave a bit early and take the monorail to the Poly.

Good Luck!

 

[skiwee1]

Also wanted to add that you can easily park at TTC and walk over to the Poly which is right next door. I think that is the better way to go as you wouldn't be taking a parking space away from an actual paying Poly resort guest.

 

[dpic]

Also wanted to add that you can easily park at TTC and walk over to the Poly which is right next door. I think that is the better way to go as you wouldn't be taking a parking space away from an actual paying Poly resort guest.

That's a great idea, skiwee1. Thanks.

Also the beach is for Poly guests only...

Ha, ha. That's a good one. Remember, resort touring is enjoyed by just about every on-site guest. One thing I wouldn't do, though, is take away a beach seat or swing from a Poly guest. Sand? There's plenty of sand for everyone.

Depending on your schedule...perhaps just visit the MK that day, leave a bit early and take the monorail to the Poly.

Good Luck!

Thanks, QueenofCelts. We'll be at Boma's and wanted to catch the 9:15 MVMCP fireworks that same evening. Normally, we would take the boat/monorail, but there just wouldn't be time that evening.

 

[kathi]

If we are going to park at a resort for anything other than dining or a quick shopping trip - we always use valet. That way you are paying for a service and aren't taking up a space that could be used by a guest staying at the resort. I think the last time we used the valet it was $12 or $13.

The valet pass is good for the entire day at all of the resorts!

kathi

 

[skiwee1]

That's a great idea, skiwee1. Thanks.

Ha, ha. That's a good one. Remember, resort touring is enjoyed by just about every on-site guest. One thing I wouldn't do, though, is take away a beach seat or swing from a Poly guest. Sand? There's plenty of sand for everyone.

Actually I was just referring to the rules in the handout they give you and the large signs in the water right off the beach that the BEACH is for use for Poly resort guests only. Take if for what you want but don't shoot the messenger.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

I think alot of people watch the fireworks from the beach at the Poly whether they are supposed to or not. I don't think there have ever been any complaints about it, but I could be wrong.

I wouldn't think there would be a problem at all unless maybe the beach was too crowded......

 

[kizmac]

I have a question! We have an ADR for O'hanas......do we just park our car and go to O'hanas or do we have to check in at the front desk for some parking pass before we eat? We've never eaten at one of the resorts before so I am clueless.

 

[SorcererDonald16]

We stayed at WL in june and visited both AKL and Contemporary. Both times we simply pulled up to the guard building and said "We're staying at WL and would like to look around." They were very friendly and waved us right on in. Just make sure you have your parking pass from WL clearly visible on your dashboard and you should be fine. But as for the Poly beach thing... that I'd call and ask about.

 

[chesirechik]

SorcererDonald, that is good to hear. We will have a rental car on our next trip in Dec. and I was hoping we could drive around to the deluxe resorts in the evening and see the decorations.

 

[maux]

When I went to the Contemporary in March for breakfast, even though I had the parking pass from Port Orleans, I was asked at the guard gate for my name and he looked on a list to see if i had a ps. That was the only time I was stopped at any resort with the parking pass.


maux

 

[Sammie]

I have a question! We have an ADR for O'hanas......do we just park our car and go to O'hanas or do we have to check in at the front desk for some parking pass before we eat? We've never eaten at one of the resorts before so I am clueless.

I am sure this varies depending on which guard is on duty, and the time of year, but this July when we went over to dine at the Polynesian, we had to show photo ID and our name was checked on a list to see if we had a ADR for dinner and he wrote down our license plate number and we got a 3 hour pass.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

I am sure this varies depending on which guard is on duty, and the time of year, but this July when we went over to dine at the Polynesian, we had to show photo ID and our name was checked on a list to see if we had a ADR for dinner and he wrote down our license plate number and we got a 3 hour pass.

Sammie, you are on to something....July is one of the busy times....the OP will be visiting the first week of December.....so I am guessing they will be fine.

 

[wildernessfamily]

We went just for the day, end of July. I know it was hard to leave, but DD is in college in Gainesville. We went to dinner at AKL. We pulled up to the resort, driver had to show photo id and they wrote our liscnese number down. We were given a three hours PM pass. We had our reseverations made and I don't know if they checked that. We parked far away as to not take spaces from people who are staying there and carrying luggage. Plus parking far away you get to walk and see more.

 

[skiwee1]

We go in May and October to the Poly. I've seen the guard ask for ID for an ADR once in October to the people in front of us. I didn't have a car in May so I have no idea if they were checking then.

 

[Frances999]

As Terry said, there are signs stating the beach is for Polynesian guests only, she was only letting you know. However, if you ask at the front desk it should be okay. It's usually fine if you have eaten at 'Ohana or Kona Cafe but I'm not sure about simply turning up and wanting to sit on the beach . I can't see them allowing you parking for that, at least, I hope they don't. There is limited space at the best of times, let alone in the evening when everyone is returning from their day out.

 

[Sammie]

Sammie, you are on to something....July is one of the busy times....the OP will be visiting the first week of December.....so I am guessing they will be fine.

I have also had this happen at other times during the year, and definitely during December when so many are on the property to see Christmas decorations.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We went to Ohana in early January for dinner. We had 8 of us, so we had two vehicles. We each had to give the PS number, plus show a driver's license. They gave us a three hour parking permit.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

I have also had this happen at other times during the year, and definitely during December when so many are on the property to see Christmas decorations.

Personally I have always found the first week of December to be a great time to go and not deal with crowds.