Resort Counter Service Parking - Added Tables in Wonderland Valet Info

[brattom]

We are staying OP and would like to go to Captain Cook's Snack Company at Polynesian for the Tonga Toast. In the past we have had dining reservations when we get to a resort (they sometimes ask for the reservation #). Should we expect any problems parking at Polynesian if we tell them we are headed to Captain Cooks? I know that they keep an eye out for parking "crashers" headed to the parks.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I'm confused. In your post, do you mean for OP to stand for "on-property" or "off-property"?

As for parking, I was under the impression that one could get a visitor parking pass just to shop at a resort, visit a lounge or look around. I don't think they'll give you trouble.

 

[brattom]

I'm confused. In your post, do you mean for OP to stand for "on-property" or "off-property"?

As for parking, I was under the impression that one could get a visitor parking pass just to shop at a resort, visit a lounge or look around. I don't think they'll give you trouble.

Oops. Still new with the jargon Off property.

I didn't know that about the parking. Thanks!

 

[dzorn]

Oops. Still new with the jargon Off property.

I didn't know that about the parking. Thanks!

That also depends on the resort and time of year. If it is a busy time they may request you park at the TTC.

Denise in MI

 

[wdwrich]

That also depends on the resort and time of year. If it is a busy time they may request you park at the TTC.

Wouldn't parking at the TTC mean the OP would have to pay the $14 parking fee since they are staying off-site?
If that's the case, I'd just valet park at the Poly.

 

[TDC Nala]

If it's a busy time at the parks, they might 1) require you to have an actual ADR or 2) give you a three hour parking pass.

 

[seashoreCM]

Slack times: The guard might admit you without doing anything special.
Moderate times: The guard would give you a 3 hour parking pass.
Busy times: The guard may ask you for specific restaurant reservation information and when you give that then he also gives you a 3 hour parking pass. During such busy times you would not be able to park at the resort just to look around.

 

[chartle]

I've eaten at two deluxe resorts as an off property guest.

A few years back, when the end of August was still a dead time (pre free dining that early) at AK on a Saturday morning they asked for my name, reservation number and a Driver's licence and gave me a 3 hours pass.

Last May when I thought it was a busier time we had the same Saturday morning breakfast at WL. Based on our last experience and it being busier and a closer resort I was ready for the third degree and to give a stool sample when getting to the gate. Before I could open my mouth, the guard asked "just visiting move along"

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

In December 2010 my family and I drove to the Contemporary one evening so we could eat at the Contempo Cafe and we were able to park without any problems, plus the Cast Member at the guard shack didn't even give us a 3 hour parking pass. All he asked was to see one of our Key To The World cards from the Boardwalk Inn and we also had our parking pass displayed on the dashboard.

We did the exact same thing when going to the Polynesian, the only difference is we went for the Sushi at the Kona Island Sushi Bar and they don't accept ADR's. However just like at the Contemporary all they asked was to see one of our Key To The World card and we were let in without a problem and a 3 hour parking pass.

Now since your staying offsite obviously you won't have a Key To The World card, so I am not sure if you have the same luck we did when it comes to parking without a confirmed ADR.

 

[brattom]

Thanks for the info. While we were looking at all of our upcoming dining plans over the next year (large group at Chef Mickeys and maybe again at Ohana's), we went ahead and bought the Tables in Wonderland card yesterday at Downtown Disney and used it last night at GF Cafe. With free valet we should be good to go

 

[brattom]

Follow Up (now relates to Tables in Wonderland) -

I took my daughter to the Contempo Cafe for lunch yesterday. We used the Valet parking with no problems, and no mention of us dining with counter service. I presented the Tables in Wonderland card at arrival and card plus receipt at departure.

I took the whole family to Captain Cooks at Polynesian this morning. Upon departure the valet informed me that counter service dining does not warrant free valet parking with Tables in Wonderland. I ended up paying the $12 even though I disagreed with him.

I sent an email to the Tables in Wonderland email address and quickly received a response back. Hopefully this isn't breaking any laws by posting it here:

Dear Tom,

Thank you for contacting us regarding the Walt Disney World® Resort.

I am very sorry for the disappointment you experienced with the Valet Services at the Polynesian Resort. Neither Captain Cook’s, nor Contempo Café, are part of the 99 participating restaurants in the Tables in Wonderland program. Therefore, there would be no complimentary valet parking through the Tables in Wonderland program when dining at those two locations. I have contacted the Valet team to make sure that the Valet Cast Members have the correct information.

I wanted to personally assure you that your feedback has been taken seriously and let you know how much we appreciate your comments. Our Guests’ feedback allows for our continual growth and the preservation of the magic Walt Disney dreamed about. You may be assured that your feedback has been shared with the appropriate individuals.

Tom, thank you again for your honest and constructive feedback.

Best Regards,

Nicole
Tables in Wonderland
Walt Disney World Resort

Just a friendly warning to some of the Tables in Wonderland cardholders on this board. I know that I have seen some posts that would contradict this information. I have no beef with this policy, except that the Disney web page is a bit unclear on the topic.

"Resort valet services are complimentary to members, for the sole purpose of dining. This privilege will only be extended to one vehicle per membership card. Present your membership card with a valid dining receipt at the Valet Stand upon retrieving your vehicle."

 

[vicki_c]

I think "valid" dining receipt means - dined that day, at that location, and used the TiW card.

I know from a friend that his experience was that they will take any dining receipt # at most of the valet stands - whether you used TiW or not, whether it was CS or TS, but I felt that was a loophole myself.

Apparently it was.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think "valid" dining receipt means - dined that day, at that location, and used the TiW card.

Yes, that was our experience. They didn't even want to see the TIW card, just the receipt showing that we had USED the TIW card.

So counter service does not count for the free valet parking with the TIW card.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think "valid" dining receipt means - dined that day, at that location, and used the TiW card.

I know from a friend that his experience was that they will take any dining receipt # at most of the valet stands - whether you used TiW or not, whether it was CS or TS, but I felt that was a loophole myself.

Apparently it was.

Not only dined that day, but within the three hour time frame. You cannot valet park for an unlimited amount of time using TIW discount card. At the GF, we were asked for our dining receipt that showed that we used the TIW for our breakfast a few minutes earlier.