Resort Parking Question

[kelmac284]

We are going in December (week between xmas and New Years) every time we go we like to take a day and resort hop to shop or esp during the holidays see the decorations. I know it was going around that they were going to charge to park at the resorts but haven't heard if they are still doing it or what not.

My question is if we drive to say the GF and look around and then take the monorail to the poly and contemporary and spend maybe 2 hours max looking in the shops and at the decs does anyone know if there would be a charge for that? Or if they DO charge would the ticket be good for the day if we then want to go somewhere else?

We want to see the monorail resorts, the Yacht and Beach Clubs gingerbread stuff and I have never seen art of animation.

So just wondering how that works.

Thanks

(oh and we are staying offsite in a timeshare so won't have free parking pass)

 

[Robo]

We are going in December (week between xmas and New Years) every time we go we like to take a day and resort hop to shop or esp during the holidays see the decorations. I know it was going around that they were going to charge to park at the resorts but haven't heard if they are still doing it or what not.

My question is if we drive to say the GF and look around and then take the monorail to the poly and contemporary and spend maybe 2 hours max looking in the shops and at the decs does anyone know if there would be a charge for that? Or if they DO charge would the ticket be good for the day if we then want to go somewhere else?

We want to see the monorail resorts, the Yacht and Beach Clubs gingerbread stuff and I have never seen art of animation.

So just wondering how that works.

Thanks

(oh and we are staying offsite in a timeshare so won't have free parking pass)

There are nights near the holidays that outside guests are disallowed from parking at the MK area resorts' parking.

In that case, if there is still parking available in the MK lot, guests should park there, tram or walk to TTC and take the monorail to the resort(s.)

Otherwise, (if the parking guard allows entry to the lot) you can park at an MK area resort's lot for 1-3 hours, or so, and tour for that time.

 

[mom2rtk]

We are going in December (week between xmas and New Years) every time we go we like to take a day and resort hop to shop or esp during the holidays see the decorations. I know it was going around that they were going to charge to park at the resorts but haven't heard if they are still doing it or what not.

My question is if we drive to say the GF and look around and then take the monorail to the poly and contemporary and spend maybe 2 hours max looking in the shops and at the decs does anyone know if there would be a charge for that? Or if they DO charge would the ticket be good for the day if we then want to go somewhere else?

We want to see the monorail resorts, the Yacht and Beach Clubs gingerbread stuff and I have never seen art of animation.

So just wondering how that works.

Thanks

(oh and we are staying offsite in a timeshare so won't have free parking pass)

I wouldn't plan on parking at one of the monorail resorts. I couldn't even find parking there when I had an ADR and was on my way in to spend $40/each to have breakfast.

 

[Lynne M]

There's no charge for self-parking at resorts. The problem is, since you're going during the busiest week of the year, parking will likely be restricted at the monorail resorts - i.e., they may not even let you into the lot without an ADR. You can try and see if they'll let you in to valet park (which will have a charge + tip), or you can park at the TTC (again, a charge).

 

[kelmac284]

We would actually be going on New Year's day. Our first park day is the 26th with our last being NYE. So our only open day to do resorts and DTD is the 1st. Not sure how busy the 1st is or not but good to know. I guess we could try the TTC but what about Yacht and Beach club. Do you think we would have problems there or Art of Animation? I only want to go to AA because we have never seen it. Wasn't built last time we were there.

 

[mom2rtk]

We would actually be going on New Year's day. Our first park day is the 26th with our last being NYE. So our only open day to do resorts and DTD is the 1st. Not sure how busy the 1st is or not but good to know. I guess we could try the TTC but what about Yacht and Beach club. Do you think we would have problems there or Art of Animation? I only want to go to AA because we have never seen it. Wasn't built last time we were there.

Epcot resorts might have issues during that particular time of year.

I wouldn't expect issues at AoA any time of the year.

How about parking at AoA then taking Disney transport to the other locations and back? Not sure how much time you have to devote to it, but it might be an answer. You could start at AoA, then take the bus to MK and monorail around and end up back at the MK, then take the bus to the Beach Club. Eventually you'd have to walk to DHS from the Epcot resorts and take the bus back to AoA.

 

[Shellyb84]

You're only supposed to be allowed to park at a resort for an ADR and I think that is a max of 3 hours. I believe if you pay for valet parking there is no time limit.

 

[kelmac284]

That's a good idea. We could start at AOA and then bus to MK and ride the monorail to those and then I guess see our luck at Yacht and Beach. I would like to see it but if we can't get into that one not a big deal. We only have that one day to see resorts and do Disney Springs. I don't even know how nuts that place will be. Not sure if everyone will be in the parks or sleeping in from NYE or what LOL. We are checking in to Universal that night so don't have tons of time because we then have to return our rental car. I know it's crazy going that week and I normally would NEVER go then but my kids can't miss any school and it is either holiday week or summer. We were supposed to go in June just a few weeks ago but had to cancel and we still had our timeshare credit and mom got the idea to go then. My biggest fear is not getting into ANY restaurants or getting ANY FP since we are offiste and have to do it daily and at 30 rather than 60. I don't even think I would care if we didn't get to do much if we go all the time like DL but we haven't been in 6 years and so much is new since we were last there and it is SO costly to come from CA not sure if or when we will go back so really torn about it. I am excited we are going but afraid we won't get to do much. I would have preferred to wait till we could go at an off time but it just worked out that way. We have always gone at off times in the past and it was SO nice. Never had problems with weather or crowds. This is going to be a whole new world and I already am expecting it to be miserable. Just hope we can find some enjoyment!!

 

[mom2rtk]

That's a good idea. We could start at AOA and then bus to MK and ride the monorail to those and then I guess see our luck at Yacht and Beach. I would like to see it but if we can't get into that one not a big deal. We only have that one day to see resorts and do Disney Springs. I don't even know how nuts that place will be. Not sure if everyone will be in the parks or sleeping in from NYE or what LOL. We are checking in to Universal that night so don't have tons of time because we then have to return our rental car. I know it's crazy going that week and I normally would NEVER go then but my kids can't miss any school and it is either holiday week or summer. We were supposed to go in June just a few weeks ago but had to cancel and we still had our timeshare credit and mom got the idea to go then. My biggest fear is not getting into ANY restaurants or getting ANY FP since we are offiste and have to do it daily and at 30 rather than 60. I don't even think I would care if we didn't get to do much if we go all the time like DL but we haven't been in 6 years and so much is new since we were last there and it is SO costly to come from CA not sure if or when we will go back so really torn about it. I am excited we are going but afraid we won't get to do much. I would have preferred to wait till we could go at an off time but it just worked out that way. We have always gone at off times in the past and it was SO nice. Never had problems with weather or crowds. This is going to be a whole new world and I already am expecting it to be miserable. Just hope we can find some enjoyment!!

You'll get in somewhere to eat. There are a couple high demand places that might be challenging, but even if you don't get something right away, just keep checking. I'm sure you'll get in somewhere.

 

[BarbieGal457]

We would actually be going on New Year's day. Our first park day is the 26th with our last being NYE. So our only open day to do resorts and DTD is the 1st. Not sure how busy the 1st is or not but good to know. I guess we could try the TTC but what about Yacht and Beach club. Do you think we would have problems there or Art of Animation? I only want to go to AA because we have never seen it. Wasn't built last time we were there.

On New Year's Day, we had breakfast at the Beach Club and it was free to park and we parked in the regular self-parking area. We then went over to the GF to see the decorations and it was mandatory we valet park, I think it was $20. I'm pretty sure we were told that if we went to another resort, we could valet for free if we showed the receipt since we already paid at GF. That was New Year's Day 2015 so the rules may have changed now. The 1st seemed pretty quiet at all the places we visited but the valet was definitely mandatory at GF, no two ways about it. I would think at the non-monorail resorts you would be okay to self-park (just a guess) but be prepared for it to possibly be valet only at any monorail resorts. I honestly thought paying to valet was a good idea that day anyway in case we went over the 3 hour guest parking rule, I felt less rushed to pack all the hotels in very quickly because I knew our car was safe from risking towing.

 

[mom2rtk]

On New Year's Day, we had breakfast at the Beach Club and it was free to park and we parked in the regular self-parking area. We then went over to the GF to see the decorations and it was mandatory we valet park, I think it was $20. I'm pretty sure we were told that if we went to another resort, we could valet for free if we showed the receipt since we already paid at GF. That was New Year's Day 2015 so the rules may have changed now. The 1st seemed pretty quiet at all the places we visited but the valet was definitely mandatory at GF, no two ways about it. I would think at the non-monorail resorts you would be okay to self-park (just a guess) but be prepared for it to possibly be valet only at any monorail resorts. I honestly thought paying to valet was a good idea that day anyway in case we went over the 3 hour guest parking rule, I felt less rushed to pack all the hotels in very quickly because I knew our car was safe from risking towing.

Just an FYI, I believe valet is $25 plus tip now.

 

[kelmac284]

I don't think my family would mind valet at all esp if we could re-use it. And yea about the dinning the only in demand place we want is of course BOG. We were lucky to get it for lunch in June on the first try and we have never been. It wasn't even built when we were there last but I know we prob won't get it at first. I am going to book alternates and then keep trying as it gets closer. I wanted dinner but would do lunch just so we could see it.

Thanks so much everyone for the info. I guess we will just play it by ear when the time comes. I don't MIND paying to park just was curious and also was hoping if we did pay that it would then be good at other resorts. We have always done a resort hop day even when it wasn't holidays just because we like the various gift shops and esp with GF WL and Poly we just love those resorts.

Thanks again for all your help!

 

[BarbieGal457]

Just an FYI, I believe valet is $25 plus tip now.

Ah yes it may have been $25 then, I was in a bit of a stupor from such a marathon day at MK the day before! And yes I forgot to say the tip isn't included.

 

[msb578]

You're only supposed to be allowed to park at a resort for an ADR and I think that is a max of 3 hours. I believe if you pay for valet parking there is no time limit.

There's no hard and fast rule on visiting resorts. You are not required to have an ADR.

However, at the monorail resorts, a 3 hour limit is likely. And when the lots are full(ish), that's when you may be turned away if you don't have an ADR. Sometimes even the valet lot fills up.

 

[kelmac284]

Thanks MSB that is what I figured and how it always used to be. Sometimes we have had ADRS but others we have just gone to shop. I know there have been a lot of changes though and that is why I asked. We will play it by ear. It is not essential but is something we have always enjoyed so hope it will work out. I don't know if we will stay out till midnight on NYE or if HS is even doing anything. I am assuming all the parks are doing something but not sure and not sure if my group will last all day. But if we can get up somewhat early on the 1st while hopefully everyone else is sleeping in maybe LOL

 

[Boopuff]

We were there last Dec. 10th. We also thought we'd just drive over to GF (it was a risk) and we were turned away. So I wouldn't count on getting a free parking deal at any monorail resort. I think Disney is finally (yeah!) catching onto that ploy. I know when we stayed at the POly it was a pain trying to find parking. So I think they are much more strict.

 

[msb578]

We were there last Dec. 10th. We also thought we'd just drive over to GF (it was a risk) and we were turned away. So I wouldn't count on getting a free parking deal at any monorail resort. I think Disney is finally (yeah!) catching onto that ploy. I know when we stayed at the POly it was a pain trying to find parking. So I think they are much more strict.

When you say "deal", do you mean something shady? To me, this isn't any scam (such as using the resorts for theme park parking). It's just a matter of capacity.

If it's within 3 hours and it's for resort shopping etc, I personally don't see a problem with it (not that that matters ).

 

[kelmac284]

That's what I was going to say. I know there are cheaters who want to go to the parks and I think that is lame. We have NEVER done that but we do enjoy seeing the other resorts esp at the holidays and we like the resort specific shops etc. I have never had a problem in the past but like always it seems the people that are trying to scam (like park for free for the parks) are the ones that ruin it for the rest. I would think they would LIKE people to come shop. It is revenue. Plus as someone else said if you see other resorts you may want to stay there in the future.

 

[CCxmas]

We are flying into MCO, taking magic express to BC and staying for 6 nights. On the second to last day in the park my aunt is driving up from Tampa to spend the day with us at MK. She will buy a Florida resident ticket (I'm assuming she will). Could she meet us at BC, park there and then all ride the bus to MK together or will she have to park at MK and go to TTC? She hasn't been to Disney in years and I'm trying to make this as easy as possible. lol

 

[msb578]

We are flying into MCO, taking magic express to BC and staying for 6 nights. On the second to last day in the park my aunt is driving up from Tampa to spend the day with us at MK. She will buy a Florida resident ticket (I'm assuming she will). Could she meet us at BC, park there and then all ride the bus to MK together or will she have to park at MK and go to TTC? She hasn't been to Disney in years and I'm trying to make this as easy as possible. lol

If there's room in the valet lot, then yes (if she pays to valet park). Anyone can ride the bus.