Resort Parking:Theme Park Visits

[Detailor]

Over time I've seen a lot of questions about parking at this or that resort that one is not staying at as a way to gain quick access to a theme park. One such current question, http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1595834, is circulating at the theme park board and was posted by someone staying off site and apparently hoping to avoid the theme park parking fee. The typical response is that parking at the resorts is generally limited to the guests who are staying there but the guard will give you a three-hour pass to park if you're going to a restaurant or shopping.

For several years (maybe our last 8-10 Disney visits) we've made BoardWalk our first stop after leaving the airport (we always have a rental car) and we get something to eat, walk around the shops and resorts and have NEVER been offered a three-hour parking pass but have ALWAYS been directed to a lot to park in. Sometimes we've been there well beyond three hours and ridden the boat from the resorts to Epcot, MGM and back just for something to do.

My question is...
Is BoardWalk an anomaly to the three-hour pass rule because of all the shops and restaurants? And is Disney more prone to having people park there to gain access to Epcot and/or MGM with paying a parking fee?

Dick Taylor

 

[DebbieB]

I've never seen a 3 hour pass at BW. When the lot is crowded, they direct parking over to the lot across the street. I think they are afraid to discourage people from visiting the boardwalk shops & restaurants. However, there is a sign saying they do not provide theme park parking.

Having stayed at BWV many times, I can tell you it's very aggravating to come in and not be able to get a parking space. They need to have better control over the main lot, forcing people over to the overflow lot earlier.

 

[Sammie]

As state there is a sign at the entrance to the BW, stating there is no parking for park access.

As to the 3 hour limit, I am sure it is due to the entertainment area. I do agree with Debbie, that there needs to be designated lot for BW resort guests then, and a lot for visitors and it needs to be enforced.

 

[shellybaxter]

We go during off peak time - the off peaker the better - and we've never, in seven trip and numerous resort dining expiriences, been given a three hour parking pass. Do I believe that resorts give out 3-hour parking passes when they expect bigger crowds - absolutely. Do I believe that they don't always enforce this policy when its not busy - absolutely

 

[spiceycat]

the BW security guards are surpose to be sending non-BWV guests to the outside parking lot. Anyone can park here.

if they are not - it is time to write Disney again.

nothing to me is worst to arrive at the BWV from shopping at DD - only to find the parking lot - so have to park offsite - only at 9:30 to have the parking lot empty.

Please remember that if you aren't staying at that hotel. You may be taking someone parking.

BW has ALWAYS had across the street parking. the security guards are surpose to send non-bw guests to that parking lot.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

With any Deluxe Resort that is close to the theme parks, you're not suppost to park in any lot and go off to the theme parks. Even if it's across the street at the Boardwalk. The parking lots are meant for guests staying at the Resorts and for guests going there with ADR's. Once you're time at the Resort is finished and you want to visit a park, you need to move you're car to the parking lot of the park you wish to visit.

I can also tell you from experience on December 31, 2005 my parents and I went to the Boardwalk for a bit and everyone who was not staying there was directed to the lot across the street behind the Hess. We were also given a 3 hour parking pass, which said the time you arrived and the time it would expire.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What I posted on another thread about valet parking:

DVC members receive a publication called "Vacation Magic" on a quarterly basis from the Disney Vacation Club, a Walt Disney company. In the Spring 2007 issue on page 27 it states: "Park freely (at select Resorts): While valet parking charges at Walt Disney World Resort hotels have changed to $10 a day, remember that Disney Vacation Club Members receive complimentary valet parking at select Resorts, including Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Boardwalk Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge. (Please note, however, that parking for the purposes of visiting a Theme Park isn't permitted at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel.) Beginning July 2, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge will become the latest Disney Vacation Club Resort to offer Members this complimentary service."

(bolding added by me for emphasis)

 

[GinnyFavers]

All year this year, the Polynesian wasn't giving out 3 hour parking passes to us when we'd come to dine or shop. It did last year. This year, just a smile and come on in.

Not sure what's up, maybe it was because we were Disney resort guests, with the resort parking pass in our window whenever we drove up to the security shack.