Self-parking at VWL?

[Connears]

We are OKW owners and DH LOVES having the car right infront of the villa. We drive from Boston. He hated BWV because of the parking(yes, we know that valet is free with DVC!) and thought that parking at BCV was OK. What is parking like at VWL? Is it miles away like BWV or near-by like BCV? We have ressies for Dec at OKW and was thinking of trying to get VWL at 7 months.
Connears

 

[Granny]

If you think that BWV parking is miles away, then you will think the same about VWL. He will hate VWL....since distance to parking made him hate BWV.

I'd stick to OKW if parking proximity is that critical. Why start your vacation off with your DH upset?

 

[colleen costello]

Granny is correct. My Mom has a handicapped sticker and even those spots are far... HOWEVER, I don't think they are as far as at BWV. Depending on where you park, you can exit through the main lobby or the villas (near the bus stop) so it's no too bad. I also think the grounds are pretty so that makes the "hike" better.

Just my opinion!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

A little closer than BWV but you will have a good walk...

 

[raparker13]

Why wouldn't you use the free valet parking? Granted you have to pay a tip, but it is well worth it. We weren't being cheap when we bought DVC!

I think you'll love VWL; due to the overall setting of the lodge. The villas are certainly smaller than OKW, however.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you have ever parked at AKL, the parking lot is nearly identical. Valet parking spots are closest to the walkway to the main entrance. It's a bit of a hike, but not as bad as BW. Not as easy as BCV.

 

[mowog]

Was at WDW last October- first time with a car. BCV parking was great! VWL, BWV and AK lodge are good comparisons, all downhill from villas/lodge and I would say AK best, VWL close 2nd and BWV longest walk. As an aside the worst was GF as self parking seems about a mile walk from the resort! As others mentioned why not valet? Only reason not to is to fetch and return items to car.

 

[Granny]

As others mentioned why not valet? Only reason not to is to fetch and return items to car.

I wouldn't let that bother you. We had to "fetch items from the car" twice on our last stay...the valet guys were great and gave me a ride out to the car on a golf cart!

And VWL might not be as far as BWV parking, but I figured if walking the distance to BWV parking made someone hate BWV, then I didn't want them to even have to mess with VWL parking.

 

[Connears]

Thanks for all the comments. DH does valet, but still has a thing about getting to OUR car. We tend to drive to parks(AK and MGM) and spend time at resort for dining. He just really likes having the car convenient. We have parked at AKL, thanks for the comparison. We made the mistake of trying to self-park once at GF and valet now!
I think we are staying with our favorite resort OKW!
Connears

 

[arminnie]

Originally posted by raparker13
Why wouldn't you use the free valet parking? Granted you have to pay a tip, but it is well worth it.

I don't mind tipping at all - I'm a very good tipper but I HATE valet parking because it can take FOREVER to get your car - even if you call ahead of time. I had to wait 30 minutes (minimum) every time I wanted my car at BWI - it was a total zoo.

 

[phawley]

We were just at BWV and had no trouble with valet parking. Our car was brought up within minutes after we requested it. They were great!

 

[jarestel]

We use the stroll out to our car at VWL as a warmup for the miles of walking in store for us once we get to the parks...

 

[kingj]

What is the appropriate amount to tip for valet parking?

John

 

[slimplaw]

How will the parking be set up at SSR? If you can park near your unit, this might be a choice for a trip.

 

[Deb & Bill]

John: On our recent trip to VWL, my husband tipped $2 when he dropped the car off and when he picked it up. We used valet occasionally, but not the entire time.

Some people only tip picking it up.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by slimplaw
How will the parking be set up at SSR? If you can park near your unit, this might be a choice for a trip.

Each building (46 individual units) will have its own parking lot.

 

[BeckyV]

We were using the Valet Parking at first, but my dh did not like the way they drove the cars. They need to be fast, but he is very particular with our trucks and was not pleased. We have stayed at VWL, BWV, and BCV without using the Valet for parking. I think BCV was probably the closest to us. If I went without him, I would definitely use the Valet service. When we did use it, we were going to tip also at pickup, but my dh said the guy just sorta stood there after he gave him the keys like he was waiting on a tip. So we ended up tipping both ways.