Theme park parking for resort guests

[ccianci85]

How do they validate you are a resort guest at the theme park parking entrance for free parking? Can they verify it by a magic band?
I will be traveling with some non Disney resort friends (I am staying at a Disney Resort) and was wondering if I am with them in a vehicle would that be considered a resort guest.
They will also be visiting me at my resort and then we could either walk to the theme parks or use the skyliner.

 

[Skippyboo]

They scan your magic band at the parking gate. MB is basically conduit to your MDE account.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

A - you can validate you are a resort guest by having them scan your Magic Band. You're entitled to free parking, so as long as you're in the car, you should be fine.

B - if you have non-resort guests coming to visit you at your resort, beware that they might not be allowed in through the gate to park without a resort or dining reservation. There have been reports of people tell the guard they are visiting so-and-so, a guest in room 9999, and being let in. But it's not for certain due to parking restrictions.

 

[Jimsig]

A - you can validate you are a resort guest by having them scan your Magic Band. You're entitled to free parking, so as long as you're in the car, you should be fine.

B - if you have non-resort guests coming to visit you at your resort, beware that they might not be allowed in through the gate to park without a resort or dining reservation. There have been reports of people tell the guard they are visiting so-and-so, a guest in room 9999, and being let in. But it's not for certain due to parking restrictions.

Had no issue last summer with people visiting me at the resort and being let in. Had 3 different people visit on different days and all were let in with no issue .

 

[focusondisney]

Had no issue last summer with people visiting me at the resort and being let in. Had 3 different people visit on different days and all were let in with no issue .

Which resort did you stay at? That can make a big difference.

 

[Jimsig]

Which resort did you stay at? That can make a big difference.

I stayed at Coronado Springs but also didn't have an issue the year before at FW.

I had friends staying at the Poly at the same time last year and they had no issue with people driving in to visit them. With both of us our visitors gave the room number and name to the gate.

 

[elvispursley]

I stayed at Coronado Springs but also didn't have an issue the year before at FW.

I had friends staying at the Poly at the same time last year and they had no issue with people driving in to visit them. With both of us our visitors gave the room number and name to the gate.

I’m sure it can depend on time of year whether non-guests are let through or not (E.g Christmas)

 

[focusondisney]

I’m sure it can depend on time of year whether non-guests are let through or not (E.g Christmas)

Agree. And the guard on duty at the time. We stay at YC all the time. Most of the time they have a sign up saying parking is restricted to resort guests only. Not sure how visitors of hotel guests are handled when those signs are up. I know they’re more strict with resorts that are within walking distance to any park. They may be more likely to allow visitors in to moderate & value resorts.

 

[_19disnA]

Disney has gotten wise to those who try to avoid paying the parking fees by parking for free at one of the nearby hotels and then going to one of the theme parks. During peak times/days, I am sure they are more restrictive on who they give access to specific hotel parking areas. Several older threads discuss this same topic.

If you don't have a current ADR or aren't staying at a specific hotel, they may deny you parking access.