Transportation to Boardwalk/Parking problems..

[TammyC]

I have seen quite a few threads here that discuss parking at the Boardwalk (and people using it to go to Epcot). When I started thinking about BWI resort guests not being able to find parking, I was feeling bad about just parking there to eat at Flying Fish. BUT, I believe that some of the problem would be eliminated if Disney would offer direct transportation between the Boardwalk and other resorts. A few years ago CSR had it and we stayed there because of it. Anybody (Tyler are you out there?) know why they stopped it?

Alternatively, it seems they could offer separate parking for resort guests and short-term visitors.

 

[DebbieB]

There is another parking lot, across the street next to the gas station. There is a light with a crosswalk. I wish the guards would be more proactive and direct people over there before the main lot gets full, leaving some spaces for BW guests.

 

[seashoreCM]

Although I sympathize with resort guests, Boardwalk is an attraction too. If I want to eat at Jelly Rolls or rent a surrey or even just stroll the boardwalk, I would feel free to park anywhere.

The only concern should lbe imited to persons parking at Boardwalk to go elsewhere such as Epcot.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[bicker]

When asked directly a couple of years back, the manager of the BoardWalk made it clear that the parking lot there was intended for BoardWalk patons only, within which he included both hotel guests, restaurant guests, as well as those enjoying the BoardWalk itself. I wouldn't feel guilty about parking there for any of those activities.

 

[DebbieB]

A solution I suggested is gating part of the lot off for BW hotel guests, needing a room key to open the gate. The manager said at last December's member meeting that they were going to take some spaces from the valet lot and open them for public parking but when I was there in May they hadn't done that.

The big problem is people lie about going to the boardwalk and head to Epcot instead. We had rooms facing the front driveway 3 times and every morning around 9:00 there would be a steady stream of people parking and pushing their strollers up to the entrance. Spoodles is the only restaurant open at that time and is usually not very busy (not a character breakfast), I doubt they were all heading there or to the Boardwalk store. People use it to avoid the Epcot parking fee. I think they should direct people without a WDW parking permit over to the other lot, unless they have a PS, especially in the morning.

 

[pumpkinboy]

You could avoid the hassle of looking for a parking space by simply using the valet parking service. A small fee (waived for us DVC members staying there) plus tip on both end will save you a bunch of time. And if they park it accross the way,you don't care, bcs the valet is going to get it for you.

We own DVC at BWV so are acutely aware of the inconveniences of the shared buses. We have generally had pretty good luck with the buses, and will likely stick with them

 

[TammyC]

Is the valet service pretty efficient? Are there long lines and waits for your car to be retrieved? And, finally, if we eat dinner at 7:00 or 7:30 are we going to get caught up in the traffic of people leaving illuminations (who may have used valet)?

 

[erikthewise]

Valet service may be efficient in terms of service, but it is never efficient in the use of parking spaces. Invariably a large number of prime spaces are sealed off and then only partially used. Every valet space that goes unused is a space someone else could have used.

In terms of people abusing resort parking in order to avoid paying theme park parking fees, Boardwalk is only one (OK two) of many resorts where this is a potential or actual problem. All the monorail resorts and Epcot resorts are in this boat to some extent. At least Boardwalk has an "overflow" lot across the street. (I know it's not intended to be used that way, but I suspect that's how it's really used.) Nobody else has that, except for GF (whose MAIN lot is across the street ).

I know we go at a slow time (early Dec), but I've never seen even a hint of a problem at BC with the parking lot being used by people heading for Epcot, and BC is closer to Epcot than Boardwalk. Has anyone noticed this happening?

I know it sounds like I have no sympathy for people staying at BWV/BWI but that's not true, I really do. I just felt like I had to say some things that never seem to get said. I don't know what the solution is.