Valet Parking - 1st timer

[KayleeUK]

Hello

This will be our first trip to WDW with a car So could you give me some advice about Valet Parking Please

When you pull up do you just wait by your car or go to the desk, I take it they give you a ticket or something?? How much do you tip this person?

When you want your car do you call down from your room or just ask for it at the desk?? How much do you tip this person?

Any other tips for a first timer for valet parking?

Thank you all

 

[Tigger_Magic]

When I valet park, I pull up near the desk and step out of the car to wait. Almost immediately one of the valet staff will run over (unless they are very busy). There is almost always someone at the valet desk. They will take your name and room number, write a ticket and give you a receipt. Normally, they also put a tag in the car (on the dashboard) to indicate you've valet parked.

The fee is (or was last Nov.) $6 per day. I tip $2 to anyone who takes the car (coming or going), unless it's raining -- then I may add another $1.

If you valet park at your resort, just call the valet desk and give them the number on the receipt. They will have your car waiting when you come down. I usually give them 5 - 7 mins. notice. If you valet park at another resort, just go to the desk and hand them your receipt. They will run and bring your car around. Again, I tip $2 to the person who brings the car back (maybe more if the weather is really bad).

I always try to thank the person using their name as I hand them the tip. Most valets are wonderful -- during hot weather (when is FL not hot!), they usually crank up the A/C so the car is somewhat cooled off before you get in. Very nice!!

Once you valet park at one resort, you can valet park the same day at any other resort at no extra charge.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Another valet tip - if you are renting a convertible, they will put the top up for you at drop off (just ask them too) and when they retrieve the car, ask them to put the top down.

 

[tinkerbell81284]

Tigger Magic - "Once you valet park at one resort, you can valet park the same day at any other resort at no extra charge."

I didn't know that! How cool! Well the next time I go to GF I will definitely do that or whatever resort I go to! Thanks!

 

[YCFAN]

Yeh the valet parking is great for driving to other resorts where you have PS's. You just pull up to the valet desk and leave the car and go in for your PS. It's really VERY convenient.

 

[DebbieB]

If you have a DDE card and are dining at that resort, your valet parking is free (still tip). When I was there earlier this month, the price had increased to $7.00. DVC members get free valet at BW, WL, BC. Those with handicapped permits get free valet everywhere.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

I believe valet parking is available only at the Deluxe resorts. For me, the convenience is worth the $7 daily fee plus tips

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

One thing to keep in mind, the $7.00 fee is CASH ONLY. I tried to put it on my room charge once, and was told I was not able to do that. I ended up having to scrounge up some cash to get my car back.

 

[FlaNative05]

When I stay I usually valet. The charge is put on my room bill except tip. Remeber to tip! I use to be a valet during college.

Another nice tip is: when your in the room and about to leave with the car you can call inadvance to the valet stand and they will have your car ready and waiting by the time you walk to the entrance.

Florida Tip: If your parking during the summer months and have a window sunvisor ask them to put it up...when you pick up your car the air will be on and the car will be cool....oh ya, remember to tip!

Disney tip: as stated earlier, once you valet at your home resort (if deluxe) you can use the valet at other resorts. This is awesome when your staying at the AKL and want to make a trip to MK. Saves loads of time! Tell your valet to give you a ticket when traveling between deluxe hotels.

With that said: I am staying at the GF so I can be on the monrail.

 

[Snurk71]

At least as of Dec04, GF no longer pulls your car around when you call from your room. If you call down to the valet desk they will get your keys out on the desk. But the valet won't get your car until you are physically at the desk.

Someone posted a while back that they were told that was for security reasons. I think it might be because of the logjam that can occur at the GF if too many cars are sitting waiting for their owners.

Plus, the new way the valet gets to see you person to person - to help you feel the need to tip him (I always used to just leave the tip with the valet manager when they would pull your car around and leave the keys at the desk).

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Tigger Magic - "Once you valet park at one resort, you can valet park the same day at any other resort at no extra charge."

I didn't know that! How cool! Well the next time I go to GF I will definitely do that or whatever resort I go to! Thanks!

I didn't know that either - Disney owes me some money

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

Each day they have a different color card with Mickey's picture on it to put in your car. Once you have paid that day, you get your card. The valets at other resorts see it and know not to charge you. I always come home with the bright colored cards on the floor of my car.

If for some reason I don't get a card, I say "I'm staying at X resort and paid there". A valet has never questioned that. They can see your parking pass on your dash and know you are a guest.

I always call from the room before going downstairs to get my car. I tip generously and the valets know my name by the second or third day we are there.

 

[micksterlee]

We used valet at AKL in June and when they went to get our car on checkout day the battery was dead for some reason.The attendant jumped it and brought it to us and told us about the problem he said it was possible a light or something got left on. Needless to say the young lady got an excellent tip.

 

[10drum]

One thing to keep in mind, the $7.00 fee is CASH ONLY. I tried to put it on my room charge once, and was told I was not able to do that. I ended up having to scrounge up some cash to get my car back.

I have always charged it to my room, no problem. I just tell them when I check in.


Another tip:


We do the e-ride nite at the MK and always eat at the CR and vallet park there, and walk to the MK after supper.

 

[KayleeUK]

Thank you all I feel prepared now.

 

[Topper]

I have always charged it to my room, no problem. I just tell them when I check in.


Another tip:


We do the e-ride nite at the MK and always eat at the CR and vallet park there, and walk to the MK after supper.

If you are staying at say "Poly" and valet at say "BWI" you cannot charge the "BWI" valet fee to your "Poly" room key. I think is what Tyler meant.