Valet Parking at Monorail Resorts

[Elmo007]

How much does it cost to park at a valet at a monorail resort? I saw a post here from someone who parks at a monorail resort and then rides into MK with less crowds. Seems like an interesing idea.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

If you're not a guest at the resort, your only allowed to park for 3 hours. That said, many people have been able to valet park and been told (despite the 3 hour time limit) that it is okay, so in this case YMMV.

Remember, both monorails (express and resort) both stop at the TTC, so both will fill up respectively during peak times.

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

Valet parking is 12 or 14 dollars plus tip. People have reported being able to park at a monorail resort for the day using valet service, however, if Disney finds this little loop hole being abused to the detriment of guests at these hotels you can bet they will put a stop to it. The only people who can tell you for sure if you can park all day will be the valets on the day you are trying to park.

 

[justplaingoofy]

Last Sept. we were staying at a Disney hotel (asmu) and had breakfast over at Contemporary/Chef Mickeys. When we got to the contemp. we were asked at the gate what time our reservation was & checked it. They gave us a 2 or 3 hour parking pass. I told him we were planning on going to Magic Kingdom after, but I was told I had to move my vehicle to TTC after breakfast since the pass would expire.

 

[Brian Noble]

Officially, you are not allowed to park at a resort and visit a park, unless you are a registered guest at the resort, so as to not inconvenience those guests. Unofficially, if you valet ($12 plus tips), Disney often turns a blind eye, as the valets can usually park your car in a way that doesn't inconvenience those guests. However, this isn't a guarantee---if the valets are particularly busy, they'll be a bit more particular.

Additionally, it takes a good chunk of extra time to get to any of the monorail resorts, because you essentially have to drive *around* the Seven Seas Lagoon (in traffic) to get to any of them and get back, and that eats up a good chunk of time you might save by not dealing with the trams. Finally, the wait between trains on the Resorts loop is typically longer (and there are more stops) than on the Express loop.

I don't think it's worth it unless you happen to be eating at one of those resorts as well. That's the only time I would bother. And, maybe not even then, depending on the circumstances.

 

[Alesia]

If you're staying on site, it's easier to take the bus to MK.

 

[goofy4tink]

Okay...I have personally spoken to CMs at BW, the CR, and GF....I have asked about the parking 'debate'. I have been told by every one of them that it is perfectly acceptable to pay to valet park at a resort and then do anything you wish to do that day. It is the self-parking for extended periods of time that are the issue.
But....if there is something 'special' going on nearby, valet parking may not be allowed by those not using the amenities of that resort. It is up to the discretion of the CMs that particular day.
I know that when my father visited us at BW, I was told to have him valet park, rather than use the self-park lot. It was the day after Thanksgiving and the regular lot was way too crowded.

 

[goofy4tink]

Valet parking is 12 or 14 dollars plus tip. People have reported being able to park at a monorail resort for the day using valet service, however, if Disney finds this little loop hole being abused to the detriment of guests at these hotels you can bet they will put a stop to it. The only people who can tell you for sure if you can park all day will be the valets on the day you are trying to park.

Believe me, there just aren't that many people doing this. A lot of people 'say' they want to leave their car at a resort so as to not have to move it after a meal, but quite a few are trying to avoid a parking fee as well. Once they find that they aren't going to be allowed to park in the 'free' area, they decide to take a bus.

If I were just heading to a park, there is no way I would pay to valet park my car. That's a waste of time and effort. Only if going to a resort to eat first would it make sense to me to pay to valet park. But just to avoid some crowds? Nope, doesn't make sense.

 

[justplaingoofy]

I agree with goofy4tink.... if I were just going to MK there is no way I would want the hassle of parking my car at a resort then taking the monorail.

Busses are so much better because they drop you off right at the entrance to MK..don't have to deal with monorail & boats.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Also, remember that if you have Tables of Wonderland, it includes valet charge, if dining at that resort, and have dining receipt to show valet at car pickup. It does not include valet tip.

 

[Brian Noble]

And, honestly, that's the thing that pushes the card over the edge for me. When you actually work out the math, the effective food discount for most people is relatively modest. It's not zero, but it's never quite 20% because the first $375ish is always at menu price. But, the ability to roll up to the front entrance for dinner and just have the valets deal with the car for several bucks is just darn pleasant.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Okay...I have personally spoken to CMs at BW, the CR, and GF....I have asked about the parking 'debate'. I have been told by every one of them that it is perfectly acceptable to pay to valet park at a resort and then do anything you wish to do that day. It is the self-parking for extended periods of time that are the issue.
But....if there is something 'special' going on nearby, valet parking may not be allowed by those not using the amenities of that resort. It is up to the discretion of the CMs that particular day.
I know that when my father visited us at BW, I was told to have him valet park, rather than use the self-park lot. It was the day after Thanksgiving and the regular lot was way too crowded.

I think this is where it's interesting because the lots are owned by Disney, yet the CMs valet parking are a third party, not operated by Disney (outsourced). So who controls the lots, Disney or the third party, my bet is on Disney, so it would be up to Disney to make the rules (which is why they give you the 3 hour pass when you enter), not the third party. So if there was ever a problem, I don't think stating "well the CM said I could" would hold much weight.

I agree the self parking is definately the larger issue, not the valet.

 

[Brian Noble]

The guard at the shack usually tells you the same thing, though---depends on how busy they are---but if you tell them you plan to valet, they will just wave you on toward the valet stand. The operative principle is that valet cars do not inconvenience registered guests who self-park, unless for some reason the valet lot is getting close to filling.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have asked about valet parking for any possible reasons back when Disney did man the lots...got the exact same answer that I got 6 months ago..from the non-Disney CMs at valet. And the same answer from the front desk of the resorts.
But...again, if the lots are crowded, they may turn you away if you aren't a resort guest. I have seen that happen. Not often, but it does happen.