Valet parking at the Poly, is this really allowed?

[26555]

It seems like as long as you valet and aren't taking up hotel guest spaces, its OK (from what I've read on these boards). But it still FEELS like I don't have a valid reason to gain access to even get to the valet w/o a morning PS. I was thinking of making a late lunch PS at the Kona to relax after a morning at the parks. But I would be going from the resort to the park in the morning and using valet to get into the parks which seems like a no-no. Would the guard let me in so far before my PS just because I'm going to valet? It seems like everyone would valet then. What's $6 + tip versus $8 to park at MK? I've read valet and do what you want, its OK, but I've also read you need to have a valid reason for entering. It doesn't seem like a 1:30 PS would be a valid reason for entry at 8:30. Any thoughts? (I'm trying to get around the tram with my stroller and would like to be at rope drop which might be hard for offsite guest --- I would definately like to valet for the convenience. So, thats my answer to "Why don't you park at TTC and monorail to Poly for lunch".) Thanks for your help. Going early Dec if time of year matters --- but if its as convenient as it seems (and is allowed), I'd likely try it another time of the year as well.

 

[LibertyBelle]

It truly depends on the Hotel. The Contemporary is very strict about who can park in their lot as that is where most people will try and park for MK, but the Grand and the Poly are not as bad. If you have a PS at the Contemporary they will check you to the list, at the Poly they just take your word for it (or at least they always have when I have gone). As you stated Valet parking is not free anymore so you are still paying to park your car... I would feel bad if I were using the regular lot and going to the parks, but to Valet no worries. Most of the resort guests don't valet anyway because there is a charge and especially at the Poly their lot is right there for hotel guests so what's the point, it's not like the Grand where it pays to Valet (if you park your own car it is across the street). Just my opinion, if you intended to valet I would not worry...

 

[The Sweetness]

Ive driven up to the valet at Poly, GF, or Contemporary, and simply told them I wanted to eat breakfast in their restaurant. They will gladly take my keys and $2 tip (they cant get dd's door open fast enough If that makes me a rotten person, so be it (I dont know if policy has changed since I was there last, almost 5y ago)

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by 26555
...(snip)..... I'm trying to get around the tram with my stroller and would like to be at rope drop which might be hard for offsite guest --- .....

With all due respect, the best way is to stay at one of the monorail hotels. Not having to deal with parking lot trams and the extra convenience getting to the park entrances are some of the "perks" for staying on site.

Early December is not a particularly busy time. Doubt they will be checking any lists of PS names at that time. I do not think you will have a problem trying to valet park - just tell the security CM that you want to eat or shop.

Best wishes -

 

[26555]

I agree that it seems to be using a perk of a monorail resort w/o actually staying there. Thats sort of why I'm asking first if its OK. I have done it before when I was an on-site guest but not Poly but valeted and had breakfast there and it seemed to run smoothly. As far as I could tell, everyone waiting for the monorail got on so I don't think I took up a Poly guest seat. We didn't use the pool, the beach or a resort parking space. I'm not sure if its a fair trade to enjoy the convenience of the monorail for only the cost of the valet and a lunch at Kona but if its not specifically prohibited, I think I'll give it a shot! (Maybe if I were flamed I'd reconsider!) Thanks for the input.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by 26555
I agree that it seems to be using a perk of a monorail resort w/o actually staying there. Thats sort of why I'm asking first if its OK. I have done it before when I was an on-site guest but not Poly but valeted and had breakfast there and it seemed to run smoothly. As far as I could tell, everyone waiting for the monorail got on so I don't think I took up a Poly guest seat. We didn't use the pool, the beach or a resort parking space. I'm not sure if its a fair trade to enjoy the convenience of the monorail for only the cost of the valet and a lunch at Kona but if its not specifically prohibited, I think I'll give it a shot! (Maybe if I were flamed I'd reconsider!) Thanks for the input.

I always feel bad when I see someone getting flamed for asking a question. That's just wrong!

P.S. As far as I know, valet parking is open to both on site and off site guests, and there is no time limit on it. The valet lot is very unlikely to fill up during the time you plan to visit, so I doubt that any of the resort CMS (the only ones who can really say it is prohibited) will turn you away.

 

[cobbler]

Originally posted by CarolMN

Early December is not a particularly busy time. Doubt they will be checking any lists of PS names at that time. I do not think you will have a problem trying to valet park - just tell the security CM that you want to eat or shop.

Best wishes -

Just an FYI, we stayed at Riverside last early December, had reservations at Chef Mickeys pretty early, before busses were running so we drove over to Cont. They did check for our name on the list AND gave us a ticket that said we were only allowed to be parked in their lot for 3 hours.

 

[beattyfamily]

You will probably get a 3 hour parking pass especially since you won't have a Resort Guest parking pass in your car window.

I know people do these things. I know it's up to Disney to enforce this stuff but it does bug me. What if every offsite and onsite person does this to get into MK? Eventually, something will have to give. Those parking lots are not meant for MK parking.

Oh well, I don't mean to flame but that's my opinion as a person who has stayed at the Contemporary and had a hard time finding parking and was forced to use valet parking.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by beattyfamily
You will probably get a 3 hour parking pass especially since you won't have a Resort Guest parking pass in your car window.

I know people do these things. I know it's up to Disney to enforce this stuff but it does bug me. What if every offsite and onsite person does this to get into MK? Eventually, something will have to give. Those parking lots are not meant for MK parking.

Oh well, I don't mean to flame but that's my opinion as a person who has stayed at the Contemporary and had a hard time finding parking and was forced to use valet parking.

FWIW, I've never gotten any kind of "timed parking pass" when I've used a valet service. Have not heard or read of anyone else getting one either.

I completely agree with you about self-parking - but the OP is planning to use valet parking. I see nothing wrong with that, do you?


Best wishes -

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by CarolMN
FWIW, I've never gotten any kind of "timed parking pass" when I've used a valet service. Have not heard or read of anyone else getting one either.

I completely agree with you about self-parking - but the OP is planning to use valet parking. I see nothing wrong with that, do you?

Best wishes -

I went to the Contemporary and even told the guard I had breakfast PS and was going to use valet and I still got the 3 hour pass before he'd let me through.

I already did say I did have a problem with it because what if every offsite and onsite person chose to do this? At some point it will get out of hand and someone will pay the price. Just because it's valet parking we talking about and it doesn't take a self-parking spot from guests, doesn't make it right or fair, IMHO.

It wouldn't be as bad if she was just going there to eat and if she was an onsite guest but she's doing it to park and go to MK and she's not even staying onsite!

I know this stuff happens and there's nothing I can do about it but hope that Disney will handle it. I just wanted to give my opinion on the subject FWIW.

 

[disneyag]

It seems if the Poly valet parking were for guests visiting MK, signs would say so. In fact, it wouldn't be POLY parking then, would it? It would be MK parking.

 

[26555]

Thanks for the replys, I see your points. Just to clarify, I am visiting the Poly for a meal so its really a timing thing. i.e. I guess the arguement would be that I should only be using valet parking space for the length of my visit. But they seem to give you the space without time restrictions so I'd think the only resort guest gripe would be if they had not been able to get on the monorail b/c of offsite guests using the monorail (I suppose a workaround here would be for the offsite guest to walk to TTC) or if a resort guest could not get valet when they wanted it because the lot was full. Do any of these problems arise on occassion, maybe during the busy season? If its not a known problem (like pool hopping is and other things) then its probably not even a rule or certainly not something they are trying to enforce. If there is a sign at the valet station that says "valet service only for Poly visitors, please do not leave Poly grounds for MK during your stay" then we would know where they stand. Maybe if the valets are happy making extra tips, the resort is happy to get the $6 fee and restaurant guests and there is space in the lots ....... maybe no one is actually bothered by people doing this. I believe Poly guests enjoyment of their resort is harmed by pool hoppers and parking lot users and those issues should be more strictly enforced. I'm not so sure about detracting from their enjoyment using the valet service. I'm still not sure if its just an efficient tip like getting to the park early or if I'm breaking a rule by using valet and going to MK. Guess that's why I started with "is it allowed". I guess I'll just go to the Poly and let them tell me what is allowed. If they say no I'm fine with that. The "what if everyone did that" reason isn't good enough for me not to try. Its not very realistic and could be applied to plenty of other allowable activities making them less desirable. (What if everyone showed up at MK at 8:30am ---- would be a madhouse, might have to start a staggered entry rule but I guess since there isn't a problem, there is no rule about it.)