Valet Parking Help

[Christopher5927]

The whole valet parking thing is something I have never done - I always think 'what if they lose the keys' etc. and have always steered clear. However, this year, when we are staying at VWL and BCV I was thinking of giving it a go. Can anyone help - exactly how does it work? Does it ever go wrong? and how much do I tip (and when). Thanks!

 

[OKW Lover]

It couldn't be easier. Just drive up to the resort, open the driver door (be sure you've put it in park first!) and step out. A valet will approach you and ask if you want the car parked. Just answer yes and give them your name. Take the ticket stub they gave you and walk into the resort.

When you need your car back, walk out to where you dropped the car off and you'll see a small stand with a CM at it. Just give them your ticket stub and they will have a valet retreive the car for you. When it comes, tip the valet a couple of dollars and drive off.

Questions??

 

[LOLA2]

You don't tip when you drop off also? What if two different valets, do they split it?

 

[CarolMN]

Some members tip both on drop off and pick up - it's up to you. Industry standard is to tip on pick up.

 

[OKW Lover]

You don't tip when you drop off also? What if two different valets, do they split it?

People will disagree on this, but in my view the service hasn't been rendered until the car is returned to you. Thus, no tip on drop-off, only on pick-up.

 

[Christopher5927]

Thanks everyone for their help. Simpler than I thought!

 

[Caskbill]

If you are valet parking the day you check-in, then the bellhops will also be there to get the luggage out of your car and take it to your room. A tip for them would also be appropriate at that time.

 

[Sammie]

as to lost keys, very seldom does it happen, but I never travel without a second set of keys. I did however have a valet mark on my seat with an ink pin.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

as to lost keys, very seldom does it happen, but I never travel without a second set of keys.

I'm with you, we always have two sets of keys for our vehicle. DW and I each carry our own as we would at home.

I did however have a valet mark on my seat with an ink pin.

Hmmm.... do you tip both ways or just on return?

 

[draw]

The valet guys at wl are great. At the end of the stay they knew our names and mad us feel very special. There is nothing like great service.

 

[Halle]

We were given the wrong car once at the Yacht Club (1992), didn't realize it until we got to the Crossroads Shopping area. We are very careful now. My DH tips both ways.

 

[ExecChef]

Do not forget parking is free for DVC members.

 

[rigsby25]

If you are valet parking the day you check-in, then the bellhops will also be there to get the luggage out of your car and take it to your room. A tip for them would also be appropriate at that time.

How much of a tip? This is such a great and convenient service!

 

[jjk1107]

I would be careful using the valet service at BWV. We stayed there last night and they left the lights on on 4 cars. We were one of them, but luckily we had to get something out of our car and they drove us out to get it. When we opened the door, we heard the dinging sound and looked and our lights were on. They also changed all of the controls on the car as far as radio station and air conditioning.

 

[Sammie]

I'm with you, we always have two sets of keys for our vehicle. DW and I each carry our own as we would at home.



Hmmm.... do you tip both ways or just on return?

Actually both, he was new and had the pin in his hand for writing on the ticket and when he got in, he had the pin still open. Accident, but a real bummer to a new car, they had it cleaned but we had to leave the car with them for half a day.

 

[bavaria]

I valet park a LOT (practically live in hotels) Over the years I have had the car go missing for a day (BWV), a valet try and pry the door open to get the keys that he locked inside and accidentally broke the door off the hinge (not WDW!). Those have been my only two mishaps.

My parents once valeted in a twisting hotel garage in Hamburg - they didn't want to risk damaging the car.... so the valet damaged the car for them!

Not to worry - valet companies carry insurance to cover these types of mishaps, which are few and far between.

A good valet won't change the radio station (I used to get irked as the old BWV valets always seemed to change the channel from NPR), will open the windows and/or turn on the a/c, will hold the doors, and will offer directions.