Valet parking question

[sadler]

I know this has been asked but the "search" feature doesn't seem to be working. Is free valet parking for DVC members available only at DVC resorts (BWV, WLV and OKW) or other WDW resorts as well. Specifically, if we are having dinner at Citrico's at GF, will we have to pay for valet parking?

 

[wdwnut]

hi: your assumption that it was only at the dvc resorts is correct. we've had to pay at the gf when we've gone there for dinner.

 

[sadler]

Hi wdwnut:

Thanks for the quick reply. I assume if we choose not to valet park, we would receive the three hour parking pass for self-parking.

 

[gmboy95]

free valet parking is only available at VWL and BWV...the other resorts are not included....that includes OKW and BCV

 

[LeftyES]

gmboy95-
How sure are you on the lack of free parking at BCV? My notes are at work but I'm pretty sure that he said we get free valet parking and we are buying into the BCV. I'll check, but if anyone else is sure, feel free to beat me to it!

 

[RobDoc]

BCV will have the free DVC valet service. There is none at OKW because there is no valet service there.

All other WDW/DVC resorts have the free valet for DVC members only.

Valet at all other resorts is $6 per day and you can valet "hop" for the one payment of $6 each day.

Every resort will also have a free self-park area. At the monorail resorts, however, you will be challenged for your reason to be there to discourage guests from using resort parking to go to the park.

 

[sadler]

Doc:

Thanks for the reply. We will be staying at BWV (our home resort) and were planning to have dinner at Citrico's and go to E night after dinner. I guess I will see if the guard will allow us to park in the free lot for the entire evening and if he doesn't permit this, we will just use valet parking and pay the $6 fee.

 

[JudithM]

As a side note on valet parking at WDW - anyone with a handicapped parking permit does not have to pay for valet parking.

 

[Uncleromulus]

sadler:
All I've seen at the GF "free" lot is a 3-hour pass. Exceed that (which you surely would if you do dinner and e-nite) and you risk being towed away.

 

[DebbieB]

The last time I used the self parking at GF (across the street), they had an automatic gate, there was not a guard. I tried to use my key card from OKW and it eventually worked (they probably have a camera and someone operates it). How do they give the 3 hour pass?

 

[downontheBW]

We stayed at OKW in December and had a dinner at Citricos. We parked in the self-parking lot. There were very few spots available and it was a long walk to the GF. I'd pay the $6 next time. I don't remember there being a 3-hour restriction.

 

[sadler]

Thanks to all for your replies. The discussion on this thread just makes me more convinced that Disney should not apply the three hour limit to WDW resort guests and DVC members. I understand and agree that guests staying at monorail resorts should have ample parking but I have to believe that this concern would be met if the three hour rule were applied to off-site visitors only. We are spending a lot of money at WDW and shouldn't be forced to pay for valet parking if we choose to combine dinner at Citrico's with E night. Of course, $6 dollars (plus tip) is not a lot of money and we will certainly pay for valet parking to secure the convenience of parking at GF but I think Disney is really wrong if it is towing the cars of WDW guests or DVC members. Just my opinion.

 

[Simba's Mom]

OK, someone please educate this country girl who's never used valet parking. We just bought at VWL and DH golfs. So when he comes back from golf, does he drive up front, get out with his golf clubs, then wait while someone parks his car and brings back the keys? Do most people have a key ring with only their car key on it for the valet (safety-I think I read that)? Do you usually tip? If so, how much? Boy, do I feel like a country bumpkin asking these questions-please forgive me.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
OK, someone please educate this country girl who's never used valet parking. We just bought at VWL and DH golfs. So when he comes back from golf, does he drive up front, get out with his golf clubs, then wait while someone parks his car and brings back the keys? Do most people have a key ring with only their car key on it for the valet (safety-I think I read that)? Do you usually tip? If so, how much? Boy, do I feel like a country bumpkin asking these questions-please forgive me.

He drives up front, and hands the keys to the valet. He gets golf clubs out of car assuming he does not want to leave them locked in the trunk and the valet hands him a "claim ticket". Some people will tip the valet a dollar or two at this point. Husband leaves at this point. Valet keeps the keys. (We usually only have the car keys on the ring). When husband wants the car again, he either goes to the front and hands the ticket to the valet or calls down to valet and then valet can have car waiting for him when he gets to front of the hotel. Again, most people will tip at this point.

No need to feel like a country bumpkin for asking questions. We all had to learn the ropes at some time. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Uncleromulus]

So your valet parking has now cost you $10.00
Sadler: I am in complete agreement with you.
DebbieB: Odd that your card should work at the Grand Floridian---.

 

[Frank in WI]

I can't believe the arguement that people are using that they should be able to park at a resort for an unlimited amount of time when they are not staying at the resort. I own at BWV and constantly have trouble trying to find a free parking spot when I get back later in the day and evening. Now, who should be more ticked off, the person staying at BWV that can't find a space, or the person that had their car towed because they parked at noon and are staying until park closing at Epcot?

I think the people staying at the Poly, GF and Contemporary have the same arguement. It absolutely amazes me the "I paid a lot of money" group thinks they paid more than the person that is staying at the given hotel, so they get to trample on their vacations by making it harder for them to self-park. For the most part, people that are "visitor" parking at the top end resorts are paying less than the guests at that resort.

If everyone would realize that they are not the only ones on vacation and thought about how their actions effected others, maybe this conversation wouldn't even be happening.

I, for one, will be respecting the parking situations and will not overstay my welcome at a resort I'm "visiting". I hope others will do the same at the resort I'm staying.

Off my soapbox now. Thanks for listening.

 

[sadler]

Frank in WI:

I respect your opinion as we too own at BWV and have had difficulty finding a parking place at times. However, the position I am advocating is that Disney could permit only WDW resort guests and DVC members to use the parking lots at the monorail resorts and BW without the three hour limitation. If this privilege is granted only to WDW resort guests and DVC members, there should still be ample parking for the guests staying at the resort in question. It is not a matter of my vacation being more important than anyone else's. Rather it is challenging an overbroad rule that detracts unnecessarily from the enjoyment of my vacation and the vacations of others who happen to be spending a fair amount of money at WDW. To be absolutely clear. I am not advocating that anyone should break the rules. As long as the parking limitations are in effect, I will honor them and either valet park at the other resorts or use WDW transportation.

 

[DebbieB]

I am a BWV owner and get upset too when I have to go round and round to find a space. However, when walking through the lot I noticed that a majority of the cars in the lot do not have any WDW resort permit. I don't think the problem is other WDW guests, it's offsite people & local residents. That's where they really need to crack down. Direct them to the lot across the street.

 

[ncligs]

I would be upset also if I had to drive around to find a parking spot at your "Home resort" also. Thats one of the reasons why we like OKW , you "never" have that problem to contend with.

 

[DebbieB]

I've had parking problems at OKW in the HH lot more than once. One time we arrived to check-in and had to park by building 14 after going around and around. It was around 1:00pm, I can't believe that all those cars were for people at the pool, Olivia's, the store or checking in. It is nice though that you usually don't have problems by your room.