Where are these people going? - BWV

[Disney93]

First off, I need to say that I haven't been in the DVC area of the DIS board in awhile. Remember when it was announced that free valet parking was being taken away? I posted then that I was afraid there would problems finding parking while staying at the BW. Well reading these posts makes me sick, we all knew this was going to happen and now it has. It's time for the guards to do what they are paid to do, no BW parking pass=no parking, plain and simple.

If people are coming to eat at one of the BW restaurants, they can park in the overflow lot or pay the valet parking charge. I know the BW area is one of the best areas of WDW, that's why we bought here. We arrive next month with 5 children, 4 under 6 years including a baby and the walk after the parks is going to be hard on them. I sure hope the "guests" using the parking lot to save from paying at Epcot enjoy themselves. The locals get great perks, wish we got them, can't they at least pay to park?

 

[drusba]

Boardwalk has always had problems. They are just noticeably worse since they did away with free valet for DVC members. You have the main lot and then the secondary lot across the street. There are no restrictions for that secondary lot and many going to Epcot or MGM park there (amazing how that lot just fills up in the morning). At the main lot they actually check but then two rules apply: (a) you can get in if you are staying there; (b) you can get in if you are actually going to the boardwalk. It is the second of those rules that causes all the problems coupled with the fact that there are no time restrictions at BW for parking in the main lot. During the morning and early afternoon, it does not fill because the guard will know they are likely lying if they say they are going to the boardwalk since nothing is really going on at the boardwalk until later in the day. However, as soon as ESPN opens people can just say they are going to ESPN (starting with lunch time) which takes no reservations so the guard cannot confirm that the guests are actually going there and then by 5 they can just say they are going to the boardwalk. Of course, if everyone were honest problems would likely not develop but clearly there are many who are willing to fib when they reach the gate at the main lot.

 

[wildernessDad]

Somebody over at WDW needs to grow a backbone and shut down those loopholes.

 

[castleri]

Now that I am home and have read the replies I don't know why they couldn't put in one of those gates that require a room key to get into the self parking lot and anyone without one would have to use the overflow lot. We were there at an obviously slow time and did not have a problem finding a place to park (in the open parking next to the valet parking) when we checked in. We also did not use the car the entire time we were there so it was a non issue for us but for those who do use their cars I could see where it could be a pain in the neck during the more crowded times. The valet lot was more than 3/4 empty every day we were there so there was a lot of space that wasn't being used also.

 

[DebbieB]

That is what I think they should do too - have a key gate on at least half of the main parking lot. I don't think hotel guests would use more than that. When I walk through the lot, I look at the windshields to see how many have parking permits and I'd say at least half don't. Others can park behind the guard shack or in the overflow. And there have also been reports that employees use the main lot instead of the overflow.

 

[Inkmahm]

That is what I think they should do too - have a key gate on at least half of the main parking lot. I don't think hotel guests would use more than that. When I walk through the lot, I look at the windshields to see how many have parking permits and I'd say at least half don't. Others can park behind the guard shack or in the overflow. And there have also been reports that employees use the main lot instead of the overflow.

I can't say I've seen employees using the main lot but I have noticed the unused valet lot. I wish some of that space could be reallocated to regular parking!

We'll be back at BWV next month and I really hope we won't have problems with parking.

 

[twinklebug]

Remember the Tilt Shift video created by one of Disney's directors? (here if you missed it) This would fit right in: Time lapse of everyone pulling into the BW parking lot in the AM, filling it up, then filing down to the Boardwalk and taking the boats, or walking. Then reverse the effect in the evening we see them filing back from the boats and the parking lot emptying out.

Think Disney would get the message then?

 

[DebbieB]

I can't say I've seen employees using the main lot but I have noticed the unused valet lot. I wish some of that space could be reallocated to regular parking!

We'll be back at BWV next month and I really hope we won't have problems with parking.

I'll be there the last week and will report back. We always arrive on Saturday afternoon and it's always a problem. Especially because we are in and out, going for groceries etc. The rest of the week it usually isn't a problem.

Remember the Tilt Shift video created by one of Disney's directors? (here if you missed it) This would fit right in: Time lapse of everyone pulling into the BW parking lot in the AM, filling it up, then filing down to the Boardwalk and taking the boats, or walking. Then reverse the effect in the evening we see them filing back from the boats and the parking lot emptying out.

Think Disney would get the message then?

They know it's going on, they just don't want to do anything about it. I talked to the Boardwalk GM after a DVC meeting about 10 years ago and he said to me that they have to provide parking for the Boardwalk businesses. They don't want to rock the boat with them. I think a reserved area for hotel guests would resolve it, there should still be plenty of spaces for others. People showing up at 9:00am saying they are going to the boardwalk need to be questioned.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Yes, they were going to the parking lots.
People parking at the EPCOT resorts to go to EPCOT has been a problem for many years. .

Boardwalk has always had problems. They are just noticeably worse since they did away with free valet for DVC members.

Grrrrr... BWV is my home resort and I'm still ticked, over the loss of free valet. I think, it's affected us more than any other resort.

 

[wilma-bride]

This is precisely what annoyed me so much during our stay at BWV last month. DH and I went out for dinner one night and got back to BWV right around 8.30 pm. There was a huge line of vehicles waiting to get into the parking lot. We used our key and so got in to the lot straight away but we struggled to find a place to park. In the end, we got a spot right at the bottom end of the parking lot. As we walked back up, past around 30-40 other cars, there were only half a dozen that had BWV parking permits in the window. The rest either had none or were from other resorts

 

[jodifla]

The thing is, they do have to have parking if you want to go to the Boardwalk. Where are you supposed to park if you want to go to the Flying Fish or the dance club? I've always understood the overflow lot to be for that.

 

[LVSWL]

We have friends who ALWAYS park at the Beach Club, even though they are staying at VWL. They say they are coming in to eat, and are parked there all day until closing. Always kinda bugs me when I go out to my car and see their car parked there. The situation at Boardwalk is really a concern. At the Grand Floridian you have to park in the lot across the street. Why not BWI&BWV?

 

[jdg345]

Complaints similar to what BLT got that warranted them to make improvements there based on member feedback.

What did they change at BLT with regards to the parking situation?

 

[DebbieB]

What did they change at BLT with regards to the parking situation?

The improvements they are making at BLT due to "member feedback" is regarding the bathroom situation in the studios.

The problem at BWV is it is already soldout and they don't have any interest to make changes. I was at the BWV annual meeting in 2000 and people complained about the lack of elevators at the far ends of the building. They just said nothing they can do about it. If it would have kept them from selling points they would have done something about it.

 

[pditullio]

So, ease my conscience (or scold me, maybe?)...

When staying at OKW, we will often have an early dinner at BW and then keep the car there while we go into Epcot for the evening, or park at Beach Club to go into the park and then end the night with sundaes at Beaches and Cream.

Do people feel this is the same offense?

I've never really felt badly about doing this since I was actually patronizing those resort areas, and just combining my activities into one parking process.

I mean, I wouldn't have dinner at Flying Fish, walk back to my car, drive to Epcot main parking, and then go into the park. Should I be doing that?

If I wasn't stopping at these places on my way in or out I don't see how it's easier to park there than the main entrance, anyway, but that's just me.

 

[DebbieB]

So, ease my conscience (or scold me, maybe?)...

When staying at OKW, we will often have an early dinner at BW and then keep the car there while we go into Epcot for the evening, or park at Beach Club to go into the park and then end the night with sundaes at Beaches and Cream.

Do people feel this is the same offense?

I've never really felt badly about doing this since I was actually patronizing those resort areas, and just combining my activities into one parking process.

I mean, I wouldn't have dinner at Flying Fish, walk back to my car, drive to Epcot main parking, and then go into the park. Should I be doing that?

If I wasn't stopping at these places on my way in or out I don't see how it's easier to park there than the main entrance, anyway, but that's just me.

I wouldn't worry about it. The big problem is offsite people and locals looking to beat the parking charge at Epcot or DHS and park there all day.

 

[CarolMN]

I wouldn't worry about it. The big problem is offsite people and locals looking to beat the parking charge at Epcot or DHS and park there all day.

I wish they would charge the locals and the non-BWV/BWI resort guests the valet parking price at the entrance. The guest could use the receipt to actually valet park or they could use it as a gift card at any Boardwalk establishment for that day only. Their choice. No refunds. Handicap stickers and anyone who already paid for valet that day would be the only ones other than BWI/BWV guests who do not have to pay. They could even make it free after IllumiNations (about 9:30 pm) for the JellyRoll and Atlantic Dance patrons.

Those who do not want to pay can try their luck at the lot across the street. If necessary, Disney can reserve a portion of that lot for cast members.

I think the Boardwalk establishments (restaurants) would still get their patrons, the valets might make a little more and the parking problem would be solved without costing Disney itself much $$, if any at all.

 

[jdg345]

The improvements they are making at BLT due to "member feedback" is regarding the bathroom situation in the studios.

The problem at BWV is it is already soldout and they don't have any interest to make changes. I was at the BWV annual meeting in 2000 and people complained about the lack of elevators at the far ends of the building. They just said nothing they can do about it. If it would have kept them from selling points they would have done something about it.

Ahhh ... thank you!

I had heard of the bathroom changes, etc. I thought I had missed something with regards to the parking.

As others have mentioned, it was always an issue at BWV. I think it's just compounded now with the lack of free valet parking -- at least a portion of those tying up the lot are likely DVC members staying elsewhere.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'll be there the last week and will report back. We always arrive on Saturday afternoon and it's always a problem. Especially because we are in and out, going for groceries etc. The rest of the week it usually isn't a problem.



They know it's going on, they just don't want to do anything about it. I talked to the Boardwalk GM after a DVC meeting about 10 years ago and he said to me that they have to provide parking for the Boardwalk businesses. They don't want to rock the boat with them. I think a reserved area for hotel guests would resolve it, there should still be plenty of spaces for others. People showing up at 9:00am saying they are going to the boardwalk need to be questioned.

I've talked to them as well....not much interest in my concern, to say the least. I got the same 'We have to provide parking for non-resort guests so that they can go to the restaurants and such.' But, I have no problem with making the front 2/3 of the parking lot key accessible only. How hard would that be?? Not hard at all. At least then they wouldn't have to pay to have security there during F/W weekends, preventing non-guests from parking in there. That way anyone who wanted to could park in there, but not in the most desireable spots, but in the rear of the lot. Any overflow would go to...well, the overflow lot. Simple.

So, ease my conscience (or scold me, maybe?)...

When staying at OKW, we will often have an early dinner at BW and then keep the car there while we go into Epcot for the evening, or park at Beach Club to go into the park and then end the night with sundaes at Beaches and Cream.

Do people feel this is the same offense?

I've never really felt badly about doing this since I was actually patronizing those resort areas, and just combining my activities into one parking process.

I mean, I wouldn't have dinner at Flying Fish, walk back to my car, drive to Epcot main parking, and then go into the park. Should I be doing that?

If I wasn't stopping at these places on my way in or out I don't see how it's easier to park there than the main entrance, anyway, but that's just me.

Well, there is supposed to be signage at these resorts stating that parking for park access is not allowed. Do with that what you will.
I have been one of those BWV guests who has had to drive around, hunting for a spot at night, right around 8:15ish...and yes, there was a nice long line of cars waiting to get in. Doubt they were all sleeping at BW that night.

 

[granmanh603]

I have been annoyed for years about the parking issue at BWV which is our home and we are there especially in Oct and see this behavior every day(last year they had a guard at the inside parking entrance buy only on the weekend and he left in the afternoon)...and here is another thing we encountered when sitting in the "quiet" pool area...the table of older people sitting next to us discussing their get together plans for a vacation in a few weeks and coordinating arrangemants . Seems they were local couples that came over for the day at BWV but were not staying there but were freely using the facilities.