Where to Park When Pool Hopping?

[JohnathanS]

After looking at some of the pics on Deb Wills' site, I think we might decide to pool-hop at the Grand Floridian this or the next trip. It will give us a chance to tour the resort before staying there in the future and at the same time enjoy what appears to be a nice pool area.

When you pool hop to other resorts, can you park at them, or do you need to take Disney transport to a park and then hop a resort bus?

Thanks for the info!!

 

[chris1gill]

You can park in the resorts parking lot, just tell the guard what you're doing!!! You'll have two hours til you have to move the car... that's a pain, but drive out & drive back in!! We've done that before when we were eating & swimming at the same resort...

 

[JudithM]

Unless the parking lots have changed at the GF, the parking lot for guests who park themselves is across the street from the resort. You might want to consider valet parking. I know it will cost $6, but it is good for the whole day regardless of resorts.

 

[CRobin]

If you're staying on site, you can park for free at the TTC and take the monorail.

As chris1 points out, the monorail resorts have been getting really strict about how long non-guests can park there.

 

[JohnathanS]

Great info, thanks!


We might just go after an Early Entry at MK, in which case we will just ride the monorail over to the GF afterward and save us from worrying about a car. Then we could hit TTC to get back to OKW. Otherwise, the valet parking may be the best. I can't see us swimming for more than an hour or so, though it might be nice to also try lunch there while we are on the grounds!!

 

[spiceycat]

3 hour is generally what the parking pass has on them - if you aren't using valet parking - of course the swimming pool is pretty far from GF self-parking - so you might want to reconsider valet parking. how far do you want to go to get back your car when you are wet????

 

[JohnathanS]

Spiceycat,

Good point! I didn't realize the parking distance (never been to GF before), so the valet parking may very well be the way to go. Especially if it is good all day, we might be able to use it later at BWV and have dinner over the the Flying Fish....wow, I love planning!!!!

 

[spiceycat]

BWV, VWL and BCV are DVC resorts - valet parking is free to DVC members at all of these places - you just need to tip.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by JohnathanS
Great info, thanks!


We might just go after an Early Entry at MK, in which case we will just ride the monorail over to the GF afterward and save us from worrying about a car. Then we could hit TTC to get back to OKW. Otherwise, the valet parking may be the best. I can't see us swimming for more than an hour or so, though it might be nice to also try lunch there while we are on the grounds!!

Just wanted to be sure that you know there isn't a bus to OKW that leaves from (or even stops at) the TTC. To return to OKW, you'll want to go back to the MK and hop the bus there.

 

[BillPA]

Take a drive to VWL, go early valet park or self park (no time limit), have breakfast, take the boat to MK. When your ready to swim, get the boat to the GF/Poly and check out both pools. Then boat back to MK if you want to do more park stuff, when done MK get the boat to VWL. Might as well try the pool there too. When your wet, sitting outside on the boat sure beats the COLD monorail.

Just a thought, have a great trip.

 

[Dean]

PH availability in no way guarantees parking options. Cont. has turned away many a would be PH.

 

[JohnathanS]

Originally posted by BillPA
Take a drive to VWL, go early valet park or self park (no time limit), have breakfast, take the boat to MK. When your ready to swim, get the boat to the GF/Poly and check out both pools. Then boat back to MK if you want to do more park stuff, when done MK get the boat to VWL.

Wow, what a great plan! I really think the best thing about pool hopping is combining swim time with resort touring time...this plan allows for a nice tour of the GF/Poly and WL. Actually, one of my favorite pools IS WL's quiet pool. Last year, we were offered a free upgrade to a courtyard view at WL(not VWL) and it was of the quiet pool courtyard....absolutely beautful, the best room view we've had (well, except for AKL )