Who Likes Valet Parking???

[dvcdudes]

I was reading another thread and thought it interesting how different people liked different things.
One thing mentioned was Valet Parking. On our first trip to BWV (home), I self parked prior to checking in. I wanted access to MY car. This is one of the reasons why we drive. I wasn't thrilled about having to tip 2-3-4 times a day. After using the car once in the week long trip I realized it wasn't worth it (unloading luggage, parking car, walking back, etc...). Our next trip (BWV again), we pulled up, I handed the guy my key and 5 bucks and he took care of the rest. I realized then and there that "This is the life". I'm on vacation too and this little thing makes me feel that way. I did have to get something we forgot (gameboy) out of the car after it was parked but I have a second set of keys. I was able to spot my car (we have a BIG white conversion van so it's easy). I had no need for my car the rest of that trip and upon check out I called bell services. They came got my bags, brought my car up, loaded the car and we were on our way. NOW THIS IS A VACATION!!!
It's been the same each trip after that and I've grown to think that the valet parking and bell services makes me feel special and is one of the BEST parts of the vacation.

 

[ncligs]

I think it is a nice "option" to have, especially if it is raining.

 

[DaveH]

I like using the vallet parking if I have a car with me. The first time I used it at WL, prior to VWL, I had forgotten something and one of the guuys went out with me and I got my stuff no problem. That was the first time I had ever used vallet parking. Of course I did not use my car the rest of my stay. I did not have any problems using the busses.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I like that it saves us time. We can drive up, be at the front door and then not worry about it. You can also call downstairs and let them know you want your car in a few minutes and it is waiting for you when you get there, and hopefully it has already cooled down if it has been in the daytime sun.

 

[ralphd]

To claify...................
The 'cost' of valet parking is paid for in our dues. The additional cost is the tip to the valet CM's.

ralphd

 

[EROS]

 

[Lesley]

I used to dislike having people do things for me....one of those "I'm perfectly capable of doing thise myself, thank you" things....I don't know why, but it just made me feel weird to have someone do something for me I could easily do myself. Then I travelled with 2 kids for the first time. And I learned to let other people help me! Now I love bell services, valet parking, etc.... so convenient! And we've really met some very nice bellmen and valets (though I didn't like the older man who was rather patronizing when I had to think for a minute to recall my room number...it was late and we had just checked in that day....he said "well, how are we supposed to bring this to your room if you don't know your room number?" it was one of those "just give me a second to think!" situations!)

I only wish I had bell services at home!

 

[mickeyc]

I like the valet parking feature. However, I don't use it. I find it more convenient to get the car myself since I maybe in and out several times per day. I think it should be retained.

 

[Cinderella]

I love valet parking. The car is lovely and cool by the time they bring it to you, which is a great perk, so I always tip them when they are taking the car and bringing it back. It is well worth it for me, especially having kids cos it means I am not putting them inside a boiling hot car.

 

[Cinderella]

I meant to say - I love valet parking in Disney but, not in general. We used it in Edinburgh recently but, we were forced to valet park, as they didn't give u instructions on how to get to hotel car park.

They charged £30 for 48 hours and when we got the car back, it had a great big scratch down the side!

So, valet park is great but, only when it is an option, not when it is forced upon you. It's nice to have the choice.

 

[ralphd]

We have not stayed at BCV yet, but according to members that have stayed at BCV, the villas are closer to the self park area than the valet (front) entrance.
We have always used valet parking at BWV and VWL. Guess BVC could be the exception.

ralphd

 

[jfulcer]

We've always used Valet parking when we can. Being a DVC member has its privledges.

I've always wondered though, I've not had a valet ask me to 'prove' that I was a member - do they just assume you are and don't charge you, or do I have DVC Member written on my forehead?

Of course, I always tip, so maybe they thought the tip was the fee? hmmmm.....

 

[pwoodham]

At BWV, I love valet. We used it only once at BCV, because it was just faster and closer to walk to the car than to the front entrance! The self-parking there really is that close. We used it when we checked in (and let them get the luggage for us!), then parked ourselves after that.
I asked the bellman if we had been charged (my DH didn't tell him we were DVC), and he said it wouldn't matter if we had been. He told me they check before the charge is applied to a room, and if it is the room of a DVC member, the charge is not added for valet parking. He didn't say if the check they perform is manual or automatic.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

ralphd,

Actually, valet parking at BCV is just as close and convenient as self parking - if your room is near the lobby as our room was.

Exiting from the villa building lobby, you cut through the "courtyard" area straight to the front entrance of BC without having to enter the hotel at all.

And also from the villa lobby, you can exit to the pool area to cut through to the self parking lot.

I voted for prefer self parking for the access to the car (because of DH).

When staying at a hotel-style DVC resort, we use valet parking at check-in to unload all our stuff/gear in one shot. It's a great option to have and I use it when it's raining or if I'm with the kids alone.

But DH prefers self parking because he REALLY likes access to the car. He'll even park it and walk back in the rain! He especially self parks for check out because he likes to take his time loading up the car. But he'll only self park at BCV - since, as I mentioned, I think the walk from the self parking lot and the front entrance of BC is comparable. He didn't bother to self park at BWV because of the distance and potential of having to hunt for a space.

We both prefer being able to park outside your unit at OKW and having immediate access to the car (since we don't get that at home). However, for the other resorts, valet parking is great and necessary. If DH wants to be my valet, fine - but no way will I park the car myself and trek from the parking lot with tired kids.

Bottom line is we'll use valet parking because it's convenient. But when given a choice (when the self parking lot isn't a mile away and DH is at the wheel), we prefer self parking.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

This may sound strange, but the only thing I don't like about vallet parking is not being able to take in the themeing, and beauty of the Lodge as I walk from my car. I truly enjoy the little pathway between the parking lot and the entrance way. It is themed very nice, and it is part of the overall experience.

It may seem small to some, but we like it!

 

[vernon]

I would agree with the view that it's a nice option to have available, with the distance from the carpark to the rooms it's helpful when checking in/out. While I know it's possible to drive up, unload (leaving the luggage with the rest of the group), selfpark and walk up to reception there are times I would use the valet service. I wouldn't use it everytime but I think if you don't like it, don't use it.

 

[Lesley]

jfulcer, double check your room charges at the end of your trip! We were charged for valet parking on our room charges while we were at BWV and I had no idea it had been done until we got our express checkout papers. Since then I'm always sure to state that I'm a DVC member and have my card out to show them. And I've been carefully watching my checkout papers for charges we didn't make. The cm at the front desk didn't want to remove the charge and I had to be quite insistent before he would call someone to double check. He tried to tell me that everyone gets charged for valet parking.

I'm very glad I've been carefully checking the charges too....at POR in July we found phone use charges that we hadn't made. Either housekeeping tried making some calls or someone else walked into our room and used the phone while housekeeping was there (creepy).

 

[GrammieMame]

I use valet parking, especially when we have small children with us. Don't have to hold hands crossing roads and traipsing through the parking lot. And talk about feeling special: at WLV we used valet parking when we went to Blizzard Beach around 9:30 in the morning. When we returned about 1:30, we were greeted by name and asked if we enjoyed our day at BB. Nice customer service.

 

[ralphd]

Originally posted by SleepyatDVC
ralphd,

Actually, valet parking at BCV is just as close and convenient as self parking - if your room is near the lobby as our room was.

Exiting from the villa building lobby, you cut through the "courtyard" area straight to the front entrance of BC without having to enter the hotel at all.

And also from the villa lobby, you can exit to the pool area to cut through to the self parking lot.

Thanks for the info!

ralphd

 

[mickeys#1fan]

I like valet parking. Getting it for free makes me feel like I really am a member of something special. The first time I used it at VWL I felt like a real big shot.

It does have its practical side, too, though. Everyone has made some good points - having kids, cooled off car, easy loading and unloading. For us, probably best of all things is that we end up returning from the parks fairly late. After a day of walking all over the place, who wants to trudge in from the parking lot at 11 pm? It's actually kind of a relief to know all I have to do is leave the car with them and go crash in bed.