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Parking at resort that you're not staying
- Thread starter Fresh Hop
- Start date
Yodadudeman
Member
If you show them your dinner reservation then you should be allowed to park for free. We had reservations at Coronado actually and we just showed them our dinner reservation and we were fine.
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On Friday, September 16, i plan on going to Disneys Contemporary resort (parking at resort) to see the Halloween fireworks, I have a couple questions
1. What button goes to the cally grill (probably obvious that i havent seen it yet)
2. Can i use my AP to park there or do i just tell them im here to view fireworks ???
1. What button goes to the cally grill (probably obvious that i havent seen it yet)
2. Can i use my AP to park there or do i just tell them im here to view fireworks ???
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wannabeBelle
Well-Known Member
The elevator to the California Grill is run by Cast members and is used to take people who are dining up to the restaurant. If you dont intend on eating there, you will not have access to the elevator for the restaurant for firework viewing at all.
As far as parking at the Contemporary for firework viewing I have never done that specifically but would check with the guards at the entrance for that.
Marie
As far as parking at the Contemporary for firework viewing I have never done that specifically but would check with the guards at the entrance for that.
Marie
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GenerationX
Well-Known Member
On one trip, middle son and I went to the Polynesian to watch Wishes from the beach. We were staying at Pop. When we got to the guard, we showed her our parking sheet from Pop and asked her if it was OK to watch Wishes there. She said that was fine and waved us in. I don't know what the official policy is, but I mention this because it is at least sometimes allowed, even without an ADR.
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CaptainShortty
Well-Known Member
1. As previously stated, the Cali Grill elevator is for those who are eating in the restaurant ONLY and is operated by CMs. The check-in desk for Cali is on a lower floor (don't remember exactly which one) and after you've checked in your reservation they escort you up to the top floor.
2. In general, you are not allowed to park in the resort parking lot unless you have specific business at that resort (ie staying there, dinner reservations, etc.). This is a hotly debated topic on here and elsewhere so I won't get into it but all I will say is the true "rule" is that you must park at the TTC (which will be free with your AP) and take the monorail to the Contemporary.
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That was my experience when I went up there the night before New Year's Eve in 2008 to watch the fireworks. I got on the elevator and there was no CM and I pushed the button for the floor the California Grill bar is on and it took me straight up to it. I was able to get a glass of wine and sit at one of the lounge tables and watch the fireworks from there. They even told me if I wanted anything off the California Grill menu to let them know I could order it.
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sbkline
Well-Known Member
Another option to think about is to just take the bus from Coronado Springs to the Magic Kingdom, and then get on the monorail to the Grand Floridian and Contemporary. In the case of the Contemporary, it would eliminate the possibility of being told that you cannot park there just to watch fireworks. I wouldn't imagine that would happen, but either way, it gives you a chance to save a little gas on your car and to ride the monorail which I view as an attraction/ride unto itself. 
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need2go2wdw
Active Member
I have never had a guard check my name to any reservation list when we have resort hopped for dining. We tell them we are there for dinner and if we do not have a resort tag in our window (as we live in FL we occasionally stop for a bit for dinner and stuff as we pass through) they just ask to see our identification. We flash our drivers license and are waved on in. In the cases where we do have a resort tag in our window, they don't even ask. They just wave you on by. It should not be an issue at all to resort hop in your car if you are staying on property. We've even had cases where we have told the guard we were just there to check out the resort (like the Animal Kingdom before we ever stayed there) and they let us in without a problem as a "guest". They used to have 2 hour time limits for guests not staying at a WDW resort, but it either has gone away over the years or no one (that I have encountered) enforces it.
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bigkbull
Active Member
We did not stay at any Disney resort but went to the Polynesian for drinks one night (Lapu Lapu!!) and to watch Wishes on the beach, and then another day for breakfast at Kona Cafe. Had to flash my driver's license and all was good. Had the same experience at Yacht and Beach clubs but I did mention I had a reservation for Yachtman's Steakhouse and then that we were going to Beaches and Cream.
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Scuttle
Well-Known Member
We parked at the Polynesian yesterday for the entire day. Wow we will be doing that from now on. It was great to walk back to the car and change shirts and whatever. Also saved us a lot of time. It's great not waiting on the tram. I told the security guard that we had a reservation at Kona cafe (we didn't) and all he did was check my drivers license. It was as easy as that.
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tigsmom
Well-Known Member
Anyone can stop at any of the hotels to look around, dine and shop you do not have to be visiting the parks (many locals just stop by for drinks or dinner). You may or may not be asked for ID; just be polite and tell the guard your purpose when you get to the gate (going shopping at the gift shop, grabbing a drink or quick snack). You can park at the Contemporary or Poly to view the fireworks (at the Poly beach is great with the piped in music and the electrical water pageant passes by too) if there is room.
If you valet park at any of the hotels keep your receipt and you can valet park for free all day.
The TTC is at the back of the Poly so you could either walk to the beach or take the monorail (walking is faster, I've done it).
Parking at a resort you are not staying in and leaving the car there all day opens you up to towing and yes, I have seen cars towed most often from the Contemporary lots. As stated earlier you need reservations to get up to the Cali Grill you can't just wander up.
If you valet park at any of the hotels keep your receipt and you can valet park for free all day.
The TTC is at the back of the Poly so you could either walk to the beach or take the monorail (walking is faster, I've done it).
Parking at a resort you are not staying in and leaving the car there all day opens you up to towing and yes, I have seen cars towed most often from the Contemporary lots. As stated earlier you need reservations to get up to the Cali Grill you can't just wander up.
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potatoheadfan
Member
hush
ssshhhhhhhhhh dont u relize u ruining for all those that are doing same as u, im not gonna give details and ruin it for everyone. keep it to yourself. loose lips sink ships, and greedy disney gets richer. just look what they are trying to do with refillable mugs.. witch wont work the way they want them to. ; 0
ssshhhhhhhhhh dont u relize u ruining for all those that are doing same as u, im not gonna give details and ruin it for everyone. keep it to yourself. loose lips sink ships, and greedy disney gets richer. just look what they are trying to do with refillable mugs.. witch wont work the way they want them to. ; 0
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ILOVEDISNEY
Active Member
My wife and I have never had any trouble parking at any resort. Just show your driver's license and be polite and honest and you're on your way. The monorail resorts are a little bit harder to access during Wishes, but not impossible.
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