With the elimination of complimentary valet parking for Disney Vacation Club members, one issue that occasionally arises is overcrowding of the Self Parking lots. Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas is attempting to address this by rerouting resort traffic during high demand periods.
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Below is an overhead view of the three BoardWalk parking lots--one is reserved for use by valet parkers and guests with handicapped permits, while the other two are available to resort guests and others visiting the area. The lot outlined in BLUE is closest to the resort itself and most frequently used by visitors. Vehicles would typically enter the blue lot at the location of the GREEN dot and exit at the YELLOW dot.
During high-demand periods--particularly on weekends--the resort is being more particularly about where visitors are permitted to park. Signs located on Epcot Resorts Boulevard--visible before guests even approach the Resort Entrance (guard shack)--clearly state that the blue lot is accessible ONLY to registered guests at the BoardWalk Inn or Villas. Proof of a confirmed reservation must be provided before vehicles will be permitted to enter at this point.
Additionally, the usual entrance to the blue lot (green dot) is being barricaded (see photo.) Both incoming and outgoing traffic is being re-routed to the yellow dot. The yellow entrance is then staffed by a member of the security staff who again verifies that the guest is staying at the BoardWalk (room key or parking permit) before allowing the guest to enter the blue lot.
Other resort traffic is being routed directly to the RED lot on the other side of Epcot Resorts Blvd. This traffic would include guests with dining reservations at the BoardWalk, guests who wish to visit the BoardWalk shops, etc. Availability of this lot is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Security personnel are also posted at the red and ORANGE (valet) lots to ensure guests are adhering to current policies.
As stated, this procedure is only being implemented during high-demand periods when the resort expects demand for the blue lot to exceed capacity. When this process is in place, signs are clearly posted on Epcot Resorts Blvd on approach to the resort. During lower-demand periods the blue lot is available to visitors not staying at the BoardWalk and the green entrance point is open for traffic.
