Parking for Steam Train Tour

[idratherbeinwdw]

Hi All,

A friend of mine is taking the steam train tour in the MK at the end of May. The tour starts early, prior to WDW transportation running. I have read that some people park at the Contemp, telling the guard that they are taking the tour, and then they walk to the MK from there. I have also read that you should take a cab. Anyone have any experience with this?

Mar'

[RweTHEREyet]

I did this last summer. I was told to park at the Contemporary hotel. We had two cars, son was following us. The Guard turned us away. I got mad, went back, raised a stink and ended up being able to park there in the end. However, I would not suggest this as we almost missed our tour. I would suggest taking the taxi in the morning. When the tour is over, then Disney transportation is available.

We loved the tour, and if your friends have never been backstage, this will get them behind the MK to see where the trains and monorail get their repairs done.

[idratherbeinwdw]

I did this last summer. I was told to park at the Contemporary hotel. We had two cars, son was following us. The Guard turned us away. I got mad, went back, raised a stink and ended up being able to park there in the end. However, I would not suggest this as we almost missed our tour. I would suggest taking the taxi in the morning. When the tour is over, then Disney transportation is available.

We loved the tour, and if your friends have never been backstage, this will get them behind the MK to see where the trains and monorail get their repairs done.

Wow that really stinks that you were told (I am assuming by somone employed at WDW) that you could park at the CR and then you had to fight for it. They really should make this easier for folks signed up for the tour, it's a shame to have to pay for a cab. :yes:

[kathyseb]

Mar,

We took the tour two years ago and parked at the Contemporary with no problems.

When we booked the tour they told us to park at the CR and be prepared to show them our confirmation number.

We stopped at the guard shack and they directed us to where we could park and walked over. We got there in plenty of time.

After the tour, we stayed in the park until about lunch time and then walked back to the CR, got our car and left.

By the way, this was our most favorite tour we have taken yet. Very impressive.

Be sure to tell them to take their cameras. You can pretty much take pictures of just about everything. I think there were two areas we approached that they said no pictures allowed.

How many times can you say you walked onto Main Street USA with no one else on the street? Everyone needs a picture of that!!!!!

[idratherbeinwdw]

Thanks for the info Kathy. So what do you think happened when they turned RWE away? An uninformed CM? I'd hate to encourage anyone to do something that might cause them to be late or miss the tour. It sounds like you got clear instructions, so I wonder why there was an issue with poor rwe. :tearsaref

[RweTHEREyet]

I would have your friends double check with WDW Tours. Could be the policy has changed. Who knows. Taking the taxi is the easiest way. No hassles, drop you off right there, yadda yada yadda.

[bavaria]

I had a smiliar experience at CR a few years ago; my firends were staying at GF, I was at either OKW or PO and I had the car. They made all of the ADRs, and I drove to CR while they took the monorail.

At the gate I did the usual (show room key, sometimes they ask for photo ID). The security guard asked for my ADR number and/or the paper slip - I've never been asked for that before!!!! and of course, I didn't have it....

There are sometimes when there is a VIP or major convention at the CR and they only allow registered guests; other times they are very lax about checking room keys, etc. I can understand why they do need to check but it is frustrating if you are there for the tour or a meal....

[dvcconvert]

If you have your ressie number for the tour -- and the gate guard gives you any problems -- ask for the area manager.
It is well known (by CR mgr) that the CR is the designated parking area for this tour.
So long as you're in possession of the ressie number (and in a worst case, the name under which it was made + id) don't take any 'crap' from the guard -- you are in the right :)

[PoohsPal]

And I would trust the man woth teh guy in the engineer's overalls in his sig! :D

[idratherbeinwdw]

And I would trust the man woth teh guy in the engineer's overalls in his sig! :D

I do trust dvcconvert Carrie (and Kathy too of course) , but isn't that guy in the overalls Walt? :headscrat

[PoohsPal]

I'm thinking so. I was just thinkign teh engineer's outfit gave him even more clout in this case. ;)