General Parking

[DonaCatalina]

What is the story this year?

[Terre Albert]

http://texrenfest.com/parking

[KiltedPrivateer]

So no improvements then?  One of the complaints that I recall from last year, was that being parked at the end of one of the preferred rows was not any closer than getting a spot in a free row near the center isle.  Logistically, the faire should come up with a way to make the preferred spots worth the extra cash.  Might draw more people to them. IMHO

[DonaCatalina]

So no improvements then?  One of the complaints that I recall from last year, was that being parked at the end of one of the preferred rows was not any closer than getting a spot in a free row near the center isle.  Logistically, the faire should come up with a way to make the preferred spots worth the extra cash.  Might draw more people to them. IMHO

Yes,
Closing weekend we went ahead and paid the preferred parking and they stuck us out by the entrance at the end of the RV parking. Don Juan was incensed as was I.

[King Cinaeth I]

Parking is pretty much the same as last year, although we had a "heads up" this year.  If you get to the site by 8:00AM from your drive into town to get dressed, and you have paid your fee for prefered parking, you will be directed begin parking at the end of the RV parking on Row 1 (just a stones throw from the attendent's booth)....actually since I don't know the exact length of each row, you may be better off saving your money and parking in the first free row, closer to the center isle toward the gate...distance wise.  Last year we were told the rows were 60 feet apart and therefore we would only be walking 180 feet more than what we were accostomed to.  The distance may be actually be the same to the gate and you'll have some tree coverage in the actual rows in lieu of the wide open spaces at the entrance.  Walking on the pavement in lieu of the mud however, could be considered a plus...depending on your individual situation and exiting the faire was really no faster given the longer walk back to your prefered spot.  Save your money if this applies to you.  However, I was provided some insight into the timing of gettting you onto Row 3 (where we are used to being if you get there before 8:00AM)... don't show up until about 9:30 accroding the flagger and you can get close to your old spot.  Of course you'll miss the opening ceremonies and canon but you'll be closer to the privy for dressing.  Personnal preference I suppose...disappointing though to say the least.

[ravic]

I was told by the office that the gates do not open before 8:00. Guess I need to reconfirm.

[Hercules]

Yes,
Closing weekend we went ahead and paid the preferred parking and they stuck us out by the entrance at the end of the RV parking. Don Juan was incensed as was I.

This.

I won't be paying for this BS ever again. At least last year you got one of the first couple rows. Now you're actually further out.

[DonaCatalina]

The very end of the RV row is not in fact paved. It is gravel. Yes, if appears that once again, if you come from the south for early parking you are out of luck as far as getting close.

[DonaCatalina]

For Roman Bacchanal, the preferred parking seemed to be about half empty.
They call it close parking, but anyone who got stuck out by the south entrance needs to sue for false advertising.

[DonaCatalina]

so,
before we get too far into 2014,
what will be the policy, locations ,etc for general parking and paid parking?

[Lady Cole]

We did the preferred parking last year every time we went. Opening weekend we were in row 3 i think right by the walk way, you could see the gates from inside my truck it was awesome. Then we went another weekend and we were parked on the 3rd row, but this time we were all the way at the end. I wasn't very happy about it, I felt like I wasted 10$ because by the time we got to the walk way I looked down and about 2 rows back there were spots right next to the walk way!!I think sometimes it pays off and sometimes it doesn't. Pretty much your gambling with 10$ every time you go!

[batninja]

I don't usually weigh in on the parking situation, since I camp, but I got bored at work and came up with this...

As I understand it, the preferred parking is the first eight rows, correct?   So the complaint is that when parking near the ends of the rows, it's sometimes more walking back to the center lane and to the front gates as opposed to parking closer to the center lane in a farther row:



Although it would be a logistical nightmare, the only alternative would be to designate a differently-shaped area, so that regardless of where you park in the preferred area, the walk to the front is less than that of the non-preferred:



Of course, the poor folks directing the traffic would have to be able to gauge how many cars can park in this area before routing the next ones to the next row.  I don't begin to understand the process of how to route this flow of traffic.

[Terre Albert]

There will be shuttles in preferred parking to transport those who need help and those who park at the end of the row.  Not on site yet. 

[Lady Cole]

I'll pay for the parking either way! We get there so late sometimes that we would be parked in row 25 if we didn't pay! Even at the end of row 3 is still closer than the end of row 25! lol  

[Terre Albert]

Parking



This year, we will offer free shuttle service when you use our preferred parking!

The shuttle will be running from the parking rows to the main gate throughout the day.





Parking in rows 9-35 is FREE!





Our many of numbered rows offer the best parking in the State of Texas. Built to resemble a Sherwood Forest settting, you may be able to hear Robin Hood and His Merry Men high in the tree line celebrating a victory over the Sheriff of Nottingham.



Special Preferred Parking



Visitors can indulge in our special Preferred Parking for a small fee!  The Preferred Parking is close to the gates in rows 1-8 and is available on a first come, first serve basis only.  The fee for this parking is $10.  Upon entry into the Festival Main Gate, please follow the signs to the Preferred Parking area as directed.  Fee must be paid to the attendant at the time of arrival.  Cash Only.



Handicapped Parking is avaliable

[Sir Martin]

The free shuttle service sounds like a nice addition that will add value to the paid parking.  Certainly worth a try to see how it works out.  Thanks, Terre.