Paid parking is coming to WDW resorts March 2018

[Ariel484]

"May" stick. OK.

And maybe read more carefully:

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Back at ya.

That is definitely true...I get why they're doing it ($$$$$) but I definitely don't like it. And it's really hard to compare most Disney deluxe resorts to a place like the Waldorf Astoria...

Just means that we'll likely not stay deluxe in the future, which for us means looking at off-site stays.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

Back at ya.

Goodness. I just asked whether you thought your current feeling would really stick -- simple question. I get now that it "MIGHT". Didn't need to get snippy about my initial question.

 

[Nole95]

If this is indeed true, then they have truly gone insane. For the amount of money people are spending, it's insulting to then charge that kind of money for parking. Insane.

If you are staying at a resort, you should have the right to park there for free. Disney has the technology in place to prevent people from parking there and taking busses to other locations. Guests should have to use their magic bands to get through the gate. If you are not staying there, then it is a $20 charge, which can then be waived if you spend X amount of dollars at one of that resorts restaurants. With Magic Bands, all this is pretty easy to accomplish.

This is nothing more than a money grab.

 

[piccolopat]

How will Disney know how to correctly charge me if I only have a car for a few nights of my stay?

 

[richkaryn]

If it means having my parking fees waived this summer for a trip I've already booked, I don't mind being the complainer.

The parking charge will apply to reservations MADE March 21, 2018 and after-- if you've ALREADY booked/put deposit on a reservation that falls after this date you will not be charged to park.

 

[erin1715]

True, but you could just rent points, stay at a DVC property and cost is about the same. Now with parking cost might even be better

I still think staying at a Value beats renting DVC points (financially), but I'd have to do the calculations again.

 

[Lee Matthews]

But I don't want to venture out. I just use my car to get there and never drive it anywhere. Why am I being "penalized?"

Totally agree, you shouldn't. This is a total money grab of the highest order

 

[ChipnDale79]

Goodness. I just asked whether you thought your current feeling would really stick -- simple question. I get now that it "MIGHT". Didn't need to get snippy about my question.

For me it’s not just the parking fees, this year the increase in ticket price and annual passes really irked me. Just over the past month or so, the AP increase and the parking have increased the price of our family vacation by almost $375. I’m not getting anything different than I did last year on my vacation, yet I’m paying $375 more. I understand inflation and prices need to increase because of labor and other things, but this is out of line. I’ve felt this way for awhile, but always just pay it. Enough is enough this time. Off site we go.

 

[TwoMisfits]

It will be funny if some offsite hotels or businesses use this as a money-maker...letting you park in their lots cheaper than Disney does...

I know in Niagara Falls Ontario, this is a thing. Only the unknowing/elderly/disabled park at their prime hotel parking lots for $60/night CDN - everyone else parks at the Casino for 1 charge for the "out" (which runs $10-30 CDN)...it's an annoyance, but for the huge savings, it's a gimme. At least they have a Casino parking garage though, which doesn't scream "ugly" - I mean, can you imagine asphalt jungles going up everywhere close to LBV all advertising nightly parking? It will be a lovely site...

 

[Scifidiner]

Will this prevent me from going to WDW? Nope. Will it make me consider off site options more? Yep. This is the sort of thing, at least for me, that makes me a lot less loyal to Disney. It's not just this additional charge, it's the cumulative effect of ALL these various increases.

 

[Skippyboo]

The parking charge will apply to reservations MADE March 21, 2018 and after-- if you've ALREADY booked/put deposit on a reservation that falls after this date you will not be charged to park.

What happens when people go to modify their already made reservation like when discounts or free dining comes out?

 

[dgramling]

Wondering how going to Universal is going to work for the folks threatening that. $20+/night parking fee at the on property Loews hotels at Universal + tickets to Universal are about the same cost as WDW. I feel like this argument is like saying you're going to take American Airlines because you're mad that United implemented baggage fees, when AA charges the same fees.

I do think this is a dumb move on Disney's part, because it's one of the things that set Disney resorts apart from other area resorts. It's like Southwest not charging baggage fees, or like Disney Cruises not charging for soda. The little things really can make a difference in guest happiness.

I find the Universal hotels in the same categories to be above the Disney hotels. After our last trip when we checked into Royal Pacific my wife and I both commented how the level of service we received was above Disney. In contrast when I went to Universal in 2010 I found their service to be lacking. They have really stepped up their game while Disney has fallen behind.

 

[tjkraz]

I think DVC members are, by definition, "big spenders." And I say that as someone who is currently in the process of buying DVC. By doing so, we are committing to years of WDW visits and thousands of dollars spent onsite with each visit. And the money we'll save over regular resort stays will make us a little more likely to splurge on some upcharge events that we haven't been willing to pay for in the past.

I cannot speak with authority for "all" owners, but the primary motivation for a DVC purchase seems to be reducing costs while also increasing trip frequency. In general, DVC owners are not what I would call "big spenders." They aren't the ones splurging on Deluxe dining plans or buying a $500 crystal Mickey Mouse statue on Main Street.

While DVC owners spend far more than the typical day guest over the long haul, their average daily spending is much lower. DVC business is appealing for Disney because they don't have to work to earn the repeat customers. But 10 families staying at the Polynesian Hotel will typically spend far more per person, per day than 10 DVC owners staying in the Poly villas.

DVC is apparently more profitable than the regular resort hotels, judging by a number of factors (including resort construction). So it makes fiscal sense for them to push returning visitors toward DVC. It just seems that the guests getting squeezed are those in between - the return visitors who aren't willing or able to buy into DVC.

I'm quite sure that many DVC salespeople will highlight this benefit when trying to close a deal. However, it's worth noting that parking lots are part of the condominium (timeshare) common elements with operations and maintenance paid for by DVC member dues. The #1 reason DVC owners are exempt from parking fees is because they cannot legally be charged extra for a resort amenity they are already funding.

 

[rteetz]

The economy is doing quite well compared to years past. I feel the only thing that will stop Disney from continuing to price hike or have more add ons is a recession.

 

[TwoMisfits]

What happens when people go to modify their already made reservation like when discounts or free dining comes out?

They book a new reservation and charge you...it's probably timed exactly to take advantage of this...free dining is less and less "free" every year...

 

[Hootenany]

I do find it odd that they are charging guests of the resorts to park but not day visitors. If it is day visitors at places like BW that are clogging up the lots why not charge them for parking rather than actual resort guests?

Because this would risk losing a day visitor and their potential spending money. Resort guests are there already- they've already got you and your wallet.

 

[Rich M]

The economy is doing quite well compared to years past. I feel the only thing that will stop Disney from continuing to price hike or have more add ons is a recession.

I believe the only thing that will stop them is people not putting up with it and there rooms sits empty.

 

[ELLH]

Mods, I went to this thread:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/disney-resorts-to-start-charging-parking-fees.3670107/page-12

... and then saw a link to the thread I'm replying in now. Maybe merge these two threads? Especially since *technically* the other one is in the right sub-forum.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

For me it’s not just the parking fees, this year the increase in ticket price and annual passes really irked me. Just over the past month or so, the AP increase and the parking have increased the price of our family vacation by almost $375. I’m not getting anything different than I did last year on my vacation, yet I’m paying $375 more. I understand inflation and prices need to increase because of labor and other things, but this is out of line. I’ve felt this way for awhile, but always just pay it. Enough is enough this time. Off site we go.

That makes sense to me. A cumulative effect.

Not to suggest that there is a 1:1 on these hikes and investments in parks, but as they add more attractions, we are getting more next year than we did last year-ish. I think they're making up for lost investment time with all the additions afoot, but the later are still happening now nonetheless. Doesn't surprise me that in a strong economy they feel they can hike a variety of prices.

 

[jade1]

Agreed. There *are* a lot of perks with DVC now. I think the perceived loss is just some with DVC have been going for 20+ years and just see less value at Disney overall. I think most of Us DVC members are with you all in thinking this fee stinks, regardless if we pay it or not.

I'm sure many folks feel that way. I just don't.

Been going DVC for 20 years-its better than ever. $505 for P Plus AP and all the new DVC Resorts to choose from on dues.

Not to mention the resale value we now have.

I would prefer no paid parking for everyone, but to me getting free DVC parking on a "paid WDW parking" thread is a positive result and actually catering to the DVC owner.