Disney Resorts to start charging parking fees....

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We frequently will start our vacation at the beach in Florida, rent a car drive to wdw, I drop my family at the resort, drive to Dolphin where I return car as I won’t be needing it rest of trip then meet up with my family at resort. When I drive through the gate we say we are checking in and obviously are in a car. How would they know that I am actually just dropping them then returning car right afterwards? It will not affect me regardless as we are DVC but for others who do what we do, just wondering what would happen.
 
I think it’s time to realize Disney does NOT want their “ regulars “ , Florida residents, AP holders ... they want those big money tourists.
If you think about it who are they making more on .. the people like on boards like these devoted to ways to save time and money or to the other types of visitors that pay rack rates or use discounts ? I know as a Fl res AP holder even staying onsite I spend less on gifts and food because I have been enough to “ work the system “ to what best fits a budget .
Disney has no concerns on loosing its “ regulars “ their resorts are full as well as the Parks . I know they will not miss our business but for our money we will not renew and give money to other places .
Their best guest is a new guest paying full price and spending ALL their money on property and at parks .. not the ones getting pin codes and less shopping because we don’t need another souvenir.
 
blondietink said:
Well, just pulled the plug and cancelled our October on-site trip. Now staying off-site.

They still send pin codes? Haven't received one in probably over 10 years. I thought they didn't give them out any more. Maybe now that I cancelled they will send me one, lol! Fat chance.
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They do but I also have not gotten one since getting APs years and years ago .. I think they can see who is going to be back and people who may not be able to go back , obviously AP holders will be back so why give them a discount ? I am sure once I let my AP lapse I will get some sort of discount sent but I’m over it so definitely won’t use it .
 


fla4fun said:
Why? When I am booking a hotel I take the time to read the fine print. If they charge a resort fee or parking fee, I just move on and look at another hotel. There are always options (in all price ranges) and I have always found a more than adequate hotel that meets my needs. Granted, I have no desire to go to Manhattan, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas as they just aren’t my idea of a vacation destination, but it’s certainly possible to be a traveler and not pay for hotel parking if that is what a person chooses.
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You've answered your own question of why it's surprising to me that someone who travels could have never paid for parking at a hotel before. If you are not traveling to tourist/resort destinations or major metropolitan areas, then naturally it is much easier to avoid hotels that charge for parking and stay at ones that don't.

Kevin355 said:
If you are comparing parking in Manhattan to WDW, you are comparing apples to oranges. There is plenty of parking at WDW, not so much in NYC. I have relatives who work in NYC, and they pay $1400 a month in parking. And the only other time I paid to park was in Downtown Atlanta. I have never paid to park at Destin, Pensacola, Orlando, Key West, LA, Nashville, or Boston hotels.
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I'm not comparing anything, it was the poster I quoted who stated that they stayed in Manhattan and took the train everywhere so as to avoid parking fees. We were debating in general how that poster had never paid for parking ever, and I was simply stating that staying at a hotel that charges for parking and not bringing a car is a different kind of scenario. We weren't discussing Disney vs. major metropolitan areas, it's clear there's a reason places like Manhattan charge for parking. I'm just saying that it seems rare to find an traveled adult who has literally never stayed at a hotel that charges for parking ever.
 
Think about it like this ... all the people on forums like this .. giving Disney endless free advertising and being die hard Disney apologists just got a big Disney boot .I am not just referring to the parking but the constant price hikes , taking away certain perks and not really coming forward with good discounts .. I know when I stay Hilton I earn nights .. same with other higher end hotels Disney sometimes throws out a little discount bone but then hits you with more price hikes and added fees . I won’t be doing anymore free advertising.
Also remember each time you visit and post photos on places like FB or IG and use hashtags and things of that nature you have just given them money in the form for advertisement.
 


bryanb said:
...I had always wondered why expensive hotels could get away with charging for wi-fi, whereas any old roadside motel gave it away for free. I heard a podcast about this and the answer was obvious: because they can. Cheap hotels know their customers won't pay it, and it has nothing to do with the cost of providing the wi-fi. Also, in expensive hotels, you have business travelers whose companies will definitely shell out the money to make their workers more productive. For now, at least, they probably calculated people wouldn't be willing to pay for wi-fi. But if we prove our willingness to pay, they would definitely take our money.
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My employer gives us (certain employees who travel) a hot spot. I imagine it works out cheaper than paid hotel Wi-Fi for them and the service is a million times better than the spotty, painfully slow Wi-Fi I've run into at many hotels, including some expensive ones.

Soldier's*Sweeties said:
That's actually how it is in a lot of cities. That or they don't offer parking and you pay to park in a garage or the like.
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Disney has tons of land and plenty of parking. Major cities and downtown areas are a different beast. Space is extremely limited and parking spaces come at a premium. Its Apples and Oranges.

hawkeyesparks said:
Someone will see opportunity here. A business using off site parking. Charge, maybe $14 a day. Let the people that drive to WDW park there and then be shuttled from there to their resort. Makes sense to me.
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Long-term parking at MCO is $10/day and there are a bunch of places just offsite that are even cheaper and shuttle you to the Airport. If they can be profitable saving people a few dollars a day, I don't see why someone couldn't do the same by Disney. I think Value and Moderate guests would be the target demographic for such a venture, so maybe put it on Western Way west of 429, charge $9.99/day, and run a free shuttle to CSR, the All-Stars, AoA, Pop, CBR, POFQ, and PORR.
 
blondietink said:
Well, just pulled the plug and cancelled our October on-site trip. Now staying off-site.

They still send pin codes? Haven't received one in probably over 10 years. I thought they didn't give them out any more. Maybe now that I cancelled they will send me one, lol! Fat chance.
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I get a pin code 4-5 times a year. Sign into your disney account and price out a couple different trips, with different dates and put it in your cart, but back out before the payment screen. It never fails, I always get a pin code about a week later.
 
Just out of curiosity...reading through the past few pages it seems many have said how unhappy they are with Disney and what they have done in the past (RFID chips in refill cups, big increase in AP, and now parking fee at hotels) yet you still vacation at WDW. I understand where you are coming from but if you are that unhappy with Disney why do you still go?

For those who have cancelled their AP’s and hotel reservations, IMO that does send a clear message to Disney. FWIW I did send an email to Rober Iger letting him know that the people they should be targeting with paid hotel parking is the day visitor to the hotel. I told him they should be allowed three hours for dining etc. and after that be charged for the day. Not fair to hotel guests to circle the parking lot for 30 minutes trying to find a parking spot.
 
Fldisneyfamily4321 said:
I think it’s time to realize Disney does NOT want their “ regulars “ , Florida residents, AP holders ... they want those big money tourists.

Their best guest is a new guest paying full price and spending ALL their money on property and at parks .. not the ones getting pin codes and less shopping because we don’t need another souvenir.
Click to expand...

I think you are correct. I know of so many people who pay full price for everything, slap on the dining plan for convenience. I try to talk to them about how to save money, that they need to watch for discounts, etc. But it overwhelms people and they end up paying full price for their resort and everything else, and because they don't know the next time they'll go again, they are the ones going wild with souvenirs and extras and everything else... and there are lots and lots of families like this out there.
 
Well so much for everyone getting phone calls. This is the email response I just received. They pretty much said too bad, deal with it.

Dear Deserrai,

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding our policy for overnight resort parking.

We thank you for being an Annual Passholder and for continuing to enjoy the other extras that we offer throughout our Theme Parks and Resorts. Please know that decisions to adjust our policies are based on a variety of factors, including alignment with our resorts in California and Hawaii. Be assured that we are committed to providing high-quality, unique experiences and special moments in our Theme Parks and Resorts that our Guests enjoy.

Information about parking for Resort Guests may be found on our website. Theme Park parking will remain complimentary for Resort Guests. Rest assured, due to you booking your resort stay for August before March 21st, you will not be effected by the upcoming parking fee changes.

If you choose to visit a resort for a day to dine, shop or enjoy resort activities, parking will be complimentary.

Deserrai, we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us and hope you and you family will enjoy your visit in August!

Warmest regards,

Bonnie
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort
 
deserrai said:
Well so much for everyone getting phone calls. This is the email response I just received. They pretty much said too bad, deal with it.

Dear Deserrai,

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding our policy for overnight resort parking.

We thank you for being an Annual Passholder and for continuing to enjoy the other extras that we offer throughout our Theme Parks and Resorts. Please know that decisions to adjust our policies are based on a variety of factors, including alignment with our resorts in California and Hawaii. Be assured that we are committed to providing high-quality, unique experiences and special moments in our Theme Parks and Resorts that our Guests enjoy.

Information about parking for Resort Guests may be found on our website. Theme Park parking will remain complimentary for Resort Guests. Rest assured, due to you booking your resort stay for August before March 21st, you will not be effected by the upcoming parking fee changes.

If you choose to visit a resort for a day to dine, shop or enjoy resort activities, parking will be complimentary.

Deserrai, we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us and hope you and you family will enjoy your visit in August!

Warmest regards,

Bonnie
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort
Click to expand...
I'd send a reply back to Bonnie telling her exactly what I thought of her reply.
 
I sent my email to the Bob, George and to guest services on Thursday.
Got a call back Friday afternoon from "the office of George Kalogridis"
She was quite nice, and listened to my concerns about the new policy. She had obviously read my email, or had it open in front of her, as she referenced several direct quotes from it.
I told her that this new fee seemed like nothing more than a money grab, and that I thought it was a rather "Six Flagish" thing to do.

She said that Bob and George do read all their emails, and this policy has caused quite a backlash.
Said she hoped we kept coming and didn't follow thru on the threat in my email to cancel our upcoming trip, even though the parking policy would not affect me due to when we made the ressie.
She said that everything is still up for debate, and things can and do change sometimes.

I do believe that they may look at your account before calling, as she knew about our past stays-(years, which resort, etc.)

She was very nice and did listen, and I do appreciate the call back.
I'm under no delusions that this policy will change though.
I guess we'll see
 
KrazeeK120 said:
Although, if people are staying offsite to avoid Disney’s parking fee, it probably means they have a car with them. I don’t think people who fly in are going to be looking offsite because of this change.
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I always fly in and I WILL be looking to stay off-site when I go back. First, its the principle of the matter. Second, by the time I go back I am sure there will be a resort fee and most likely no discounts.
 
deserrai said:
Well so much for everyone getting phone calls. This is the email response I just received. They pretty much said too bad, deal with it.

Dear Deserrai,

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding our policy for overnight resort parking.

We thank you for being an Annual Passholder and for continuing to enjoy the other extras that we offer throughout our Theme Parks and Resorts. Please know that decisions to adjust our policies are based on a variety of factors, including alignment with our resorts in California and Hawaii. Be assured that we are committed to providing high-quality, unique experiences and special moments in our Theme Parks and Resorts that our Guests enjoy.

Information about parking for Resort Guests may be found on our website. Theme Park parking will remain complimentary for Resort Guests. Rest assured, due to you booking your resort stay for August before March 21st, you will not be effected by the upcoming parking fee changes.

If you choose to visit a resort for a day to dine, shop or enjoy resort activities, parking will be complimentary.

Deserrai, we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us and hope you and you family will enjoy your visit in August!

Warmest regards,

Bonnie
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort
Click to expand...

This is pretty much the exact same response I received too. They only changed it to reflect that I was DVC.
 
Fldisneyfamily4321 said:
Think about it like this ... all the people on forums like this .. giving Disney endless free advertising and being die hard Disney apologists just got a big Disney boot .I am not just referring to the parking but the constant price hikes , taking away certain perks and not really coming forward with good discounts .. I know when I stay Hilton I earn nights .. same with other higher end hotels Disney sometimes throws out a little discount bone but then hits you with more price hikes and added fees . I won’t be doing anymore free advertising.
Also remember each time you visit and post photos on places like FB or IG and use hashtags and things of that nature you have just given them money in the form for advertisement.
Click to expand...

Such a good point. Other places you show loyalty have a "frequent buyer" or loyalty reward to thank you for frequenting their business. Disney - Here's a another price increase or here's another fee. Thanks so much for your continued patronage!

deserrai said:
Well so much for everyone getting phone calls. This is the email response I just received. They pretty much said too bad, deal with it.

Dear Deserrai,

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding our policy for overnight resort parking.

We thank you for being an Annual Passholder and for continuing to enjoy the other extras that we offer throughout our Theme Parks and Resorts. Please know that decisions to adjust our policies are based on a variety of factors, including alignment with our resorts in California and Hawaii. Be assured that we are committed to providing high-quality, unique experiences and special moments in our Theme Parks and Resorts that our Guests enjoy.

Information about parking for Resort Guests may be found on our website. Theme Park parking will remain complimentary for Resort Guests. Rest assured, due to you booking your resort stay for August before March 21st, you will not be effected by the upcoming parking fee changes.

If you choose to visit a resort for a day to dine, shop or enjoy resort activities, parking will be complimentary.

Deserrai, we appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us and hope you and you family will enjoy your visit in August!

Warmest regards,

Bonnie
Guest Experience Services
Walt Disney World Resort
Click to expand...

I wondered when it would start going this route. Observation is that initial responses from Disney will get phone calls and apparently when they feel they've demonstrated their extra care and concern they come up with a nice email to send out and continue with that going forward.
 
SmithSmith said:
I don’t think this has been talked about. Sorry if it has.


I’m angry about this, but I’m also embarrassed.

Everyone in our life knows we go to WDW and stay at their resorts, so we often get asked for help. Each friend we’ve helped has balked at the current prices. What’s going to happen after the 21st? They’re going to think we’re crazy for paying that. I kinda feel like my reputation is on the line...

Anyone else feel this way?

One thing is for sure, next time a friend asks for advice, I am going to advocate they stay offsite. ::yes::
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Because of my knowledge of Disney I help schedule trips for teachers at my daughters school and anyone at my temple. If thou most of the people at my temple can easily afford the parking fees (the teachers must less so) I am now calculating their parking fees and recommending dropping extras like desert parting, Spirit of Aloha or any of their other upcharge activities to equal the cost of parking. I have also mentioned to the last 2 teachers that I planned a trip for to fill out a guest card when they leave detailing how they pair for this parking. With money Disney would have gotten another way. If enough people hurt their purse they will listen (hopefully).
 
wdwlver said:
We frequently will start our vacation at the beach in Florida, rent a car drive to wdw, I drop my family at the resort, drive to Dolphin where I return car as I won’t be needing it rest of trip then meet up with my family at resort. When I drive through the gate we say we are checking in and obviously are in a car. How would they know that I am actually just dropping them then returning car right afterwards? It will not affect me regardless as we are DVC but for others who do what we do, just wondering what would happen.
Click to expand...

We are driving after a cruise from Miami to WDW in June. I reserved our car to drop off at the Car Care center on property. Our plan was to go to Pop Century to drop our luggage and check in then return the car. I have since changed to dropping the car at the airport and taking DME to the resort. I was worried I would be charged just for driving in to the resort and I don't want to have to stand in a long line and argue with the CM about dropping the charge when I don't actually have a car parked there. My faith in their systems is not great anyway. Our next stay will be offsite if I have my way.
 
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