Parking Questions about the Dolphin

[RHeath2]

Hey folks,

After reading a few reviews of the Dolphin (where we're staying for our upcoming trip), it's been noted that you have to pay to park there. Sure enough I went to the website and searched the forums here and found out that it's $9 a day to park there, even if you're staying at the property. However, I have a couple questions.

1. How does the parking charge work? It said $9 during the day for exit and $9 for overnight. Does this mean every time we take the car out of the lot it costs us $9 (i.e. Driving to Animal Kingdom, coming back for a break, driving to the Magic Kingdom...which would be like $27 in a single day)? Or does this mean that it's a flat rate and regardless of how many times we come and go it's just $9 for that day? OR does it wind up being $18 per day because of the $9 day parking and then $9 overnight parking?

2. How does the cost of parking happen? Do they simply charge you upfront at the hotel when you check in for the number of nights you are staying or do they charge everytime you enter/exit the lot? Is it "pay-as-you-go" or a lump sum charge at the end?

3. Is there anyway to beat the system? Are there any parking areas nearby that would just result in a longer walk? Would it be possible to fineagle free parking out of the Boardwalk and just walk across the way? Is there some other way to do it?

Any help on these questions would be extremely appreciated, especially the first 2.

Thanks,

Ryan

 

[dave2822]

I'd be happy to answer your questions as best I can

Hey folks,

After reading a few reviews of the Dolphin (where we're staying for our upcoming trip), it's been noted that you have to pay to park there. Sure enough I went to the website and searched the forums here and found out that it's $9 a day to park there, even if you're staying at the property. However, I have a couple questions.

1. How does the parking charge work? It said $9 during the day for exit and $9 for overnight. Does this mean every time we take the car out of the lot it costs us $9 (i.e. Driving to Animal Kingdom, coming back for a break, driving to the Magic Kingdom...which would be like $27 in a single day)? Or does this mean that it's a flat rate and regardless of how many times we come and go it's just $9 for that day? OR does it wind up being $18 per day because of the $9 day parking and then $9 overnight parking?

The parking rate is a flat rate, regardless of how many times you come and go each day. It will cost you $9 per day.

2. How does the cost of parking happen? Do they simply charge you upfront at the hotel when you check in for the number of nights you are staying or do they charge everytime you enter/exit the lot? Is it "pay-as-you-go" or a lump sum charge at the end?

I believe they charge you upfront, and I really don't think it is a "pay-as-you-go." I would call the Dolphin to confirm the answers to your questions. I never worry about parking in that lot when I'm there, so I'm not 100% sure.

3. Is there anyway to beat the system? Are there any parking areas nearby that would just result in a longer walk? Would it be possible to fineagle free parking out of the Boardwalk and just walk across the way? Is there some other way to do it?

Nah, there really is no way. The Boardwalk parking lot is too far of a trek, I'd just stick with paying the fee. Are you getting the Dolphin for a discount? If you are, it would more than cover the extra $9 a day ...

And also, you could cut down on how much you spend by not even renting a car ... are you going off property frequently? Would it be possible to just shuttle to and from the airport? Or are you driving in, which would make this suggestion not so feasible.

In any regard, enjoy your trip :wave:

 

[wdwmagic]

Our parking charges were just totalled up and billed at checkout. It all appears itemised on your bill. Have a great stay, the Swan and Dolphin is one one my favorite WDW resorts, you cant beat that location!!!

 

[RHeath2]

Thank you both for your replies. I was not as much about trying to nickel and dime the whole trip, it was more of a worry about if we needed to be prepared everday or just at the end. If it's just a flat $9 a day, we'll be there from August 5th, leaving the 9th, so it will just wind up being $45 total (if I've understood everything correctly).

We did get into the Dolphin on the teacher discount rate, so I have no problem with the charge, I just wanted to make sure we were prepared for whatever could happen. It's sort of like the toll booths on the Florida Turnpike. You know you're going to have to pay, but you always think there will be an attendant there to make change and then BAM! It's one of those automated ones that only takes quarters and you don't have any quarters (Weird reference, I know I know).

Thanks again!:wave:

 

[dave2822]

You are going to have an incredible time :wave: The Dolphin is one of my favorites, too.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Deadmanwalking]

Wow I had no idea the b@#$ds would try to nickel and dime customers for parking. I guess they think they're located in NY or Boston.

Oh well, good to know I can now cross the Swan and Dolphin off my list fo possible hotels in the future.

 

[mnfootballmommy]

My hubby is at the Dolphin RIGHT NOW and is VERY impressed with it! Not fair that I am at home, but December will be here soon, right?

 

[dave2822]

Wow I had no idea the b@#$ds would try to nickel and dime customers for parking. I guess they think they're located in NY or Boston.

Oh well, good to know I can now cross the Swan and Dolphin off my list fo possible hotels in the future.

Don't scratch them off just yet! They do charge for parking, but the discounts they offer can't be beat, as the location can't be beat either!

They really are teriffic hotels, if you ever get a change I would fully recommend trying one of them, parking fees or not.