Resort Parking Charges

[hayuk]

Ok. So let’s say I live 5 hours away or less. And I want to stay on site. How do you propose I get there. Your reply makes no sense. It’s a total cash grab. I would rather they raise the room price $13 a night I wouldn’t even think twice about it.

They do that too every year. :/

 

[Chef Mickey]

We're not going to WDW this year, after 5 consecutive years there with our extended family. Why(?), because of the parking fee for 4 cars that will just sit. It is a cash grab. Believe me, it's not the money, it's the principle! We'll do something else this year.

That'll show 'em. Honestly, you're just going to pay the same or different fees for a lesser trip somewhere else. Even those mom and pop hotels are trying to make money.

 

[John park hopper]

I know the parking fee is different than Disney allowing dogs in the resorts which seems to be a hugh bust and their doing away with it. I wonder if the parking fee will go the same way as off site hotels offer more perks to lure people away from disney resorts and they get more negative parking fee feedback ----We can only hope

I am glad to see that other people drive their own vehicles and don't appreciate paying for parking. I usually pay for dining plan and buy quite a few things in the stores. Ok, in order to justify my disgust for the parking fee I am solving the problem. I have a list of things to buy for Food while there and in the parks. A trip to Wal-Mart will save $$$$, no dining reservations and no shopping this trip. In the long run they will be losing my $$$$ because of the parking fee. Just my way to fix this, might not work for others but makes me feel better when I get hit with the parking fee.

Our last visit to CBR we brought a small microwave and kept in the room; no one said a word and it was real convient for heating things up. So until told otherwise we will continue to bring it and food--- just what you are planning

 

[D M C]

I find it hard to believe Disney management is that myopic to think not driving to the resorts is an option for everyone. In my own case flying is not a option 1. no direct flights to Orlando 2. cost far more than driving 3. with connecting flights it would take me longer to get there. My last 9 day trip my truck never moved so there was no maintenance required on that spot (that i'm sure has been paid for for years) when I left. My gut reaction is this has been nothing more than a $$$$$ grab justifying it by saying it's industry standards. I can say my next trip in May 2019 I will be spending less on food in the parks and bringing more food with us to cover breakfast and lunch. If Disney's intent is to get more of my money by penalizing me for driving it ain't happening

I totally agree with you about the parking fee. I will not be spending like I usually do. No dining reservations or spending in the stores. Will be bringing food into the parks to save money. I will be paying rack rate with no available discount and parking fee on top of that. I am seriously considering to cancel and stay offsite. The Disney magic is being taken away by how expensive it is getting. Don't think I will renew my AP, just can't justify keeping it now.

 

[Darth_Wes]

I am a Florida Resident and have been a AP for a number of years now. We live 6.5 hours from the Park in the Florida panhandle, and there are no direct flights from anywhere near us to Orlando. Because of the layover required on a flight, it would still take us about 4-5 hours to fly, so driving is just as convenient...and cheaper.

We absolutely love and prefer staying on property. It is more convenient taking the buses to the parks and DD...especially when we have enjoyed an adult beverage. Regardless of Disney's reasoning, I view it as an insulting way to milk additional dollars from my pocket for no viable reason. A Cash Grab is exactly what it is... "bad profit."

It was a crappy decision by Disney... I will not participate. I spend thousands of dollars every year taking my family to WDW. I am extremely disappointed that this policy was implemented...so much so, that we will be staying off property going forward, and I am actually considering not renewing our APs come renewal time. The advantages of staying in a Disney themed hotel and having a bus to the parks does not outweigh the crappiness of this decision.

 

[virk4]

if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck..........it's a cash grab!!

no investment....free cash 100% profit

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

I will be paying rack rate with no available discount and parking fee on top of that.

Rack Rate is kind of steep. When are you going? Not sure where you're staying but you can always look to downgrade from Deluxe to Moderate - Moderate to Value etc. Look at Swolphin, Bonnet Creek, Hotel Plaza, first.

The Disney magic is being taken away by how expensive it is getting.

No it's not. Disney has always demanded a premium. I agree that the rate increases (across the board) are a little ahead of themselves vs inflationary rates - but the "magic" has never been exclusive to lower costs. In the late 70's I remember finding out that my dad (a CPA) made 30k a year. The budget for our week at Disney was 2k. So just shy of 7% went to a one week vacation. Average salary at the time was about 10k. Not a lot of people could afford to spend 20% of their annual income on Disney for a week - and the "magic" did just fine back then.

 

[tagguy]

That'll show 'em. Honestly, you're just going to pay the same or different fees for a lesser trip somewhere else. Even those mom and pop hotels are trying to make money.

Could be true, and I know WDW doesn't really care, but we can spend our 15k elsewhere maybe for the next five years and possibly have MORE fun. Disney isn't the only game in town.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

We're not going to WDW this year, after 5 consecutive years there with our extended family. Why(?), because of the parking fee for 4 cars that will just sit. It is a cash grab. Believe me, it's not the money, it's the principle! We'll do something else this year.

The point is, they don't care about you at all. Resort demand is so high that they'll easily replace you with a family that is either willing to pay the fee or won't be bringing a car in the first place. People who don't have a car spend more than people who do, so they'll make that trade in a heartbeat.

 

[cajn]

This is an absolute cash grab. I just left WDW yesterday after 6 days. My car sat idle for 6 solid days, and there were ample spaces, so it was not in any way a space issue. While 78 dollars pales in comparison to the other money the trip cost (And I received solid value for every single dollar spent), all except for that last 78 dollars. It's ridiculous and an absolute cash grab, and don't tell me "other resorts offsite do it." Big deal. There is no reason to charge to park in a parking lot that is not nearly filled. Had a blast on my trip, but I felt totally hoodwinked being required to pay 13 dollars a night for use of a 6 ft by 10 foot space in a place where there is ample parking and the property is completely owned by the resort.

I'll pay 50 bucks for QS burgers and fries, I'll pay 200 bucks to eat at Ohana. I get value and a one of a kind experience for this, but this parking fee is absurd and an overt cash grab.

Unfortunately Disney does this because they can. It is too bad they can’t be happy with the high prices for everything else. It is now $25 to valet park at a resort. It used to be $15 or less many years ago.

As a DVC member staying at a resort my parking is no charge. That too may change.

 

[D M C]

Convoluted way of thinking, but, if you are OK with it why should I care. If others are willing to accept that gift that just really doesn't keep on giving anymore, then fine as well. However, Disney will never see a dime from me for parking fees. I sooner spend twice as much in parking fees at a mom and pop motel, struggling to survive, then give more cash to those money grubbers. It may have started with a mouse, but, for me, it is ending with cash hogs.

I have 2 onsite resort reservations and the first one was made before the parking fee was added. I am an AP holder and will have to pay rack rate in Dec with no available discount. With these high rates I am considering an offsite place to save $$$. In the long run Disney will not be making a money grab off me with dining and parking fees. I am seriously thinking about not renewing my AP this year. It is what it is but Disney is pricing itself above the middle class . Not affordable with the price increases that will break the bank.

 

[note2001]

I am a Florida Resident and have been a AP for a number of years now. We live 6.5 hours from the Park in the Florida panhandle, and there are no direct flights from anywhere near us to Orlando. Because of the layover required on a flight, it would still take us about 4-5 hours to fly, so driving is just as convenient...and cheaper.

We absolutely love and prefer staying on property. It is more convenient taking the buses to the parks and DD...especially when we have enjoyed an adult beverage. Regardless of Disney's reasoning, I view it as an insulting way to milk additional dollars from my pocket for no viable reason. A Cash Grab is exactly what it is... "bad profit."

It was a crappy decision by Disney... I will not participate. I spend thousands of dollars every year taking my family to WDW. I am extremely disappointed that this policy was implemented...so much so, that we will be staying off property going forward, and I am actually considering not renewing our APs come renewal time. The advantages of staying in a Disney themed hotel and having a bus to the parks does not outweigh the crappiness of this decision.

I'm with you, but seriously, let us know how that goes. My parents live a 30 minute drive away from the MK toll booths. When I've stayed with them in the past I found the drive to and from WDW to be extremely exhausting. I had everything I could want for the family: food, maid, chef, and car all provided by them. I adore my parents, but I cannot stay with them again if the intention is to have a relaxing Disney trip, (plus they don't need the burden).

 

["El Gran Magnifico"]

Could be true, and I know WDW doesn't really care, but we can spend our 15k elsewhere maybe for the next five years and possibly have MORE fun. Disney isn't the only game in town.

True. But no matter where you go...things will be more or less the same. One of my favorite places to go is Zurich. I plan 3 days out of the trip to go to Zermatt. You think the value for what you pay for at Disney is skewed?

 

[Hakunamatata]

All these new memberz complaining about the parking fee today. Hmmmmm

 

[flynnibus]

People who don't have a car spend more than people who do, so they'll make that trade in a heartbeat.

Are southern people poor?

Just more generalizations that are bogus because people over reach.

 

[sleepmaker93]

Our next trip is November. 10 people. 8 will fly and my wife and I will Drive. We will not only have food etc. for the week but also ALL luggage that would need to be checked at $25 a bag. Plus 2 less plane fares. The savings on bag check fees alone pay for the parking and still give us the freedom to go off property. But, agree this is Disney maximizing revenue by squeezing every penny from visitors in every way possible.

 

[D M C]

All these new memberz complaining about the parking fee today. Hmmmmm

I am not a new member even though my profile states that. I got a new email address and had to do a new sign up. Have been going to Disney for over 30 years. I am just saying that the parking fee is another way to grab money along with all the other increases being made. At some point it will be outpriced for people with a limited income. Only time will tell.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I am not a new member even though my profile states that. I got a new email address and had to do a new sign up. Have been going to Disney for over 30 years. I am just saying that the parking fee is another way to grab money along with all the other increases being made. At some point it will be outpriced for people with a limited income. Only time will tell.

There are miriads of things outpriced for people at any income level.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Are southern people poor?

Just more generalizations that are bogus because people over reach.

What? No. People who drive spend less for two reasons.

1. They have access to off-property merchandise, dining, and grocery options. This is true of people who drive their own cars as well as those who fly and rent a car.

2. They're more likely to be frequent visitors. Frequent visitors don't spend as much as once-in-a-lifetime visitors on a per-trip basis.

 

[John park hopper]

What? No. People who drive spend less for two reasons.

1. They have access to off-property merchandise, dining, and grocery options. This is true of people who drive their own cars as well as those who fly and rent a car.

2. They're more likely to be frequent visitors. Frequent visitors don't spend as much as once-in-a-lifetime visitors on a per-trip basis.

I have read numerous posts by people stating --people who drive spend less at WDW. I am curious as to what studies have been done by Disney to support this premise. From my own experience staying on site we drive and park it