News WDW Resorts to add fees for parking

[Angel Ariel]

They are a business. That's why it would be a horrible decision. A business doesn't implement a fee to purposely gain bad press.

That assumes they think there will be enough bad press to negatively affect them. IMO, WDW is acting like they are teflon lately, and no amount of bad press is going to significantly affect their bottom line. IF (and I do acknowledge that's an if), that is truly the attitude that TDO has, then I don't think they'd think twice about adding these fees.

 

[HauntedPirate]

I really don't see why it's difficult to figure out DI$ justifying adding a resort fee:

- Cleaning costs are increasing
- Coffee makers aren't cheap
- Wi-fi infrastructure isn't cheap
- Transportation costs are increasing
- Labor costs for all of the above are increasing

[Sarc=on] Poor DI$ is simply backed into a corner and the only way they can keep offering a quality resort experience is to implement a resort fee, kind of like how they only way they can possibly continue to "plus the parks" is to continually raise prices well beyond the rate of (government-manipulated) inflation. And everyone else is doing it, so DI$ is just moving things to be in-line with everyone else. Their hands are really tied on this one. They'd really prefer to not add a resort fee, honest, but with Universal and other competition, they're just doing what they need to do to remain competitive. [sarc=off]

DI$ grew to the the best by specifically NOT doing things like everyone else did, but just ignore that. And remember the DI$ motto - "They're tourists... whadda they know?"

 

[Lets Respect]

ay
The Old Disney used to encourage guests to visit the resorts but I do not feel that's the case anymore. I realize that's a broad statement when you can usually pull up to any moderate/value and say you're coming in for lunch and walk around but let's face it, this pending parking charge is due to the resorts we all want to park at, Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Beach Club, and BoardWalk. These resorts tend to have a high occupancy rate with very popular activities and dining options and it is in Disney's best interest to keep the guests actually staying at those resorts happy and one of the ways they can do so is by keeping those amenities limited to outside guests. There are times when you can pull up to the Grand Floridian and tell the security guard that you're coming in to look at the Gingerbread House at Christmas time and have him tell you to turn around, park at the TTC, and take the monorail over. Resort hopping used to be how we would spend a couple of nights on vacation as something we'd like to do and now we don't because we don't feel like its worth the hassle. I don't think Disney encourages it anymore, nor have they for a while, which is probably why they cut out the resort segments of the in-room channels at the hotels.

Yes that has happened to me too at the guard
But anyone can still visit the resorts
Why not just park at the TTC?

 

[Minthorne]

First they increase mousekeeping staff and 3rd party training for them. Then there is rumors of adding a resort fee. Related?

Maybe this is just a new sales pitch for DVC? You won't have to pay parking fees or resort fees - you'll save even more on years of magical vacations!

 

[21stamps]

Everyone's "bridge too far" is different. The upcharge events were insane to me. You see the value in them. With rare exceptions, I don't. I think they were mostly a way to make money by giving trinkets in return. We can differ on this.

Do you see that there are people in this very thread saying, "No big deal. Other resorts charge a resort fee . . . ", or "Good, the parking fee will keep out offsite people and it's worth it."? And you're saying, essentially, this is lunacy. There is no upside for Disney. The pr is going to be terrible. You differ with those people. Same exact thing. This is not worth it or conscionable or justifiable to you, but some people think its A--OK and are even finding value in the implementation of a parking fee.

Disney knows this. For some, it will be a bridge too far, but for others, they will just keep right on forking the money over to Disney. Disney is counting on the latter group being bigger than the smaller group. Disney will keep pushing the envelope until there is enough pushback for them to stop. It's business as usual these days.

I'm not disagreeing with all that you've said here. I'm saying that there's a difference between upcharge events that the majority of the general public could really care less if they are there or not, and implementing a resort fee without adding anything additional.

I love Atlantis. Loved. From 1999 on I've visited anywhere from 4-9 times per year until the past couple of years. I've watched that resort grow and grow. I was upset with the first addition- but in a "ugh they ruined my view" type of way. Then they added another. "Ugh". It was ok though, I kept paying their high Room Rates, Obscene Resort Fees, Overpriced Food and Drinks with extremely Slow Service. Then I noticed that Aquaventure is getting more and more crowded. To the point where last time it was not enjoyable. They sell too many Day Passes and I feel like I am no longer getting value for what I'm spending there. So, I stopped going. I sent an email, I got a very semi personal response which angered me greatly. I have been a loyal patron of their hotel and casino for so many years but have reached my limit. I'm sure we'll go again, because my kid constantly and consistently begs to go. But, I've held off for 2 years now, and will probably hold off for 2 more.
All of that is how I personally feel. My value was diminished in my mind. Atlantis didn't do anything wrong or horrible to the masses, and the situation isn't cause to be all over news outlets.

A Resort Fee (with no additions) at Disney World would be all over the news. It wouldn't be an individual deciding there isn't value, it would be an outcry of a "Rip Off", bc it would be exactly that.
The resulting negative press would be massive. I just don't see a company taking a risk in that way.

ETA- Full disclosure on Atlantis, I no longer live in a city where I can book a super cheap flight to Nassau, so my days of 4-9 times per year are forever over regardless of my personal thoughts towards the day passes. Lol. This does add to the frustration of high crowds since I've relocated.

 

[disney4life2008]

My estimation is that they will add something to encourage a resort fee. Regardless if its the all stars or GF, they still are resorts. We already know there has been talk of eliminating extra magic hours. I have a strong feeling resorts guests will get tiered extra fp+ (values get 1, moderates 2, expensive 3). This was discussed before MM+ rolled out, the problem, even with the new additions at MK and HS, I would not want that.

It does suck that we would have to pay for parking. But take a look at Vegas, they now charge to park in those massive parking structures. Why? To prevent locals from parking their car there and get a taxi cheaper to the airport or living out of their cars. I am sure people still "visit" the parks the get on the bus to the park of their choice to avoid parking.

I hate resorts fees because the added extras are garbage. local calls? 2 bottles of water? access to a gym? as someone else pointed out with the exception of parking the values have nothing lol

 

[21stamps]

That assumes they think there will be enough bad press to negatively affect them. IMO, WDW is acting like they are teflon lately, and no amount of bad press is going to significantly affect their bottom line. IF (and I do acknowledge that's an if), that is truly the attitude that TDO has, then I don't think they'd think twice about adding these fees.

I guess we'll see. All we can do is wait.

I really don't see why it's difficult to figure out DI$ justifying adding a resort fee:

- Cleaning costs are increasing
- Coffee makers aren't cheap
- Wi-fi infrastructure isn't cheap
- Transportation costs are increasing
- Labor costs for all of the above are increasing

[Sarc=on] Poor DI$ is simply backed into a corner and the only way they can keep offering a quality resort experience is to implement a resort fee, kind of like how they only way they can possibly continue to "plus the parks" is to continually raise prices well beyond the rate of (government-manipulated) inflation. And everyone else is doing it, so DI$ is just moving things to be in-line with everyone else. Their hands are really tied on this one. They'd really prefer to not add a resort fee, honest, but with Universal and other competition, they're just doing what they need to do to remain competitive. [sarc=off]

DI$ grew to the the best by specifically NOT doing things like everyone else did, but just ignore that. And remember the DI$ motto - "They're tourists... whadda they know?"

Because as myself and a few others have pointed out, that's not what a resort fee is. Wifi and transportation sure, but something else would have to be added.

Like I said above, we'll wait and see.

 

[RustySpork]

Because as myself and a few others have pointed out, that's not what a resort fee is. Wifi and transportation sure, but something else would have to be added.

Like I said above, we'll wait and see.

Unless you work for TWDC, you have no idea what the resort fee is for. What they tell the public, and what they tell the board tend to be two different things.

 

[wm49rs]

I'm not disagreeing with all that you've said here. I'm saying that there's a difference between upcharge events that the majority of the general public could really care less if they are there or not, and implementing a resort fee without adding anything additional.

I love Atlantis. Loved. From 1999 on I've visited anywhere from 4-9 times per year until the past couple of years. I've watched that resort grow and grow. I was upset with the first addition- but in a "ugh they ruined my view" type of way. Then they added another. "Ugh". It was ok though, I kept paying their high Room Rates, Obscene Resort Fees, Overpriced Food and Drinks with extremely Slow Service. Then I noticed that Aquaventure is getting more and more crowded. To the point where last time it was not enjoyable. They sell too many Day Passes and I feel like I am no longer getting value for what I'm spending there. So, I stopped going. I sent an email, I got a very semi personal response which angered me greatly. I have been a loyal patron of their hotel and casino for so many years but have reached my limit. I'm sure we'll go again, because my kid constantly and consistently begs to go. But, I've held off for 2 years now, and will probably hold off for 2 more.
All of that is how I personally feel. My value was diminished in my mind. Atlantis didn't do anything wrong or horrible to the masses, and the situation isn't cause to be all over news outlets.

A Resort Fee (with no additions) at Disney World would be all over the news. It wouldn't be an individual deciding there isn't value, it would be an outcry of a "Rip Off", bc it would be exactly that.
The resulting negative press would be massive. I just don't see a company taking a risk in that way.

They're not worried about bad press, because there won't be that much to be concerned with. No matter how many times you try to say otherwise....

 

[21stamps]

Unless you work for TWDC, you have no idea what the resort fee is for. What they tell the public, and what they tell the board tend to be two different things.

Ok, I'll rephrase. That's not how Resort Fees are described when itemized and disclosed.

My estimation is that they will add something to encourage a resort fee. Regardless if its the all stars or GF, they still are resorts. We already know there has been talk of eliminating extra magic hours. I have a strong feeling resorts guests will get tiered extra fp+ (values get 1, moderates 2, expensive 3). This was discussed before MM+ rolled out, the problem, even with the new additions at MK and HS, I would not want that.

It does suck that we would have to pay for parking. But take a look at Vegas, they now charge to park in those massive parking structures. Why? To prevent locals from parking their car there and get a taxi cheaper to the airport or living out of their cars. I am sure people still "visit" the parks the get on the bus to the park of their choice to avoid parking.

I hate resorts fees because the added extras are garbage. local calls? 2 bottles of water? access to a gym? as someone else pointed out with the exception of parking the values have nothing lol

Agree. I'd say IF a resort fee happens, then you are most likely correct.

 

[RustySpork]

Ok, I'll rephrase. That's not how Resort Fees are described when itemized and disclosed.

Who cares, we don't want them. We won't justify them. Just say no.

 

[Grimley1968]

A Resort Fee (with no additions) at Disney World would be all over the news. It wouldn't be an individual deciding there isn't value, it would be an outcry of a "Rip Off", bc it would be exactly that.
The resulting negative press would be massive. I just don't see a company taking a risk in that way.

All over Disney message boards and fan sites, with a brief mention by news outlets at the bottom of the hour for a 24-hour period, is not "all over the news." As much as I would hate to see something like this come to pass, I think that's about the extent of the news coverage of it.

The long term effect would be bad for Disney I think, but short term it would be almost a non-event in the larger world.

 

[RustySpork]

All over Disney message boards and fan sites, with a brief mention by news outlets at the bottom of the hour for a 24-hour period, is not "all over the news." As much as I would hate to see something like this come to pass, I think that's about the extent of the news coverage.

The long term effect would be bad for Disney I think, but short term it would be almost a non-event in the larger world.

Ignore that resort fee, here is an FP+ for 7DMT.

 

[21stamps]

All over Disney message boards and fan sites, with a brief mention by news outlets at the bottom of the hour for a 24-hour period, is not "all over the news." As much as I would hate to see something like this come to pass, I think that's about the extent of the news coverage of it.

The long term effect would be bad for Disney I think, but short term it would be almost a non-event in the larger world.

In an effort to stop repeating myself, I'm just going to agree to disagree.lol

 

[RustySpork]

In an effort to stop repeating myself, I'm just going to agree to disagree.lol

No no, please continue to repeat yourself. We're here for your personal entertainment.

 

[21stamps]

The influx of new members targeting my posts, or gravitating directly to any "anti Disney" thread is quite interesting...and odd.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Disney got through the bad press of killing not one, but two, guests.

 

[FigmentForver96]

No, I'm not. And TWDC will simply move along. Perhaps the price gets adjusted; perhaps. But greater odds are they'll simply move forward, business as usual....

Just like when price tickets go up and everyone declares that it's the straw that broke the camels back

The influx of new members targeting my posts, or gravitating directly to any "anti Disney" thread is quite interesting...and odd.

If you only knew the irony of this post

 

[RustySpork]

Disney got through the bad press of killing not one, but two, guests.

Yep. Gator? Hey we just found an opening for dinner for your family of 8 at BoG for tonight!

 

[wm49rs]

The influx of new members targeting my posts, or gravitating directly to any "anti Disney" thread is quite interesting...and odd.

Only to you....