News WDW Resorts to add fees for parking

[SorcererMC]

And not once in any of that does it say they can't charge such fees - they challenge them based on how they are obscured and misleading. So for what.. the 4th time? They challenge how they are communicated - not that they exist, nor do they have any authority to stop them from being charged.. nor does Congress. The bill you cite? It's about how the fees are ADVERTISED

https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2599/text



How can this not be any more clear? "no person [...] may advertise in interstate commerce a rate for a hotel room that does not include all required fees other than taxes and fees imposed by a government"

It does not ban such fees, it only challenges how prices are advertised. The existence of a fee and the ability to charge it, is seperate from the issues around how they are marketed and disclosed. The FTC has scope over the latter, not the former.

There are still reasons for a resort to charge things as fees, even if the total price quote includes them.

The recent FTC noise is about trying to change the loophole so that the fees need to be included in INITIAL representation of prices.. verse simply at final quotes/purchases.

These are very important distinctions when you talk about the scope of the legal authority to regulate this topic.

You're right - Congress did not try to ban the fees but focused on disclosure/advertising, which falls under 'deceptive' practice. Under FTCA 15 U.S. Code § 45 Section 5(a) the FTC has jurisdiction to determine if a practice is 'deceptive' or 'unfair', ie an independent evaluation of one or the other, or both. The legal standard for an 'unfair practice', given by the FTC Policy Statement on Unfairness

To justify a finding of unfairness the injury must satisfy three tests. It must be substantial; it must not be outweighed by any countervailing benefits to consumers or competition that the practice produces; and it must be an injury that consumers themselves could not reasonably have avoided.
​

If the FTC deems the practice 'unfair', it is unlawful and the FTC can outright ban the fees (or cap the amount)*. Note again that the paper is calling the mandatory resort fee practice 'harmful to consumers' aka injury outweighing the benefits, and describes various options that would be considered ethical business practice, such as bundling the fee with the room rate or unbundling the services and making them optional.

ETA: * to be clear, the same is true if FTC deems it 'deceptive'.

​

 

[FigmentForver96]

For those saying new parking/resort fees would be the last straw to either not going or staying off-site be honest, you will continue to go and stay on-site.

Your addicts. Disney is your passion. You cannot live without it, period.

How do I know this? Your posting on a Disney Fan website.

Quitting any addiction is hard if not impossible for some. So stop all the emotional responses to this rumor. Suck it up and admit at the end of the day, you are going back and you are staying on-site. You'll feel much better when YOU realize you have an addiction.

Wonderful addition to the conversation..,please do continue

 

[Buried20KLeague]

For those saying new parking/resort fees would be the last straw to either not going or staying off-site be honest, you will continue to go and stay on-site.

Your addicts. Disney is your passion. You cannot live without it, period.

How do I know this? Your posting on a Disney Fan website.

Quitting any addiction is hard if not impossible for some. So stop all the emotional responses to this rumor. Suck it up and admit at the end of the day, you are going back and you are staying on-site. You'll feel much better when YOU realize you have an addiction.

Lol. Maybe you shouldn't paint with such a broad brush.

I've been on this site since 2004. We used to go three times a year, usually for 9 or 10 days each... Always staying on site. As the product has deteriorated and costs have continued to skyrocket, we've cut our trips to WDW down to one every 2 or 3 years, and stay in Bonnet Creek. We do less days in the Disney parks and go to Uni. We don't get the meal plan. In addition, we've been cruising, beaching, and exploring the Disney parks in other areas of the world.

In March, we're taking a trip to Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Yes, Disney still gets some of my dollars. But not NEARLY what they used to get. And I have no shame spending it on good Disney quality product.

I wasn't afraid to step outside our comfort zone to see what else there was, and I encourage everyone else to do it. Put your wallets where your mouths are. Really investigate the costs of visiting international parks (it's often not nearly as bad as you think). Open your eyes to what else is out there, both parks related and not. But beware... Once you do... You can't put the genie back in the bottle (pardon the pun).

Or... Keep paying TDO ever-increasing fees in the form of parking and resort fees. Because affter all... You can see the tip of the castle half a mile away from your barely three star room that's priced like a 5 star, even before all the fees!!!

 

[rob0519]

For those saying new parking/resort fees would be the last straw to either not going or staying off-site be honest, you will continue to go and stay on-site.

Your addicts. Disney is your passion. You cannot live without it, period.

How do I know this? Your posting on a Disney Fan website.

Quitting any addiction is hard if not impossible for some. So stop all the emotional responses to this rumor. Suck it up and admit at the end of the day, you are going back and you are staying on-site. You'll feel much better when YOU realize you have an addiction.

Let me get a ladder so I can get see you on that high horse. Will we go back to WDW, yes. Will we stay on site, probably. Oddly, you're posting on a Disney site as well. At some point the price increases will make the decision to quit a necessity. We started scaling back years ago. From 2 weeks a year, to 2 weeks every 18 months, to 1 week every eighteen months, to 5 days every eighteen months and finally, to 3 days in the last two years. So, we can live without it.

 

[21stamps]

Lol. Maybe you shouldn't paint with such a broad brush.

I've been on this site since 2004. We used to go three times a year, usually for 9 or 10 days each... Always staying on site. As the product has deteriorated and costs have continued to skyrocket, we've cut our trips to WDW down to one every 2 or 3 years, and stay in Bonnet Creek. We do less days in the Disney parks and go to Uni. We don't get the meal plan. In addition, we've been cruising, beaching, and exploring the Disney parks in other areas of the world.

In March, we're taking a trip to Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland.

Yes, Disney still gets some of my dollars. But not NEARLY what they used to get. And I have no shame spending it on good Disney quality product.

I wasn't afraid to step outside our comfort zone to see what else there was, and I encourage everyone else to do it. Put your wallets where your mouths are. Really investigate the costs of visiting international parks (it's often not nearly as bad as you think). Open your eyes to what else is out there, both parks related and not. But beware... Once you do... You can't put the genie back in the bottle (pardon the pun).

Or... Keep paying TDO ever-increasing fees in the form of parking and resort fees. Because affter all... You can see the tip of the castle half a mile away from your barely three star room that's priced like a 5 star, even before all the fees!!!

For the past few days people keep talking about 5 star resorts. Saying Disney hotels should be like the Breakers etc. Please, go stay a week at The Breakers and then get back to me about how much of a bargain it was compared to a Disney Hotel.
Also, let me know how the view of Wishes was from there.

They are different experiences. Not even close to comparable. And apples to apples- as in food, room, transportation, parking, activities- places like The Breakers will be hands down more expensive the majority of the time.

 

[wm49rs]

For the past few days people keep talking about 5 star resorts. Saying Disney hotels should be like the Breakers etc. Please, go stay a week at The Breakers and then get back to me about how much of a bargain it was compared to a Disney Hotel.
Also, let me know how the view of Wishes was from there.

They are different experiences. Not even close to comparable. And apples to apples- as in food, room, transportation, parking, activities- places like The Breakers will be hands down more expensive the majority of the time.

Curious that you seem so against an increase in fees, yet are so willing to come up with reasons to defend it. Or perhaps not that curious after all....

 

[21stamps]

Curiius that you seem so against an increase in fees, yet are so willing to come up with reasons to defend it. Or perhaps not that curious after all....

I'm not advocating or defending a possible resort fee. I'm saying Disney Resorts are priced High. But they are priced high because of where they are...and the comparison to 5 Star hotels should stop. The Four Seasons in Seattle is $689 per night for no view and 2 double beds in June. Want a view? $899 Their restaurants are a lot more expensive than most at a Disney Resort. Want to go to a much cheaper 3 star hotel downtown? These are starting at $300 per night. Why? Location. You will find the same in almost any popular tourist destination. Especially the closer to whatever main attractions are there. In Disney World's case- the main attraction is MK. So you'll pay more to stay there.

 

[wm49rs]

I'm not advocating or defending a possible resort fee. I'm saying Disney Resorts are priced High. But they are priced high because of where they are...and the comparison to 5 Star hotels should stop. The Four Seasons in Seattle is $689 per night for no view and 2 double beds in June. Want a view? $899 Their restaurants are a lot more expensive than most at a Disney Resort. Want to go to a much cheaper 3 star hotel downtown? These are starting at $300 per night. Why? Location. You will find the same in almost any popular tourist destination. Especially the closer to whatever main attractions are there. In Disney World's case- the main attraction is MK. So you'll pay more to stay there.

Lovely. And yet TWDC has never shied away from the comparisons themselves, location or otherwise. But keep waving that flag....

 

[SorcererMC]

When you spend $1 at Disney Parks, how much profit do you think they make from that $1?

If that $1 is part of a hotel resort fee, they are probably making 80-90%.....which is why the hotel industry loves them - high margin, not subject to occupancy tax, nor travel agent commission, and mandatory.

ETA: BTW, the hotel industry knows that this gravy train may be ending....if Disney were savvy, they would advertise 'no resort fee' or set themselves apart by making it optional.

 

[21stamps]

Lovely. And yet TWDC has never shied away from the comparisons themselves, location or otherwise. But keep waving that flag....

This is an honest question- When have they compared or marketed as a 5 Star hotel?
I've never expected it, and I don't ever remember being advertised that way. The word "Deluxe" when described a resort doesn't have to mean "5 star". Again, I'm not saying I like their prices. I hate them. But I understand why they are priced that way. I can name plenty of hotels in Florida that are way overpriced, but yet always full. Example- The GF was built to invoke the grandeur of places like The Breakers. It's not supposed to be the same thing... I don't think it was ever meant to be the same experience.
Sorry, kind of letting the posts on 2 threads out in 1 here.lol. They're closely related.

 

[skyphotographer]

For those saying new parking/resort fees would be the last straw to either not going or staying off-site be honest, you will continue to go and stay on-site.

Your addicts. Disney is your passion. You cannot live without it, period.

How do I know this? Your posting on a Disney Fan website.

Quitting any addiction is hard if not impossible for some. So stop all the emotional responses to this rumor. Suck it up and admit at the end of the day, you are going back and you are staying on-site. You'll feel much better when YOU realize you have an addiction.

You obviously don't know me very well. And with 7 whole posts, I don't think you should be making such broad statements.

 

[Matt_Black]

Your addicts.

Our addicts what?

 

[wm49rs]

This is an honest question- When have they compared or marketed as a 5 Star hotel?
I've never expected it, and I don't ever rember being advertised that way. The word "Deluxe" when described a resort doesn't have to mean "5 star". Again, I'm not saying I like their prices. I hate them. But I understand why they are priced that way. I can name plenty of hotels in Florida that are way overpriced, but yet always full. Example- The GF was built to invoke the grandeur of places like The Breakers. It's not supposed to be the same thing... I don't think it was ever meant to be.
Sorry, kind of letting the posts on 2 threads out in 1 here.lol. They're closely related.

Considering the rankings come from the outside, when have they shied away from them? And their own description of the GF goes beyond merely "invoking" comparisons:

Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish Disney Resort hotel. Relax in the sumptuous lobby as the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz and popular Disney tunes. Unwind outdoors, indulge in a luxurious massage and watch evening fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.

 

[21stamps]

Our addicts what?

I just literally laughed out loud.

I can't talk though. Yesterday I started to type "manner" my phone went "manor".. and I didn't even catch it.lol. I always give the benefit of predictive text once.. but if your you're too or to are used more than once.. it's not the phone.lol

 

[21stamps]

Considering the rankings come from the outside, when have they shied away from them? And their own description of the GF goes beyond merely "invoking" comparisons:

Victorian elegance meets modern sophistication at this lavish Disney Resort hotel. Relax in the sumptuous lobby as the live orchestra plays ragtime, jazz and popular Disney tunes. Unwind outdoors, indulge in a luxurious massage and watch evening fireworks light up the sky over Cinderella Castle. Just one stop to Magic Kingdom park on the complimentary Resort Monorail, this timeless Victorian-style marvel evokes Palm Beach’s golden era.

I'd say all of that is true.
It does not replicate a Breakers experience. But guess what 9 out of 10 times a GF stay is cheaper than a stay at the Breakers. Especially when you look at overall cost.
That hotel (Breakers not GF) is so dear to me. It's my favorite anywhere in the world. I had my wedding there. I don't stay at The Breakers now..unfortunately my kid's education takes priority lol..I do still frequent their restaurants and bars.. the GF will never compare exactly to a stay at or even a visit to The Breakers, but it does evoke it.
Watching people compare the 2 over the past few days is just confusing to me. If they were apples to apples- the GF would be SEVERAL hundred dollars more per night, based on location alone. And, you'd need to make it a heck of a lot more exclusive than it is now. No more "resort hopping". Also, you'd need to up the price on all food and beverages.
I'm happy with it not being a replica.
ETA- What 5 star resort in Palm Beach transports their guests to and from the airport on a bus? Or even provides transportation to nearby activities?

 

[Nubs70]

Buybacks are done with the assumption it's "excess" cash not needed to run the business. We can argue that all day long, but Disney's position is they are only buying back shares with money it's not using for maintenance, R&D, and other capital expenditures. The did open Shanghai Disney and build 2 new cruise ships.

I don't know...it's a tough sell. Ultimately you could spend everything on capital expenditures at parks, but there is always a budget. I would like to see them spend several billion at WDW and I think we are/will see that soon.

Excess cash not needed to run the business should be given back to shareholders vis dividends. Buybacks should be done with the expectation of an increase in stock price. Currently DIS is buying back at the top.

 

[contrariwise]

For those saying new parking/resort fees would be the last straw to either not going or staying off-site be honest, you will continue to go and stay on-site.

Your addicts. Disney is your passion. You cannot live without it, period.

How do I know this? Your posting on a Disney Fan website.

Quitting any addiction is hard if not impossible for some. So stop all the emotional responses to this rumor. Suck it up and admit at the end of the day, you are going back and you are staying on-site. You'll feel much better when YOU realize you have an addiction.

Well, at least in one case, you're wrong (note correct spelling of "you're"). THIS camel's back was already broken before this latest cash grab. I have no trips planned in the foreseeable future. I love Disney World, but not changes such as these. I do monitor the "goings on" because I hope to hear good news at some point, but . . . nah.

Most everyone has a breaking point.

 

[wm49rs]

Highly unprobable.

If one does not return it won't be solely based on added parking/resort fees, period.

As improbable as your actually knowing anything about the prattle you're spreading.....

 

[lazyboy97o]

I don't know you whatsoever. Thanks.

And yet you claim to know people's decision making process and vacation plans. Which is it?

 

[Angel Ariel]

I'll go, and I'll stay at Shades of Green, as I said. The price of Shades is most equal to the value resorts, but the rooms are bigger and the location is way better. When that will be? don't know. We have no plans for WDW in the near future. DLR is our preferred destination right now. And no, we don't stay on-site there. This isn't an emotional response. We've stayed at Shades before, and we enjoy it. We'll continue to do so and feel no need at all to stay at a Disney owned hotel.