Disney Resorts to start charging parking fees....

[Ciao Mickey]

Ok some people need to calm down just a little. It's a parking fee, I have paid parking fee's for years at the Swan Dolphin and various Disney Springs hotels + resort fee's. Disney is not some free vacation resort it's a Large company that is expected to make a profit. For the people who think Walt is turning over in his grave, I doubt that he was a business man, they like money. I would like to see the fee eliminated at say the ALL STAR Hotels to help the affordability for lower income people. But I have seen quite a few people in this post complaining about the fact that now on top of the say $400-600 Room rate now they must pay $24 dollars more, stop just stop, if you can spend that on a room you sure as hell can pay $24 a day to park a car.
You have options on where to stay, or simply don't come, they keep raising prices and people keep coming, I for one would like to see people stop coming, parks are crowded all the time now, slow times are now a thing of the past, it's busy or really busy no slow times.

.

 

[mrswillson]

Just got my ‘form reply’ email back and that infuriated me. The reply had nothing to do with what I brought up in my email to begin with. I wrote them back and informed them that this lack of interest in their customers concerns shows me all I need to know. We won’t be renewing our passes tomorrow. I just can’t understand parking for free at the theme parks but not at the resorts where I’m paying inflated prices for ‘perks’ that barely exist anymore.

This is precisely the reason why I do not want to waste my time sending an email their way. I've thought long and hard about it all afternoon, and it all boils down to the fact that it's going to be nothing but a waste of my time. Regardless to how much thought and reason goes into mine (or anyone else's) feedback, they're greeted with generic dismissals, and I have no reason to believe it will result in any change. While the backlash is considerable this time around, when it involves the stockholder's wallets, all will continue to fall on dead ears... and the company knows it.

 

[DISNEY1975]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/life...706877db618_story.html?utm_term=.35dd3759b38e

I couldnt even get past the photo. This journalist needs to do her homework.

I wrote her an email last night about the Dolphin photo. Looks like she read it!

 

[ZuuL]

This is precisely the reason why I do not want to waste my time sending an email their way. I've thought long and hard about it all afternoon, and it all boils down to the fact that it's going to be nothing but a waste of my time. Regardless to how much thought and reason goes into mine (or anyone else's) feedback, they're greeted with generic dismissals, and I have no reason to believe it will result in any change. While the backlash is considerable this time around, when it involves the stockholder's wallets, all will continue to fall on dead ears... and the company knows it.

Pretty much...basically it comes down to what you think is best for you in the future: staying on their property with parking fees or staying offsite that may or may not have parking fees but will be cheaper in the long run.

( DVC member here, so I have really no real stake in the parking fees. Just sharing an opinion)

 

[DISNEY1975]

If a hotel has a resort fee it usual shows up at the top of the reservation page. I was surprised to not see it listed this morning when I booked especially as there was references to transportation via DME.

It does when everyone has to pay the fee. This parking fee is only for those who bring a car. Unless Disney starts asking that on their booking page, they will not show the fee charge in your checkout.

Ok some people need to calm down just a little. It's a parking fee, I have paid parking fee's for years at the Swan Dolphin and various Disney Springs hotels + resort fee's.

Yes but Swan and Dolphin are about 1/2 theprice of the Disney properties right nextdoor. Paying $500+ for a deluxe (thats not really deluxe), you would assume all extra fees are included.

If this is true, what I would like to know is why UK guests receive preferential treatment through a longer grace period than guests from the US. What gives?

Many years ago, I questioned why the UK got great deals and US citizens didnt. I was told because they tend to stay longer and spend more money. I replied that if my trip was 1/2 the cost, I would stay longer too and spend more money. She went silent.

I only see this as basically discrimination. Not sure how Disney can get away with it. They cant claim flight costs, as many times during the year (school vacation weeks/holidays/summer) I would pay $600 - $700 to get to Orlando. Im suprised someone hasnt brought this up loudly and publicly.

 

[DISNEY1975]

That's not going to make anyone feel better that's not from overseas. Wonder if they are doing the same for the Brazilians?

Not that I can see on Disney.com.br Brazilians are charged the same US citizens are. Their discounts are the same.

 

[Dean Marino]

I've seen several posts that indicate paid parking would be a DVC Contract Violation....

Please - if you would? Post the actual CONTRACT data involved. We maintain a copy of our CONTRACT, as executed. We can scan this for OUR Contract.
But as no one has quoted chapter and verse of the CONTRACT? I call BS - just to get you to do this . It will help MANY people.
Let's see the section and wording of the "Declaration of Condominium".

 

[lambdabeta]

Just want to let everyone know what happened to me. I emailed GS first then I emailed the three executives since it was posted here. I first received a phone call from a CM because I emailed George Kalogridis. She said they read all of their emails and have delegated to her to call people because they couldn't. I got the double answer for the reason why for the parking fees industry standards and align with domestic resorts in Ca and Hawaii. I found it interesting she said "domestic" resorts. They must of gotten people saying they don't charge parking for Disneyland Paris, Shangai and Hong Kong. I was ready with that answer but she said domestic and that cut that argument out. When I told her I don't buy it and that it was just to make money and they know it. She told me that this what the CM's were all told. I told her all of my issues and she listened. She said this is the most backlash that she has seen and she has been a CM in guest services for 15 years. I told her this was the final straw for many people and that after this visit we will not be back to WDW. I told her to make sure she let George et al know our conversation. She said she would pass it along and hoped I would be back to Disney. I also received a generic email from guest services for the email I sent. I guess they are not cross referencing that you emailed both. I was more detailed in my letter to the executives. The CM did tell me that they won't be taking away the parking fee or changing it anytime soon. So maybe there is hope that they are listening if enough people talk with their wallets. This is just my experience and opinion FWIW.

 

[Roxyfire]

It's in the Master Declaration of each resort. This was discussed on the DVC threads. https://www.disboards.com/threads/can-disney-charge-dvc-for-parking.3670675/ Page 2 has the image and specific discussion of that image.

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Just want to let everyone know what happened to me. I emailed GS first then I emailed the three executives since it was posted here. I first received a phone call from a CM because I emailed George Kalogridis. She said they read all of their emails and have delegated to her to call people because they couldn't. I got the double answer for the reason why for the parking fees industry standards and align with domestic resorts in Ca and Hawaii. I found it interesting she said "domestic" resorts. They must of gotten people saying they don't charge parking for Disneyland Paris, Shangai and Hong Kong. I was ready with that answer but she said domestic and that cut that argument out. When I told her I don't buy it and that it was just to make money and they know it. She told me that this what the CM's were all told. I told her all of my issues and she listened. She said this is the most backlash that she has seen and she has been a CM in guest services for 15 years. I told her this was the final straw for many people and that after this visit we will not be back to WDW. I told her to make sure she let George et al know our conversation. She said she would pass it along and hoped I would be back to Disney. I also received a generic email from guest services for the email I sent. I guess they are not cross referencing that you emailed both. I was more detailed in my letter to the executives. The CM did tell me that they won't be taking away the parking fee or changing it anytime soon. So maybe there is hope that they are listening if enough people talk with their wallets. This is just my experience and opinion FWIW.

Wow.....great report. Thanks for providing the details

 

[kagmypts]

Orlando doesn't even align with the parking fees at all of the other domestic resorts! What about Hilton Head?

hiltonhead.disney.go.com/amenities/transportation-and-parking/

This really gets to me because the whole explanation is bologna! Is Disney really saying that Orlando is the same as Anaheim and Hawaii? Quite frankly, I find that insinuation insulting.

This parking fee puts an exclamation point on the rapidly declining Disney experience. It really makes it crystal clear that Disney is continuing to devalue the guest experience.

ETA - This parking fee has nothing to do with a higher price tag although it has everything to do with a decrease in value. Our last few trips (while fun and enjoyable) have given us far less value.

 

[mom2rtk]

I got the double answer for the reason why for the parking fees industry standards and align with domestic resorts in Ca and Hawaii.

Hogwash. If they're going to align with polices from CA, then they need to start validating and charging for day guests..

 

[ncc1701]

Hogwash. If they're going to align with polices from CA, then they need to start validating and charging for day guests..

Agreed. While we take MDE and this doesn't effect us , I am disappointed by Disney doing this. I say this as someone who has been ok paying for parking at other hotels. In those cases they were either in a city ( Alexandria VA, Anaheim, San Diego, etc) a beach town ( Coronado, Huntington Beach) or an Atlantic City Casino.
In all cases day visitors also got either charged or were allowed X hours free with valid purchase / dining. Plus some of them offered hotel packages that included parking as part of either a loyalty program or AAA/AARP discount. Don't see Disney doing anything similar

 

[lambdabeta]

Orlando doesn't even align with the parking fees at all of the other domestic resorts! What about Hilton Head?

hiltonhead.disney.go.com/amenities/transportation-and-parking/

This really gets to me because the whole explanation is bologna! Is Disney really saying that Orlando is the same as Anaheim and Hawaii? Quite frankly, I find that insinuation insulting.

This parking fee puts an exclamation point on the rapidly declining Disney experience. It really makes it crystal clear that Disney is continuing to devalue the guest experience.

ETA - This parking fee has nothing to do with a higher price tag although it has everything to do with a decrease in value. Our last few trips (while fun and enjoyable) have given us far less value.

Hogwash. If they're going to align with polices from CA, then they need to start validating and charging for day guests..

I didn't know about Hilton Head or I would have brought it up. I thought that was a DVC resort. I did tell the CM I talked to that the guests including me were not stupid and saw this for what it was and that was just for profit. She told me that I was not the only one saying this and she heard this from many people she had talked to. I also brought up about day visitors and abuses and she really couldn't answer specifically. She told me that about a week a go that she went to the ESPN restaurant without a reservation and they would not let her park. She said this was a few days before the parking fee was released. She couldn't tell if that was what they were going to do for day visitors or not.

 

[Fldisneyfamily4321]

I agree...I feel like this is one area where everyone should be treated equally.

I’m guess it’s because they normally stay longer times after a long travel time ... those parking fees would make a large difference for them because they will rent cars and see other places .

 

[bluecastle]

I am late to this thread, but have been following the one started by rteetz in News and Rumors.
I sent emails to GS and the big wigs listed on p. 1 of that thread. I got a generic reply from GS and a phone message from a CM that only works from Friday through Tuesday, so unless we have a snow day Friday, I'll be calling again next week.
I have taken this decision very personally and I don't know how to describe that in a way that people who aren't feeling this way will understand. This is the email I sent:
I am writing about the elimination of free parking at your resorts for hotel guests. I feel this unfairly penalizes those of us who drive to WDW. People who fly receive free passage to their resort via Disney's Magical Express. They are then free to enjoy the Disney bubble throughout their vacation. I am sure you know what the Disney bubble is. It is the feeling that once you are at Disney, you are immersed in its theming and magic for the duration of your trip and free from the stresses of work and real life.
My family has been driving to WDW from VA since 1990. We discovered that by saving money by not flying, we could afford to stay longer and in the deluxe hotels. We park our car and then enter the Disney bubble for a week or more. The next time we are back in the car it is for our trip home. We use Disney transportation the entire time, eat at our resort and at the parks, and never leave property. Yes, we pay a higher amount for our resort and food, but we have always felt it was worth it for the magic and memories we received in return.
And now, all this has changed due to this new policy. Now, in addition to the higher cost of staying on property, you are adding a fee, ( and it is higher for the deluxes where we tend to stay) and for what reason? Day guests not staying at the resort will be allowed to park for free. People who fly will not have any extra fee added to their hotel folios. The only people you are charging are people like me, who drive. This is unfair and has made me feel unwelcome.
I am now considering things I have never considered before: staying offsite and/or staying at Universal. Yes, I know they have a parking fee, but their hotel prices are lower so it is still the more economical of the two.
If we return, we will make adjustments. If we fly, that will mean a shorter trip and possibly staying at a non-Disney hotel. This all adds up to less revenue for Disney. After all these years of being a loyal and repeat visitor and never receiving any recognition or financial reward for that, I can't believe I am considering maybe not even returning
I am the Disney go to person at work. I have sung your praises for years, had to explain to naysayers why we go so often, and I've made recommendations for others who are planning trips. I am a walking billboard for Disney with several pins on my lanyard. And now, I am feeling like my connection has been severed, my bubble has burst.

Please reconsider this policy.

 

[dachsie]

This is precisely the reason why I do not want to waste my time sending an email their way. I've thought long and hard about it all afternoon, and it all boils down to the fact that it's going to be nothing but a waste of my time. Regardless to how much thought and reason goes into mine (or anyone else's) feedback, they're greeted with generic dismissals, and I have no reason to believe it will result in any change. While the backlash is considerable this time around, when it involves the stockholder's wallets, all will continue to fall on dead ears... and the company knows it.

Emails to George K. are being called upon so try there - not a waste of time

 

[dachsie]

I was exploring some off site options and found RCI has those extra vacations and I can stay in a timeshare for a week just outside Disney for $399. And I have Hilton Honors points and can stay at the Disney Springs Doubletree for 39000 pts per nite. I will find other means to get to use my AP this next year and then I may give up on Disney

 

[ShadeDK]

Not that I can see on Disney.com.br Brazilians are charged the same US citizens are. Their discounts are the same.

If that's the case, then I could envision a thrifty Brazilian Tour Group getting a single rental, pulling up to one of the Values and then all 40 or so of them piling out of it like one of those clown cars at the circus (while chanting and clapping, of course).

As I've thought about the fees more, I've come to a few conclusions (caution - ShadeDK logic ahead):

1) Parking fees affect three groups with cars: (i) guests who fly to Orlando ("FTO guests") and rent a car there; (ii) local residents; and (iii) guests who drive to Orlando ("DTO guests").

2) Fees - including parking fees - typically either charge for use of a limited resource/service, or try to influence choice. I think most of us agree that parking overall is not a limited resource at Disney. So what choice is Disney trying to influence?

3) If you're a FTO guest, they prefer you not rent a car because it keeps you in the Disney bubble. Disney even makes it easier with DME at no charge. But what about the UK guests who are exempt? Well - as a PP noted - those guests usually have long stays and spend cash. Fees are fees until there's an incentive to drop them for greater benefit.

4) Same thing for locals (or, really, any one in Orlando with a car - including offsite guests) who are day visitors to shop, dine or pay for other Disney resort activities. No fee for them - because that would be a disincentive to come by for a few hours and spend money.

5) Which leaves our last group - the DTO group. They may be too close to fly. They have no DME-like option. Many of them may be driving because it's cheaper. Odds are that if they're close enough to drive that Disney is a place they've been before - maybe every year, maybe multiple times a year. They're stuck with the fees - which aren't for resource scarcity, but to influence choice. But what choice? Fly in when it doesn't make sense? Spend more to travel to Orlando and enter the bubble? I really don't know - but one possibility is the one that keeps coming up: that Disney does not value the DTO guests (who they may see as less likely to indulge in extravagant spending on a once-in-a-lifetime Disney vacation) - so that the "choice" is: don't come here and stay at our place so often unless you're ready to spend more. Hardly feels like "home", does it?

But enough of that - I've probably given it more thought than the Disney execs who dreamed up this fiasco (and for all I know were the former management team at Prestige Worldwide and pitched the parking fees as a once in a lifetime business opportunity for Disney).

 

[ZuuL]

After reading these replies, I find it funny people are willing to throw something they like/love over a parking fee. I fully understand how expensive to stay onsite and prices go up each Year.... but this of all things they’ve done, it’s this you guys are angry at. Maybe I’ve never let myself to become jaded on what Disney is as a whole and just figured I should expect these things to happen whether I like them or not....