What is the rumored change for resort parking?

[DebbieB]

The simple answer is a receipt with a minimum purchase that is over the parking charge.

 

[freediverdude]

I think eventually charging people who are not staying in a Disney resort to park at a resort is going to have to happen, but first I hope they do some kind of study to find out where the cars are coming from. Is it mostly offsite tourists/passholders? Is is mostly people driving from other Disney resorts for ADRs and then staying to go in the park? Or is it a mix, so restricting one type won't help that much. I think I would want to get a handle on the type of visitors parking there before I made a decision.

 

[Aurora0427]

IMO this whole thing is a terrible idea for fans of WDW... I'll be going down to WDW in 4 months, and it will be our family's 3rd trip in 2 years. We always stay off-site, but not far, next time we'll be at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort in a timeshare rental. We also rent a car. So we're only a stone's throw from evey Disney resort and Disney Springs. For every meal and activity we do outside our resort (which is only going in the pool) we're driving and parking at a hotel parking lot (for ADR's) or at Disney Springs or the Boardwalk for shopping, or just to explore. This new parking fee, if it takes shape, will drastically change that for our family. That's hundreds of dollars worth of dining dollars and shopping dollars that Disney will be missing out on. Think of the restaurants you can't get ADR's for? More quick service places, or bars, or lounges- how does that work? Will they validate for parking if you're parking at the Poly's parking lot, going into Trader Sam's for a cocktail and leaving? That's not worth $20.00 to me!

You also have to wonder if the $20.00 parking price that you pay for a day at the parks (let's say Magic Kingdom) will also work for the resorts if you wanted to resort hop, or visit a bar or lounge? Yes, you could always park, take the tram to the TTC, and take the monorail to one of the 3 Seven Seas Lagoon hotels- but think of all the wasted time in that, just for a drink?

This is Disney being money hungry yet again- it wasn't bad enough that parking had to go from $17 to $20... Come'on Disney!

Sorry, but if I'm paying $400 per night to stay at the Grand Floridian, and I don't have a place to park my car because off site visitors are parking in the lot, that's not right. Bottom line.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Sorry, but if I'm paying $400 per night to stay at the Grand Floridian, and I don't have a place to park my car because off site visitors are parking in the lot, that's not right. Bottom line.

$400 a night?!?

Why were YOU only paying half price?

 

[Aurora0427]

$400 a night?!?

What were YOU only paying half price?

Ha- we only stay at the Grand on a bounce back. We've found some really good "deals" the past few years.... But I think those days are gone.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Ha- we only stay at the Grand on a bounce back. We've found some really good "deals" the past few years.... But I think those days are gone.

That was a joke...we're all looney for paying the rates they charge...even on discount.
Nowhere else on earth do the have $600 hotel rooms where you can't get a table at a restaurant in the hotel
Because people staying for $55 a night on I-Drive prebooked the tables six months in advance.

One reason why the four seasons sits there today...the only time since 1964 Disney has sold a piece of wdw land.

Disney "grand" hotels don't want to
Provide four star service...they want to charge the prices without paying to provide the service.

 

[Aurora0427]

That was a joke...we're all looney for paying the rates they charge...even on discount.
Nowhere else on earth do the have $600 hotel rooms where you can't get a table at a restaurant in the hotel
Because people staying for $55 a night on I-Drive prebooked the tables six months in advance.

One reason why the four seasons sits there today...the only time since 1964 Disney has sold a piece of wdw land.

Disney "grand" hotels don't want to
Provide four star service...they want to charge the prices without paying to provide the service.

LOL I knew it was a joke... I should've used a smiley face emoji!!!!

 

[lockedoutlogic]

LOL I knew it was a joke... I should've used a smiley face emoji!!!!

I knew you did...I just wanted to expound a little

...something I NEVER do

 

[halfpintpeggy]

How much resort hopping, restaurant eating by car driving people is really going on? Those are the "legitimate" customers who are being negatively affected so the counter argument goes. I find it hard to imagine it's that big a segment.

It's the sort of group that probably posts heavily to forums mind you.

Well, given the amount of hotels rooms and other rentals in the Orlando area...I would venture to guess there are A LOT of car driving people dining in the restaurants & spending money at the resorts. Oh! And also because the vast majority of WDW guests stay offsite.

 

[Aurora0427]

Well, given the amount of hotels rooms and other rentals in the Orlando area...I would venture to guess there are A LOT of car driving people dining in the restaurants & spending money at the resorts. Oh! And also because the vast majority of WDW guests stay offsite.

I agree.... I think it's probably a significant amount. A lot of them probably hit the character meals like Chef Mickey, 1900 PF etc etc etc

 

[dm1996]

My wife and I typically stay at a Cabin in FW. We drive everywhere just because we always seem to just miss the bus or boat. During our trip in Oct, we had an ADR for Chef Mickeys. When we arrived at the security gate at the Contemporary, the lady would not let us in until we could prove to her that we had reservations. It actually got a little testy because we were getting close to our time and (my wife) didn't want to miss the $40 buffet.
After about 5 minutes of trying to find our phones in the backseat, my wife was able to log in and show the reservation. We both were completely irritated by what happened and we won't go back to that hotel. Why should we have to prove to them that we have reservations? My parents don't use smart phones, so how would they prove they had reservations if in the same situation. Do you miss your meal and then get charged $10 per person for missing.
We were a guest staying on property, with an ADR and still had a very tough time parking there.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

The proof of reservations policy has been in effect for quite some time...but as always, enforcement is "inconsistent"

Blame the Internet - as the angles and loopholes are well known now...

...but look at it this way: they haven't added a brand new hotel development since pop century in 2003/4...no new parking lots since...

...and attendance has risen by about 10,000,000...

It's just numbers...there's "no room at the inn"

 

[ColoradoDreamin]

My wife and I typically stay at a Cabin in FW. We drive everywhere just because we always seem to just miss the bus or boat. During our trip in Oct, we had an ADR for Chef Mickeys. When we arrived at the security gate at the Contemporary, the lady would not let us in until we could prove to her that we had reservations. It actually got a little testy because we were getting close to our time and (my wife) didn't want to miss the $40 buffet.
After about 5 minutes of trying to find our phones in the backseat, my wife was able to log in and show the reservation. We both were completely irritated by what happened and we won't go back to that hotel. Why should we have to prove to them that we have reservations? My parents don't use smart phones, so how would they prove they had reservations if in the same situation. Do you miss your meal and then get charged $10 per person for missing.
We were a guest staying on property, with an ADR and still had a very tough time parking there.

Well...before the smart phone people printed their confirmations. You should always print your confirmations. So not having a smart phone doesn't shut anybody out (we just have too many people that forget this ancient way of doing things)

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Well...before the smart phone people printed their confirmations. You should always print your confirmations. So not having a smart phone doesn't shut anybody out (we just have too many people that forget this ancient way of doing things)

Well...the idea is that everything Is on the band...so phones aren't even necessary.

But devil's advocate is that they have access to the reservations in the kiosks...they're fully integrated...I have a feeling that the mall cop/deputy dog mentality for Disney "security" is responsible for this incident. That needs to change with the times too.

 

[Aurora0427]

While I believe you should always be prepared to show proof of a reservation- we stay on property and don't drive, and I always bring my phone with email confirmation in case something gets screwed up in their system- if this is going to be a new policy, the security guards need to be prepared to check reservations at the kiosks. If they already have that ability, sounds like you got a lazy guard.

 

[dm1996]

Well...before the smart phone people printed their confirmations. You should always print your confirmations. So not having a smart phone doesn't shut anybody out (we just have too many people that forget this ancient way of doing things)

Couldn't you just make an ADR, print the confirmation and cancel a day later. Wouldn't that allow you to park at that resort. I've been to Disney for at least 100 trips and have never printed any confirmations for hotel or dining. This was the very first time we have ever been asked to prove a reservation. Nobody I travel with (big family) ever brings anything either---with the exception of Hoop Dee Doo and that is because they used to tell you to bring your confirmation/receipt.
You would think that your magic band would show security that you have a reservation. Does this also mean that you can't park at Boardwalk to watch a football game at ESPN. We've never had reservations there and have never had any problem getting through the gate.

 

[HopperFan]

My wife and I typically stay at a Cabin in FW. We drive everywhere just because we always seem to just miss the bus or boat. During our trip in Oct, we had an ADR for Chef Mickeys. When we arrived at the security gate at the Contemporary, the lady would not let us in until we could prove to her that we had reservations. It actually got a little testy because we were getting close to our time and (my wife) didn't want to miss the $40 buffet.
After about 5 minutes of trying to find our phones in the backseat, my wife was able to log in and show the reservation. We both were completely irritated by what happened and we won't go back to that hotel. Why should we have to prove to them that we have reservations? My parents don't use smart phones, so how would they prove they had reservations if in the same situation. Do you miss your meal and then get charged $10 per person for missing.
We were a guest staying on property, with an ADR and still had a very tough time parking there.

- Well it can be set up that all they had to do was scan your MagicBand and it would let them know you had an impending reservation. It may already be that way and the guard was just lazy.

- What did I use to do before smart phones when we went to the airport, checked in to a beach house, checked in to a hotel, showed up at a concert or sporting event ............... I printed out our reservation or tickets. If you book something anywhere and you have no way to show on your phone, print out your confirmation. I still print and put in my bag in case MDE is down.

You absolutely should be prepared to prove you have reservations, everywhere. It may come to where they say that no one without lodging, dining or special service reservations (spa, pirates cruise etc) will be permitted to park. Proof will be needed or you are out of luck. I honestly don't think most resorts need outside guests who are driving to float their food courts. As bad as some food courts have been with waits for food and getting a table, as a hotel guest, I'd prefer outside guests not come anyway.

 

[dm1996]

- Well it can be set up that all they had to do was scan your MagicBand and it would let them know you had an impending reservation. It may already be that way and the guard was just lazy.

- What did I use to do before smart phones when we went to the airport, checked in to a beach house, checked in to a hotel, showed up at a concert or sporting event ............... I printed out our reservation or tickets. If you book something anywhere and you have no way to show on your phone, print out your confirmation. I still print and put in my bag in case MDE is down.

You absolutely should be prepared to prove you have reservations, everywhere. It may come to where they say that no one without lodging, dining or special service reservations (spa, pirates cruise etc) will be permitted to park. Proof will be needed or you are out of luck. I honestly don't think most resorts need outside guests who are driving to float their food courts. As bad as some food courts have been with waits for food and getting a table, as a hotel guest, I'd prefer outside guests not come anyway.

They did scan our Magic Bands, but for some reason that didn't do anything. As far as the restaurants go, they absolutely need outside guests to stay open. There is no way, Narcoossees would survive with only people staying at Grand Floridian. Food courts yes, but not the expensive places. Also, if proof is necessary, they should tell you to bring confirmation. I don't bring confirmation to Ruth Chris or Rain Forrest Cafe, why is Chef Mickeys different---unless they tell you so.

 

[HopperFan]

They did scan our Magic Bands, but for some reason that didn't do anything. As far as the restaurants go, they absolutely need outside guests to stay open. There is no way, Narcoossees would survive with only people staying at Grand Floridian. Food courts yes, but not the expensive places. Also, if proof is necessary, they should tell you to bring confirmation. I don't bring confirmation to Ruth Chris or Rain Forrest Cafe, why is Chef Mickeys different---unless they tell you so.

No where did I say they didn't need offsite guests for table service, I specifically said counter service.

And Ruth Chris is not a vacation destination, event location etc where there will be crowds etc. trying to get in. Rainforest, yup I print out my reservation. Am sure if this progresses there will be more fine print on your Confirnation email to be prepared to show proof. Phone, email ...

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Couldn't you just make an ADR, print the confirmation and cancel a day later. Wouldn't that allow you to park at that resort. I've been to Disney for at least 100 trips and have never printed any confirmations for hotel or dining. This was the very first time we have ever been asked to prove a reservation. Nobody I travel with (big family) ever brings anything either---with the exception of Hoop Dee Doo and that is because they used to tell you to bring your confirmation/receipt.
You would think that your magic band would show security that you have a reservation. Does this also mean that you can't park at Boardwalk to watch a football game at ESPN. We've never had reservations there and have never had any problem getting through the gate.

The band would defeat your "headfake" with a paper slip.

And yes...the newer policies would proclude football at the boardwalk.

The problem
Specifically at Boardwalk is that they don't have any parking...numbers don't work anymore.

I always say "take a vacation from football" too...so I'm not the best to ask.