PLEASE SHARE -What is it like to resort park now?

[DizneyMommy]

I've parked in various hotels around where I live and there are different methodologies: everyone paid for parking; no one paid for parking; only overnight guests paid for parking and day guests had to park in an open visitor lot (which can't have overnight cars). And that's in the same city. It may or may not be related to size of parking lot, location/proximity to downtown, location/proximity to other amenities which have paid parking, general corporate policy, or other. I think that the only generality that I can come up with is that there is no generality when it comes to parking. And I can tell you that I don't live in anything I would consider to be a big city.

I work in a university building and pay monthly for parking. My parking lot is huge, is probably 10% filled due to our slightly remote location from the main campus and the partially empty building I'm in, and I got ticketed last week because I parked a rental car in it for 3 hours and forgot to put my regular parking pass in or pay for a daily parking pass. Corporate policy, money-making plan, fairness with other people who have to pay, deterence to those who shouldn't park there, bureaucracy...??... Regardless of where you are, any or all of these can be the rationale. It may not have anything to do with space available, size of city or proximity to a crowded downtown.



I think that one of the original reasons for providing "free" transportation and luggage handling from the airport was to encourage guests not to rent a car (i.e., you are stuck on-site and eating and spending money over and above your room rental fees). So there may not be a stated you-may-not-use-as-simply-a-luggage-service policy, but it kind of defeats the purpose from their point of view if you are able to spend money elsewhere. I rather suspect that they see it as spending money to make money and less as a guest courtesy service to be used as you please.

Yeah but in our case we just wanted to Uber straight to the park. I don’t see a benefit in having it sent if you rent a car, you then have somewhere to lock it up yourself.

 

[meghanb133]

We stayed at AllStar Sports this past Saturday. There was a line to get into the gate as the guards were checking IDs for everyone at all the All stars it seems. I went to the desk as I hadn’t received a text but we were there early. The CM never mentioned anything about parking. She said I would get a text when the room was ready. We left our car in the front arking area and went to Epcot. While there, I got an email saying check in with the desk upon resort arrival. When we got back from Epcot, the CM said there was an issue linking our magic bands we already had, she fixed it and gave us the room assignment and we went on our way.. no mention of parking or anything. The next day the fee was in the final charges folio. The front lot was FULL. We parked in the very very corner. I don’t know how they are verifying whose staying overnight or not because they just glanced at the ID at the gate, they didn’t bring it in to do name lookups for reservations or anything.

 

[pepperandchips]

Two recent experiences, though none are actually totally on topic. Traveled April 5-9, 2018.

First, we spent three nights at the Dolphin. Two different reservations, both had one car affiliated with reservation. One of our reservations we were asked if we had a car, said yes, charged parking on our folio. Other reservation, the arm was up when we entered the lot but we were not asked about a vehicle when we checked in. Our key would not let us swipe out, intercommed for help and gave the room number, charged later (after folio was settled out) for the parking charge. So that's how the Swan/Dolphin monitor for this. Presumably you could defraud them by getting creative using the ticket machine but only if the ticket machine is working, and I am in no way suggesting you do that.

Second, we had one night on DVC points at Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani. As you may know, Kidani and Jambo share one parking gatehouse and DVC is located in both parts of the resort. We were arriving for a Boma reservation and would be checking into Kidani after brunch. I found it interesting that the gate attendant CM scanned my band for the Boma reservation and also remarked on our Kidani stay. So I have to think the parking charge is associated with scanning of your band when you come through the gate, though I can't confirm since we wouldn't have had to pay parking anyway.

 

[scrapquitler]

Just my experience from Monday April 9th. I was staying in the area and wanted a Dole Whip, so I decided to go get it at Pop Century. I stopped at the guard shack on the way in, and showed my ID, he asked if I was checking in, and I said no, just eating. He waved me in and I went and parked in the check in parking lot right in front of the lobby. I was there about 3 hours, no issues, no questions.

 

[tinkerbellybutton]

We were staying at WL last September and had never visited Fort Wilderness. The idea of staying in a cabin always interested me so we wanted to check out the grounds and the layout and see the decorations that the campers put up for Halloween. It was early in the afternoon and we drove over; just hubby and I. We got to the guard post and said "we are just visiting". The guard said "Who are you visiting?". We said "just the resort to look around and maybe grab something to eat and shop". The guard told us it was up to management to let in visitors and they were told no visitors were allowed. I was shocked. I had never been turned away from visiting a resort. It wasn't crazy busy at all. It was not a holiday week or summer vacation or spring break. I said to the guard "So if we come over by boat from Wilderness Lodge where we are staying, there is no problem with us visiting?" He said nope, we could just come over by boat and walk around. Well we certainly did not want to walk miles around campground loops all day so Ft. Wilderness will not get my business in the future site unseen. I wonder why suddenly it seems Disney is welcoming day guests with open arms encouraging them to come and visit resorts and park for free but when we attempted to do that a few months ago as guests already staying on property (a sister property for that matter) we were shunned.

It has been our experience, for years, that Fort Wilderness is a little stricter on parking and allowing outside traffic than other resorts. We have visited for several different reasons and have always been questioned more at the fort than elsewhere. Twice we were there for the haunted carriage ride and the sleigh ride and were told we must park in the visitor lot and take the internal bus to our destination and that through traffic is not allowed. Once we had asked if we could ride around to look at the Christmas decorations and checkout the cabins for a possible future stay. This was probably 10 years ago, and the answer back then was no. We were told we could park in the visitors lot and walk or use the internal bus to get around but that we were not allowed to roam the campground in our vehicle.

So this is nothing new and has nothing to do with the new parking fees. I think it is more likely because of guest's expensive campers and RVs. And also for the safety of those traveling around the property in golf carts and kids on bikes. I am sure this is Disney's way of trying to decrease liability.

 

[AngiTN]

It has been our experience, for years, that Fort Wilderness is a little stricter on parking and allowing outside traffic than other resorts. We have visited for several different reasons and have always been questioned more at the fort than elsewhere. Twice we were there for the haunted carriage ride and the sleigh ride and were told we must park in the visitor lot and take the internal bus to our destination and that through traffic is not allowed. Once we had asked if we could ride around to look at the Christmas decorations and checkout the cabins for a possible future stay. This was probably 10 years ago, and the answer back then was no. We were told we could park in the visitors lot and walk or use the internal bus to get around but that we were not allowed to roam the campground in our vehicle.

So this is nothing new and has nothing to do with the new parking fees. i think it is more likely because of guest's expensive campers and RVs. And also for the safety of those traveling around the property in golf carts and kids on bikes. I am sure this is Disney's way of trying to decrease liability.

Yeah, back in 2011 we drove and went to to FW for the Campfire. We had to park and use their internal shuttle too. I didn't think they ever allowed non-guests to drive within the grounds. You are allowed to check it out but not in your car.

 

[Tink-osophy]

We were staying at WL last September and had never visited Fort Wilderness. The idea of staying in a cabin always interested me so we wanted to check out the grounds and the layout and see the decorations that the campers put up for Halloween. It was early in the afternoon and we drove over; just hubby and I. We got to the guard post and said "we are just visiting". The guard said "Who are you visiting?". We said "just the resort to look around and maybe grab something to eat and shop". The guard told us it was up to management to let in visitors and they were told no visitors were allowed. I was shocked. I had never been turned away from visiting a resort. It wasn't crazy busy at all. It was not a holiday week or summer vacation or spring break. I said to the guard "So if we come over by boat from Wilderness Lodge where we are staying, there is no problem with us visiting?" He said nope, we could just come over by boat and walk around. Well we certainly did not want to walk miles around campground loops all day so Ft. Wilderness will not get my business in the future site unseen. I wonder why suddenly it seems Disney is welcoming day guests with open arms encouraging them to come and visit resorts and park for free but when we attempted to do that a few months ago as guests already staying on property (a sister property for that matter) we were shunned.

It has been our experience, for years, that Fort Wilderness is a little stricter on parking and allowing outside traffic than other resorts. We have visited for several different reasons and have always been questioned more at the fort than elsewhere. Twice we were there for the haunted carriage ride and the sleigh ride and were told we must park in the visitor lot and take the internal bus to our destination and that through traffic is not allowed. Once we had asked if we could ride around to look at the Christmas decorations and checkout the cabins for a possible future stay. This was probably 10 years ago, and the answer back then was no. We were told we could park in the visitors lot and walk or use the internal bus to get around but that we were not allowed to roam the campground in our vehicle.

So this is nothing new and has nothing to do with the new parking fees. I think it is more likely because of guest's expensive campers and RVs. And also for the safety of those traveling around the property in golf carts and kids on bikes. I am sure this is Disney's way of trying to decrease liability.

Fort Wilderness IS different from the other resorts.

They don't encourage actual paying FW guests to do more than simply drive to and from their sites/cabins, so they're right to stop visitors from driving around.

You want as little traffic as possible around FW to preserve the tranquil, 'wilderness' environment and make the walking/cycling/golf carting more fun! It's not a drive around kind of place, thank goodness.

You can get a good feel for the Fort by arriving by boat and then getting an internal bus to take you to the pool area and the cabin loops. Then, you don't have to walk too far and the peace is maintained = win:win!

 

[akl432]

Just my experience from Monday April 9th. I was staying in the area and wanted a Dole Whip, so I decided to go get it at Pop Century. I stopped at the guard shack on the way in, and showed my ID, he asked if I was checking in, and I said no, just eating. He waved me in and I went and parked in the check in parking lot right in front of the lobby. I was there about 3 hours, no issues, no questions.

I didn't realize that Pop Century has a Dole Whip machine! Is it self-serve? Do they have vanilla and chocolate soft-serve, too?

 

[Markhamloco2]

Hi,

Joined to post and update. Our family is just back from a trip April 6-12 with a split stay at Port Orleans and off site. The Disney stay Apr 6-8 was booked prior to March 21 and there were no issues with parking charges at Port or the parks via our magic bands. During our off site stay we did not attempt to use our magic bands for parking and paid out of pocket.

Parking and tracking in the system appears to be under control and well managed. Guards and park attendants seemed to follow whatever the magic bands had from the system and the check in prior to receiving the magic bands was also painless.

The Disney rooms not be available for 3pm check in however is completely unacceptable considering most will check out of the Disney rooms well before the 11 am cut off. Our room was not available until 4:45 and we checked out by 7:30am. Checkout needs to be optimized especially since many have opted out of housekeeping. Major inefficiencies with check in considering would families be allowed a 2 hour "grace" period with checking out..,.

M

 

[fla4fun]

I didn't realize that Pop Century has a Dole Whip machine! Is it self-serve? Do they have vanilla and chocolate soft-serve, too?

They sell the Dole Whip at the same location as the other ice cream (choc and vanilla soft serve). It is not self serve.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Hi,

The Disney rooms not be available for 3pm check in however is completely unacceptable considering most will check out of the Disney rooms well before the 11 am cut off. Our room was not available until 4:45 and we checked out by 7:30am. Checkout needs to be optimized especially since many have opted out of housekeeping. Major inefficiencies with check in considering would families be allowed a 2 hour "grace" period with checking out..,.

M

This is a good point, though I have never experienced it. Most likely due to never going during a peak season.

As for people checking out early, my thoughts are the opposite. I for one want to maximize my time at Disney and often choose a mid afternoon flight so I can shower, complete packing, have breakfast and a final stop at the gift shops before heading for the airport. In some cases, Ive asked for late checkout, which is 1pm without a fee. My guess is all those driving too would not get up too early to head home.

Thank you very much for the information on our parking experience. Im glad to hear there is not much of a hassle if you booked prior to 03/21. Great info!

 

[Markhamloco2]

This is a good point, though I have never experienced it. Most likely due to never going during a peak season.

As for people checking out early, my thoughts are the opposite. I for one want to maximize my time at Disney and often choose a mid afternoon flight so I can shower, complete packing, have breakfast and a final stop at the gift shops before heading for the airport. In some cases, Ive asked for late checkout, which is 1pm without a fee. My guess is all those driving too would not get up too early to head home.

Thank you very much for the information on our parking experience. Im glad to hear there is not much of a hassle if you booked prior to 03/21. Great info!

I think what I wasn't clear about was that the Disney check out process isn't that efficient. I called to let them know I was checking out at 7:30 amam b they didn't seem to track. I would think they would schedule to clean out rooms to make them available sooner and avoid a bottleneck of rooms needing to be cleaned after 11am. This was the only inefficient thing we noticed at Disney as it was disappointing to show up after 3pm to have no room available to change and unwind until 4:45pm.

 

[Gryhndmom]

For day guests, they should charge for parking just like they do at some malls, airports or other venues. You get a time stamped ticket and pay when you leave based on how long you are there. You can get it validated at certain venues for free parking as long as you are not parked longer than 3 hours. After three hours, the cost to park should be a bit more than what you would pay to park at the parks themselves. Set aside a section of the parking lot for day guests so overnight guests always have easy access to parking.

Yes, yes, yes!

 

[snappy]

Hi,

Joined to post and update. Our family is just back from a trip April 6-12 with a split stay at Port Orleans and off site. The Disney stay Apr 6-8 was booked prior to March 21 and there were no issues with parking charges at Port or the parks via our magic bands. During our off site stay we did not attempt to use our magic bands for parking and paid out of pocket.

Parking and tracking in the system appears to be under control and well managed. Guards and park attendants seemed to follow whatever the magic bands had from the system and the check in prior to receiving the magic bands was also painless.

The Disney rooms not be available for 3pm check in however is completely unacceptable considering most will check out of the Disney rooms well before the 11 am cut off. Our room was not available until 4:45 and we checked out by 7:30am. Checkout needs to be optimized especially since many have opted out of housekeeping. Major inefficiencies with check in considering would families be allowed a 2 hour "grace" period with checking out..,.

M

If the housekeeper isn’t around, I also call the front desk to report I am leaving early if I have to depart before 11. I wonder if this info is passed on to housekeeping so the unit can be cleaned and released earlier. If so, hopefully it will help another guest earlier access to a room. If I have a later flight or move to another resort, I stay until closer to check out time.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If the housekeeper isn’t around, I also call the front desk to report I am leaving early if I have to depart before 11. I wonder if this info is passed on to housekeeping so the unit can be cleaned and released earlier. If so, hopefully it will help another guest earlier access to a room. If I have a later flight or move to another resort, I stay until closer to check out time.

My guess is that housekeepers try not to hop around from room to room and try to work the rooms in a row as much as possible to be more efficient. So if you notify them you are out of your room at 7:30, they aren't going to clean it any earlier than 8 or 9 anyway. And the guest at the end of the walkway is also leaving at 7:30 they will not clean that room until they are closer to it.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Any new parking experiences? Im still wondering how they know Im an overnight guest. Has anyone been billed without every talking to a live person at the gate or check in?

 

[BridgetBordeaux]

Arriving 4/22, departing 4/28. Pop reservation was made in late 2017. I will provide an update when I return. I am driving and will have my car.

 

[dansdad]

Any new parking experiences? Im still wondering how they know Im an overnight guest. Has anyone been billed without every talking to a live person at the gate or check in?

My parents and my Aunt checked out of Wilderness Lodge yesterday. They are local and made a last minute reservation after the parking fee went into effect. They knew about the fee beforehand because of me. They were not informed of it by the phone CM until after the deposit was made, just like when you book online.

When they arrived at WL via their car, told the Guard they were checking in, the Guard scanned my Dad's Magic Band and waved them through with no mention of the parking fee. They had not gotten their room number texted yet and it was around 3, so they went to the Front Desk to check in . Checked in, got their room, etc and no mention of the parking fee. They were not asked if they had a car.

They had an 8 night stay booked and my Dad left after 4 nights. He had a golf trip in Naples with some friends and was gone, with the car, for 3 nights. He came back with the car and stayed the last night.

When they checked out there was a parking fee charged for 5 nights.

 

[Gryhndmom]

My parents and my Aunt checked out of Wilderness Lodge yesterday. They are local and made a last minute reservation after the parking fee went into effect. They knew about the fee beforehand because of me. They were not informed of it by the phone CM until after the deposit was made, just line when you book online.

When they arrived at WL via their car, told the Guard they were checking in, the Guard scanned my Dad's Magic Band and waved them through with no mention of the parking fee. They had not gotten their room number texted yet and it was around 3, so they went to the Front Desk to check in . Checked in, got their room, etc and no mention of the parking fee.

They had an 8 night stay booked and my Dad left after 4 nights. He had a golf trip in Naples with some friends and was gone, with the car, for 3 nights. He came back with the car and stayed the last night.

When they checked out there was a parking fee charged for 5 nights.

Interesting...did they tell the front desk the car was only there for five nights and if not, any speculation on how they knew how many nights a car was parked in the lot?

 

[dansdad]

Interesting...did they tell the front desk the car was only there for five nights

No they did not.

and if not, any speculation on how they knew how many nights a car was parked in the lot?

It seems like they might actually be using the license plate reader system the installed that I described earlier in the thread. But I don't know for sure. See below.


I will start by saying I have no actual information as to how WDW is planning on using the License Plate Reader systems they have installed. I work for a company that sells and installs these systems. I don't work directly for that division, but I do know how they CAN work. But again, I have no idea how WDW is planning on doing this.

Scenario #1 - Non resort Guest arrives for an ADR. While guard is checking ID, license plate is read. Time stamp is added to the License number in the database. When car goes to leave license plate is read again and the total time in the lot is calculated. Day guest may be charged for how long they were there.

Scenario #2 - Resort Guest with rental car gives guard ID, and/or MB is scanned and License plate is read with time stamp and gets connected to Guests MB in the system. Guests unload luggage and one guest goes to return the rental Car. System reads License plate leaving. That license plate does not get scanned again entering parking lot. Guests are not charged for parking upon check out.

Scenario #3 - Resort Guest with rental car gives guard ID, and/or MB is scanned, License plate is read with time stamp and gets connected to Guests MB in the system. Guests return rental car 4 days into their 7 night trip, System reads License plate leaving. That license plate does not get scanned again entering parking lot. Guests are charged for 3 nights of overnight parking when they check out.

Scenario #4 - Resort guest with car (owned or rental) gives guard ID, and/or MB is scanned, License Plate is read with time stamp and gets connected to Guests MB in the system. Guests have car for their entire 7 night trip. Upon check out, guests are charged for 7 nights of overnight parking.

Scenario #4 - Non resort guest arrives for breakfast ADR, gives guard ID, License plate is read, time stamp is added to the License number in the database. Guests hop on monorail/boat/bus or walk to park until 10PM. Golf carts with the License plate reading tech is driving around checking how long each vehicle has been in the lot against those registered to guests. If vehicle is over a certain limit, a notice can be placed on vehicle or vehicle could be towed away, etc.

I am sure there are more possible scenarios, but these are the ones I have seen mentioned the most here on the DIS. Again, I have NO information as to how WDW will be handling this. I just wanted to illustrate a very common way properties use this technology for parking control.