Is a Fee for Magical Express Coming Next?

[Princess_Lisa]

Wait until they start to charge for Fast Passes. After all, isn't that what the industry does? Who would have guessed that Disney is aspiring to be just like the "industry". Guess they will eventually become another also-ran in the vacation industry.

Disney was better than the rest of the industry. I was (probably still am) likely going to let my Universal AP expire in a few months and renew my Disney AP. If Disney keeps going the direction it is...in a few years, it might end up the other way around. Nintendo Land looks like it will be pretty nice.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Wow, this is REALLY turning me off for a WDW vacation, as if the crowds alone weren't enough. We fly and take ME unless our arrival is late at night. (In which case we don't feel like sitting on the ME bus for an hour waiting for more flights to arrive, then having our resort be the 4th stop.)

So even though I personally wouldn't be paying the parking fees, the whole scene of desperate for fees is just so beyond greedy I'm beginning to really dislike the Disney Company, period. It's nauseating. Yes, they're a business but enough is enough. I feel like they really don't care if people are happy there at all anymore. It seems like every time I log on here they’re announcing more fees for something that used to be included.

Instead of spreading the crowds out across a 5th park, they have decided to gouge people to the point that they don't even want to visit. Yeah that's brilliant crowd control Mr. Iger.

Maybe I'll return some day when I have grandchildren but given the crowds we endured on our last trip IN MID SEPTEMBER, not even peak period, I just can't stomach it again. This coming from someone who would often visit 3x per year.

Vote with your wallet folks!

 

[Nancyg56]

I'm leaning towards it being too important for them to keep guests on property and they won't start charging for magical express. Or maybe I'm just hoping it's that since we love using the magical express.

Several years ago there were rumors that DME would no longer be free. That fell through. I have no idea how the parking fees will affect the resort census but I think that it may backfire. I also think that the incentives to stay onsite are diminished with each new fee. Once a guest is no longer "trapped" their vacation dollars are freed as well. For me, mybiverall budget is finite. If I find that my value is gone, I will find somewhere else to spend my vacation dollars.

My thing with all of this from an economics perspective is...when do all of these fees now take over for the nice dinner at Jiko, expensive souvenir, extra tour or experience, etc? When do these fees replace the current "extras" that cost more than just your standard admission?

I can't see families that will be able to pay for all of these add ons and still spend in the shops...so when those sales drop will Disney be shocked?

That's the thing. There is just so much money a family will dedicate to a vacation. Each fee adds up

 

[deedubb]

One word if they do...Uber. I'm at the point where I won't give one red cent more to Disney than I have to.

 

[s.r.disney nut]

There are many hotels that charge a daily parking fee. What bothers me is what I think are steep prices!
All Value Resorts: $13 per night of stay (regular parking)

All Moderate Resorts: $19 per night of stay (regular parking)

All Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $24 per night of stay (regular parking)

Select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $33 per night of stay (valet parking)

 

[gratefulfred]

There are many hotels that charge a daily parking fee. What bothers me is what I think are steep prices!
All Value Resorts: $13 per night of stay (regular parking)

All Moderate Resorts: $19 per night of stay (regular parking)

All Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $24 per night of stay (regular parking)

Select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $33 per night of stay (valet parking)

There are also a lot that don’t, I just made reservations at Dollywood dream more resort and there is no fee, I can’t think of anyplace along the jersey shore that charged parking fees except for Atlantic City and most of the resorts there are now closed so a lot of good that did them

 

[goofy4tink]

Staying at a WDW resort used to have a certain appeal...you got a fair amount for those resort dollars. But, it feels that Disney is watering down the benefits of staying on-site. Just about the only thing we get are 60 day FPs...and even that is going to DS resorts!
Yes, many other resorts charge a parking fee. But, they also charge a daily resort fee. Is that the next thing coming down the road? The S/D charge a daily resort fee, as well as a daily parking fee.
I own DVC, hae an AP, and go to WDW fairly often. But, I don't always stay on my DVC points. I like to stay at the regular resorts as well. My dd is a CM, so I like to visit her. That means having a car at my disposal. I have a stay booked for next week...at Movies. It's costing me $149 a night, for a standard room! Yes, it's spring break, so I realize the rates are going to be higher. I booked it very last minute....several days ago. But, if I had waited until next week to book a stay, I would have ended up having to pay $162 a night!!! That's outrageous.
I may just suck it up and stay off-site more often. Yes, they charge a resort fee, and some don't charge a parking fee. I can get a pretty nice room for $150 off-site. And I can live without FPs booked at 60 days. Sadly though, I'm the exception, not the rule.

 

[Iya]

There are many hotels that charge a daily parking fee. What bothers me is what I think are steep prices!
All Value Resorts: $13 per night of stay (regular parking)

All Moderate Resorts: $19 per night of stay (regular parking)

All Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $24 per night of stay (regular parking)

Select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $33 per night of stay (valet parking)

I would say the majority of hotels in this country don't charge parking fees. I have never paid to park at a hotel. I simply will not do it.

 

[Day-Day]

In my experience, most hotels do not provide free transportation to and from the airport unless the hotel is located in the vicinity of the airport. Do the hotels near Disney provide transportation?

 

[holden]

I can see them charging for DME unless you have a package. They could market the "free" DME as part of the package.

 

[BarbieGal457]

There are also a lot that don’t, I just made reservations at Dollywood dream more resort and there is no fee, I can’t think of anyplace along the jersey shore that charged parking fees except for Atlantic City and most of the resorts there are now closed so a lot of good that did them

I live in Philly and visit Atlantic City pretty often, and I'm not sure how far this news spread but a lot of casinos actually ended up getting in legal trouble because they were charging $40+ for parking fees, changing it around without notice, etc. The Borgata, which I consider significantly nicer than most Disney hotels (and with much less parking!) only charges $5 for valet and free self park. I understand a lot of "real world" hotels do it, but even though I don't drive at WDW as I feel it's more relaxing, charging for parking is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. If they would start charging for ME I too would probably resort to Uber. Why not? If the prices are comparable, or maybe even less, heck yes I will get my own luggage and enjoy a private car to my hotel for the same price. I just feel like for many reasons, these parking fees are not going to be a good look on Disney.

We used to valet at GF when visiting but now at $33, no way. I would much rather spend that on a meal or in a shop! That price is akin to some of the valet charges we saw...in Beverly Hills. I really think this is all going to become an off-putting and messy situation. As a firm non-driver I am totally against these charges, and it doesn't even affect me!

 

[Minnesota!]

My thing with all of this from an economics perspective is...when do all of these fees now take over for the nice dinner at Jiko, expensive souvenir, extra tour or experience, etc? When do these fees replace the current "extras" that cost more than just your standard admission?

I can't see families that will be able to pay for all of these add ons and still spend in the shops...so when those sales drop will Disney be shocked?

This is EXACTLY what I said yesterday. A person who used to drop $168 on a nice meal for their family, or a round of souvenirs, now will take that $168 and drop it on parking.

So, when looking back at their vacation, they are now not going to be able to say "oh, hon, we had such a nice time at X restaurant...let's book another trip and try and recreate it!". And, they sure as hell are not going to say "wow, that $168 got us such a nice parking spot, let's do it again!".

That money used to buy emotion, connection, a reason for people to want to return. Now...it gets them a parking spot.

Not exactly creating the feelings that cause return trips.

 

[Ninja Mom]

I will never get the logic of people who think it's ok to pay twice for something they have ALREADY PAID FOR. The cost for the maintenance of the parking lot is already factored into the exorbitant room rate. Disney is not dumb but you might be if you think it's ok to charge people twice or to unbundle.

This unbundling is merely a money grab. All Disney is doing is unbundling and up-charging for things that used to be included (ex: Extra Morning Magic Hours). Remember when Disney had a lot more Extra Magic Hours? They went away and now we are being charged for some of them. The Disney apologists will say yes but there are less people in the parks so I can ride more.... but that's what EMH were doing in the first place... Duh!

People said they would never charge for fast passes but guests who stay at Club Level at the deluxes can pay $50 for 3 more. The creep is insidious and yet the Disney apologists will be there to defend a company that is making money hand over fist. Meanwhile rides are operating at half capacity or broken, Housekeeping is shoddy or nonexistent, the bus drivers are screaming at people to cram more folks onto an already full bus or they won't leave AND you are paying $17 for a crappy, happy meal hamburger (Now with an added upcharge for the guacamole)

Then we get to the big one, the thing that no guest even thinks about. Disney is making a ton of money yet they refuse to pay their Cast Members a living wage. This to me is the most shameful money grab that Disney executes. No wonder they can't hire enough people to clean the facilities and drive the buses. Their refusal to pay a living wage and the resultant employment shortages are yet ANOTHER problem that Disney expects the guest to shoulder, all while increasing prices and offering less.

Of course they are going to start charging for the Magical Express. The only question is will it be a per room charge, per person charge or per day in the resort charge. Since Disney has no shame I'm betting it will be per person per day with an added upcharge connected to how many rooms you have. What is to stop them?

I'm betting that Disney will eventually charge by what part of the day you are allowed into the parks. Morning might be one price ex: $125 and then noon till 5pm might be another $125 and then the evening hours would be $150 because they unbundled the Fireworks and there is an up charge for that. The people that think it's ok to do this will be very happy, I'm sure.

Don't believe me? Think about Star Wars Land and then maybe you will see it coming. I'm betting that at a minimum SWL will be a separate entry fee, you know, to keep out the crowds.... Because they can.

I, like many other people, are disheartened by the Disney Company's turn away from making the guest experience a priority. Disney's entire effort has shifted into a money grab to boost the stock price. I'm sure that the Disney apologists will jump right in here and say that that's just the way it is these days and I should just bend over and accept it. I disagree.

There is no need to erode the brand with shameless money grabs and degradation of the experience. Disney is at a place where enormous amounts of money can still be made without the sell outs and compromises and trashing of the guest experience. The blame for this profits above all mentality rests squarely and securely on park management. It won't take long for most people (Disney apologists excepted) to realize that they are paying a premium price for a shoddy experience. If this is allowed to continue the Disney vacation experience will be something that people will turn away from for sure. After all, how many people are clamoring for the 6 flags experience at astronomical prices?

And finally, yes, I did send my thoughts in a letter to Guest Services. Here is the address so you can send yours as well. I'm sure they are looking forward to hearing from the Disney Apologists, who can be counted on to be suckered again and again.

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

~NM

 

[Madame]

I will never get the logic of people who think it's ok to pay twice for something they have ALREADY PAID FOR. The cost for the maintenance of the parking lot is already factored into the exorbitant room rate. Disney is not dumb but you might be if you think it's ok to charge people twice or to unbundle.

This unbundling is merely a money grab. All Disney is doing is unbundling and up-charging for things that used to be included (ex: Extra Morning Magic Hours). Remember when Disney had a lot more Extra Magic Hours? They went away and now we are being charged for some of them. The Disney apologists will say yes but there are less people in the parks so I can ride more.... but that's what EMH were doing in the first place... Duh!

People said they would never charge for fast passes but guests who stay at Club Level at the deluxes can pay $50 for 3 more. The creep is insidious and yet the Disney apologists will be there to defend a company that is making money hand over fist. Meanwhile rides are operating at half capacity or broken, Housekeeping is shoddy or nonexistent, the bus drivers are screaming at people to cram more folks onto an already full bus or they won't leave AND you are paying $17 for a crappy, happy meal hamburger (Now with an added upcharge for the guacamole)

Then we get to the big one, the thing that no guest even thinks about. Disney is making a ton of money yet they refuse to pay their Cast Members a living wage. This to me is the most shameful money grab that Disney executes. No wonder they can't hire enough people to clean the facilities and drive the buses. Their refusal to pay a living wage and the resultant employment shortages are yet ANOTHER problem that Disney expects the guest to shoulder, all while increasing prices and offering less.

Of course they are going to start charging for the Magical Express. The only question is will it be a per room charge, per person charge or per day in the resort charge. Since Disney has no shame I'm betting it will be per person per day with an added upcharge connected to how many rooms you have. What is to stop them?

I'm betting that Disney will eventually charge by what part of the day you are allowed into the parks. Morning might be one price ex: $125 and then noon till 5pm might be another $125 and then the evening hours would be $150 because they unbundled the Fireworks and there is an up charge for that. The people that think it's ok to do this will be very happy, I'm sure.

Don't believe me? Think about Star Wars Land and then maybe you will see it coming. I'm betting that at a minimum SWL will be a separate entry fee, you know, to keep out the crowds.... Because they can.

I, like many other people, are disheartened by the Disney Company's turn away from making the guest experience a priority. Disney's entire effort has shifted into a money grab to boost the stock price. I'm sure that the Disney apologists will jump right in here and say that that's just the way it is these days and I should just bend over and accept it. I disagree.

There is no need to erode the brand with shameless money grabs and degradation of the experience. Disney is at a place where enormous amounts of money can still be made without the sell outs and compromises and trashing of the guest experience. The blame for this profits above all mentality rests squarely and securely on park management. It won't take long for most people (Disney apologists excepted) to realize that they are paying a premium price for a shoddy experience. If this is allowed to continue the Disney vacation experience will be something that people will turn away from for sure. After all, how many people are clamoring for the 6 flags experience at astronomical prices?

And finally, yes, I did send my thoughts in a letter to Guest Services. Here is the address so you can send yours as well. I'm sure they are looking forward to hearing from the Disney Apologists, who can be counted on to be suckered again and again.

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

~NM

 

[KenHutch]

I am betting your are so correct about charging for ME next. For my 2021 trip I have already decided on the Swan/Dolphin and I am planning on 4 less days at Disney. Not 4 less for Florida for Disney. I think its time to give some of my money to Orlando.

 

[s.r.disney nut]

I would say the majority of hotels in this country don't charge parking fees. I have never paid to park at a hotel. I simply will not do it.

Depends on where you go. I've paid in D.C., Roanoke, Va., more congested areas, usually.

 

[JerseyJanice]

@KenHutch Join us on the Swan and Dolphin thread here when you’re ready to start planning.

It’s a fantastic resort. Just awesome in every way especially its the location. I suggest you look on the Budget board for ways to score a great rate, if that would help you go sooner than 2021.

 

[HopperFan]

Will WDW start charging for Magical Express transport within the next few years?

1. Yes, given the way things are headed it seem likely.
   
2. No, it's still too important to them to try to keep guests on property.
   
3. No, Disney execs won't want to burden guests with any more fees.(Threw this one in just for laughs.)
   

I voted (1) Yes. I mean it's only fair. Cars have been free for 47 years, they cost Disney nothing extra since they have to provide parking lots, that is non-optional for Disney. Other than an occasional paving and trash pickup they cost Disney nothing extra. Magical Express on the other hand costs Disney all the money they have to pay out for those services to Mears, the airport and the bell services CMs and at some resorts the additional carts. It's not cheap. Doesn't seem fair that I have to pay money to cover the expense of getting the guests who fly to the resorts ...............

(2) Guests will still be on property. Those who fly, fly. They aren't going to suddenly drive and also pay to park. They aren't going to suddenly rent a car and also pay to park. They will continue to fly and either pay Disney, Uber, Lyft or Taxi ............... and stay on property as much as they always did. This would have minimal to no impact on those who fly and don't rent cars other than be mad.

(3) You're so funny!

 

[HopperFan]

I do expect them to start charging to park at Disney Springs soon, though. Otherwise, people will be parking for free there and using the bus to get back to their resort.

You can't leave your car there overnight. You would likely be towed. So this is not a replacement option for your resort.

There are many hotels that charge a daily parking fee. What bothers me is what I think are steep prices!
All Value Resorts: $13 per night of stay (regular parking)

All Moderate Resorts: $19 per night of stay (regular parking)

All Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $24 per night of stay (regular parking)

Select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $33 per night of stay (valet parking)

This is just the start, probably why the random numbers. Am sure by 2019 this will jump at least once ... beginning of year and again right before SWL opens.

 

[KenHutch]

@KenHutch Join us on the Swan and Dolphin thread here when you’re ready to start planning.

It’s a fantastic resort. Just awesome in every way especially its the location. I suggest you look on the Budget board for ways to score a great rate, if that would help you go sooner than 2021.

Thanks I will