Problem with this aproach is how do they determine an "appropriate or standard length of time without pushing people away who are there to spend money? DH and I stay at OKW on rented points for our anniversary trip, so no resort parking fees for us. However, our anniversary gifts to each other are spa packages at the GF Senses that last around 3 hours and average about $350.00 each. Add in the spa's expectation that you arrive 30 minutes early and time to shower and dress after the packages. We typically then head to Mizner's for a drink before going to Citricos reservations. All in all, we're there for 7-8 hours hours and spend close to $1000.00. Or in other words, we're there using the parking lot for less time than an overnight guest and spending more than many of the rooms cost for a night. Should we have to pay to park?
Even without overnight parking fees due to the points reservations, this may end up being the straw that breaks the camel's back for us. The increased fees and pricing don't balance out with the decrease in onsite perks and customer service any more. If we didn't already have this non-refundable trip booked and paid for, I would be voting with my money and canceling. We've had APs for close to 10 years and for the past 19 years take annual onsite trips that range from 14 to 20 nights with the occasional 5 to 7 day trip on the side. Unless things start to turn around, this will be the last year we renew our APs and the last year we stay onsite. And if we have to pay to park at the GF? They will be out the $1000 we would have spent there and we will be spending half that amount offsite for our anniversary. At some point the principle outweighs the magic of the Disney bubble.
We usually book a lot of resort dining to escape the madness of the parks and my tentative plans include Citricos, Artist Point, Jiko's, Beaches and Cream, and the California Grill brunch as well as visiting several of the lounges. My ADR window opens up in a few weeks so how this plays out will have a large impact on how much money Disney gets versus how much we spend outside the World. We drive because it's easier from our location than flying - not to go offsite. It's been several years since we left Disney property for anything more than an urgent care or cough syrup run. This year may be a drastically different experience.