Disney Valet Parking

[Dean]

Valet Parking at the Walt Disney World® Resort

As of July 16, 2001, there is a charge for valet parking at all Walt Disney World® Resort hotels ($6.00 per day) that offer this guest service. However, Disney Vacation Club Members will not be charged for valet parking at Disney's BoardWalk Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge, regardless of where they are staying. Members will be charged for this service at any other valet parking operation at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Vacation Club Members must show their DVC Member card or Walt Disney World Resort ID indicating "DVC Member" when leaving their vehicle to be parked in order to receive this service at no charge at either Disney's BoardWalk Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Whether or not you are charged to valet park, gratuities are still appropriate.
Look what I found when looking on the member website.

[DebbieB]

Wow! I could see them charging if you were not staying at a WDW resort, because some people staying offsite use the resorts to get around the parking fees at the parks. They encourage people to valet park in order to leave spaces open for resort hotel guests, but this will force people who have PS into the self park. $6 plus a tip is too much.

[KNWVIKING]

will be the valet's. When Atlantic City casinos were required to start charging $2.00 to park in the garages- a city tax,not a casino fee- people either didn't tip at all or reduced the size of the tip. I doubt WDW is going to give the $6.00 to the valet's. I know that if I had to pay $6.00 to valet park I would not tip. I wonder if WDW is counting on people NOT valet parking thereby allowing them to reasign these people to other areas of simply lay them off.

[Lesley]

Interesting take on this KNWVIKING. Personally this won't effect me much because I only plan to valet park at BWV or VWL anyway....BUT

I don't see where this is a great thing for Disney to do, as they are actually taking away what used to be a perk of being a WDW hotel guest. At a time when they probably have to be competing even harder to keep visitors on-site this takes away a tiny part of the feeling that everything is perfect and may leave on-site, non-DVC guests feeling even more "nickel and dimed" by our favorite mouse.

[KNWVIKING]

I wonder if you pay your six dollar fee at the resort your staying at, then head out to diner at a resort that offers valet parking,do you pay another six buck there also ?
Assume $2.00 to be the average tip coming & going. You check into your resort,valet park,pay $6.00 & tip two. Head out to diner,pick up car, tip $2.00, arrive at resort, pay $6.00,tip $2.00. Get car after diner,tip $2.00, head back to your resort, tip $2.00. Cost $20.00 to park your car. That's way more then "nickel & diming" me to death. Of course I'm glad my DVC resort are still NC but you wonder for how much longer.

[LarryM]

Im with you KNWVIKING very glad that DVC members won't pay. But I just read in newsweek where attendance is down 8% in WDW and Universal its no wonder with people being nickle and dimed. It also seems like a rotten way to increase revnue after charging cash paying guests 300 anight and up.

[Lesley]

Agreed....

It's 6 bucks here, 2 bucks there......perhaps the phrase should be updated to "five and tenning".....

Anyone want to venture a guess as to what WDW guests will have to pay for next? Parking? Transportation? Or is this not going to be a trend?

And how much of this will we be immune to as DVC members? Is there anything in our contracts that will prevent free valet parking from being taken away? What about the other stuff?

Not worried too much, just sort of wondering...

I do believe that there has always been a valet parking fee for non-WDW resort guests, but perhaps I'm wrong.

[Disnydad]

I believe non-WDW parkers at the BWV were charged for valet parking after a certain time. (5 or 6PM?)

[CarolAnnC]

Yes Disnydad, the policy of charging in the evenings to park at BWV for guests who are not registered at BWV Resort has been in effect for several years. From my observations, it did not deter people from using the service as the valets were still extremely busy even while having to collect $6 to park.

[KNWVIKING]

LarryM stated attendance was down 8% at WDW and Universal. In most business, when things slow down you don't often raise your prices,rather you cut them to entice people to buy your product.Maybe WDW is assuming that the people staying at resorts with valet parking just have SOOO MUCH money that they won't mind paying another 6 bucks a day.i can't wait to ask the valet's how they like this new policy. I'd be curious if they are allowed to give guest an honest answer.

[cibflower]

I had the whole valet issue down, they change it up. I was one of the people who never used valet parking. I figured I could park myself and never had a problem. This past trip in April, we had a 15 passenger van, so we used valet parking, and it was wonderful. We decided to tip well because of how prompt and wonderful the service was.

Now if Disney is going to gouge other vacationers $6, I agree the tips will decrease... won't that cause the service to decline, too?

On a side note, while we were waiting for our van one evening, a manager came over to me and asked if I was pleased with the valet service, if they had used my name, asked if I needed anything, etc. Do you all think this is related? As in maybe a "fact finding" mission for whether (the now affected) people would pay the $6?

[LauraS]

This is really too much. I mean, honestly, how much more money can they eeek out of us? This won't affect me at the BWV, but my DH and I use valet parking lots when visiting other resorts for dinners. I'll tell you one thing, if I get charged 6 bucks every time I go to the Contemp or GF for meals, the valets will get nada out of me tip-wise. I know, I know...it's not their fault right? They work for tips....yada yada. But that will be the way that I send my message to the mouse.

Laura

[Peggy Sue]

amazing!!! We use valet service all the time! We like to visit the other hotels for dinner, and always valet park..does this now mean we will have to pay $6. to park on top of our dining expenses? Seems a bit over the top to me! I guess we will start checking out the self park areas at all the resorts! $6. a couple a times a day is a bit too much for our blood!

[LIDisneyFan]

I'm with LauraS on this one - we use valet when going to other Disney hotels for dinner. Now, I need to pay $6 or walk from the outer parking lots (especially on those rainy Florida nights). ThenI'm supposed to tip my usual $3 or $4.

Now, I'm not a cheap peron on vacation, but this is getting out of hand. If I need to valet, I am ashamed to say I know where the $$$ will come from - the tips.

So, now there's one less reason to be a Disney resort guest.

...and we all thought them charging for package delivery was out of the question...this makes me wonder...

Maybe I'll go to CityWalk, since I', paying to valet anyway..............

[PamOKW]

the policy of charging in the evenings to park at BWV

All WDW resort guests were able to use free valet service at Boardwalk....only non-WDW resort guests were charged.

I think we can thank all those who "beat the system" and valet parked rather than using the theme park lots. If they won't pay to park there, Disney will charge them in the other lots.

[nickglover]

I think the way to send Disney a message is to not use their nice restaurants at the GF, the Poly, and the Contemporary as much. I plan to try some nice off-site steak restaurants instead.

[ParkFreak]

if I get charged 6 bucks every time I go to the Contemp or GF for meals, the valets will get nada out of me tip-wise. I know, I know...it's not their fault right? They work for tips....yada yada. But that will be the way that I send my message to the mouse.

I see your point, but unfortunately Laura, all that will do is cause a higher turnover in the labor pool. it will do nothing to send a message to the powers that be. What do they care if the valets complain about their tips dropping? What do they care if CM's quit? They're laying off left and right anyway! The only way to get your message out is to go directly to the mouse. Let guest services know at each resort, heck, even give your DVC guide an earful! Try driving up, and when they try to charge, just say, "Well, I was going to spend lots of money at your fine restaurants and shops, but if you're going to charge, I might as well go into the city," then just drive away . . .

Do you honestly think that if the suits, who made this policy, cared about how much the valets were making in tips, would start charging for a previously free service? This is just another middle finger salute to the CM's and Guests of WDW. The valets are not the enemy, please don't punish them!

(have you noticed that I'm really steamed over this issue?:mad: )

Seriously though, this is exactly the kind of thing that will make me want to go to WDW less and less, DVC membership or not!

[Lesley]

Pam, I don't quite understand your reasoning when you write:

"I think we can thank all those who "beat the system" and valet parked rather than using the theme park lots. If they won't pay to park there, Disney will charge them in the other lots."

Are you referring to other WDW guests or just to off property guests? WDW resort guests do get free parking at the parks, so I guess it would be off site guests? But the off site people can just as easily self-park for free. Perhaps all parking areas at WDW need to charge those not staying on-site for parking. Seems to me it would be a better solution than gouging those who are already giving Disney big $. I also think there needs to be a charge for parking at DD (ever try to find a parking space there?) because lots of folks park there for free and take the WDW busses to the parks.

I can't quite tell by this policy what the management of WDW is trying to accomplish, but it certainly doesn't seem to be an effective way of accomplishing any of the ideas that have been brought up in this thread......or at least not the most effective way. What it looks like it will do is just make lots of loyal WDW guests think twice about using the service (or the hotels/restaurants at all) or just upset them in general.

I know this board is an incredibly small sampling of WDW visitors, but I wonder how much backlash and outrage WDW is going to hear over this matter. If I were a regular guest at the Poly or the GF, I'd probably be pretty angry. And I thought the high prices for the rooms were covering those amenities like valet parking...silly me.

[Doctor P]

There is an intermediate position that I would not be surprised to see--validation at a resort restaurant or a credit on your restaurant bill if you paid for valet parking. I think it will take a while to work the kinks out of the system, but really all that they are doing is reducing the potential for abuse and increasing the incentive to use the Disney transportation system rather than driving. I won't say that I am happy, but I see plenty of options to avoid the fee through planning so I don't think the policy is going to be an impossible one for me to comply with.

[PamOKW]

I'm not sure what they are trying to accomplish either. Maybe they've decided to start charging since many deluxe hotels around the country (including the Swan/Dolphin) are able to charge guests for valet parking and they want to give it a try too.

Many people suggest the valet parking as a way to park for access to the parks. Whether it's for convenience or to save a parking fee, I'm not sure. In any case, maybe that is becoming so prevelant that it's a problem. Just like pool hopping by non-DVC guests seems to be increasing and creating problems.

I'm not too happy to hear of this fee but I'm just guessing it's a type of crowd control measure.

I think a lot of problems might be avoided if WDW would go back to being stricter on their transportation policies. I remember staying at CBR in the late eighties/early 90's that at least one person in the party had to show the resort ID to board the bus. You also had to show an ID to board the boat launches. I think this would help to insure that WDW resort guests are using the special amenities they pay for and would give those who are turned away an incentive to consider staying on-site next time. ;)

[Lesley]

I agree totally with your thoughts on the transportation, Pam. It was less than 10 years ago when we needed to show a park ticket to ride the monorail as an off site guest and when we had to show resort id's to get on the Disney busses.

Part of me wonders, with the way some folks get so confrontational and violent in certain situations, if Disney management is avoiding creating situations where bus drivers, guards, etc... will have to turn folks away. Maybe a fear of some gun toting maniac hi-jacking a bus because they were refused admittance or something (images of Chevy Chase are running through my head....) is a factor. Lets face it, an incident like that would be a pr nightmare. Perhaps those who would push the matter would be more easily deterred by a fee than by a polite "I'm sorry, you must have proper ID to use this service" But, I still think a well enforced restriction would be a better way to handle it....not a risk of alienating loyal guests.

As far as other hotels charging for valet parking....WDW has to recognize that they are unique in the # of hotels, restaurants, etc... they have available. Outside of WDW, in other areas of the country its unlikly a person would find reason to valet park more than once in a day. It apparent to me that at WDW one could be using this service many times per day and countless times during the course of one vacation. As far as the Swan/Dolphin charging for valet parking...aren't their restaurants the ones always offering some sort of discount? Perhaps the charge is a deterrent to those who would otherwise be interested in visiting?

Totally OT, but how do you get the quote function on here to work with copy and paste? I can't seem to do it.

[robinb]

Does anyone have a suggestion of who we can write to about this? I'm really annoyed at this! I always valet park when I visit a hotel to eat.

[ParkFreak]

Lesley,

I use copy and paste, there may be another way tho??

[CarolAnnC]

I suppose it is at least something that DVC Members will not be charged the valet fee at VWL and BWV even if they are not guests. It is not always convenient to use the bus transportation to get to the other resorts for say a character meal, or nice dinner, however. I agree the instituting of this fee may have something to do with the number of guests who park at the resorts in lieu of the park lots to visit the theme parks.

There is a debate now in progress on this issue over on the Debate Board. We may of course continue to discuss the subject here as it pertains to DVC members, too. In case you are interested in the debate on the subject, here is the link:\

click here (http://www.disboards.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56923)

[BobH]

Most places valet park as a means of enticing you to use their resort or restaurant. It is done as a courtesy to the customer/ It is a shame to see Disney nickel & dime everyone because they know you will need to park, Enough is charged for park admission and hotel fees without this extra charge. :mad:

[Disnydad]

Third hand, but I heard that Universal in Orlando is charging $11 to valet park.

[danicaw]

This last saturday night my hubby and I stayed at a nice hotel in our area, just for a night away. Parking for hotel guest was $10 a night for self-park and $12 for valet.

We were shocked. Beyond that there was no other overnight parking options. This information wasn't given out at the time of our reservation.

I am not saying we are getting a good deal with the $6 rate, just thank goodness we still have other options for parking. We typically (or should I now say...used to) park ourselves and walk in, with the occasional use of the Valet. This might remove that occasional luxury. I will say that we tipped out valet this weekend and since there job hasn't changed I think I would still tip the WDW valets as well.

[jcodespoti]

it costs $20.00 to park your car at Giants Stadium. It costs $8.00 to Park at Yankee Stadium. It costs $8.00 to park at Great Adventure I don't see the big deal.


Joe In CT

[KNWVIKING]

..... we stayed in Boston a few weeks ago.Over night parking was $29.00 a night,self park or valet.

It just gets irratating that every time you turn around in WDW the mouse has his hand in your pocket. After reading complaint after complaint on this board I wonder sometimes why I want to spend all my vacation time there each year.

[BobH]

I spend a lot of time in Boston. Lets hope Disney doesn't get that bad. The Disney experience has been special over the years precisely because after you paid your park and lodging costs you didn't always have to have your hand in your wallet. If they don't wise up they'll lose customers.

[baileybrad]

The simple solution is if you are a Disney resort guest who used to enjoy the "free" valet parking option...let's be honest it was never "free", then there are plenty of restaurants in the nearby Disney area that do not charge you to park and have much more reasonable prices. Where this $6 fee could become a real problem is if you are attempting to go to say Chef Mickey's during a busy time of the year and they won't let you self-park...only give you the option of paying $6 plus a tip for valet. Same goes for Y&B and dining at Cape May.

I don't understand the discussion about this is a way to get at Disney guests who were "avoiding" the parking fee at the theme park lots...that parking is free to all resort guests...or at least it was yesterday...they may be planning on charging for this also.

What I don't get is one of the reasons that the Disney resorts as a group, of which the DVC resorts are a part of sort of, justify charging high prices for essentially 4 square wall rooms with great theming is the additional perks....free transportation to the parks, free parking in the park lots, and until recently free valet parking. The word "free" isn't really free by no means. We pay more for these rooms to help pay for these "free" things...one that apparently is now gone unless we DVC members are visiting BW or WL.

[PamOKW]

I don't understand the discussion about this is a way to get at Disney guests who were "avoiding" the parking fee at the theme park lots...

Not WDW resort guests but offsite folks who don't have an AP or some other ticket that includes parking They tip $1-$2 at the valet rather than pay to park at the theme parks. Quite a few people have also recommended parking at the Contemporary or an Epcot resort for convenience to the park. Maybe the parking lots and valets just can't handle traffic that is using the resort lots as theme park lots. I wouldn't say Disney is getting back at these people, they may just have a problem with volume of usage.

I think sharing information on the Internet has created a lot of problems. It was a manageable problem when guide books offered out "tips" but when these ideas are then broadcast to the world there could be problems of over usage. Several years ago the guide books shared the "secret park" at Epcot for fireworks viewing. This got so overrun that Disney shut it down except for private parties. I'm wondering how much longer fireworks viewing at the Contemporary will be allowed on the deck. It's one thing for Contemporary guests and a few others to enjoy the view. It's another for hundreds of people a night to catch on to the idea.

I like the idea of validation when using a resort restaurant (or maybe even for shopping). Let's hope Disney gives that some consideration.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

PamOKW,
Bravo, you and I were thinking along the same lines.
Thanks to those and the tour books who suggested parking at the resorts to escape the park parking lot fee, then, when they said "use the valet", they used it and it will cost us all in the end.
BTW, the cost for using Universal resorts is almost twice this.
Personally, I don't have a problem with this. I use valet at BW and at PI (we are annual passholders there and there is no charge). We park at the racquet club at the Contemp and have no problem.
IMHO, much ado about nothing.
I really don't think they will be charging registered guests at the individual resorts for valet parking.
IE: if you are a guest at the GF, I would assume ( I know bad) that valet would be included.

[deerh]

Hi, just had to talk about this valet parking thread. We just got back from 3 nights at the Hard Rock Hotel, and 4 nights at Boardwalk.
As I was going to park valet, at HRH, the sign said $17 per 24 hours!!!!! I almost had a cow, and decided to park the car myself, which I did! Now, I am paying $140 or so per night, and I MUST pay $17 ON TOP OF THAT! Ridiculous!!
So, the next day, I had to go out and get something, and parked my car in self park, and went by the valet thing at HRH, and asked the guy, hey, if I stay here, are those the rates? And he said no, If you stay here, it is only $10 per day to valet! Now I don't know about you, but that is HIGH! In Atlanta, the Braves game is $10 or so to park, or cheaper farther out away from the stadium.
Now as BWV, I feel that people will have a hard time finding a place to park that are staying at BWV, as people will not pay that, I know, some will, but hotel guests will not find a place to park.
HINT: can you imagine going out on Friday or Saturday night, and refusing to pay valet, you look for a self parking place and it is 11pm? GOOD LUCK!
As for us DVC'ers, this is no problem, but I think it is a stupid thing for Disney to do, but what do I know?
Just my .03 cents worth, or should I say my $6 worth!
deerh:(

[ParkFreak]

Living here in Chicago, I have no problem paying 6-10 dollars to valet park at a restaurant in a neighborhood where parking is at a minimum (pretty much in the whole city!).

However, WDW has TONS of space at each resort in which parking could be made available! My whole problem with this policy has nothing to do with the price. It just seems like just another way that Pressler, Eisner and Co. are putting the Guests second and their huge yearly bonuses first!

I would love to hear one of the "Accountanteers" explain the fiscal prowess of this new policy!

As Emperor Kuzco said before falling off the waterfall . . . "Bring It On!"

[Crissup]

I remember when I used to park at the other resorts (other than the resort I was staying at) and use the transportation into the parks. I would think, "this is great as long as too many people don't start doing it". Then, as the DIS grew larger (just one example), people would pass this "tip" on in the interest of being helpful. The problem is, you've just told 26,000 people to go park in the Contemporary lot because it's more convenient than having to deal with the main lot!!

I stopped driving to the other resorts a couple years back, after it became painfully obvious to me that it was only a matter of time before Disney would be "forced" to deal with the parking situation. They've tried the little guard house, that didn't seem to help much because people would insist they were there for a meal and get upset if the guard didn't let them in. Some people would even make a PS just for the parking verification, with no intention of even showing up for it!! Let's face the horrible facts people, the honor system only works if people are honorable. There are way too many people in this country who are convinced that their "one car" isn't going to upset the parking system.

I believe the valet parking is partially paid for out of our maintenance fees, which would explain why it's still free for DVC members at DVC resorts. I'm sure this action is going to force more people to actually use the free Disney transportation instead of driving their own vehicles. My past few trips, I've parked my vehicle at check in and not seen it again until checkout.

The next thing I would expect to see is the DVC members, who don't have a car, complain that they shouldn't have to cover the cost of valet. Then, Disney will remove it from our maintance fees and force us to pay at the DVC resorts also.

[alexcturner]

How does this effect ap holders? Does anyone know yet?

[DisneyHumbug]

My last trip to WDW (first as DVC members) I used valet. We had only used it sporadically over the years. I felt like a princess - I called from my room, and the car was waiting for us! I tipped when I picked the car up, and also when I dropped it off. Just when I thought "I could get used to this" - they start charging! $6 per day, plus 2 tips will make me plan more. We are the type of family who are always running late, and valet parking for dinner really helped out! I feel sorry for the valet CM's - how will this affect their income? Seems to me, Disney needs to address the problem of locals abusing the system.

[KNWVIKING]

I don't feel any guest staying on property - regardless of the resort- should have to pay for valet. We have already opted to pay a premium price to stay on property. We are paying a premium price to go out and eat at Disney resort restraunts.I would assume the vast majority have paid for some form of park pass. Disney is offending it's loyal guests by charging them another 6 bucks. Off property or local folk should not be offended by this- but they will be- because it seems most other places are doing the same thing and are actually charging more.

I was told by my sales guide that Disney does monitor this board as well as others and try to remedy problems that they see us post about. I think the last "pool hopping" info WDW posted shows they attempted to clear up a lot of gray areas. A popular complaint here has been the abuse of parking- especially at BW- by non resort guest. We stayed at BWV in May. The only reason I valet parked was because it was a ten minute fiasco to find a spot that was half a mile away. Basically it was cost effective to valet.If the 6 bucks keeps just half the freeloaders out of the lots it will be a help but I suspect they will still use the lot and either self park or just stiff the valets.

If the intent of this fee is to fix the parking problem then I'm glad they're trying but I think it's a poor attempt. I don't know why they don't just put gates at the lot entrances that require a resort room key which you simply insert to open gate. They could even set aside a portion which is intended for guest staying at other on property resorts who wish to use the restraunts. PS could easily match parking capacity to seat availibility. Valet parking would still be an option for ALL guests but free to all on property guest.I think this would work.

[GAIL HAYDEN]

DisneyHumbug,
If you are a DVC member you don't pay the 6.00 for valet parking at BWV or Wilderness.
Since you will most probably stay at one of these two resorts as a DVC member, you really have nothing to worry about.

[DisneyHumbug]

Gail - yes, thanks for clearing that up. But I am more concerned about going to another resort for dinner - last week we went to Boma (and of course we were running late) and we valet parked there. Sometimes those lots are really full and it becomes a long walk. When I think about it, though, I'd rather pay $6 at WDW than park in my driveway for free - at least I'd be on vacation.

[jctwizzer]

[QUOTE][i]When I think about it, though, I'd rather pay $6 at WDW than park in my driveway for free -

Bingo! Disney just closed another "loophole" and everyone is up in arms. In another month, this will be a forgotten event.....you may remember the rhetoric that followed when the term for an "annual" pass was reduced to 12 months.:smooth:

[WebmasterDoc]

When I think about it, though, I'd rather pay $6 at WDW than park in my driveway for free -

Actually, we can still park for free. We just can't expect someone else to park for us for free (except DVC members at DVC resorts).

There is no mention in the announcement of stopping free parking at other resorts for WDW resort guests- only a charge for using the valet service. Perhaps many were NOT tipping the valets- or Disney has finally identified how this service is actually being used by many (to avoid themepark parking).

I would hope that those who choose to use the service will still provide a gratuity for those serving. Perhaps the charge IS actually going to the valets to make up for lost income on tips?

[CarolMN]

I'd like to believe that the new $6 charge is going to the CMs, but if that is true, why the statement that gratutities are still appropriate?

Most of the DVC'rs report that they give $2 -$3 for both drop off and pick up. Assuming that they are representative of the general population of those who use valet parking, a $6 charge should adequately cover "tips" for the CMs. In light of the "gratutity statement", I just don't believe the valets will be receiving the proceeds from the new charge. JMHO. Hope I'm wrong.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Hello? I'm paying almost $700 a night for a concierge room at the GF, and they are going to charge me for valet? Oooh, this DVC membership is looking better and better.

[PamOKW]

A charge for a service does not necessarily mean it replaces tipping (unless a sign is posted stating that is the case). If you park in a NYC garage and they bring your car around a tip is appropriate in addition to the fee you paid to park. Currently, non-WDW resort guests are charged $6 for valet parking at BWV. There is no sign saying tips are not accepted.

[Zimbubba]

The whole parking situation at WDW has become frustrating over the past few years. It use to be a pleasure to go to one of the monorail resorts, park hassle free, take the monorail around to each one, explore, (spend money), and have a good time. That is nearly impossible now. Yes, we have parked at the Contemporary and went to the MK when it was a little known "tip" but that is gone also. It seems that the freedom of mobility is leaving the WDW experience.

[Paul in CT]

Frankly, I don't see this as a big issue. Valet parking is convenient, but it's not the end of the world if they charge for it at non-DVC resorts. As far as I know, the cost is not included in our DVC maintenance fee. In fact, I would object if it were. We have used it only a few times since joining in '95. I much prefer getting my own car and we have never had a problem finding space. It's usually quicker anyway.

If the fee is objectionable to you, you can always "vote with your feet" and frequent only resorts where the valet parking is still free. :)

If there were to be a drop in the number of dining guests at some of their more posh resort resturants, e.g., at GF and Contemporary, you can bet that they would change the policy to free valet parking with validation. At WDW, everything is subject to change.

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Is valet free at any resort?

You'd think that they'd waive the fee if you were a registered guest at the resort that you want valet at (if staying at the GF, then no fee at the GF).

With the convention center at the GF (along with everything else going on at the resort), it is hard to find a parking space in the self lot during the evening already, not to meantion it's distance from the building (past valet, and on the other side of the road). This puts a real damper on the place. Maybe we should consider the Polynesian or the Contemporary more, due to it's self parking situation.

[PamOKW]

CADreaming, I wouldn't get too upset about the what the resorts will charge until we get all the details. It may very well be that guests of the resort won't be charged. All we know is that 1) There will be a fee 2) DVC members won't be charged at DVC resorts.

[Crissup]

Free valet parking is a cost that must be covered by the resort. Since DVC owns half the resort, DVC will be responsible for half the cost. Which means that our dues (at BWV or VWL) go to cover the cost of valet parking. You may not find it itemized in the dues, but trust me, it's buried in there somewhere.

[Crissup]

Actually, I usually only tip one to two bucks for valet parking no matter where I am (WDW or elsewhere).

[Caskbill]

Sidebar for Leslie....

Didn't see anyone give a direct answer to your question,

Totally OT, but how do you get the quote function on here to work with copy and paste? I can't seem to do it.

I just use CTRL-C and CTRL-V in lieu of copy/paste.

Find the text you want to put into your response, and highlight it. Press CTRL-C (Copy). Begin your response, do an enter to get to a blank line, click on the QUOTE button. In the pop up menu, press CTRL-V. Your copied text should appear.

Click OK, Hit Enter (to get a blank line, it formats the quote better), and continue your response. Hope this helps you and anyone else who wanted to know how to do quotes.

Alternate method, you can do it manually by entering a left square bracket, type the word QUOTE, enter a right square bracket, paste the quoted text, do another left square bracket, type slash QUOTE (" /QUOTE "). YOu're done. You may also enter all commands in lowercase (/quote).

Hope this helps. Now, back to regularly scheduled discussions on parking.....Oooh, please don't get me started on that too. Basically, I agree with everyone.

[Daydreamin]

Just where did it say that parking for DVC members would be free for the length of our contract at any resort that we go to???

A $6 valet charge at everywhere but BWV & WLV for DVC members seems reasonable to me given that I have had to pay as much as $30 to valet park in Chicago, $24 in Philadelphia and $25 in San Francisco. It seems to me that not many people have traveled to other places in the country. This isn't unheard of.

I'd rather pay for valet parking and get a better ticket discount for being a DVC member.

[TnRobin]

Just a note. Disney already charges $6 valet parking for the resorts at Disneyland. This was $6 per day for guest (added to your bill.) You were able to come and leave as often as you liked.

When I asked them why they charge and WDW didn't, they said they have so much problem with people trying to use thier parking lots, they began to charge. In order to self-park, I seem to remmeber that you had to have your room key to gain access to the lot.

[KNWVIKING]

People are comparing big city parking fees to Disney valet fees. They are not the same. We visit Philly and Boston often. We pay $$$ just to self park. Even at the best hotels you pay to park in their garage or two blocks away at one they recommend. If you chose to valet, they don't charge extra but tipping is expected.Parking fees are just a part of big city life because space is at a premium.

As for the cost of the CM's that valet park, WDW built their wages into the cost of the room. Are they going to discount guest who choose to self park ? DON'T THINK SO !!

[BobH]

I don't understand why people would want to rationalize the new valet charges as justifiable. I view them as an erosion of the quality experience that Disney provided in the past. Obviously some places charge more - but WDW never engaged in this practice so why should we be taking their side by saying its really not an excessive charge. Yes - nothing was ever guaranteed to the customer but it is a disapppointing course of action on Disney's part.

[LauraS]

Bob H, I totally agree with you!! You can't compare Disney's sudden decision to charge for valet parking with parking charges at city hotels.

First of all, the major difference here is that in most any major city in this country there is a huge lack of metered or public parking lots. Free parking on the streets is almost non-exsistant and a safety concern as well.

We drive into NYC fairly often and expect to pay a minimum of $25 to valet park in a lot there. Why? Well, we have very little choice. There are no other spots available in say the Theater District and so we're stuck with paying. We've also paid $30 a night for valet parking at The Four Seasons in NYC. Again, the Valet picks up your car and drives it to a nearby lot. Again, the major difference is that there is absolutely no place to park and therefore the hotel or restaurant in a city is parking your car in a lot where *they* must pay to park your car. Disney is not incurring a charge to park our cars. They are creating new revenue stream. I don't know for a fact, but I'm betting that the Valets make next to nothing, like a waiter. I'm quite sure that most of their income comes from tipping. Anyone know what they make??


Disney has plenty of parking for their guests. The Disney Valets don't pick up our cars and take them to a non-Disney lot where there is a charge for parking. They are not forced to charge us in turn for what they must pay someone else.

This is purely a case where the Disney Execs are sitting around trying to come up with ways to wring more money out of us. Yeah, yeah, I know....that's their job. However, in an economic downturn isn't it "industry practice" to create more discounts so that you draw more revenue? They are saying that this is a "standard practice". I for one don't see it as anything other than just one more thing taken away.

One of the nicest features of visiting a Disney Resort for dinner is the valet parking. I think it's really pathetic that Walt Disney Resort Guests who are spending ludicrous amounts of money to vacation there now must pay 6 bucks a day for to have someone park your car.

What's next. A charge for Bell Hop services? What's the difference really? Hey, if you can get to the GF you can lug your bags up those stairs right? Parking a car is way easier than lugging your bags around, and yet they'll charge us for that?

Maybe they'll soon get us for a surcharge on our tickets for use of the ultra-speedy WDW Transportation System? Yeah, how bout a buck for the monorail and 50 cents for the Ferry? Hey, how bout charging for the Tram? These are all Disney "Upgrades" right? I see this ridiculous valet parking charge as the same kind of thing.

I think that at an absolute minimum, Disney should *not* charge guests for valet parking if they are staying at that particular resort. I also think that they should validate parking for those folks who dine in one of their restaurants. That will take care of those folks who are valet parking at the MK/Epcot Resorts and strolling into the parks. It also elimates the prospect of someone valet parking for free and just browsing around the hotel. God forbid someone do that, after all that doesn't create any revenue.

Laura

[KNWVIKING]

Easier then validating your valet ticket would be to treat it as a $6.00 coupon at any sit down restraunt at that resort.

[LauraS]

A $6.00 coupon would work for me KNWVIKING. As long as that coupon value goes up if the valet parking price goes up.....which we all know it will.

[Joeblack]

Who would have thought of a time when spending a week in Paris is way cheaper than in most US cities? I recently came back from a trip to Paris and, unbelievably, prices for meals, clothes, cabs and hotels were way lower than what you'd pay in Walt Disney World. Of course, WDW has that "magic appeal"...a "perfect" little city with no crime, incredible parks, restaurants and resorts...but then again...Paris, Buenos Aires, Las Vegas, Cancun, (among many others)...offer incredible value alternatives for the whole family these days...and they also have incredible magic of their own.

I don't understand what Disney is thinking by charging such incredibly high rates for staying on property, only to start squeezing dimes out of their customers in the most unfashionable way.

Mr. Eisner: Don't give us the "it is a standard practice" speech. It is definitley an un-Disney answer. One of the main reasons why people go to WDW is because Disney goes beyond the usual standards in service, attention to detail, cleanliness, etc.

If it is an issue of controlling people abusing the system by parking in a resort with the excuse of a PS only to go somehwere else, let valet parking be free upon validation of a ticket after the alleged meal.

If it is a matter of CM not getting tipped, then charge a couple of bucks each way but give the money to the CM, and make it clear to everyone.

If it is a matter of increasing revenue. Become more competitive by cutting anual bonuses to the big honchos, maintaining the great service Disney is famous for instead of cutting back in it, improving transportation, thus appealing to a broader customer base who will spend their money at your resorts, parks and restaurants instead of finding alternatives. Yeah some people will say Disney does not need to becusue demand is so high...well.....I see demand decreasing and I foresee it will keep going down becasue of the US economic slowdown. Why wait until that happens? Keep Disney attractive to visitors.....otherwise...we still have Paris.

[Jimbo]

We'll always have Paris!

I've noticed the same thing. We're going to Provence and Paris this September, and I was shocked - in a good way - at how affordable France is right now. Our Paris trip is a lot cheaper than our last WDW trips.

But I think that it's mostly due to the strong dollar. A franc right now is only worth about 13 cents. Last year at this time it was worth 16.5 cents, so my dollar goes about 20% further than if I would have taken the same trip last year. You can't really blame Eisner for that. In fact, right now Paris is cheaper than Chicago.

[Joeblack]

I am not blaming Eisner for the strong dollar. I am just saying he should device ways to keep WDW attractive and competitive instead of squeezing the neck of the golden egg hen.

[Figaro30]

All I can say is....they just won't stop at anything will they!!!! UNBELIEVABLE!

Could somebody remind me what the perks are at staying INSIDE DISNEY WORLD????? WHAT ARE THEY?????

[CaptainMidnight]

As a person in charge of a Valet service, $6 is a pretty reasonable rate. We charge $5 at our hospital and we are middle of the road for about 20-30 other hospitals offerring the service.

Those guys work hard, and there is a pretty fair amount of liability involved with claims of fender benders, lost items, etc. I've learned alot about Valet in the last month as I've taken on this new responsibility.

I guess that is another reason I'm glad I'm a DVC member, and I'll remember to tip appropriately.

[CaptainMidnight]

Click OK, Hit Enter (to get a blank line, it formats the quote better), and continue your response. Hope this helps you and anyone else who wanted to know how to do quotes.

It does help. Thanks for the tip.

:p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p :p

[BobH]

I am more than in favor of giving the valet the $6. I just don't believe Disney deserves it. Do you really think they are turning over the extra charge to the valet?

[PamOKW]

The valet charge is not going to the valet any more than the cost of a drink is going to the bartender. (In the sense that the money used is income to the company that is used to pay his/her salary it goes to the valet.) The posted notice even mentions that tipping is still "appropriate".

[ceejay13]

I guess I wasn't surprised. Not that I like it, but the DL hotels have been charging for quite some time. In fact, we paid $6/day in January at the GC and when we returned in May it had gone to $10/day.

[PamOKW]

Ceejay maybe you'll know the answer as to how the charge is done. If you valet park your car on Monday and then don't retrieve it again until Thursday, are you charged $6 or $24?

[jcodespoti]

there are always deals to go anywhere. You can get a good deal to goto WDW just as you can get one to goto Paris or New York or anywhere. I personally do not see the big deal about 6 bucks for valet service. I still feel WDW is an excellent value consider,

4 tickets to a Yankee Game = $140.00
2 beers =$12.00
4 hotdogs =$16.00
nachos =$5.75
baseball stuff =$40.00
PARKING(non-valet) =$8.00
______________________________
$221.00 for a 3 hour game



(watching the Yankees win another World Series, priceless)


Joe in CT

[BobH]

The big deal is the direction Disney is headed in. If everyone keeps agreeing these unjustified charges are Ok, the bean counters will keep heaping them on. It is not the amount - it is the principle....Why not all vounteer to pay 20% more for park passes - after all it is not a big issue. Lets lay this topic to rest and hope the DVC is watching these boards and gets the message.

[WebmasterDoc]

Since we have drifted far away from DVC with this topic, lets continue any further comment on one of several threads in progress on the Resorts Board.

Here is a link to the largest one of those threads:

<a href="http://64.225.125.24/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57973&highlight=valet">Valet Parking DIScussion</a>

Thanks!