NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[Spacemonkaay]

I just got off the phone with MS. I called to add a name to a reservation. At the end of the call, he told me (as a heads up) that we will no longer be receiving the valet parking perk. We have to pay the full price from now on.

I know they give us the warning when we buy that perks can be taken away, but COME ON!!! Sheesh. Ridiculous.

 

[Tara]

I just got off the phone with MS. I called to add a name to a reservation. At the end of the call, he told me (as a heads up) that we will no longer be receiving the valet parking perk. We have to pay the full price from now on.

I know they give us the warning when we buy that perks can be taken away, but COME ON!!! Sheesh. Ridiculous.

I seriously doubt this is true. When exactly is "from now on"?

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'll be in WDW next week. I'm going to stop at several kiosks and ask about it. Yes, I know that sales guides at those kiosks don't always know, but if I ask several, it'll be interesting to see what everyone tells me.

 

[JimMIA]

I'll be in WDW next week. I'm going to stop at several kiosks and ask about it. Yes, I know that sales guides at those kiosks don't always know, but if I ask several, it'll be interesting to see what everyone tells me.

The people who would KNOW are the valet dudes and dudettes. They're the ones actually dealing with parking and charging.

 

[JimMIA]

I hope this single comment by one MS rep is not accurate, but I can see some logic for it if it is true.

A year or so ago, Disney outsourced the valet function. Prior to that, the valets would have been Disney employees and would have been on the clock whether they were actually moving cars or not, so there would not have been much actual cost for them parking one of our cars.

Now, however, the resorts are paying another company for that service, and if they are paying them by car parked (which seems likely), there is a direct cost to the resort if one of us gets our car parked. That's a different cost equation, and one the resorts may not be willing to eat. It's possible they've given DVC the option of either paying for our valets or eliminating the freebie, and DVC chose elimination.

We'll see. If it turns out to be just rumor, it wouldn't be the first time!

 

[CarolMN]

Part of the "logic" for the free valet perk for DVC members at the DVC resorts was that our dues helped to pay for the valet wages. Members shared the cost of the service with the BWI.

If members now have to pay for valet at the DVC resorts, then member dues shouldn't have to pay for any portion of the "outsourcing contract". At a minimum, members should pay a reduced fee.

I can't believe that the valet company only gets paid if a car is parked. Don't their employees at least get minimum wage? I know the employees rely on tips for a portion of their pay. I can believe that there is a flat fee plus something per car parked, though.

 

[Spacemonkaay]

The guy from MS said they just found out about the change. I'm interested to see the backlash on this one . . . especially if there are any valet fees buried in the annual dues.

 

[Spacemonkaay]

Side note: I said nothing about even having a car on property. He fully pushed this information on me. Maybe one of you fine folks should call MS and ask about it, just to confirm that I'm not crazy. ;o)

 

[mommyoftwo08]

I too called this morning to modify our reservation for January and was given the same information. No more valet...

 

[TLSnell1981]

Just spoke to MS. Effective October 11th, DVC members will be charged $12,per day, for valet parking!! The reason? The service is now outsourced. I asked the CM about this being covered in our dues. She said this is no longer the case. Guests with disabilities will still receive the service free of charge.

 

[Chuck S]

Just spoke to MS. Effective October 11th, DVC members will be charged $12,per day, for valet parking!! The reason? The service is now outsourced. I asked the CM about this being covered in our dues. She said this is no longer the case. Guests with disabilities will still receive the service free of charge.

I wonder if this is also true for DDE/TiW?

I also wonder how many complaints the outsourced sompany will receive from the valets at the DVC resorts, as their tips will no doubt plummet? Or if maybe DVCers were really a "problem" for the valet system, as I've witnessed a few member meltdowns at resort front desks?

At least they are still doing free valet for folks with disabilities, so when traveling with Mom, it won't be a problem.

 

[Spacemonkaay]

Thanks. I began to think I was hearing phantom voices in my head or something.

 

[GoofItUp]

Just my luck -- I'm just booked my first trip "home" for May and plan to have a car since we're at AKV. Looks like DH will be dropping us off and parking the car. Anyone know how far it is from the parking area to AKV (Jambo)? I'm guessing it's not a $12/day walk.

While we're on the subject of cars, parking, etc.....don't DVC members get free parking at the theme parks or did I dream that up?

 

[Chuck S]

While we're on the subject of cars, parking, etc.....don't DVC members get free parking at the theme parks or did I dream that up?

All onsite guests get free parking at the theme parks, including DVC resorts. If you stay offsite, DVCers do not get free theme park parking.

 

[Spacemonkaay]

They'll probably "outsource that service" too. JK.

 

[chalee94]

While we're on the subject of cars, parking, etc.....don't DVC members get free parking at the theme parks or did I dream that up?

DVC members do NOT get free parking at the theme parks because they are DVC members.

ALL of those staying onsite get free parking at the theme parks (which includes DVC members staying onsite.)

but if you stay offsite, you are on your own.

 

[GoofItUp]

All onsite guests get free parking at the theme parks, including DVC resorts. If you stay offsite, DVCers do not get free theme park parking.

Can you tell it's my first time on-site with a car?!

 

[Chuck S]

Can you tell it's my first time on-site with a car?!

When you check-in you'll receive a paper tag to place on your dashboard identifying you as an onsite guest. This will give you the free parking.

 

[Chuck S]

It will be interesting to see how long it takes DVC to inform members of this valet policy change..either via email or a mailing.

 

[kristenrice]

In regards to the free valet for those with a disability, does that mean that those with a "handicapped" license plate or hang-tag are eligible? My mom has a medical condition that qualifies her for "handicapped" status. Her vehicle has a handicapped plate, but she also has the hang tag for when she travels with others. Will that make us eligible for the free valet?