Parking $3 from 6 to 10pm - The DIS Discussion Forums

kellymonaghan · 01-02-2009, 08:04 PM

Just heard that Universal is now charging $3 for parking between 6pm and 10pm. Not sure is it's more for vans and campers like with "regular" daytime parking.

I'm not sure I understand the logic behind this, what with everyone and his brother telling us that people will be counting every penny in the days and months ahead.

Seems to me inevitable that the Cineplex and the restaurants will take a hit.

Your thoughts?

Metro West · 01-02-2009, 08:08 PM

I think it stinks. Even though I have an AP and don't have to pay to park, lots of people are going to be very upset with this new policy...and like you mentioned, CityWalk WILL take a hit. I have friends who don't have AP's that enjoyed going over for a movie or dinner and not having to pay parking fees. Well...they will probably start going somewhere else. After PI closed and Universal decided to honor their AP's until mid-year, I thought that was a tremendous thing to to...and now this. Just pitiful!

phamton · 01-02-2009, 11:25 PM

I'd rather see them charge for parking rather than cutting the staffing in the parks. Extra revenue means more upkeep, more staff, and more new rides.

I have to admit that I am more vested in keeping the parks running smoothly than the night life at Citywalk. I would think if restaurants, movie theater, and clubs see a decline, maybe they might consider validating parking.

Having an annual pass (with free parking) is starting to look better and better.

Planogirl · 01-04-2009, 01:51 AM

I think that it's a strange decision. With money tight, you want to lure people and a parking fee seems to be a big turnoff for many people.

Metro West · 01-04-2009, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Planogirl

I think that it's a strange decision. With money tight, you want to lure people and a parking fee seems to be a big turnoff for many people.

That's very true.

damo · 01-04-2009, 08:35 AM

Personally, if it was me trying to decide where to go and the only drawback to Universal was that there was a $3.00 parking change, I wouldn't give it a second thought. $3.00 doesn't seem to be a deal breaker to me.

Wishing on a star · 01-04-2009, 03:56 PM

Ummm, I agree with those who are unhappy about this..

Have to pay to park just to go spend your money to eat or go see a movie at their establishments.

This is not a positive 'welcome'.
This is not a positive 'invitation'.
It is a very very negative opening impression.
I agree with the poster who used the term 'turn-off'.

My DH is one where this kind of thing just really burns him and rubs him the wrong way. It is nickle and diming... It is like a pick-pocket.

We'll have to pay the $3.00 if we do end up with no choice but to hit Citywalk on a non-park day... But...

Metro West · 01-04-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wishing on a star

Ummm, I agree with those who are unhappy about this..

Have to pay to park just to go spend your money to eat or go see a movie at their establishments.

This is not a positive 'welcome'.
This is not a positive 'invitation'.
It is a very very negative opening impression.
I agree with the poster who used the term 'turn-off'.

My DH is one where this kind of thing just really burns him and rubs him the wrong way. It is nickle and diming... It is like a pick-pocket.

We'll have to pay the $3.00 if we do end up with no choice but to hit Citywalk on a non-park day... But...

Universal doesn't own those restaurants so it's not their establishments...including the theater. It's this day and age with the economy I guess. I saw on the news tonight where Lynx raised their fares "to pay the bills" so now we've turned into a nickel and dime you to death society because of the economy.

I agree with Phamton about trying to make more money so Universal won't have layoff workers. The same thing is happening at my job right now. Budgets are being tightly monitored and sometimes cut to keep the jobs.

I don't think a lot of people will know about the parking charge in all honesty. Unless you're in the know, people will continue to pay it not knowing it used to be free.

Jason71 · 01-05-2009, 06:10 AM

I can say from personal experience with friends the movie theater is going to take a hit from this--DTD is still free to park, and Pointe Orlando at least validates. I know a group of Uni AMC regulars who switched to DTD this weekend. Can't imagine the restaurants will be that thrilled, either.

damo · 01-05-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason71

I can say from personal experience with friends the movie theater is going to take a hit from this--DTD is still free to park, and Pointe Orlando at least validates. I know a group of Uni AMC regulars who switched to DTD this weekend. Can't imagine the restaurants will be that thrilled, either.

Once the restaurants and theatre feel it, they will start validating parking.

grumpydawg · 01-05-2009, 12:45 PM

We went this past Friday without knowing of the new change. I usually go to City Walk every time I'm in town, but no more. I won't be back unless it's a park visit. Too bad, because I really enjoy eating at Margaritaville. $3 doesn't seem like much, but I received nothing in return for it. I parked in the lowest level in the farthest parking area. Oh well, life is all about choices. They chose to institute a parking fee. I choose not to go back. No anger, just fact.

Jason71 · 01-05-2009, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damo

Once the restaurants and theatre feel it, they will start validating parking.

It's a lot easier to validate when you collect money as people are leaving rather than when they are arriving. I guess the AMC and restaurants could hand out $3 refunds (or offer a $3 discount?) but enforcement would be a problem, and it will still be a sticking point to a lot of people to come up with $3 in cash just to enter in the first place. This is a debit-card society, I know a lot of people who don't necessarily have cash.

This just seems like a lot of hassle for what, on a typical weeknight, can't be that much money.

GuestServicesMonkey · 01-05-2009, 01:55 PM

The parking fees can be paid with a debit or credit card.

7165red · 01-05-2009, 04:51 PM

We were there on Dec,29-08 after 6pm and we had to pay $5 parking, I was told here on disboards that parking is free after 6pm. Will someone out there keep is up to date on parking fee.

donaldduck352 · 01-05-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7165red

We were there on Dec,29-08 after 6pm and we had to pay $5 parking, I was told here on disboards that parking is free after 6pm. Will someone out there keep is up to date on parking fee.

OK now I'm confused.You paid $5 when it was only supposed to be $3!!Was this for prefered parking??

01-02-2009, 08:04 PM	#1
kellymonaghan DIS Veteran Definitely not a woman Buy his books so he can get a royality check Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Connecticut USA Posts: 2,227	Parking $3 from 6 to 10pm Just heard that Universal is now charging $3 for parking between 6pm and 10pm. Not sure is it's more for vans and campers like with "regular" daytime parking. I'm not sure I understand the logic behind this, what with everyone and his brother telling us that people will be counting every penny in the days and months ahead. Seems to me inevitable that the Cineplex and the restaurants will take a hit. Your thoughts? __________________ Kelly Monaghan Author of "Universal Orlando: The Ultimate Guide" and "SeaWorld, Discovery Cove & Aquatica," keeping track of it all at The Other Orlando Blog.

01-02-2009, 08:08 PM	#2
Metro West Proud Redhead 11.47 Miles from Universal 23.56 Miles from Disney Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: NW Orlando, FL Posts: 42,376	I think it stinks. Even though I have an AP and don't have to pay to park, lots of people are going to be very upset with this new policy...and like you mentioned, CityWalk WILL take a hit. I have friends who don't have AP's that enjoyed going over for a movie or dinner and not having to pay parking fees. Well...they will probably start going somewhere else. After PI closed and Universal decided to honor their AP's until mid-year, I thought that was a tremendous thing to to...and now this. Just pitiful! __________________ ** Universal Orlando annual passholder since 2004! **

01-02-2009, 11:25 PM	#3
phamton Proud Redhead My husband is right...It is all about me!Shooting your own exhaust is like cheating at solitaire Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Orlando Posts: 10,146	I'd rather see them charge for parking rather than cutting the staffing in the parks. Extra revenue means more upkeep, more staff, and more new rides. I have to admit that I am more vested in keeping the parks running smoothly than the night life at Citywalk. I would think if restaurants, movie theater, and clubs see a decline, maybe they might consider validating parking. Having an annual pass (with free parking) is starting to look better and better. __________________ This space reserved for something deep and insightful, if I ever think of something like that!

01-04-2009, 01:51 AM	#4
Planogirl I feel the nerd in me stirring already Oh well, let's look on the bright side If I hadn't been so wiped out I would have kissed my anesthesiologist Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Frisco,Texas Posts: 40,935	I think that it's a strange decision. With money tight, you want to lure people and a parking fee seems to be a big turnoff for many people. __________________ PG

01-05-2009, 12:45 PM	#11
grumpydawg Disney Dawg Dude Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 69	parking fee We went this past Friday without knowing of the new change. I usually go to City Walk every time I'm in town, but no more. I won't be back unless it's a park visit. Too bad, because I really enjoy eating at Margaritaville. $3 doesn't seem like much, but I received nothing in return for it. I parked in the lowest level in the farthest parking area. Oh well, life is all about choices. They chose to institute a parking fee. I choose not to go back. No anger, just fact.

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01-04-2009, 08:35 AM	#6
damo Proud Redhead amok amok amok The curly haired dude said he wouldn't be joining me this vacation! Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Hagrid's hut Posts: 26,184	Personally, if it was me trying to decide where to go and the only drawback to Universal was that there was a $3.00 parking change, I wouldn't give it a second thought. $3.00 doesn't seem to be a deal breaker to me.

01-04-2009, 03:56 PM	#7
Wishing on a star DIS Veteran Another proud Southerner! Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 12,509	Ummm, I agree with those who are unhappy about this.. Have to pay to park just to go spend your money to eat or go see a movie at their establishments. This is not a positive 'welcome'. This is not a positive 'invitation'. It is a very very negative opening impression. I agree with the poster who used the term 'turn-off'. My DH is one where this kind of thing just really burns him and rubs him the wrong way. It is nickle and diming... It is like a pick-pocket. We'll have to pay the $3.00 if we do end up with no choice but to hit Citywalk on a non-park day... But...

01-05-2009, 06:10 AM	#9
Jason71 Brother to pirates and corsairs... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Orlando Posts: 2,132	I can say from personal experience with friends the movie theater is going to take a hit from this--DTD is still free to park, and Pointe Orlando at least validates. I know a group of Uni AMC regulars who switched to DTD this weekend. Can't imagine the restaurants will be that thrilled, either.

01-05-2009, 01:55 PM	#13
GuestServicesMonkey Earning My Ears Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 59	The parking fees can be paid with a debit or credit card.

01-05-2009, 04:51 PM	#14
7165red DIS Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,489	Parking $3 from 6 to10pm We were there on Dec,29-08 after 6pm and we had to pay $5 parking, I was told here on disboards that parking is free after 6pm. Will someone out there keep is up to date on parking fee.

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