Cheaper parking than at Dolphin?

[sumertime]

We have reservations for three days at the Dolphin, and I'm hoping there's a cheaper option than the $15/day. This is the first time we'll have a car. Is there somewhere nearby we could pay to park and then leave it for a few days? Not looking to do anything against the rules, just want to maximize our savings.

 

[Brian Noble]

Not really, no. The other lots in that area are all tied to various hotels, and limited to registered guests for overnight parking, AFAIK.

Are you flying in? It might be a better deal to just get a cab or towncar to/from the airport. If you need the car either before or after your stay (because you are going somewhere else) you can rent from or drop off at the National/Alamo desk at the Swolphin.

 

[owl0306]

if u are not looking to break rules why bother posting this. you picked dolphin, you have a car, you have to park there and pay

 

[Allison]

if u are not looking to break rules why bother posting this. you picked dolphin, you have a car, you have to park there and pay

Because they are looking for a legitimate place to park that is cheaper.

 

[chartle]

Others have tried to think outside the box on parking at the Swalphin but it just doesn't work.

Its one of those 'you just have to factor that into the nightly rate' kind of things.

 

[goofy4tink]

We have reservations for three days at the Dolphin, and I'm hoping there's a cheaper option than the $15/day. This is the first time we'll have a car. Is there somewhere nearby we could pay to park and then leave it for a few days? Not looking to do anything against the rules, just want to maximize our savings.

The rules are...if you are staying at the Swan or Dolphin, you will be paying a daily rate to park. There is no way around it. It's the same when you stay at a US/IoA resort...daily parking is charged there as well.
It is a perk of staying at a Disney owned resort to get free resort parking.

You need to figure in that addtl $15 a day. When staying at the S/D, I never have a car. That's a daily expense I don't need.

 

[POOHsie]

You have to consider that the Swan and Dolphin are alongside 3 of the most expensive Disney hotels on property, and you have walking or boat access to Epcot and DHS. Add your parking fee to your daily room charge and consider just the total daily cost of your stay. S/D are great bargains alongside the Disney Deluxe resorts.

If you have a handicap placard, you can save about $3 on the daily parking fee.

 

[pinkerbell]

if u are not looking to break rules why bother posting this. you picked dolphin, you have a car, you have to park there and pay

Ouch!

We have reservations for three days at the Dolphin, and I'm hoping there's a cheaper option than the $15/day. This is the first time we'll have a car. Is there somewhere nearby we could pay to park and then leave it for a few days? Not looking to do anything against the rules, just want to maximize our savings.

I also looked into other options, who doesn't try to maxzimize the money they can save in other places to to spend more int he parks!!
DH has been having a convention there so we don't have the option of staying in another hotel. Because the transportion via Disney trasnport has been so bad lately, we just go with the car, you dont have to pay when parking at the parks, so I try to justiiify it that way. ALso you must walk to DHS as there is no bus, epcot also I think (there is a boat I think) either way, The esort is big, the boardwak area is also big, My kids legs are tired by the time we get to the parks (one will be using a stoller as wheelchair and I get tired pushing all that distance as well) Go with the car and pay the (UGH) $15, you wont be sorry

I have never really been a fan of the way it is/but isnt a disney resort, depending on which way gets them more $$$$$

Because they are looking for a legitimate place to park that is cheaper.

 

[goofy4tink]

Ouch!



I also looked into other options, who doesn't try to maxzimize the money they can save in other places to to spend more int he parks!!
DH has been having a convention there so we don't have the option of staying in another hotel. Because the transportion via Disney trasnport has been so bad lately, we just go with the car, you dont have to pay when parking at the parks, so I try to justiiify it that way. ALso you must walk to DHS as there is no bus, epcot also I think (there is a boat I think) either way, The esort is big, the boardwak area is also big, My kids legs are tired by the time we get to the parks (one will be using a stoller as wheelchair and I get tired pushing all that distance as well) Go with the car and pay the (UGH) $15, you wont be sorry

I have never really been a fan of the way it is/but isnt a disney resort, depending on which way gets them more $$$$$

While I understand what you're saying about the 'walk' to Epcot and DHS....you do realize that this is a selling point for these resorts, right?? There are boats that run to both Epcot and DHS from the S/D, or you can walk along the nice pathways to both parks.
And while I do understand the need to conserve money and to keep costs down, parking fees at the S/D are just the way it is. It really isn't right to try to park elsewhere, in a place you aren't entitled to park, in order to avoid that $15 a day cost.
When at the S/D, you are getting a much more deluxe room/resort experience than at other resorts in the area, for a lesser cost. A room at BW or BC is going to be $385 a night, vs a room at the Dolphin at $159 a night. No, you don't get DME or the ddp if at the S/D, but for a difference of over $200 a night??? I don't mind paying for transport or my food. And the parking fee isn't such a big deal.
In order to get that same rate at a WDW owned resort??? You need to book a moderate resort..then, you get to park free. But, you are talking about a whole different type resort now!! Not deluxe by any stretch of the imagination.

So, pay less to stay at a really nice resort, but pay addtl for parking.

 

[pinkerbell]

While I understand what you're saying about the 'walk' to Epcot and DHS....you do realize that this is a selling point for these resorts, right?? There are boats that run to both Epcot and DHS from the S/D, or you can walk along the nice pathways to both parks.
And while I do understand the need to conserve money and to keep costs down, parking fees at the S/D are just the way it is. It really isn't right to try to park elsewhere, in a place you aren't entitled to park, in order to avoid that $15 a day cost.
When at the S/D, you are getting a much more deluxe room/resort experience than at other resorts in the area, for a lesser cost. A room at BW
or BC is going to be $385 a night, vs a room at the Dolphin at $159 a night. No, you don't get DME or the ddp if at the S/D, but for a difference of over $200 a night??? I don't mind paying for transport or my food. And the parking fee isn't such a big deal.
In order to get that same rate at a WDW owned resort??? You need to book a moderate resort..then, you get to park free. But, you are talking about a whole different type resort now!! Not deluxe by any stretch of the imagination.

So, pay less to stay at a really nice resort, but pay addtl for parking.

Selling points are very specific to each persons needs. As I said, when we stay there we do not pick it. I never would. Our needs are more for that of a smaller resort because of our childrens needs and mine for that matter.
I'd love to see Disney offer a resort that is above value level, yet keep the size small. IMHO, they were close with the new AoA since the price of rooms is so high, but they are lacking in ameneties and only one perm. bed is quite an obstacle.
I guess when compared to other Disney resorts, S/D may seem like a bargin, but when compared to other luxury resorts elsewhere, not so much. Again, that is based on personal needs.
I'm still not sure why people think there is either a right or wrong way to do things. The poster asks a legitimate question, if there is another way. If there is one thing Disney does, it is offer a variety of options, so many it can scramble the brain, especially where resorts and prices are concerned, so it is only logical that they may indeed offer some other parking option that may not be as convenient but cost less.

 

[chartle]

I'd love to see Disney offer a resort that is above value level, yet keep the size small.

I thought they already do that and call it a Mod.

I have not stayed on site in quite a while but have looked at booking on site the last two trips. To me it looks like a mod room is only slightly larger than a value room and the extra cost is the extra amenities mostly having a TS restaurant and a layout thats not like a Soviet era apartment block.

I'm sure there is more things I'm not thinking of but my point is that Disney pretty much has all the bases covered.

 

[TDC Nala]

It is a legitimate question, but unfortunately the only parking nearby belongs to the Disney resort hotels, which the OP shouldn't use for long-term or overnight parking if they are staying at the Dolphin.

 

[pinkerbell]

I thought they already do that and call it a Mod.

I have not stayed on site in quite a while but have looked at booking on site the last two trips. To me it looks like a mod room is only slightly larger than a value room and the extra cost is the extra amenities mostly having a TS restaurant and a layout thats not like a Soviet era apartment block.




I'm sure there is more things I'm not thinking of but my point is that Disney pretty much has all the bases covered.

We have stayed at POR and will again, but it is still larger in size than a value.
ASM has 1920 rooms each 260 sq ft
POR has 2048 rooms each 315 sq ft

We go often (many trips didnt even make it to the signature) and I have done a lot of research on each resort. The moderates only offers a larger room and larger resort, but no health club etc.

They covered most of the bases, but not all, and it's fine that they don't, I think that it is impossible to meet all the peoples needs all the time. And that gives us the opportunity to go other palces now and then...

 

[tjmw2727]

I would suggest POFQ for your needs - a moderate resort that is very small, has great bus service (IMHO) and a boat to DTD. The resort was just redone and now has all queen size beds an shares amenities with POR so you can choose from two pools and POR has a full serve restaurant.

As for S/D - they offer the same Disney transportation as the Disney resorts via bus or boat. There is a boat to Epcot and the Studios (no need to walk unless you choose to) and bus service to MK and AK. We stayed there last week, had great bus service and the boats were running on schedule. We too first stayed here with a convention and fell in love with the resort!

I didn't have a car but my sil did, (2 rooms) at the price we paid it was still less per night than two rooms at a moderate. FWIW the valet parking is only slightly more than the self parking, this would save you some walking as the lots are pretty big !

Selling points are very specific to each persons needs. As I said, when we stay there we do not pick it. I never would. Our needs are more for that of a smaller resort because of our childrens needs and mine for that matter.
I'd love to see Disney offer a resort that is above value level, yet keep the size small. IMHO, they were close with the new AoA since the price of rooms is so high, but they are lacking in ameneties and only one perm. bed is quite an obstacle.
I guess when compared to other Disney resorts, S/D may seem like a bargin, but when compared to other luxury resorts elsewhere, not so much. Again, that is based on personal needs.
I'm still not sure why people think there is either a right or wrong way to do things. The poster asks a legitimate question, if there is another way. If there is one thing Disney does, it is offer a variety of options, so many it can scramble the brain, especially where resorts and prices are concerned, so it is only logical that they may indeed offer some other parking option that may not be as convenient but cost less.

 

[chartle]

We have stayed at POR and will again, but it is still larger in size than a value.
ASM has 1920 rooms each 260 sq ft
POR has 2048 rooms each 315 sq ft

We go often (many trips didnt even make it to the signature) and I have done a lot of research on each resort. The moderates only offers a larger room and larger resort, but no health club etc.

They covered most of the bases, but not all, and it's fine that they don't, I think that it is impossible to meet all the peoples needs all the time. And that gives us the opportunity to go other palces now and then...

Are you looking for same size resort or same size rooms with more amenities?

As for ASM only having 1920 rooms I say it has 3 times more since to me ASMusic, ASSports and ASMovies is one resort.

I think the issue of having a mid value mod resort (same size rooms with a TS) is that it would be hard to differentiate ,marketing wise, between the three levels.

 

[goofy4tink]

Selling points are very specific to each persons needs. As I said, when we stay there we do not pick it. I never would. Our needs are more for that of a smaller resort because of our childrens needs and mine for that matter.
I'd love to see Disney offer a resort that is above value level, yet keep the size small. IMHO, they were close with the new AoA since the price of rooms is so high, but they are lacking in ameneties and only one perm. bed is quite an obstacle.
I guess when compared to other Disney resorts, S/D may seem like a bargin, but when compared to other luxury resorts elsewhere, not so much. Again, that is based on personal needs.
I'm still not sure why people think there is either a right or wrong way to do things. The poster asks a legitimate question, if there is another way. If there is one thing Disney does, it is offer a variety of options, so many it can scramble the brain, especially where resorts and prices are concerned, so it is only logical that they may indeed offer some other parking option that may not be as convenient but cost less.

I don't think I said that the S/D 'selling points' are going to make it perfect for everyone. BUT....it isn't a WDW owned resort, so things are going to be different.
There is no way that Disney can design a resort that is going to meet everyone's needs....largish rooms, small overall resort, nice restaurants, beautiful pools with great theming, various modes of transport, gyms/spas, free parking...all for a good price. Just isn't going to happen. YOu have to pay for the amenities you want.

My issue is that you know, going in, that you are going to pay for parking at the S/D. You know that there is a daily resort 'fee', so you need to add these two things onto your daily room rate. And yes, it raises that cost. You need to add in the cost of transportation to the resort from MCO, and back again.
All these things are common knowledge..and each guest should know all this before booking if they have done their homework.
I still think that, for the money, you are getting a great deal at these resorts.
If you are looking for a nicer resort experience, without the high cost, you can always look into renting DVC points from someone. That cuts down on the resort cost quite a bit, and you get some terrific amenities..and you get free parking at that resort!!!

But in all reality??? Parking is not free at either the Swan or Dolphin. And Disney is not going to give you alternative options when it comes to parking at a non-Disney resort. That's up to either the Swan or the Dolphin. You can choose to use a car there, with the knowledge that you will pay for daily parking. If this doesn't appeal to a guest, they are free to choose a Disney owned resort.

 

[pinkerbell]

I would suggest POFQ for your needs - a moderate resort that is very small, has great bus service (IMHO) and a boat to DTD. The resort was just redone and now has all queen size beds an shares amenities with POR so you can choose from two pools and POR has a full serve restaurant.

As for S/D - they offer the same Disney transportation as the Disney resorts via bus or boat. There is a boat to Epcot and the Studios (no need to walk unless you choose to) and bus service to MK and AK. We stayed there last week, had great bus service and the boats were running on schedule. We too first stayed here with a convention and fell in love with the resort!

I didn't have a car but my sil did, (2 rooms) at the price we paid it was still less per night than two rooms at a moderate. FWIW the valet parking is only slightly more than the self parking, this would save you some walking as the lots are pretty big !

hmm We should look into POFQ, we love the rest at POR and the food court, and in resonding to this post I learned that POR is the biggest mod, which I probably knew long ago, but forgot

I don't think I said that the S/D 'selling points' are going to make it perfect for everyone. BUT....it isn't a WDW owned resort, so things are going to be different.
There is no way that Disney can design a resort that is going to meet everyone's needs....largish rooms, small overall resort, nice restaurants, beautiful pools with great theming, various modes of transport, gyms/spas, free parking...all for a good price. Just isn't going to happen. YOu have to pay for the amenities you want.

My issue is that you know, going in, that you are going to pay for parking at the S/D. You know that there is a daily resort 'fee', so you need to add these two things onto your daily room rate. And yes, it raises that cost. You need to add in the cost of transportation to the resort from MCO, and back again.
All these things are common knowledge..and each guest should know all this before booking if they have done their homework.
I still think that, for the money, you are getting a great deal at these resorts.
If you are looking for a nicer resort experience, without the high cost, you can always look into renting DVC points from someone. That cuts down on the resort cost quite a bit, and you get some terrific amenities..and you get free parking at that resort!!!

But in all reality??? Parking is not free at either the Swan or Dolphin. And Disney is not going to give you alternative options when it comes to parking at a non-Disney resort. That's up to either the Swan or the Dolphin. You can choose to use a car there, with the knowledge that you will pay for daily parking. If this doesn't appeal to a guest, they are free to choose a Disney owned resort.

You and I may know these things, and I am sure you Mod's more than I, that is why I am here, to learn from everyone. But don't take your knowledge for granted. Last April I booked with AAA to get the parking, storytime, firework benefit, never again. Sadly the agent knew much less than I did. It is NOT really her fault, there is sooo much to know and she rep's mnay places not just disney. Also there are so many choices, I don't think you can go to any other single resort area and find as many for sure. But even Disney employee's have a hard time keeping up as many of us have experienced.
That's what these boards are for, IMHO, a Q & A so we can share our knowledge and for money to save $$$ where they can.


ps, I spent weeks helping someone plan a disney resort stay 2 yrs ago, when she called me and told me she changed it all to the dolphin and booked I dropped to my chair, she thought she was still getting DME, the dining plan, etc... It's a LOT to take in .. is there a fainting emoticon!

 

[chartle]

hmm We should look into POFQ, we love the rest at POR and the food court, and in resonding to this post I learned that POR is the biggest mod, which I probably knew long ago, but forgot

In your quote from the tjmw2727 you bolded "There is a boat to Epcot and the Studios" you do realize the PP was talking about the Swan and Dolphin not POFQ. There is only a boat to DTD.

 

[sumertime]

I realize that the $15 parking fee is what it is. I even realize why they have it in place. Yes, we chose to book the Dolphin, and I'm happy with that choice. I have no problem paying the parking fees, but what is so wrong about seeing if there is a way to do it cheaper with a little leg work? I am NOT trying to scam anyone. I was hoping that there is a legitimate alternative. We have to rent a car because we are going to the beach for three days before Disney. No way around it. We won't be using the car once we are at Disney, so it would be sitting. I am now taking the advice of looking into a one way car rental to save money (thank you, BTW!). Why throw money down the drain if I don't have to? Why in the world am I getting jumped on for asking a legitimate question? Especially by a mod? I am pretty savvy when it comes to Disney, but we've never stayed at the Dolphin so I didn't know if there was something that I was missing. Jeez people, quit assuming the worst. A simple no would have been fine, but instead, you've turned me into a cheat which couldn't be further from the truth.

 

[NancyIL]

I realize that the $15 parking fee is what it is. I even realize why they have it in place. Yes, we chose to book the Dolphin, and I'm happy with that choice. I have no problem paying the parking fees, but what is so wrong about seeing if there is a way to do it cheaper with a little leg work? I am NOT trying to scam anyone. I was hoping that there is a legitimate alternative. We have to rent a car because we are going to the beach for three days before Disney. No way around it. We won't be using the car once we are at Disney, so it would be sitting. I am now taking the advice of looking into a one way car rental to save money (thank you, BTW!). Why throw money down the drain if I don't have to? Why in the world am I getting jumped on for asking a legitimate question? Especially by a mod? I am pretty savvy when it comes to Disney, but we've never stayed at the Dolphin so I didn't know if there was something that I was missing. Jeez people, quit assuming the worst. A simple no would have been fine, but instead, you've turned me into a cheat which couldn't be further from the truth.

That's the way to do it! Rent from National or Alamo at the airport (whichever is cheaper) for drop-off at the Dolphin. You can do the reverse when it's time to return to the airport.