Disney to start Charging SOG guests for Parking?!

[WaltD4Me]

Sheesh, what is UP with Disney? This really irks me.

There is a thread about this over on the Transportation board. A poster said it is official, Disney is now going to start charging military personnel staying at SOG for parking at the parks. I know SOG isn't owned by Disney, but c'mon! It wasn't much, but I thought it was a nice little perk to give to our military people and now, nope,

"Thanks for serving our country and $11 please. Have a magical day!"

 

[cocowum]

"Thanks for serving our country and $11 please. Have a magical day!"

Don't forget SOG's parking fee of $5 a day.

 

[tinkbutt]

SHEESH!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I don't get the thinking here...does Disney really need the $11 that bad? I'm not sure why after the stroller business, but I am just amazed that they are doing this. I know SOG is a great thing for military families, but SOG itself isn't owned by Disney, it's run by the military and Disney just ever so graciously allows them to be on property. Hope they don't try to take that away next.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

From what I understand, all those perks are items that are negotiated and paid for by SOG...it was never provided for free by Disney. The same thing happened awhile ago when SOG was not going to provide EMH for their guests. So, if it really upsets people they need to immediately write to the management of SOG and complain.

For us personally, we stopped staying at SOG a few years ago as we can just about always get a lower rate using discounts thru Disney.

 

[WaltD4Me]

For us personally, we stopped staying at SOG a few years ago as we can just about always get a lower rate using discounts thru Disney.

Really? I thought the rates at SOG were low or really reduced? You can really get a better deal through Disney? I know SOG is run by the military, but I thought is was being operated as more of a benefit type thing for the military personnel, I really didn't think it was something that was aimed at making a big profit? I'm too niave...guess I should just skip back to La-La Land now.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Really? I thought the rates at SOG were low or really reduced? You can really get a better deal through Disney? I know SOG is run by the military, but I thought is was being operated as more of a benefit type thing for the military personnel, I really didn't think it was something that was aimed at making a big profit? I'm too niave...guess I should just skip back to La-La Land now.

It based on rank, so it is quite a bit lower for some families...not so much for others. Plus we just like the convenince of using ME for transfers and prefer the Disney buses over the SOG ones. It's not like we'll never stay there again, but for our last few trips we've snagged some good discounts (like free DDP) and chose to stay at a Disney resort. I'm sure SOG has some very loyal fans that stay there everytime as it is a beautiful resort, however, for us it's just not the same value it used to be.

 

[drakethib]

It has been a long while since we stayed at SOG.

I do think WDW should offer free parking for anyone with a military ID.

My 2 cents.

 

[hildarumpole]

Someone on the SOG resort thread called SOG Guest Relations to get clarification on the parking issue. She was told that free theme park parking has never been a part of their contract with Disney. Disney simply never decided to enforce it until now. Someone else reported they just returned and were not charged for parkingat the parks. It could be the CM didn't know about the change or didn't care to enforce it. It wouldn't kill Disney to make the small gesture of free parking for SOG guests. Anheuser-Busch saved us about $250 at SeaWorld, thanks to their Salute the Heroes program.

 

[angelmav]

Every time I turn around lately its something new that just makes me shake my head wondering 'whats next' with Disney.

 

[Launchpad11B]

SOG is a good deal if you are a lower enlisted soldier. The more rank you have the higher the rates go. We can get comparable deals at Disney resorts so that's where we stay. It would be nice to pull out my military ID and get a bargain on parking. I'm not holding my breath though.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

It would be nice to pull out my military ID and get a bargain on parking. I'm not holding my breath though.

If nothing else, I would think parking at MK would still be free as you have to go thru the gates to get to SOG, right?

 

[WaltD4Me]

If nothing else, I would think parking at MK would still be free as you have to go thru the gates to get to SOG, right?

Actually, yes, I did read that parking at MK will still be free because of this. Of course, ya never know, if Disney puts their mind to it....if there is a will, I'm sure there will be a way.

 

[choirfarm]

POR was cheaper for my sil with her 3 kids than staying at SOG.

Christine

 

[Minnie Lor]

POR was cheaper for my sil with her 3 kids than staying at SOG.

Christine

Cheaper yes but not as big.

My DH and I have been able to go to WDW every 18 months due to the SOG prices. Love the huge room, gigantic bathroom, cleanliness (much cleaner than Disney resorts), patio or balcony, 2 queen size beds and sleeper sofa. Love the much shorter lines for the bus too.

We pay $125 a night plus $5 to park. Also take into account that the $130 is the total ~ no tax added. Pretty good deal.

Now when I went solo, I stayed at Pop but then it was just me. I didn't need a Qn bed but my rate was $59 a night too.

I'm going in 9 something days with two friends. I debated on SOG or a value. Our value didn't turn out to be such a value. We're paying $118 a night. Yes, that's cheaper than SOG but I think we would've been more comfortable at SOG. Hindsight and that.

Now, back to the OP. I hate that SOG guests have to pay to park at a Disney park. We like to drive to AK and HS but we'll take the bus instead.