Many new fees at Alauni

[DebbieB]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought that the resorts at DL went from charging a parking fee (to which DVC members were exempt) to a new "resort fee" which includes parking and that everyone has to pay. Maybe it starts in 2011???

I just posted your question on the VGC owners thread to see if anyone there heard of it.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2592085

 

[taaren]

Actually I think its the reverse. The "resort fee" they charged for the last few years that included parking and internet is going to become a $15/day parking fee instead for guests in January 2011. However, the self-parking fee is still included in the maintenance fees of VGC owners so we won't have to worry about it, just like the resort fee was also built into our MF. Never stayed at DLH or PPH so I'm not sure what they used to do as separate from VGC. When I called about potentially booking PPH in January as an AP for a layover, they told me about the change since they asked if I would be driving and I said no car this time.
It would not surprise me if they don't charge the fee at Aulani for owners (and guests of owners), but do charge on all cash reservations since here on Maui generally if you're staying on a Kamaaina (cash deal for locals) rate, they charge the fee, but tell you as a sale pitch that if you owned you wouldn't pay since it would be included in your MF.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought that the resorts at DL went from charging a parking fee (to which DVC members were exempt) to a new "resort fee" which includes parking and that everyone has to pay. Maybe it starts in 2011???

Just the reverse. I had emailed MS when this info first came out and was told that DVC parking would be free. Of course things have been known to change.

 

[dis-happy]

Just the reverse. I had emailed MS when this info first came out and was told that DVC parking would be free. Of course things have been known to change.

Glad to hear it and sorry for the misunderstanding!

 

[DVC SSR Owner]

Do you have any reliable source indicating that DVC members will be subject to that fee?

According to sales literature that I have, DVC members will receive free parking at Aulani.

I found it on the dis info board when I was looking at the resort.

So however well you trust the sponsor. Wasn't listed as a post more as fact.

 

[robertdangelo]

It would be nice if Disney offered something similar to Disney's Magical Express at Aulani, not to mention Disneyland resort. That is one of the best perks at WDW as far as we're concerned.

 

[CrazyDuck]

It would be nice if Disney offered something similar to Disney's Magical Express at Aulani, not to mention Disneyland resort. That is one of the best perks at WDW as far as we're concerned.

Yea, but at WDW once you are at the hotel you are all set... You can easily survive the next 2 weeks without leaving WDW and survive of WDW's free resort transportation... At Aulani you definately need your own transportation. There is nothing around the hotel...

 

[taaren]

Its a nice thought but both in Hawaii and SoCal cars are almost necessary. No grocery delivery, Target/Costco too far to walk (as well as some of our favorite restaurants like Buca di Bepo). Contemplating doing our first trip without a car in Sept since well be cruising in from Vancouver rather than driving from NorCal with friends; not sure yet how its going to work!

 

[dsneygirl]

or New York, Atlanta, New Orleans, or many other places.

Or Toronto, Niagara Falls.

We've been to Maui twice and I don't remember paying for parking but maybe it was added into some fee I didn't notice.

 

[taaren]

Maui is a lot less crowded than Oahu, though it depends on where you stayed. If you stay near 'downtown' Lahaina, you will be charged for parking (or a few resorts in Kaanapali or Wailea as well). Similarly, in Waikiki you will almost always be charged for parking, and I guess they're adding that at Ko'olina too. There are many spots in Maui, and to a lesser extent Oahu that will not charge for parking. Mostly depends on a) the space premium and b) whether or not the resort thinks their guests will not be deterred by it (similarly to whether or not resorts charge for internet - if they think people will pay and not mind, they charge it, but if they think they will lose guests to other hotels with free wi-fi, they will not charge).
So charging for parking is normal - kind of. And much as I love Disney, they usually try to charge for everything. I'm one of the few who actually thinks the ticket price increases are okay, because it means that people who don't _really_ want to go, won't, which means its less crowded for us!