NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[Crystal_27]

Crystal,

I think for most people they aren't necessarily upset about this specific perk being removed but about how they went about notifying us (they didn't) and that this is a growing trend with WDW in perk removal AND perk denial.

It's a growing dissatisfaction with the way things are being operated that you are hearing. This may, for some, be the straw they breaks the camel's back

I can totally understand your point. As a new DVC member, I'm still seeing things through rose-colored glasses, and I don't have the history of the "good old days" of DVC membership or park going. For those who do, I'm sure that the constant removal of established perks does get quite annoying.

 

[Hazzard101]

Internet access per day is close to the valet rate in terms of CRO, that's no different. I'm sure if you look at percentages, usage is not that much different for DVC guests using this feature daily and valet.

I agree with you on that. I would take it a bit further. I drive to DW at least two times a year. On on my way I see hotels and resorts and on the signs for them almost every one says " Free High Speed Internet" I am surprised that Disney deluxe resorts still charge for internet access. I also can,t believe that most still have cabled and not wireless in all the rooms. The prices they charge for the rooms should have Wi-Fi included.

 

[Sammie]

Just checked into BCV today. I was not aware of this policy and pulled up to the valet bay. I said I wanted to bell the bags and valet the car and was told it was $12 to valet now. I was surprised and definately not willing to pay $12 so drove off to self park myself once the bags were unloaded and halved the tip.

On the way past, I noticed that the valet lot was almost empty! Whilst at the same time, the self park outside the villas was busier than I've ever seen it. Had to park a fair bit away from the villas pool entrance. normally you can get to about 5 or 6 cars from it.

Ho hum, will save me about $50 a stay in tips though!

I would guess that if you stroll through the parking lot and glance at the parking passes on the dash most are not staying there. This change is going to crowd the parking lots for certain DVC properties.

 

[quirty30]

This is the modus operandi for any large company these days. McDonald's doesn't tell you they are reducing the number of pickles on your favorite hamburger. Kleenex doesn't announce that their packages are being reduced from 100 tissues to 90. BMW doesn't put a notice on their website indicating that the base price of a vehicle is going from $55,000 to $57,000.

But I don't pay yearly maintenance fees to such companies as a "member." There's a big difference. DVC knows who all their members are and how to contact them.

On the first page of the DVC member site, there is a "Latest News" section. It tells us all about the latest adventures of Deevy Cee, but stays nothing about their decision to take away a very popular member perk.

 

[TiggerAllie]

I just sent emails to DVC expressing my displeasure at both the change in the valet policy as well as the lack of communication of said change.
I sent it to 3 places:
the member satisfaction email
the wdw guest email
using the "contact MS" form on the dvcmember.com website

I'll be calling TiW when they open tomorrow morning to see what they have to say.

FYI, the website still has the comp. valet listed under "member privileges/more disney magic".
Additionally, I was told by MS on the phone this morning that the valet perk was removed to keep the annual dues from increasing. Theoretically, we should see a decrease in 2010 dues based on a pro-rated removal of that fee for the last 3 months of 2009 as well as the removal of it for 2010. I strongly suspect that the dues will go up again this year, as they always do.

Looking forward to hearing the responses we all get!

 

[DVCBELLE]

I'm not so sure a new contractor would happily give DVCers free valet now. Given that minumum wage has gone up, even for tipped positions, they'd have to make $$ to pay those mandated wages, and if their only source of income to pay those wages is the valet parking fees, I sure wouldn't want a significant portion (probably at least 50% or more) of my employee time going to a non-compensated service. I really think that is the biggest reason we've lost the free valet perk. If the contractor wasn't making $, they can't remain in business, and Disney Resorts doesn't want the valets back on their payroll.

They have valets on staff and they have to reach a minimum throught tips...I would guess that the tips from DVC members would be substantial and in fact help offset any additional salary that would need to be paid to raise the tip level. I would think someone paying $12 to valet tips a lot less than I do. So while they are getting the extra money per car - the valets are making less money from tips and then they have to make up the money that the valets will not be getting through tips. There will be less volume in the lots and I would venture to guess they will eventually have to let valets go. Service from the valets will go down b/c they will not be able to keep them on staff b/c a quality valet isn't going to stay where they aren't making money.

 

[Brian Noble]

On on my way I see hotels and resorts and on the signs for them almost every one says " Free High Speed Internet" I am surprised that Disney deluxe resorts still charge for internet access.

Perhaps ironically, the higher your room rate at any hotel, the more likely you are to be paying for high-speed internet service, and the more expensive that service is likely to be. Most business-class properties (Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, etc.) charge in the $10-$15/day range, while many tourist-class places include it in the rate.

 

[CarolMN]

I just got home today. Friday night there was no and I mean no parking at Beach Club. Valet is a must at Beach Club and a MUST MUST at Boardwalk.


On a side note, parking at BLT is Great!! Each time I can park within 50 yards from the front door!!!!!

I would guess that if you stroll through the parking lot and glance at the parking passes on the dash most are not staying there. This change is going to crowd the parking lots for certain DVC properties.

It's a weekend during the height of EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival. Sounds like the parking problem is now also seriously impacting the huge lots at the BC/YC/BCV - probably because of increased enforcement at the BW.

If enough guests complain, Disney will start enforcing parking "rules" at the BC/YC/BCV resorts during F&W Festival weekends just like they do at BW lots.

Personally, I think they should charge for parking at all of the EPCOT and MK resort lots unless you are a registered guest of that particular resort. Those that pay can use their parking receipt as a partial payment for goods and services purchased within 3 hours of receipt issue time.

 

[DisneyWalker44]

Maybe it's just me, but this news doesn't at all upset me. We've never valeted our car at Disney (or ever...really), so this perk I won't even miss. It does stink for those who routinely use the service, though.

Who knows - it may even be to your advantage, as your MF could go down (or, more likely, increase less).

 

[rsimon]

Perhaps ironically, the higher your room rate at any hotel, the more likely you are to be paying for high-speed internet service, and the more expensive that service is likely to be. Most business-class properties (Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, etc.) charge in the $10-$15/day range, while many tourist-class places include it in the rate.

This is changing.. A lot of the places that used to charge, no longer charge in order stay competitive. Is is becoming an expectation that you have internet in your room and is also becoming expected that this is included.

In any case, the internet is a FIXED cost. You have to provide it, and it is there even if it is never used. Giving it to members as a perk is not costing them anything extra on their total monthly expenses. We use it extensively everywhere we go and will not stay at a hotel (business or pleasure) if it is not available and not good quality.

 

[disneynutz]

Additionally, I was told by MS on the phone this morning that the valet perk was removed to keep the annual dues from increasing. Theoretically, we should see a decrease in 2010 dues based on a pro-rated removal of that fee for the last 3 months of 2009 as well as the removal of it for 2010. I strongly suspect that the dues will go up again this year, as they always do.

Isn't it amazing how Disney continues to take perks away or change policies and they word the info in such a way that it makes you fell good about getting screwed!

This is just another of many actions that affirms that after the purchase, Jim Lewis and Disney could care less about the members.

 

[photobob]

Technically, no. Your parking pass for staying at a WDW resort is only good at that resort and for theme park parking. Your DVC member card isn't good for any parking at all. You are supposed to be a guest at that resort to park there. Unless the guard at the parking lot entrance allows you entrance into the parking lot.

DVC has never endorsed using the free valet parking (when we had it) to park at a resort with the intent to visit the theme park adjacent to that resort.

I was talking about parking there to have dinner on the Boardwalk, we've done that in the past but used valet.

 

[TLSnell1981]

It's hard to believe the valets didn't make enough to meet minimum pay requirements. I would suspect the problem may have been with valets not reporting their income. We tipped $5 for drop-off and $5 for pick-up. Surely, that amount is pretty standard. They seemed appreciative and very attentive during our stays. ????

 

[Sammie]

It's a weekend during the height of EPCOT's Food & Wine Festival. Sounds like the parking problem is now also seriously impacting the huge lots at the BC/YC/BCV - probably because of increased enforcement at the BW.

If enough guests complain, Disney will start enforcing parking "rules" at the BC/YC/BCV resorts during F&W Festival weekends just like they do at BW lots.

Personally, I think they should charge for parking at all of the EPCOT and MK resort lots unless you are a registered guest of that particular resort. Those that pay can use their parking receipt as a partial payment for goods and services purchased within 3 hours of receipt issue time.

Actually I have no problem with them charging the guests that visit to shop and dine. But an easier method would be to simply close off sections of the parking for guests of the resort; accessed with the resort ID card. It would be a similiar setup to the valet lots and it could be placed closer to the resort. Over flow lots further out would be for guests shopping or dining. This would also keep CMs from parking where they are not suppose to.

I definitely think the MK and Epcot resorts need some type of reserved parking for guests staying at the resort versus those dining or shopping or even worse pretending to.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Actually I have no problem with them charging the guests that visit to shop and dine. But an easier method would be to simply close off sections of the parking for guests of the resort; accessed with the resort ID card. It would be a similiar setup to the valet lots and it could be placed closer to the resort. Over flow lots further out would be for guests shopping or dining. This would also keep CMs from parking where they are not suppose to.

I definitely think the MK and Epcot resorts need some type of reserved parking for guests staying at the resort versus those dining or shopping or even worse pretending to.

They could even choose to validate parking for persons who actually purchased something from the BW area - dining or shopping.

 

[Brian Noble]

This is changing.. A lot of the places that used to charge, no longer charge in order stay competitive. Is is becoming an expectation that you have internet in your room and is also becoming expected that this is included.

I travel on business about once every six weeks. The "main brands" of each hotel chain never include internet without some fee above and beyond the room rate. The "subsidiary brands" (i.e. Hilton Garden Inn vs. Hilton Hotels; Courtyard by Marriott vs. Marriott Hotels) are more likely to include it. And, the subsidiary brands are also typically less expensive than the "main brand" versions.

If anything, the "main brand" places have been charging more. $10 used to be common, now I'm surprised when I see less than $12.

Your experience may differ, but that's certainly been mine.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I travel on business about once every six weeks. The "main brands" of each hotel chain never include internet without some fee above and beyond the room rate. The "subsidiary brands" (i.e. Hilton Garden Inn vs. Hilton Hotels; Courtyard by Marriott vs. Marriott Hotels) are more likely to include it. And, the subsidiary brands are also typically less expensive than the "main brand" versions.

If anything, the "main brand" places have been charging more. $10 used to be common, now I'm surprised when I see less than $12.

Your experience may differ, but that's certainly been mine.

I think I've had $15 a day on my business trips. And no free parking. Even self parking wasn't free.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I travel on business about once every six weeks. The "main brands" of each hotel chain never include internet without some fee above and beyond the room rate. The "subsidiary brands" (i.e. Hilton Garden Inn vs. Hilton Hotels; Courtyard by Marriott vs. Marriott Hotels) are more likely to include it. And, the subsidiary brands are also typically less expensive than the "main brand" versions.

I agree, I was going to say the same, I've seen very little movement. Also most internet is a "fixed cost" for consumers and business providing the service, but not to commercial firms that pay a per user charge to the providing business, this is the case with the Disney resorts.

 

[Chuck S]

They have valets on staff and they have to reach a minimum throught tips...I would guess that the tips from DVC members would be substantial and in fact help offset any additional salary that would need to be paid to raise the tip level. I would think someone paying $12 to valet tips a lot less than I do. So while they are getting the extra money per car - the valets are making less money from tips and then they have to make up the money that the valets will not be getting through tips. There will be less volume in the lots and I would venture to guess they will eventually have to let valets go. Service from the valets will go down b/c they will not be able to keep them on staff b/c a quality valet isn't going to stay where they aren't making money.

But a business isn't really concerned about whether the individual valet is making $ through tips, they are concerned about the amount of overhead that they are required to pay, including $4+ per hour that they have to pay to that valet employee regardless of the amount of tips they may have. If the valet is making $100 per hour in tips, it still has no bearing on the business having to pay them a set amount. Plus, no doubt, they have to provide health insurance, liability insurance for car damage, Workmen's Comp, a set fee to Disney for using their property, pay their accounting staff, lease on a location for a business office, payroll taxes (incl. medicare, income tax and unemployment insurance) and a salary to the business owner.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Now that they have done the dirty deed does anyone know if the TIW card was affected the same way? I noticed there was some mention earlier in the thread but haven't seen if anyone checked.



moe

I'm planning to buy a TIW card on Wednesday-I'm going to check then on free valet parking.