NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[Chuck S]

just got back from AKV at Kidani

the parking "slip" thingy means nothing, what they are looking for when you go through a "gate" is the "keys to the world" room key you get at check in and this applied to the main magic kingdom gate we went through when we were visiting Wilderness Lodge/Polynesian Resort...

I have never, ever been asked for a room key at a theme park parking gate, which I believe is what I was referring to in the post you quoted. I am usually asked for a room key when I visit a different resort for dining or shopping, though. I've never been asked for a room key to enter the resort we are staying at, unless we use an automated gate.

 

[lawgs]

I have never, ever been asked for a room key at a theme park parking gate, which I believe is what I was referring to in the post you quoted. I am usually asked for a room key when I visit a different resort for dining or shopping, though. I've never been asked for a room key to enter the resort we are staying at, unless we use an automated gate.

ah.... perhaps they have different operating procedures at AKV ( Kidani Village they were always asking for KEYS to World card on our return ) or main gate entrance at magic kingdom later in the evening


guess the point being made in our post was the "paper parking pass issued" was not necessary to "enter" the wonderful world of disney areas ( at least from our experience staying there these last two weeks )

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Try visiting any major hotel surrounding O'Hare Airport as well as those downtown. There is 1 - yes 1, reputable hotel in downtown Chicago that offers free self parking. All the rest charge; the last time I valet parked at a downtown hotel, I believe I paid $48 a day - no "in & out" privileges were included. I would imagine that the situation is similar in most large metropolitan areas. I agree that the failure to notify members that the valet parking perk was ending was a major faux pax, but honestly, $12 a day for valet parking isn't bad, especially when you consider that it's good all day at any of the resorts. I also agree that Disney would be crazy to charge for resort self parking (but never say never.)

Yes, it is typical in most major metropolitan areas. Cost of real estate factors in. In SF it may cost you more to get your car out of the garage than it did for the room you slept in.

 

[Slakk]

This was my FAVORITE perk

I am finding it harder and harder to hold onto my DVC points when there are other groups like Marriott who actually cater to the owners. We always used valet and tipped big since it was free. Now I will self park and they will get nothing.

I have been on the fence about selling two of my 50 point contracts but not anymore. I am going to BLT in two weeks and am sure I will get the crappiest room labelled MK view and will run into non owners who have a spectacular room and a huge discounted rate, free dining and a pony.

In fact come to think of it - what perks do I have left other than discounted annual passes that I give a rip about? Grrrrr

 

[suzyqqq27]

My favourite part was that we checked in on Sunday at BWV (the day they took free valet away) and told us that the only available parking left was valet at $12 a night. We were told we couldn't self park because there were no spots left. Wow - that adds insult to injury on the day they took away our perk.

Suzanne

 

[Sammie]

My favourite part was that we checked in on Sunday at BWV (the day they took free valet away) and told us that the only available parking left was valet at $12 a night. We were told we couldn't self park because there were no spots left. Wow - that adds insult to injury on the day they took away our perk.

Suzanne

This resort is going to have problems, this is ridiculous as I am sure many of those parking spots were taken with guests over at Epcot for F&W.

They are going to have to address this problem. They need to make the over flow lot across the street the only lot that non BW guests can use.

 

[disneynutz]

This resort is going to have problems, this is ridiculous as I am sure many of those parking spots were taken with guests over at Epcot for F&W.

They are going to have to address this problem. They need to make the over flow lot across the street the only lot that non BW guests can use.

Sammie, I'm surprised at you. You know Disney better than that.

The new Disney way is to take away the perk, raise the price, and not give you a place to park other than valet!

It's kinda like their new project of taking the backs off of the chairs at the MK restaurants to make the Guests uncomfortable. The idea is to make them eat quickly to make room for the next guy.

Just think of the money that they will make.

Bill

 

[n2mm]

This resort is going to have problems, this is ridiculous as I am sure many of those parking spots were taken with guests over at Epcot for F&W.

They are going to have to address this problem. They need to make the over flow lot across the street the only lot that non BW guests can use.

I agree. We check in this weekend at the BWV and we are going to be none too happy to deal with this. I bought my BWV for F&W stays and now it's not really going to be worth it.

 

[Sha]

Here is an address and information I had from another time I had to complain... Do more than complain about it on here people... if you really are displeased, write them.

Disney Vacation Club Member Services
200 Celebration Place
Celebration, FL. 34747
again to the attention of the Member Satisfaction Team

The most efficient and timely way will be through the address that you
have currently used. members@disneyvacationclub.com is the web site that
you may express your concerns. Please put: Attention: Member
Satisfaction Team.

We ask that all correspondence for the Walt Disney World Resort be
directed to the following regular mailing address:

Executive Offices
Walt Disney World Resort
Post Office Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

Please include a telephone number where you may be reached.

Or the following e-mail address:
WDW.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[DisneyWalker44]

I am finding it harder and harder to hold onto my DVC points when there are other groups like Marriott who actually cater to the owners.

Marriott offers free valet????

 

[carolina_yankee]

This was my FAVORITE perk

I am finding it harder and harder to hold onto my DVC points when there are other groups like Marriott who actually cater to the owners. We always used valet and tipped big since it was free. Now I will self park and they will get nothing.

I have been on the fence about selling two of my 50 point contracts but not anymore. I am going to BLT in two weeks and am sure I will get the crappiest room labelled MK view and will run into non owners who have a spectacular room and a huge discounted rate, free dining and a pony.

In fact come to think of it - what perks do I have left other than discounted annual passes that I give a rip about? Grrrrr

Unfortunately, the MK view might be the case since some of them aren't that great. However, I'm sure you can ask for a better view at check-in if you don't like your location.

Here's hoping it's your best DVC trip ever - and at BLT, valet really isn't a useful perk.

My favourite part was that we checked in on Sunday at BWV (the day they took free valet away) and told us that the only available parking left was valet at $12 a night. We were told we couldn't self park because there were no spots left. Wow - that adds insult to injury on the day they took away our perk.

Suzanne

This is when a manager needs to be called to answer your question, "Which part of the lawn should I use to park my car then?" Forcing you into valet is inexcusable.

Dirk

 

[Maxwell]

We found out Sunday morning when we called the valet to bring our car up. They gave us some lame memo written by DVC. We were just a bit upset. Checked this morning and the website still says complimentary valet at the Boardwalk. They have some serious communication issues to resolve.

 

[CT_Bev&Jeff]

Our DVC website is now updated, you must click on the "all news" button, but here is what it now says as of this morning.

"Changes made to valet parking offering

Complimentary valet parking for Disney Vacation Club Members at Disney Vacation Club Resorts at the Walt Disney World® Resort was discontinued effective October 11, 2009.

Similar to other fee-based services, such as additional housekeeping service or additional room amenities, only those Members who choose to valet park will be charged, instead of increasing the annual dues for all Members to cover the costs.

Self parking will continue to be complimentary at all Disney Vacation Club resorts. For drivers choosing to use the valet service, the cost is $12 a day, effective October 11, 2009. Members and Guests with disabilities will continue to receive complimentary valet parking.

Once paid, the valet parking service can be used for the entire day at any resort without paying the fee again."

I am upset at the timing of the announcement, giving DVC Members no notice whatsoever! It is simply unacceptable for a company to not consider informing their members as a high priority.

Secondly, I do not understand the wording, "instead of increasing the annual dues for all members to cover the costs" How much could that possibly be? Seriously, how many members use the Valet parking, and the increased cost would have been $2.00 per use. How much would that have increased our MF's per point? I believe that DVC needs to address this directly.

I know that we have bought into an agreement that allows DVC to make changes without the memberships input, but don't they understand that changes like these brought about in this manner makes DVC less attractive to both current and future members?

Here is one vote to put our own slate up at the December meeting. If for no other reason than to show that we are getting tired of the lack of management abilties of our current DVC leadership.

Thank you for reading my vent!

CT_Jeff

 

[keishashadow]

[

I'm sure you meant that tongue in cheek...but there are some non-Disney operated onsite resorts that charge a daily self parking fee...and Universal resorts also charge a self parking fee.

While I doubt they'd ever charge DVC for self parking, as the maintenance of the lots is covered by dues, I guess they legally could.

so many hotels have resort fees, whether a one-time per stay or daily charge; easy way to earn some $s

im wondering if a mandatory fee may be in the works for the non-DVC rooms to cover parking, internet, etc., throw in a 5 X 7 photo, or cheap collectible and call it a deal

 

[Anal Annie]

Since we don't rent a car this doesn't affect us...but pretty soon they'll probably add coin boxes on the buses.

(and tip jars for the drivers)!

 

[Chuck S]

[

so many hotels have resort fees, whether a one-time per stay or daily charge; easy way to earn some $s

im wondering if a mandatory fee may be in the works for the non-DVC rooms to cover parking, internet, etc., throw in a 5 X 7 photo, or cheap collectible and call it a deal

And really, in some ways, it is our own fault. An ever growing percentage of travelers look for the cheapest air fare and hotel rates, use expedia and priceline, bid on vacation on ebay...

I suppose next we'll see a "deal" of free park tickets, free dining, and free room at a Disney Value resort, with a $225 per day resort services fee per adult. You know a lot of folks would go fo it.

And DVCers would be complaining that they don't give us the tickets and DDP free.

 

[rkwier]

I have been off of the boards for several days, so this was quite an interesting post to come back to. After reading everything, these are my thoughts:

1) The communication on this was beyond terrible. DVC should have given notice in this regard.
2) It was not appropriate to charge valet to members who checked in at their resort while valet was still complimentary. It was unfair for those members to receive a surprise charge at the end of their stay. Likewise, it is not appropriate to charge when valet becomes mandatory due to lack of parking. It is their responsibility to ensure that appropriate parking spaces are available for on-site guests.
3) I applaud those who have contacted MS to voice their concerns over this matter. If no one tells them there is an issue, they will never know.
4) I also recognize that this is also a perk, which is not guaranteed in our membership, just an added "plus." It has always been stressed to us, both by DVC and fellow members, that these perks can be removed at any time. Do not make your purchasing decision based on perks because they are not guaranteed.
5) Although a $12 jump seems high, it is actually a reasonable rate for hotel valet in my experience. I travel frequently for business, so I went back to check what the valet rates are for the hotels that I have stayed in. The majority fell in the $20-$25 range per night. One was as high as $30. Again, just my experience, so others may have found something different.

Just my two cents.

 

[tjkraz]

How much could that possibly be? Seriously, how many members use the Valet parking, and the increased cost would have been $2.00 per use. How much would that have increased our MF's per point?

It's probably just a case of finally reaching that tipping point. DME has been around for 4 years now. Over that time I'm sure valet parking usage has declined--perhaps considerably.

Between lower usage and higher cost, eventually you reach a point where it makes more sense to NOT have 100% of the members covering the cost of a benefit which is used by a much smaller population.

 

[keishashadow]

And really, in some ways, it is our own fault. An every growing percentage of travelers look for the cheapest air fare and hotel rates, use expedia and priceline, bid on vacation on ebay...

I suppose next we'll see a "deal" of free park tickets, free dining, and free room at a Disney Value resort, with a $225 per day resort services fee. You know a lot of folks would go fo it.

free is indeed a powerful word.

i bitfor FDP in Dec. Had promised my points to DS for his Dec trip as I had a cruise booked, that i canceled mostly worrying re fear of impending swine flu & missed travel connections (which im rebooking for next summer)

don't forget to add the churning type of promo 'buy 4, get 3 free' (at rack rate no less). I wonder how many people (the non-Disboard types) actually run the numbers vs their perception of value. Yet, if they are happy, so be it. Unfortunately, many members are taking the removal of the valet as a personal affront as the perc had great value to them.

 

[n2mm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by suzyqqq27
My favourite part was that we checked in on Sunday at BWV (the day they took free valet away) and told us that the only available parking left was valet at $12 a night. We were told we couldn't self park because there were no spots left. Wow - that adds insult to injury on the day they took away our perk.

Suzanne

This is when a manager needs to be called to answer your question, "Which part of the lawn should I use to park my car then?" Forcing you into valet is inexcusable.


I absolutely agree. We arrive on Sunday and if we don't find a space to park, we will be at the front desk complaining, daily if we have to. We are resort guest and part of being a resort guest is a parking spot. If they can't offer me self only, they better be ready to comp my valet parking.