NO MORE free valet parking for DVC members.

[Maxwell]

If you are a resort guest you should be given parking. No way you should be forced to valet for a fee. If they want to force you to use the service and comp the fee then that's a different story.

 

[Opie100]

From what I've read, self-parking at the resorts continues to be free.

I agree with not wanting to raise dues, but why not instead just charge DVC members $2 for valet, to cover the difference of the increase? If the $10 was being subsidized by dues before, does that mean the dues will now go down? If not, why?

DVC members should at least get discounted valet.

 

[DebbieB]

From what I've read, self-parking at the resorts continues to be free.

I agree with not wanting to raise dues, but why not instead just charge DVC members $2 for valet, to cover the difference of the increase? If the $10 was being subsidized by dues before, does that mean the dues will now go down? If not, why?

DVC members should at least get discounted valet.

We don't really know if it was being subsidized by dues before, at least not directly. The fact that the valet service is outsourced it's possible that their contact conditions have changed.

 

[crisi]

Here is my theory.

Several years ago Disney outsourced valet to Mears. In order to get what is probably a pretty sweet contract, Mears either agreed to park DVC members "gratis" or had such a small per car fee on it that DVC was willing to eat the cost. My guess is that Disney pays Mears nothing, and Mears may pay Disney for the privledge of parking cars at $12 a shot.

The contract comes due. Now Mears is in a better negotiating position. They want Disney to pay them the going rate for DVC cars. Its the hotel side doing the negotiating, so DVCs needs aren't a top priority. DVC wants parking DVC cars free to be part of the deal for getting the juicy contract. Negotiations drag out. DVC continues to hope that the negotiations will resolve in their favor, or that a compromise can be reached for DVC members to get a discount or something. Eventually, the contract is signed by Hotels with no concessions for DVC and a commencement date of NOW. And DVC is left either paying $12 a car out of everyone's dues until a policy change can get communicated - which will pull them into budget variance really quickly - or make a sudden change without good communication.

 

[tjkraz]

Here is my theory.

Several years ago Disney outsourced valet to Mears. In order to get what is probably a pretty sweet contract, Mears either agreed to park DVC members "gratis" or had such a small per car fee on it that DVC was willing to eat the cost. My guess is that Disney pays Mears nothing, and Mears may pay Disney for the privledge of parking cars at $12 a shot.

The contract comes due. Now Mears is in a better negotiating position. They want Disney to pay them the going rate for DVC cars. Its the hotel side doing the negotiating, so DVCs needs aren't a top priority. DVC wants parking DVC cars free to be part of the deal for getting the juicy contract. Negotiations drag out. DVC continues to hope that the negotiations will resolve in their favor, or that a compromise can be reached for DVC members to get a discount or something. Eventually, the contract is signed by Hotels with no concessions for DVC and a commencement date of NOW. And DVC is left either paying $12 a car out of everyone's dues until a policy change can get communicated - which will pull them into budget variance really quickly - or make a sudden change without good communication.

Based upon what I have been able to piece together, I'd say that is a pretty sound theory. DVC won't go into any details about contracts but I have been lead to believe that the net impact on dues would have been more than just the $2 published price increase in order for the "free" perk to continue.

The valet parking folks are going to lose a lot of traffic over this. Perhaps that will allow them to reduce staff and they'll be just fine with it. Or maybe it will open them up to offering a reduced fee to DVC members. Nothing wrong with sharing comments with Member Satisfaction.

 

[MenashaCorp]

I have used/not used valet on different trips, am not (yet) going to get too upset at "extras" being given and taken away. Sadly, Disney has made me desensitized to this type of thing.

What r-e-a-l-l-y has me going is the experiences and suggestions noted in this thread that resort guests (e.g. BWV guests) being turned away for the lot being "full." I realize this may spark a "pool hopping/refillable mug" type debate, but I think it is entirely different.

Guests booked at a given resort should ABSOLUTELY have first access to parking there. If DVC members want to be close to EPCOT for F&W, BOOK AT BWV or BCV!!! That's why I freaking BOUGHT THERE!!! We as members/owners should NEVER be forced to park "across the street" (Where the heck is that, btw??) or pay for valet if it's the only space available.

I would hope that any members who (unlike myself) are able to attend the annual meeting and to address the parking issue at least bring this angle of the issue up as well. No resort can call itself "deluxe" and treat guests this way.

Rant over.

 

[Chuck S]

I have used/not used valet on different trips, am not (yet) going to get too upset at "extras" being given and taken away. Sadly, Disney has made me desensitized to this type of thing.

What r-e-a-l-l-y has me going is the experiences and suggestions noted in this thread that resort guests (e.g. BWV guests) being turned away for the lot being "full." I realize this may spark a "pool hopping/refillable mug" type debate, but I think it is entirely different.

Guests booked at a given resort should ABSOLUTELY have first access to parking there. If DVC members want to be close to EPCOT for F&W, BOOK AT BWV or BCV!!! That's why I freaking BOUGHT THERE!!! We as members/owners should NEVER be forced to park "across the street" (Where the heck is that, btw??) or pay for valet if it's the only space available.

I would hope that any members who (unlike myself) are able to attend the annual meeting and to address the parking issue at least bring this angle of the issue up as well. No resort can call itself "deluxe" and treat guests this way.

Rant over.

To answer your question the "across the street" lot is located behind the Hess gas station.

I agree that BW/BWV guests should have first priority on self-parking. But I wonder if it is truly other DVC members and cash resort guests as well as AP holders that are the problem. I would guess they are a very small part of the problem, with off-site guests and Florida resident seasonal pass holders being the bulk of non-BWV parkers. as AP holders and other onsite guests get free parking at the parks, there is little reason to park at BWV and walk over vs riding the EPCOT lot trams.

But Florida seasonal passes and offsite guests do not get free parking at the parks...so really, unless they have a confirmed dining reservation (with which there should be a 3 hour parking limit), they should not be in that lot at all.

 

[TLinden16]

But Florida seasonal passes and offsite guests do not get free parking at the parks...so really, unless they have a confirmed dining reservation (with which there should be a 3 hour parking limit), they should not be in that lot at all.

You are on to something here. I didn't think about this until you mentioned it, but I met a group of locals at a Flower Power concert in May who told me that they park at the BW when the come to Epcot for the concerts (the Flower Power, Eat to the Beat, and summer concerts). I actually walked back to the BW with them at the end of the night a couple of nights. These folks were in three seperate cars, and came to the Flower Power concerts all three nights the weekend I was there.

One of them told me she comes to pretty much all of the Flower Power concerts, and most of the Eat to the Beat concerts (and some of the summer ones). It didn't occur to me at the time that parking there would save them the parking fee at the park lots (I never have a car when I'm there so parking is a non-issue to me). But if they are seasonal pass holders, that would save them a lot of money over the course of a year.

 

[cutakenta]

I already said this earlier but I will say it again. I checked in at Beach Club Friday night and I could not find one spot. Friday valet was free so it wasn't an issue.

I was forced to use FREE VALET on Friday.


I think at times parking will be a nightmare at BWV. Many times you will be forced to use valet.

 

[ADP]

But Florida seasonal passes and offsite guests do not get free parking at the parks...so really, unless they have a confirmed dining reservation (with which there should be a 3 hour parking limit), they should not be in that lot at all.

I know some people who park at the Boardwalk Resort are there just to visit "The Boardwalk". Disney has marketed the Boardwalk area as a destination within Walt Disney World. For that reason some guests flock to the resort to shop and take advantage of the free evening entertainment (magicians, jugglers and side acts). I'm sure a lot of people park there just to visit ESPN Club on Sunday for NFL football.

I don't agree with this practice just pointing out why the lots get full at times.

 

[lugnut33]

How bout making all the resorts valet parking only, then Disney can make lots of money?

 

[Chuck S]

I know some people who park at the Boardwalk Resort are there just to visit "The Boardwalk". Disney has marketed the Boardwalk area as a destination within Walt Disney World. For that reason some guests flock to the resort to shop and take advantage of the free evening entertainment (magicians, jugglers and side acts). I'm sure a lot of people park there just to visit ESPN Club on Sunday for NFL football.

I don't agree with this practice just pointing out why the lots get full at times.

Yes, but they could still limit them to 3 hours, like they do at the Monorail resorts, or charge a parking fee to everyone and refund automatically to BWI/BWV guests, and give a refund at the front desk if you present a receipt from a boardwalk shop and were there less than 3 hours. I think that would open up a lot of parking if they used that scheme at DtD, too.

 

[MenashaCorp]

To answer your question the "across the street" lot is located behind the Hess gas station.

I agree that BW/BWV guests should have first priority on self-parking. But I wonder if it is truly other DVC members and cash resort guests as well as AP holders that are the problem. I would guess they are a very small part of the problem, with off-site guests and Florida resident seasonal pass holders being the bulk of non-BWV parkers. as AP holders and other onsite guests get free parking at the parks, there is little reason to park at BWV and walk over vs riding the EPCOT lot trams.

But Florida seasonal passes and offsite guests do not get free parking at the parks...so really, unless they have a confirmed dining reservation (with which there should be a 3 hour parking limit), they should not be in that lot at all.

You are on to something here. I didn't think about this until you mentioned it, but I met a group of locals at a Flower Power concert in May who told me that they park at the BW when the come to Epcot for the concerts (the Flower Power, Eat to the Beat, and summer concerts). I actually walked back to the BW with them at the end of the night a couple of nights. These folks were in three seperate cars, and came to the Flower Power concerts all three nights the weekend I was there.

One of them told me she comes to pretty much all of the Flower Power concerts, and most of the Eat to the Beat concerts (and some of the summer ones). It didn't occur to me at the time that parking there would save them the parking fee at the park lots (I never have a car when I'm there so parking is a non-issue to me). But if they are seasonal pass holders, that would save them a lot of money over the course of a year.

I know some people who park at the Boardwalk Resort are there just to visit "The Boardwalk". Disney has marketed the Boardwalk area as a destination within Walt Disney World. For that reason some guests flock to the resort to shop and take advantage of the free evening entertainment (magicians, jugglers and side acts). I'm sure a lot of people park there just to visit ESPN Club on Sunday for NFL football.

I don't agree with this practice just pointing out why the lots get full at times.

Yes, but they could still limit them to 3 hours, like they do at the Monorail resorts, or charge a parking fee to everyone and refund automatically to BWI/BWV guests, and give a refund at the front desk if you present a receipt from a boardwalk shop and were there less than 3 hours. I think that would open up a lot of parking if they used that scheme at DtD, too.

All fair points and gratefully taken. Points that HINTI hope are brought up at said December meeting. I/We didn't buy in and "pay our vacations up front" to be displaced from a parking spot by people only there for a day.

Geez, I never even realized there was a lot over there. The Back 40!!

Maybe BWV needs (gasp) a PARKING DECK!!

I'll stay optimistic that WDW/DVC is receptive to the strong feelings of its' members.

 

[DebbieB]

At BWV, I think the main lot on the right should be hotel guests and perhaps convention goers (if there is a meeting at BW). Others should be sent to the lot on the left by the guard shack or across the street. As Dean mentioned earlier, they could add more public spaces on the left by reducing the valet spaces.

 

[twinklebug]

You are on to something here. I didn't think about this until you mentioned it, but I met a group of locals at a Flower Power concert in May who told me that they park at the BW when the come to Epcot for the concerts (the Flower Power, Eat to the Beat, and summer concerts). I actually walked back to the BW with them at the end of the night a couple of nights. These folks were in three seperate cars, and came to the Flower Power concerts all three nights the weekend I was there.

One of them told me she comes to pretty much all of the Flower Power concerts, and most of the Eat to the Beat concerts (and some of the summer ones). It didn't occur to me at the time that parking there would save them the parking fee at the park lots (I never have a car when I'm there so parking is a non-issue to me). But if they are seasonal pass holders, that would save them a lot of money over the course of a year.

Parking at Disney's resorts, even if they have to say they're there for dining but instead heading off to the park, has been a long standing "tradition" among the elderly living in the area where my parents winter. They act like it's no big deal and will try to convince you that Disney encourages it.

My parents are sticklers for following the rules. I don't have to worry about them being a part of that group

 

[TLSnell1981]

BWV and BC will both be a problem. I guess, the only realistic solution would be Chuck's suggestion(charge for parking, require validation). I wish they'd at least reserve a lot for "resort guests only". But, I think that would also result in fewer patrons....for shopping/dining. So, I wonder how this will be handled? If Disney thinks of every angle BEFORE making a change.... Shouldn't they already have a solution? I afraid, nothing will be done and resort guests will get the short end of the stick.

 

[wildernessDad]

After thinking about this, I am okay with the doing away with free Valet parking. I use ME and don't want to subsidize someone else's parking fee. Of course, those that do not use ME don't really want to subsidize that. I understand the other side of the coin.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, I sent my letter of COMPLAINT to DVC and I hope they recieve alot of them!! I am especially upset about NO NOTIFICATION of this change!! Joan

 

[manning]

Velet parking not free anymore, what next?

The Swan and Dolphin charges $10.00 a day for all parking.

Hmmmmmmm.

 

[JimC]

Velet parking not free anymore, what next?

The Swan and Dolphin charges $10.00 a day for all parking.

Hmmmmmmm.

That would be a great way to curb the visitors who park at the resorts to avoid paying for parking at the theme parks. They could credit or not charge those with a valid resort key card.