Parking fee when visiting a resort--apparently just a rumor! My apologies!

[OKW Lover]

Resort folks don't want the people from the parks using the busses. Lol they are more crowded then the parking lots!!

However, Disney does want people from the parks using busses. They are happy with a non-resort guest decides to dine or shop in one of the resorts.

 

[katallo]

We have found several of the resort gift shops unique. The Yacht Club has some very different things. But, I love the Basin Coconut products. I went to Disney Springs and learned you can only purchase certain coconut items yat GF. Same with the wedding soaps. We are AP holders who have been going since WDW opened and are finding that if we are charged to park for a spontaneous dinner or visit a resort it's time to rethink our AP. After all of these years, our "happy place" is the traditions and memories of things we have done in the past. Our stamina levels are now a few hours in parks hence the AP. We also now have the opportunity to visit for several weeks at a time and for us that equates to offsite. Even with the AP discount we have never found a really great resort rate. Hope this comes across the right way. We still love Disney but don't love some of the changes....kinda makes us sad.

 

[Networth]

As someone that had to park at the GF's convention center because the self park lot was full almost every day during last months trip. I completely welcome this change if it's implemented. I wish they would charge through the nose to park at the resorts unless you have a room reservation or ADR.

If I'm paying $600+ a night for room I should not have to circle the lot for 10-15 minutes. Pull back up to check in explain the lot is full and than have to have CM let me in the convention lot.

 

[HopperFan]

As someone that had to park at the GF convention center because the self park lot was full almost every day last month. I completely welcome this change if it implemented. I wish they would charge through the nose to park at the resorts unless you have a room reservation or ADR.

If I'm paying $600+ a night for room I should not have to circle the lot for 10-15 minutes. Pull back up to check in explain the lot is full and than have to have CM let me in the convention lot.

Almost every single time we have parked at GF for ADRs they have sent US to the convention lot. That is where all visitors (non-guests) should park.

 

[katallo]

Same here. We ate at GF cafe and parked at the convention lot. That's where they directed us when we told them we were offsite guests.

 

[DSLRuser]

For the life of me, I can't imagine why someone would go to a specific resort in order to buy something in the gift shop. There is very little variety in merchandise any more. It is probably about 2% of the people parking that may be going to a gift shop only. Add to that, about 10% that are going for counter service.

you have 50k posts, you SHOULD know better. Each resort gift shop has a great variety. Going to the resort gigt shops is one of the only ways to ensure you get the exact / unique gift or souvenir that can't "just be found on main street".

as far as counter services...... beaches and cream, pepper market, anything on the board walk. the reasons are plenty to go to the resorts. Disney for a while was even positioning the Boardwalk as a "5th park".

 

[DSLRuser]

Same here. We ate at GF cafe and parked at the convention lot. That's where they directed us when we told them we were offsite guests.

Same. i think they try and use the "long walk" as a deterrent. One thing we have learned in 25 years of Disney, is you don't get "front row" service. Be prepared to walk.

 

[DSLRuser]

The only people using the buses are resort people .

When we go to the world, we normally drive. We park our car and dont move it for a week. In the few times we have not stayed on property, there are places to park for free that give you easy access to the Disney transportation system. We park at fantasia gardens, walk 200 yards to the swan or dolphin, and can go anywhere in the world. Just takes a little walking and an extra 20 minutes.