Parking fees

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

**After reading the posts after mine, did you mean that ALL off-site guests should pay to park at DD - even if they are there to shop and/or eat?

Yes that's correct because it would be exactly the same way WDW charges offsite guests for parking at the Theme Parks.

City Walk charges for parking, but it's the same parking garage as used for the Universal theme parks. The same with Disneyland.

Oh ok and at least that explains their differences.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Alrighty then....here's the deal. Does Disney allow you to park at DTD (free) and then head to a park? Yes. Do they care? No. Do they intend for those staying at Vistana to park at DTD and take a bus to DHS? No. Do they stop anyone from doing it? No.

Disney stopped running buses between DTD and the parks because it wasn't needed. There is no rule in place. Just about every 'rule' or 'policy' you see regarding transportation at WDW makes it 'look' like it's for WDW resortm guests...but anyone can use any mode of transportation. Now, with that said, there can be times of year when resort ID is checked before using Disney transport...but it is not the norm.


The bigger question is why in God's name would someone want to park (and save that $14 a day) at DTD, and then take a bus to a resort, and then another bus (or boat or monorail) to the intended park??? FIrst of all...the buses running to the various resorts aren't really all that dependable early in the morning. So, until about 10am, you are going to possibly face long waits for the bus to come. It could take you at least an hour to get to your final destination, and probably more than that...closer to 90 mins.

My thoughts would be to budget in for parking at the parks. It's not that big an expenditure and it will greatly enhance your daily park enjoyment if you can just drive to the park and then go in....without wasting time.

That's exactly right, IMHO. Arguing about whether it's a rule or not misses the point.

Look at a family of 4. You park at DTD and you happen to catch a break and get on the very first bus which arrives at 10 am--no less than an hour after park opening. Then you ride to another resort (approximately 30 minutes), disembark, then wait 10-20 minutes (if you're lucky) for a bus to take you to the park (another 20-30 minute ride).

So you're walking in the park about 2-3 hours after park opening, so you've missed that much park time--plus wait times are much longer than they were at rope drop.

All that to save $14 (split among those 4 people).

At WDW, the most precious commodity is time. It's worth way more than $14 to me to have that time working for me instead of against me.

And if things were so tight that I couldn't afford to pay that $14, I'd wait until I was in a better place financially to go.

 

[wbeem]

I'm amazed that a discussion of parking fees would create such passion.

 

[LBIJim]

"Complimentary transportation throughout Walt Disney World Resort—including transportation to and from Disney Theme Parks and Disney Water Parks—is available to Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels."

I've always wondered why Disney's promotional literature has that "select hotels" phrase. I believe "select hotels" is also in the promos about Extra Magic Hours. Maybe it's Disney's way of subtly trying to upsell to Deluxe Hotels.

Somehow I knew that an innocent question about multi-day parking passes would result in the DTD parking debate.

Jim

 

[budafam]

I didn't read all the replies since there are so many but I did purchase myself an AP for our next trip in May since it would permit us free parking (we're staying offsite and I too was worried about the $14 a day for parking)... every penny counts and I don't think people should be put down in any way for trying to save a few bucks. I'm also buying a TIW card which in the end will only save us about $30 (between 5 people) but hey, add that all up... that's going to pay for my son to go to Pirates League and my daughter to do BBB. Worth it IMO.

 

[CatelynnMarie]

I'm amazed that a discussion of parking fees would create such passion.

THIS.

I seriously was just trying to help someone and everyone on the boards freaks out? Really? Who cares if it's ridiculous to some people. Others who think it is absolutely absurd to pay 14 bucks a day JUST to PARK might want to take advantage of what I mentioned earlier. I never said they are forced to and everyone who visits WDW must do this. Maybe they can even do this on a day where their schedule is not so tight. It doesn't apply to their entire vacay. Seriously guys, CHILL.

I give up.

 

[Praying Colonel]

^This is the DIS, where "chill" is not part of the vocabulary. Read any of the multi-page threads about whether using FP "late" is appropriate and you get the idea. On a DIS scale of 0 to 10, this thread's coming in at about a 1.5 in terms of chill necessity value.

 

[wbeem]

THIS.

I seriously was just trying to help someone and everyone on the boards freaks out? Really? Who cares if it's ridiculous to some people. Others who think it is absolutely absurd to pay 14 bucks a day JUST to PARK might want to take advantage of what I mentioned earlier. I never said they are forced to and everyone who visits WDW must do this. Maybe they can even do this on a day where their schedule is not so tight. It doesn't apply to their entire vacay. Seriously guys, CHILL.

I give up.

I didn't think your suggestion merited such a passionate debate, but I guess that's the Internet for you.

 

[goofy4tink]

Even though it's a major inconvenience for the offsite guests to park at Downtown Disney so they can take a Bus to a WDW Resort and go off to a park of their choice, the fact is I am sure some still do this and I think the solution is for WDW to start charging offsite guests to park at Downtown Disney. This way they don't even want to try it and they can save parking spaces over there for guests that want to shop and eat, because some times it's hard to park there. However just like with the current parking rules they have at the 4 Theme Parks they should still have free parking for guests staying onsite, those with an Annual Passs and etc.

My ds and his wife frequently drive over to DTD for the evening. I know that they wouldn't do that if they had to spend money to park. DTD isn't a theme park, it's a shopping/dining area. If locals have to pay to park there, they will stop going.
Yeah, I realize that City Walk charges to park as well. But, that's a whole different thing. It's much more adult...so those heading to City Walk, after park closing, tend to be adult and are looking for adult entertainment. That is not the case with DTD.
Parking spaces are not a big deal at DTD. There is always parking.....you may have to walk a ways, but there is plenty to go around, especially if you're talking about spaces taken up by those who then take buses to resorts in order to access parks.

Seriously, this just isn't that big a deal. There really aren't all that many people parking at DTD in order to avoid parking fees at the theme parks. It's a non-issue. I mean, get on the CR bus at DTD...then watch how many people are then walking directly to MK from the bus. Just not a big deal.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

You folks do love to keep twisting things around..........

1. you want a stated rule.I found a stated rule.....

2. no that doesn't say the word *exclusive*or it doesn't list item by item what is otherwise not permitted....so it dosen't count.

3. Then someone else wants signs posted. I am surprized they didn't post the proper sized signs of the signs as well

4. Then its wrong just becuase the poster says all transportation is for everyone......that posted never found anything posted saying backing that up...but it doensn't matter.......they are right just cuase!

5. Then I was wrong becuase my spelling isn't grand!


The final point is.......why would disney say its ok to park at DTD for free and then charge $14.00 at the parks.......IT IS NOT PERMITED.......Its cheating the system and will in the end result in all of us lossing the perk of free parking if a resort guest..........


A little common sense please........not the twisting around of the rules...

End of this!

AKK

 

[wbeem]

I think anyone who read this entire thread knows your position on this issue. We also know that you're convinced that you're right, which is why I won't try to dissuade you from your point of view.

However, I would suggest that the conversation could be a bit less emotional.

 

[torinsmom]

My ds and his wife frequently drive over to DTD for the evening. I know that they wouldn't do that if they had to spend money to park. DTD isn't a theme park, it's a shopping/dining area. If locals have to pay to park there, they will stop going.
Yeah, I realize that City Walk charges to park as well. But, that's a whole different thing. It's much more adult...so those heading to City Walk, after park closing, tend to be adult and are looking for adult entertainment. That is not the case with DTD.
Parking spaces are not a big deal at DTD. There is always parking.....you may have to walk a ways, but there is plenty to go around, especially if you're talking about spaces taken up by those who then take buses to resorts in order to access parks.

Seriously, this just isn't that big a deal. There really aren't all that many people parking at DTD in order to avoid parking fees at the theme parks. It's a non-issue. I mean, get on the CR bus at DTD...then watch how many people are then walking directly to MK from the bus. Just not a big deal.

And parking after 6 or so at Citywalk is really cheap too, not the same as parking when the parks are open. I believe it is $6. The reason it is $14 during the day is because it is parking for the parks.

 

[wbeem]

And parking after 6 or so at Citywalk is really cheap too, not the same as parking when the parks are open. I believe it is $6. The reason it is $14 during the day is because it is parking for the parks.

Yeah. It used to be free after 6:00, but that ended a couple of years ago. The original idea of free parking after 6:00 was to encourage people to come to CityWalk for the restaurants, movies, etc. Then some bean counter must've decided they didn't need any more encouragement, so it was time to charge them.

Unless there's a concert at Hard Rock Live, I don't bother visiting CityWalk anymore.

 

[mattsdragon]

I like to park in the Winn-Dixie parking lot, hitchhike to Sea World, jump on one of the complementary buses from the DTD resorts, walk over to DTD, take the third resort bus I see (don't want to raise any suspicions), take a cab to the Walgreens, jump out at the red light, run to my car down the street at Winn-Dixie, and then drive to the park that I'm going to and park there (I'm a DVC member, free parking, it just always slips my mind until I'm about 4 hours into this).

Seriously people. This one always amazes me. There are so many better things to get spun up about.

We need a new heely thread.

 

[CatelynnMarie]

^This is the DIS, where "chill" is not part of the vocabulary. Read any of the multi-page threads about whether using FP "late" is appropriate and you get the idea. On a DIS scale of 0 to 10, this thread's coming in at about a 1.5 in terms of chill necessity value.

Oh believe me, I realize this. I'm a constant GagaDaily Boards user. You should go there and take a look at one thread. I can guarantee it's a lot worse than anything on here.
I'm just saying, for mostly grown adults on a Disney parks forum site, people are taking this a little too out of hand. I'm sure the OP doesn't even care about this thread anymore. They still didn't really recieve many answers to their question. Everyone just started attacking my response and running with it. I mean, this is getting all off topic now. Shouldn't a mod close this thread down already? Or at least move part of it so anyone who wants to continue arguing about this ridiculous subject can do so there?

 

[GirlDreamer]

You may want to check what times that shuttle runs at. Most off-site shuttles are very limited, and they don't run very often. Also, they won't take you to all of the parks. You will have to do a little transferring around. It is possible that you will still want to drive to the parks.

If I remember correctly from when I stayed at one of the non Disney DTD resorts, the bus left every 30mins, and one bus would go to two of the parks, so it wasn't that bad. We never had any problems with the transportation, not a long wait, can't remember there being any queue at all, so we never missed a bus and always had a seat. Offsite hotels often also has transportation to Sea World and Universal as well.

So yeah, definitely check with your hotel or ask one of the bus drivers how often the bus runs

 

[macraven]

First time for everything......

last month i took the last bus leaving dtd to my resort, saturday night.
the bus driver requested to see everyone's resort id card before they could get on.
the driver stood by the doors to check everyone.


i'm guessing this was done as there was a very long line waiting for this bus.


yes, everyone on the bus was staying onsite.
no issues there.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I think anyone who read this entire thread knows your position on this issue. We also know that you're convinced that you're right, which is why I won't try to dissuade you from your point of view.

However, I would suggest that the conversation could be a bit less emotional.

No problem here........I am most happy to agree to disagree with you.

I do however find it odd that after providing the requested written rule, things are just twisted or silly reqiurements are then asked for!.

The art of debate is to provide facts, common sense and/or logical points to debate....which I have provided and little or none has been forth coming in return.

Anyway..........done here.....thank you for your opinion!

AKK

 

[chartle]

1. I've always wondered why Disney's promotional literature has that "select hotels" phrase. I believe "select hotels" is also in the promos about Extra Magic Hours. Maybe it's Disney's way of subtly trying to upsell to Deluxe Hotels.

2. Somehow I knew that an innocent question about multi-day parking passes would result in the DTD parking debate.

Jim

1. Its because besides the WDW owned resorts, the Swan and Dolphin plus one other hotel on Hotel Plaza Blvd. , I think the Hilton, are included.

2. I was going to post more about this but a certain poster seems to just want this.
Monty Python: The Argument Clinic: Director's Cut

 

[torinsmom]

It says on this page of the Disney website...

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/

under Resort services....

"Resort Transportation
Walt Disney World Resort offers an extensive transportation system that is complimentary for Disney Theme Park and Disney Resort hotel Guests. The system includes buses, monorails and boats that link together select Disney Theme Parks, Disney Water Parks, Disney Resort hotels and major shopping and recreation areas."

To me, that says theme park guests are entitled to use of all Disney's transportation, just as the resort guests are.

Sorry I couldn't find it earlier. The other blurb seems to be easier to find, probably because Disney wants to lead people to believe that the use of buses, monorails, etc. is exclusive to people who stay onsite. That way, Disney gets more of your money

I try to avoid Disney transportation, because frankly, it sucks. I ride the monorail to MK and back, but that's about it.