Parking fees

[chicagoshannon]

About a year ago I was at DTD early, around 7:30am. There were buses running that early at stop #1. There was a sign that said to get on a certain bUs and transfer at one of the hotels and then take a bus from there to wherever you were going.

Buses actually arrived at DTD going directly to the Magic Kingdom. So they must occasionally still have some that directly go there. We took are of our business at Guest Relations my dd wanted to go on a bus ride so I sent her with my DH to POR while I went shopping. This was probably at 8:15am or so. SO while I wouldn't recommens doing this it IS possible to get to a park by or within a few minutes of rope drop.

 

[TDC Nala]

Oh, if you're lucky, sure it's possible. But you have to be lucky. And you will have to decide whether you want to trust your arrival time to luck or not.

Buses actually arrived at DTD going directly to the Magic Kingdom.

That would have been unusual, because all direct buses to or from parks and DTD were eliminated some time ago. And buses from anywhere but resorts generally go to TTC, not directly to Magic Kingdom, so that would be unusual, too.

 

[Love Tink]

Why do so many find it necessary to criticize people for having different priorities than you? If someone wants to try to save some money by avoiding parking fees - which, by the way, aren't $14, but $14 multiplied by the number of days of your trip, so perhaps closer to $100 - that is their choice. It doesn't have to be the way you would do things.

For example, I can't imagine any scenario where I would make lunch reservations six months in advance, waste two hours of park time waiting for a table and then eating lunch, or traveling on crowded buses from resort to resort just to eat dinner. (See, we have restaurants here in my hometown.) But I don't enter every thread that discusses ADRs to point out what an immense waste of time I think they are. I just figure that everyone has different priorities.

The OP didn't ask for your opinion about her financial or time-management choices.

 

[TDC Nala]

The OP didn't ask for your opinion about her financial or time-management choices.

But if she chooses to park at DTD it could be useful for her to be aware of the amount of time it might take, as we don't have any idea what the use of this time means to her.

 

[Mysteria]

Haven't read the entire thread so forgive me if this has been said.

Disney has not yet made an official rule about parking at DTD. That being said if park guests continue to do it they WILL. Most likely by charging people to park there.

I've been at DTD many times that the parking lot is packed and there doesn't seem to be that many people shopping.

It may not be "officially" against the rules to do it but it's not the right thing to do.

 

[wbeem]

It may not be "officially" against the rules to do it but it's not the right thing to do.

Why do you feel that it's your place to point out what is right or wrong on Disney property, if Disney does not do so itself? As you said, there is no rule against parking there.

 

[chartle]

That would have been unusual, because all direct buses to or from parks and DTD were eliminated some time ago. And buses from anywhere but resorts generally go to TTC, not directly to Magic Kingdom, so that would be unusual, too.

There are very few, in fact I really only think 2, Disney run buses that go to the TTC (one from AK and DHS). I few weeks ago though I read that they may start to go directly to the MK.

 

[dan-tot]

If you park in DTD, you would have to take a bus to a resort and then take a bus from there to a park. I can't imagine wasting that much time, especially since buses don't run from DTD until the shops there are open. It would be nice if Disney offered multi-day discounts on parking, but I guess they make more money charging $14/day.

Disney is Disney. If you buy a day parking the parking is good at any park on
that day if you want to hop.
Disney is a business they know that they get a great deal of money by having people pay to park EVERYDAY!!! and not have like a multi pass for parking giving people a discount.

Dan-tot

 

[LuvSulley]

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

There are different parking lots for Downtown Disney and the parks at Disneyland. You have to get a parking ticket when you enter the Downtown lot and only the first 3 hours are free. You can get an additional 2 hours free if you get a validation stamp from places like the movie theater or restaurants. Anything over, there is a parking fee.

 

[Mysteria]

Why do you feel that it's your place to point out what is right or wrong on Disney property, if Disney does not do so itself? As you said, there is no rule against parking there.

For the same reason you feel it's your place to park there when it's obviously intended for DTD shoppers. It's not rocket science. It's basic reasoning and common courtesy not to do it. There is no rule that says I have to be a decent human being either but I am anyway because I know it's right.

If you don't get what I'm saying then we live by a different set of ethics and I can't explain it to you any further.

 

[TDC Nala]

There are very few, in fact I really only think 2, Disney run buses that go to the TTC (one from AK and DHS). I few weeks ago though I read that they may start to go directly to the MK.

The water parks, too. There is no bus between Epcot and TTC unless the monorail is not operating. And there is a post on the Transportation board that says the construction at the MK resort bus stops was NOT intended to open bus stops to other parks there, but to install a generator and enhance the handicapped boarding lines, and is now completed.

Only resort buses use the bus stops directly next to MK. Yes, there are only four bus routes (one each to DHS and AK, plus the water parks) that use the TTC as a stop - but other than the resorts, that's all there is, except for DTD - and there is no bus route between TTC and DTD.

 

[wbeem]

For the same reason you feel it's your place to park there when it's obviously intended for DTD shoppers. It's not rocket science. It's basic reasoning and common courtesy not to do it. There is no rule that says I have to be a decent human being either but I am anyway because I know it's right.

If you don't get what I'm saying then we live by a different set of ethics and I can't explain it to you any further.

Excuse me, but I think you're confused. I have an annual pass and parking is included with it. I don't park at Downtown Disney. I park in the lot for the park I'm visiting at any given time.

Since you value courtesy so much, perhaps you could offer an apology. Like you, I value ethics and would love to see yours.

 

[Mysteria]

Excuse me, but I think you're confused. I have an annual pass and parking is included with it. I don't park at Downtown Disney. I park in the lot for the park I'm visiting at any given time.

Since you value courtesy so much, perhaps you could offer an apology. Like you, I value ethics and would love to see yours.

I'm not confused and have zero reason to owe you an apology. I will show you my respect for the DIS by divorcing myself from this conversation. My ethics are proven by my previous posts about right and wrong.

 

[SnapesGirl]

I'm afraid to ask anymore questions! lol wow you guys are very passionate!

 

[janabananas]

I'm afraid to ask anymore questions! lol wow you guys are very passionate!

Please do not be afraid to ask questions. That is what the boards are for (along with finding like-minded Disney fanatics) and that is why I joined. Some people are very, very passionate on certain hot button issues. Heck, some people just like to argue....

You will find more people who are willing to help and give their input and expertise (examples: Robo, Cheshire Figment, the Mods, etc.) then people who argue or get heated....

Good luck and I hope you and yr family have a great trip!!

 

[BeerMe]

Ethics and public parking?????? Come on people get a life!

 

[MrRomance]

I'm afraid to ask anymore questions! lol wow you guys are very passionate!

Don't let this put you off asking questions! Sit back and enjoy the show!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this thead!

Almost every post is correct and incorrect, which makes it incredibly amusing... there are more fireworks in this thread than you see in illuminations

Seriously, why are you all getting so offended and offensive about this? Let's have some and a because we all share one thing here, we're fortunate enough to be going to WDW or have been to WDW. A lot of people would give their right arm for the chance so just chillax and be happy for what you have!

Does it really matter if a handful of people avoid parking fees by parking at DTD whether it's a breach of the rules or not? I really don't think that many people would inconvenience themselves that much to save their parking money and if they do...so what, it's not like the world will end and Disney will go bust! That said, it's fair to say that if this became "common practice" which it won't, it would have a knock on effect on other things. Parking costs going up, less space on the buses etc. The thing is, it's not common practice, most people can't be bothered with the headache! What next, people "evidencing" the crowdedness of DTD parking lot with photographs? Let it go and enjoy planning for your trip, learning new hints and tips and breathe!

 

[janabananas]

Don't let this put you off asking questions! Sit back and enjoy the show!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this thead!

Almost every post is correct and incorrect, which makes it incredibly amusing... there are more fireworks in this thread than you see in illuminations

Seriously, why are you all getting so offended and offensive about this? Let's have some and a because we all share one thing here, we're fortunate enough to be going to WDW or have been to WDW. A lot of people would give their right arm for the chance so just chillax and be happy for what you have!

Does it really matter if a handful of people avoid parking fees by parking at DTD whether it's a breach of the rules or not? I really don't think that many people would inconvenience themselves that much to save their parking money and if they do...so what, it's not like the world will end and Disney will go bust! That said, it's fair to say that if this became "common practice" which it won't, it would have a knock on effect on other things. Parking costs going up, less space on the buses etc. The thing is, it's not common practice, most people can't be bothered with the headache! What next, people "evidencing" the crowdedness of DTD parking lot with photographs? Let it go and enjoy planning for your trip, learning new hints and tips and breathe!

 

[Planogirl]

I'm afraid to ask anymore questions! lol wow you guys are very passionate!

Passionate is one way to put it!

Please don't let this thread bother you. You always get those who feel that it is their duty to correct others and then people end up arguing. No one ever changes their minds but it is entertaining.

 

[goofy4tink]

Why do so many find it necessary to criticize people for having different priorities than you? If someone wants to try to save some money by avoiding parking fees - which, by the way, aren't $14, but $14 multiplied by the number of days of your trip, so perhaps closer to $100 - that is their choice. It doesn't have to be the way you would do things.

For example, I can't imagine any scenario where I would make lunch reservations six months in advance, waste two hours of park time waiting for a table and then eating lunch, or traveling on crowded buses from resort to resort just to eat dinner. (See, we have restaurants here in my hometown.) But I don't enter every thread that discusses ADRs to point out what an immense waste of time I think they are. I just figure that everyone has different priorities.

The OP didn't ask for your opinion about her financial or time-management choices.

Sure, there are always going to be those here who are offended by information. They may feel that they want a particular answer and when they don't get it, they accuse others of being mean and nasty. But really??? There are some here who just want to give good, honest info. For example...if you come along and ask if it's really necessary to book ADRs 6 months prior to your Christmas trip, you are going to get answers that tell you yes, you have to if you want to get into the popular restaurants. And you may think that ADRs are a waste of time since you have restaurants at home. Here's the thing...I have restaurants at home as well. And we have theme parks. But, I still choose to go to WDW. And when there, I choose to eat some decent meals. If that means I take a total of 3 hrs out of my theme park time, so be it. That's my choice. And I make that choice based on info that I get from asking questions here, on the DIS. I don't need posters coming along telling me I'm an idiot if I want a table service meal. I do need posters telling me what their experiences are, or what the standard operating proceedures are. That's helpful. So yes, I am going to tell people what the deal with parking at DTD is. I'm not being judgemental in any way...just trying to hand out good, usable info.

Haven't read the entire thread so forgive me if this has been said.

Disney has not yet made an official rule about parking at DTD. That being said if park guests continue to do it they WILL. Most likely by charging people to park there.

I've been at DTD many times that the parking lot is packed and there doesn't seem to be that many people shopping.

It may not be "officially" against the rules to do it but it's not the right thing to do.

Seriously? And you have decided that those people are not in the shops, or eating or whatever when they have parked their cars at DTD???
Disney has no policy regarding parking at DTD and heading to a park. They have actually had signage up that tells you how to get to a park from DTD. I'll have to check and see if there are any signs up now when I get there in 10 days. The bus drivers will give you instructions as to the best way to get to a specific park via the bus system.
It is only when posters come along and say things like you just did that others get nudgy and upset. If there is no stated policy, then it's okay to do. I'm not sure why some feel it is up to them to tell others that it's not the right thing to do.
If someone wants to take all that time out of their park day, then have at it. But, no one can come back and say we didn't warn them that it wasn't going to be either quick or easy!!!

I'm afraid to ask anymore questions! lol wow you guys are very passionate!

Naw....it's just that some seem to think they know what Disney really means even if there is no stated policy. Ask away.