Which I really do not understand simply because of how many hotels out there that do charge for parking. Disney has been in the minority in NOT charging. I mean, I get it, no one wants to pay fees and it's been great to not have to but really can anyone be that surprised they finally joined all the other resorts out there and started charging? I'm really surprised it's had that much backlash. Folks had to realize it would happen eventually.
As to day guests, they are not part of the equation. They aren't being charged now, or later. Eventually, maybe.
If they had only charged at the Deluxes, maybe this would be true. There are few if any motels near Disney on the same level as the Values that charge for parking. I have stayed at many hotels/motels around Orlando (192, I-Drive, and the Airport) and have only had to pay for parking at 3 of them --
Hilton Orlando (Deluxe)
The Swan (Deluxe)
Best Western Disney Springs (Moderate)
These were all either the equivalent of a Deluxe or on Disney property (BW DS). I have stayed at numerous other hotels that do not charge.
Yes, this is the one difference Disney is not charging for day guests, only overnight. I still can't understand being as angered as some are by this. Swolphin does it (plus charges a resort fee) and Universal does it.
As to rates, well, check some urban hotel rates and you'll quickly learn Disney rates aren't all that out of line. We find $300/night rooms common most anywhere we go. Rates only go up and up from there. Price points can really be all over the place, much like at Disney really.
The Swolphin is a Deluxe at Moderate prices (even with the resort and parking fees). If I could stay at a Disney Deluxe for $236/night all-inclusive (what I paid last September at the Swan) and earn starpoints/status, I wouldn't be complaining about the parking fee. Universal hotels are owned by Loews, nicer than equivalent priced Disney motels/resorts, and Universal doesn't have the abundance of land bought for pennies Disney does. Universal also charges day guests I believe, unlike Disney.
You can't really compare Disney to a major city. It is Apples and Oranges. The best comparison is Orlando itself. Not very many hotels in Orlando charge, and most of them are on Disney (Swan, DS Hotels) or Universal (Loews Hotels) property or a handful of Hiltons (Hilton Orlando, Doubletree Sea World, and Doubletree Universal) near the theme parks.
I still think that AP holders should receive free parking in the parks and overnight hotel stays. My 2 cents...
I am just commenting because I am following the thread.
Preach. If they had done that, there would have been a lot less complaints and they probably would have sold more APs since that would improve the breakeven for an AP vs. MYW Tickets.
This. Nobody wants to feel like hands are continually digging in their pockets. Just like when airlines started charging for baggage. I’d be happier if they just increased a price a little across the board and keep their mouths shut vs. tacking on additional fees for every nit-picking detail of a vacation.
I don’t have a clue what problem Disney thinks they’re solving with a parking fee. If it’s a parking issue don’t allow day guests to park at resorts where parking is an issue. There’s your solution. End of story.
No. I firmly believe this is a push to keep guests in the bubble and dollars flowing to the mouse, nobody else.
Those that say “Well Swolphin has always charged for parking....” True. And the ONLY reason I never stayed at those hotels is because paying for parking tipped the numbers. Times are changing.
Most places that charge for parking have a good reason, usually limited parking spaces to go around or they are outsourcing their parking, etc...None of these apply at Disney. They have plenty of parking, save for maybe some Deluxes during busy times, which is due to people parking and going to the parks not overnight guests. Their excuse is literally, "Everyone else is doing it". Except, like when we used that excuse as a kid, it isn't really true or a good reason to do something.
