Resort fee question

[bubba's mom]

out of curiosity - those of you not bringing cars - do you feel as if you are paying for an amenity you don't have whenever you stay at a hotel that does NOT charge a parking fee?

i was just wondering because when we have flown to disney and stayed on property, i never really thought of a parking fee at all cause it was never brought to my attention.

i love consumer research and competitor analysis so i was just trying to get a feel for how people look at it.

be interesting to see the answer to this question also.....when we've gone to Disney, we haven't had a car there either! (we always do the towncar thing and rent the car from DTD or Holiday Inn Universal at the end of our stay!)

 

[robvia]

The people who side with the resort always bring up the argument that other fancy hotels up north charge $20 per night and that Lowes is actually giving people a good deal. This is absurd.

You see, when people stay at a fancy hotel up north, they're usually visiting on business, and the company pays for it.

When people go on vacation, they try to save as much money as possible. I know that sounds weird, but it's just how people work. The first thing a newbie to these boards will ask is are there any coupons for park tickets. They only get people a few bucks off, yet people want them.

The other argument for the hotels, is that the parking fee is only $12 and it should be budgeted for. Well, again, it's $12 but for those staying 4-5 nights, it adds up. Some guests complain to management and it helps. Another thing is that parking at the HRH and RPR is horrible. It's outside, packed, and you're lucky to find a space.

If the front desk doesn't ask if you drove a car, then you won't be charged. That's why one of you got off for free. As to the other person, who knows why they waived parking. Maybe the person spent a bunch of money and the hotel person saw it on the screen.

I do agree that the parking fee is a major deterrent to people switching from Disney. What happens now is people stay at the All Stars and drive up for a day. If they want to splurge and stay at the RPR, they realize they'll be paying $40 to park. If there's one thing people hate is a fee "just because" that goes to nothing.

So yes, I'd encourage everyone to complain. The hotels are owned by Lowes, not Universal, so they're separate.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

The people who side with the resort always bring up the argument that other fancy hotels up north charge $20 per night and that Lowes is actually giving people a good deal. This is absurd.

You see, when people stay at a fancy hotel up north, they're usually visiting on business, and the company pays for it.

When people go on vacation, they try to save as much money as possible. I know that sounds weird, but it's just how people work. The first thing a newbie to these boards will ask is are there any coupons for park tickets. They only get people a few bucks off, yet people want them.

The other argument for the hotels, is that the parking fee is only $12 and it should be budgeted for. Well, again, it's $12 but for those staying 4-5 nights, it adds up. Some guests complain to management and it helps. Another thing is that parking at the HRH and RPR is horrible. It's outside, packed, and you're lucky to find a space.

If the front desk doesn't ask if you drove a car, then you won't be charged. That's why one of you got off for free. As to the other person, who knows why they waived parking. Maybe the person spent a bunch of money and the hotel person saw it on the screen.

I do agree that the parking fee is a major deterrent to people switching from Disney. What happens now is people stay at the All Stars and drive up for a day. If they want to splurge and stay at the RPR, they realize they'll be paying $40 to park. If there's one thing people hate is a fee "just because" that goes to nothing.

So yes, I'd encourage everyone to complain. The hotels are owned by Lowes, not Universal, so they're separate.

That is incorrect.
Universal Studios, Loews Hotels and The Rank Group all equally own the three on-site properties.

"You see, when people stay at a fancy hotel up north, they're usually visiting on business, and the company pays for it."

I disagree with this statement. Urban areas are congested with little room for parking. Hotels charge for the privilege of obtaining a space. Some cities where car theft is an issue this would be considered a plus. Its nothing new and it has nothing to do with business vs leisure travelers. Also, it isn't indigenous to the North.

The only issue I have with hotels charging a fee for parking is when their agenda is hidden. If they want to charge a fee it better be stated on my reservation and on the website. If I haven't been privy to that info prior to arriving, I would say something and request the charge be removed. If I am aware that there will be a fee to park I am then able to decide to stay there or not. If I stay there I agree with the fee and pay it.

I honestly in this case with the three on-sites and their occupancy growing do not believe they are worried in the least about the all star customer not staying due to a parking fee.

 

[Fan2CSkr]

out of curiosity - those of you not bringing cars - do you feel as if you are paying for an amenity you don't have whenever you stay at a hotel that does NOT charge a parking fee?
i was just wondering because when we have flown to disney and stayed on property, i never really thought of a parking fee at all cause it was never brought to my attention.

i love consumer research and competitor analysis so i was just trying to get a feel for how people look at it.

No, I never gave it a thought one way or the other. Interested to see how this goes!

 

[damo]

Lots of non-fancy hotels in obscure areas charge for parking. It is a money grab or a deterence to using the parking lot.