Spin-off Parking fees... switching hotels

[SCSteve]

This parking thing is making me wonder tbh. Once Magical Express came into play we stopped renting a car. But then last summer we broke tradition and rented a car and loved it. Now on top of the rental cost I will have to pay to park. My husband in particular is unhappy about that. The ironic thing about this for us is we don't rent a car to go off property. We rent it to dine, drink and shop at other resorts and to go to the waterparks. I'm pretty much gonna chain myself to the Disney complex any way I slice it but now I have to pay to park my car at their resort. We literally spent way more last summer because every day sometimes twice we'd go to another resort to have a drink in their lounge or a meal.

I love Disney. For the past fifteen years my whole timeline of life revolves around our Disney trips. If someone says "2005" in my mind I think back to what resorts we did that year etc. We vacationed there with my parents and my inlaws all of whom are gone now. Those memories are prescious and dear. My kids literally grew up going to Disney.

But so many things have changed. Reduced hours at MK in particular were an absolute bummer for us last summer. Customer service that doesn't feel quite what it used to. So much more expensive for everything. So many upcharges and hard ticket events. We are branching out with our vacation plans and finding that there are so many other places to visit and enjoy!

Bottom line for me is that I can't imagine not going to Disney. We've done roughly fifty trips to Disneyworld/Land in the past fifteen years. And I'm not ready to stop. But I don't see us doing more than one trip every year or two.

So in essence the parking thing is just the latest thing. It won't topple our row of Disney dominoes but something else might. And that makes me sad. But think of the money I'll save!

I hope everyone really reads your post and understands it. Disney is pushing away their most loving and loyal fans!

I presume Disney thinks they will make up for it with the constant price increases on everything, more hard ticket events, and their customers who will blindly defend them no matter what.

My thoughts on the parking fee is they are doing it for the same reason they make any price increase, it's because they can! They do not need a reason!

I think they are doing it now so the public anger over it will blow over and will be forgotten by WDWs 50th anniversary.

Also remember for all the people who have had it, and feels there is no longer value in a WDW vacation, there are more and more folks that are new to WDW and don't know any better.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I can't, I'm crying - are we saying the before is better than the after?

Those off-site hotels are all nice looking rooms! Just not the right location for me. And those hotels themselves - exterior, landscape - no theming.

Exhibit A...

View attachment 312810 View attachment 312811 View attachment 312813

and Disney (for me - theming)
View attachment 312816 View attachment 312817 View attachment 312818

Well if you're under the opinion that the main reason you stayed onsite was just the theming on the outside I can understand your viewpoint. I do think that many people went for the whole lot--the outside and the inside. It was those touches that brought it all together. And based on some DISers out there that I've read their comments those touches-inside and out-was part of the reason they opted to stay onsite versus seeking offsite accommodations.

If the theming of the rooms is so muted, which for the most part it is, the outside theming just because a shell really..it's sorta disjointed to have really good theme on the building and much more muted or plain or generic (however one views it) on the inside even if it's just the room that has become muted. There's still theming sure but they have gone the route of muting the explicit theming.

Honestly, I think if Disney could get away with it with their current resorts (meaning money, timing, etc) they would opt to make the outside theming more muted, at least to an extent.

As is it's easier with the new resorts such as:
~Concept art of Rivera:

 

[DISNEY1975]

Funny thing is I just checked 4 of the 7 Disney Springs resorts. All 4 have resort fees, and 2 of them charge for parking on top of the resort feel. The Hilton chargers a $30 fee and charges you $10 a night to park. Plus the cost is comparable to a moderate Disney resort. So if people are looking at Disney Springs resorts to escape fees, then they seem to be looking in the wrong place.

I stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek last year for one night. Yes I paid the resort fee and parking fee, but the room was larger than any room I ever stayed in at Disney and the pool area was amazing with lazy river. They have a large Disney gift shop, couple of restaurants and location was great. It was actually pretty close to exactly a year ago..April 3rd (Monday night, so not a weekend) and I paid $125 (plus the $25 + $10, so $160 total. It also came with kids eat breakfast free, but I didnt have any kids with me.). You can barely get a value resort at Disney for that price. All Disney Spring hotels have their seasonal promo rates/discount codes. If anyone is interested in staying off site, definitely use google to search discounts

 

[Farro]

Well if you're under the opinion that the main reason you stayed onsite was just the theming on the outside I can understand your viewpoint. I do think that many people went for the whole lot--the outside and the inside. It was those touches that brought it all together. And based on some DISers out there that I've read their comments those touches-inside and out-was part of the reason they opted to stay onsite versus seeking offsite accommodations.

If the theming of the rooms is so muted, which for the most part it is, the outside theming just because a shell really..it's sorta disjointed to have really good theme on the building and much more muted or plain or generic (however one views it) on the inside even if it's just the room that has become muted. There's still theming sure but they have gone the route of muting the explicit theming.

Honestly, I think if Disney could get away with it with their current resorts (meaning money, timing, etc) they would opt to make the outside theming more muted, at least to an extent.

As is it's easier with the new resorts such as:
~Concept art of Rivera:
View attachment 312831

My viewpoint is the theming isn't just the room (which I also happen to love the new decor), but the whole entire resort - resort being the key word. But since you asked my viewpoint - the theming is there for me on the outside and inside. Poly rooms are very "polynesian for Disney". Yacht Club rooms still look nautical, Grand Floridian rooms still look grand...
I can't remember which thread I explained it on, but someone asked why I would still stay onsite at the resorts:
the theming of the resort
the deluxe resorts are gorgeous (never stayed at mod/value)
the lobbies and their distinct scents
the restaurants
the cast members
music piped in everywhere
hearing the boat horns
hearing the parks
the vibe of the boardwalk area
seeing the fireworks
seeing the castle from the pool
walking to/from parks
looking around and seeing only vacation

Anyways, none of this discussion really means anything. I get people staying off-site because they are upset with Disney or just plain can't afford it anymore. I'm just letting people know the theming is still there for me, not that they asked.... (but kind of they did?)

I'm just arguing semantics at this point, for fun.

 

[SCSteve]

I know this is completely illogical, but in one scenario could part of these parking fees result in fewer guests staying at the resorts which would then result in a reduction in CMs? Is it even possible that this is a strategy that Disney is using to lower the labor costs of resort CMs? And, would those potentially effected CMs be union workers? Going one step further, could Disney be using this as a means to thumb it's nose at the union saying they can't afford to keep the staff levels status quo?

I know this is likely unrealistic, but sometimes I think that businesses actually extrapolate profit using a red herring approach.

I would not put it past Disney to be thinking this. They are constantly looking for ways to reduce costs while raising prices. We must all remember, Disneys first concern is to its shareholders, not its guests at the parks and resorts.

 

[sbd78]

We'll see when it's finished, but the concept art of the Riviera doesn't look much different than many hotels around Orlando. And for me, offsite probably won't mean a generic hotel, anyway. We were actually going to stay in a Disney themed townhome with it's own pool at Windsor Hills this trip, but ended up switching onsite for a TA deal. Windsor Hills is still on my bucket list of places to try offsite, yes I will give up 60 day fast pass but I will gain my own pool and much more space. Another I want to try (pretty sure I mentioned it on one of these threads) is Wyndham Bonnet Creek. Not the Wyndham Grand (hotel portion of the resort) but the time share area where you get a full condo. Pools there look amazing too, with lazy rivers, pirate ships, etc.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

My viewpoint is the theming isn't just the room (which I also happen to love the new decor), but the whole entire resort - resort being the key word.
I can't remember which thread I explained it on, but someone asked why I would still stay onsite at the resorts:
the theming of the resort
the deluxe resorts are gorgeous (never stayed at mod/value)
the lobbies and their distinct scents
the restaurants
the cast members
music piped in everywhere
hearing the boat horns
hearing the parks
the vibe of the boardwalk area
seeing the fireworks
seeing the castle from the pool
walking to/from parks
looking around and seeing only vacation

Anyways, none of this discussion really means anything. I get people staying off-site because they are upset with Disney or just plain can't afford it anymore. I'm just letting people know the theming is still there for me, not that they asked.... (but kind of they did?)

I'm just arguing semantics at this point, for fun.

I'm just going off the comment of yours I quoted.

You pasted pictures of outside buildings of the other resorts that the PP had pasted in pictures of their rooms then you pasted in pictures of outside building of Disney resorts and said theming to you.

The discussion between you and the other poster was based on actual theming of the rooms not ancillary features.

 

[Farro]

I'm just going off the comment of yours I quoted.

You pasted pictures of outside buildings of the other resorts the PP had pasted in pictures of their rooms then pasted in pictures of outside building of Disney resorts and said theming to you.

The discussion between you and the other poster was based on actual theming of the rooms not ancillary features.

Alrighty then.

 

[Paulll92]

Interesting thread spin off really. We all have our own opinion and it's interesting to see both sides views (both make accurate and valid points).

I will say, the exterior of Disney hotels is right on point. Very lovely and appropriately themed for each 'setting'. The renovated rooms look more modern, subdued and conservative which is usually a selling point for me. I just feel it's played down too much, while still being nice. (Not sure if I'm making sense). Disney's rooms to me should be more fun, energetic looking... Just my two cents on the issue.

I do love the hotel lobbies though. Always nice going into each lobby and seeing how it differs to the next.


On a last note I was sad to see part of Caribbean Beach Resort demolished for Disney Riviera. Especially since it was Barbados and parts of Martinique demolished. I had stayed in Barbados the year before. At least there are the memories. Lol.

Disney is adding hotels... Why haven't they started plans for a fifth park? Just a fun fact, when I was there in 2004, a Disney worker was explaining to us that a potential pitch for another theme park was a park for the villains, which sounded cool but obviously never materialized.

 

[DISNEY1975]

As is it's easier with the new resorts such as:
~Concept art of Rivera:
View attachment 312831

Reminds me of The Breakers in West Palm Beach - $650ish per night.... Amazing pools, spa, restaurants, shops ON THE BEACH !!




But I hope is has all the rest.....































COMPLIMENTARY DAILY BENEFITS
May 1 - October 31, 2018

Summer never ends at The Breakers. With a private beach, four oceanfront pools, nine restaurants and countless amenities, why vacation anywhere else? This May through October, stay with us and enjoy free daily benefits*:

• Full American breakfast buffet at The Circle or The Beach Club Restaurant for all guests
• Meals for kids ages 12 and under
• Unlimited access to Ocean Fitness center
• Weekly group fitness classes—including Cycling and Yoga
• Unlimited tennis court time
• High-speed WiFi throughout property
• Sixth night free when you stay six consecutive nights
• Plus, endless amenities and extra Summer Perks
• The best part? There is never a resort fee...

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Reminds me of The Breakers in West Palm Beach - $650ish per night.... Amazing pools, spa, restaurants, shops ON THE BEACH !!

View attachment 312838


But I hope is has all the rest.....





View attachment 312837


View attachment 312836



View attachment 312835



View attachment 312839


View attachment 312840


View attachment 312841


View attachment 312842





COMPLIMENTARY DAILY BENEFITS
May 1 - October 31, 2018

Summer never ends at The Breakers. With a private beach, four oceanfront pools, nine restaurants and countless amenities, why vacation anywhere else? This May through October, stay with us and enjoy free daily benefits*:

• Full American breakfast buffet at The Circle or The Beach Club Restaurant for all guests
• Meals for kids ages 12 and under
• Unlimited access to Ocean Fitness center
• Weekly group fitness classes—including Cycling and Yoga
• Unlimited tennis court time
• High-speed WiFi throughout property
• Sixth night free when you stay six consecutive nights
• Plus, endless amenities and extra Summer Perks
• The best part? There is never a resort fee...

That looks very nice; also nice to have food included and reward for consecutive night stay, and no resort fees. You're right though the outside of Rivera concept art looks very similar to the Breakers photos.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Interesting thread spin off really. We all have our own opinion and it's interesting to see both sides views (both make accurate and valid points).

I will say, the exterior of Disney hotels is right on point. Very lovely and appropriately themed for each 'setting'. The renovated rooms look more modern, subdued and conservative which is usually a selling point for me. I just feel it's played down too much, while still being nice. (Not sure if I'm making sense). Disney's rooms to me should be more fun, energetic looking... Just my two cents on the issue.

I do love the hotel lobbies though. Always nice going into each lobby and seeing how it differs to the next.

I fell in love with Disney for being a little over the top, and adding such detail. It was the little special touches that pushed them above and beyond. There are no more special anything. The lobbies are old, and once they get a makeover, they too will look generic.

The only things that looks great about Disney are the things they havent "reburbished"

Poly, for example....

Before...





















Now...

 

[Farro]

Technically, the new Carib Riviera resort concept art does look like a fancy/schmancy resort you find at a "riviera" type destination. You know the location for the rich and beautiful.

I present the Four Seasons - Hotel Du Cap of the French Riviera:

 

[megs1313]

that poly redo is the reason we never stayed poly again! Here, after our first stay, I thought, "this is home! i'll be back every year!" and then they went and just bulldozed the magic.

i miss old disney. it makes me so sad to think about.

 

[crostorfer]

I fell in love with Disney for being a little over the top, and adding such detail. It was the little special touches that pushed them above and beyond. There are no more special anything. The lobbies are old, and once they get a makeover, they too will look generic.

The only things that looks great about Disney are the things they havent "reburbished"

Poly, for example....

Before...



View attachment 312857




View attachment 312856



View attachment 312858








Now...

View attachment 312851


View attachment 312859

I miss the "old" Polynesian so much. Its just not the same.

 

[Fldisneyfamily4321]

I'm curious what you & others are finding to enjoy for vacation. There is such excitement involved in a Disney vacation & sooooooo many things to see & do & eat, etc. that it's hard for us to find anything that matches that excitement. I'd really love to be able to considering all that's going on with Disney now....

For us .. traveling abroad.. there is a big world to see that holds tons of excitement.. we are going next week simply because we got upgraded to poly but then we are letting our APs lapse and moving on from Orlando for a while ... we have already book London and Disneyland Paris along with a side trip to cork Ireland... I traveled to Manchester england this past year and it was amazing and also cheaper then Disney ( and I am a Floridian ! ) so I’m over the higher costs with less perks .

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

that poly redo is the reason we never stayed poly again! Here, after our first stay, I thought, "this is home! i'll be back every year!" and then they went and just bulldozed the magic.

i miss old disney. it makes me so sad to think about.

I have heard a lot of complaints about the poly lobby redo. We visited there doing resort hopping and it was nice for sure but having had looked at photos of before I really liked the idea of that water feature.

 

[DISNEY1975]

Technically, the new Carib Riviera resort concept art does look like a fancy/schmancy resort you find at a "riviera" type destination. You know the location for the rich and beautiful.

I present the Four Seasons - Hotel Du Cap of the French Riviera:

View attachment 312860

Four Seasons - Hotel Du Cap of the French Riviera - Room

Lets see what Disney does.







My guess....

 

[Fldisneyfamily4321]

Four Seasons - Hotel Du Cap of the French Riviera - Room

Lets see what Disney does.

View attachment 312900





My guess....

View attachment 312903

Hahahhaha right ?! Haha for people that think the theming is so on point .. go to the nicer places in the French quarter .. Honolulu.. or the north west .. over the years they have cheapened the decor while raising costs .. THAT is what I have issue with. I think the best theming is over at AKL for overall looks but after traveling to other countries and staying at really nice places ( far more affordable then Disney ) I have learned I can afford to see so many other beautiful places and stay in deluxe accommodations for less .

 

[Farro]

Hahahhaha right ?! Haha for people that think the theming is so on point .. go to the nicer places in the French quarter .. Honolulu.. or the north west .. over the years they have cheapened the decor while raising costs .. THAT is what I have issue with. I think the best theming is over at AKL for overall looks but after traveling to other countries and staying at really nice places ( far more affordable then Disney ) I have learned I can afford to see so many other beautiful places and stay in deluxe accommodations for less .

Haha what? HaHa people have a different opinion than you?

I'm sure no one here is going to really compare a Disney resort to Hotel Du Cap and say it's better.
I'm not naive, of course I know there are nicer hotels out in the world, been to a few myself- but that's neither here nor there.

This is just superficial, surface level, fun discussion on what we like or dislike about theming (or lack of) at Disney.
Nothing serious about it.