Should theme parks offer advance-purchase, multi-day discounts on parking?

December 16, 2013 at 5:56 PM · Don't Disney resort guests get free parking? That would solve your problem.

December 16, 2013 at 6:11 PM · Regarding the above comment, it is true that free parking is a competitive perk of staying on-site. The only way to know if your proposed changes would work, is to have access to the data which shows the proportion of people who use a car to get around Disney World and the Orlando area. I know we can see how many drive to Orlando, but I'm sure many hotel guests park their car and use Disney transportation - just how many, is what I would be interested in.

The advance purchase for a multi-day discount on parking sounds like a great idea to me, as a predominantly off-site guest. Again, one would have to have access to data to work out how many days a typical off-site guest will spend on Disney property - then add extra days at a lesser or free price to encourage a further day they may not have visited the property before.

A good idea for sure - but Disney have the data. If the data worked in its favour, I am sure it is something they may have considered... On a personal level, I would definitely want to see this implemented.

December 16, 2013 at 7:20 PM · The only theme park I know of that does this is Legoland Florida. I think it's a good idea to offer discounts on prepaid parking, even if it's just $2 off (LLF charges $14 for regular parking, the discounted rate is $12).

Also, I'm not so sure about the idea of utilizing a state-funded prepaid toll system to pay for parking. For out-of-state visitors, it can prove to be a disappointment, as their home state's prepaid toll tag won't be accepted outside of that state.

As mentioned before, some parks offer free parking as part of your hotel rate or a vacation package. When I visited Legoland a few weeks ago, I noticed that one hotel (Park View Winter Haven) promised "refund on Lego parking" on their billboard. The billboard didn't specify if it was either part of the regular hotel rate, or part of a vacation package.

December 16, 2013 at 8:16 PM · I think I heard that the Seaworld parks in Orlando has a length of stay multipark parking pass that is only about $30. Just what I heard, never personally inquired.

December 16, 2013 at 8:22 PM · I think there should be a free transport option. either a free bus, or free parking.

Otherwise, its just a hidden price in the cost of your ticket.

December 16, 2013 at 9:34 PM · As much as I would love for Disney to do this, I seriously doubt it will ever happen. Parking fees are basically an opportunity for a business to print free money for themselves. People are either going to visit Disney or not visit Disney, and you can be sure the cost of parking will not factor into that decision. When a trip is already thousands of dollars, $15 a day for parking just feels like a drop in the bucket. I think it stinks that parks charge so much just to park, but again it's free money. I seriously doubt that lowering the price of parking would lead to an increase in guests. Disney knows people will pay it no matter what it is, and therefore from a business standpoint there's no reason for them to reduce the price. Though I really wish to god they would.

December 17, 2013 at 12:29 AM · Yes. Parking prices are way out of control for theme parks and for hotels. Any discount on that would help. Hope they are seeing these discussions.
(Disney has priced us out of going at all anymore, even with the payment plan. We were pass-holders for years.)

December 17, 2013 at 4:47 AM · I am coming over from Rip Off Britain in January and to be honest the parking fees are pretty stepep even by British standards, still at least you have the weather :-)

I think it was $6 the first time I came over, I see it's now $14 or $15 dollars, that's expensive!.

December 17, 2013 at 6:02 AM · Great Idea! Finally a program that might benefit locals and families staying offsite. Oh wait it will benefit people staying offsite. Its doomed. I really like the Fastpass parking lane idea.

December 17, 2013 at 8:08 AM · Look at the bright side. They aren't charging you to park at the hotels like Universal does. That always has annoyed me about Universal.

December 17, 2013 at 12:58 PM · Don't kid yourself, you are paying for parking at Disney Hotels. It is just figured into the price from the beginning. At least at Universal you do not have to pay for parking if you did not drive a car to the resort. Most of the nice Disney resorts are at least $350 to $500 per night and some room are over a $1,000 per night. Universals are not even close to that per night. On peak season they may be a little over $300 or so per night. So lets not pretend like Disney is giving some grand deal by not charging you an extra $15 a night for parking. But if it makes some people who can not do math very well feel better maybe Universal should just raise the prices of their rooms $15 per night and make everyone pay it. Universal will make more money and everyone else will feel like they got "free" parking and everyone is happy!