This past weekend it was revealed that Disney Vacation Club members would no longer receive the benefit of free valet parking at select Walt Disney World resorts. After making a few inquiries we do have a little bit more information to share regarding the nature of this decision.
Despite the description of some resort services as "complimentary", many such perks are actually subsidized via the Annual Dues paid by members. Examples of this include in-room Internet service and use of Disney's Magical Express for round-trip transportation to Orlando International Airport. Members making use of these services are not directly billed, but some compensation is included in member dues.
Discontinuation of the free valet parking perk coincides with an increase in the price of parking services from $10 per day to $12 per day. A DVC source confirmed that following the price increase, the only way to continue to offer "free" service to members would have been by "increasing the annual dues for all Members."
More specific information is not available as Disney will not disclose details of its contractual relationships with vendors.
As manager of the timeshare program, Disney Vacation Club is charged with making decisions which are deemed to be in the best interest of all members. Between the popularity of Disney's Magical Express and the increasing costs of valet service, the decision was made to move valet parking to a fee-based offering rather than subsidizing with additional member dues.
Concerns can be directed to the DVC Member Satisfaction team at
Note that a statement was recently added to DVCMember.com which confirms this basis for the operational change:
Changes made to valet parking offering
Complimentary valet parking for Disney Vacation Club Members at Disney Vacation Club Resorts at the Walt Disney World® Resort was discontinued effective October 11, 2009.
Similar to other fee-based services, such as additional housekeeping service or additional room amenities, only those Members who choose to valet park will be charged, instead of increasing the annual dues for all Members to cover the costs.
Self parking will continue to be complimentary at all Disney Vacation Club resorts. For drivers choosing to use the valet service, the cost is $12 a day, effective October 11, 2009. Members and Guests with disabilities will continue to receive complimentary valet parking.
Once paid, the valet parking service can be used for the entire day at any resort without paying the fee again.
