Ask Magically Speaking

In each issue we like to answer questions from you. Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or cruise? Do you have some nagging little trivia question that you are just dying to know the answer to? If so, please send them to us. We have a great team of Disney experts and sleuths that who would love to answer your questions! If you have a question, send it to us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com.

Ask Magically Speaking is a regular feature in the Magically Speaking newsletter. The following Ask Magically Speaking was published in the January 28, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. Could you give me some information on the Downtown Disney hotels? I am wondering if they are considered part of Walt Disney World, and if guests staying at them get any of the onsite perks. Thanks. (Submitted by Daryl J.)

A. Hi, Daryl. That's a very good question. There are a number of hotels on property that are not owned and managed by Disney and, as a rule of thumb, that means their guests are not eligible for many of the perks that a guest staying at a Disney-owned resort receive. But don't lose all hope just yet, as there are always exceptions to prove the rule. Let's take a look at some of these on-site guest perks and see where else they may apply.

Disney Transportation: Of course every guest at Walt Disney World is free to use Disney Transportation regardless of where they're staying, but Disney resort guests have buses that will take them directly from their hotel to the parks. Guests of the Swan and Dolphin hotels are also provided with Disney Transportation buses.

Free Parking at Theme Parks: On-site guests who opt to drive to the parks are able to park at no charge. This offer is extended to those guests staying at the Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green.

Extra Magic Hours: Available to on-site guests, this bonus time (with limited attractions) in the main theme parks of one hour in the morning or three hours in the evening (offered on a scheduled basis) is also available to those staying at the Swan, Dolphin, Shades of Green, and Hilton Downtown Disney.

Package Delivery: On-site guests are able to have items they've purchased on property at most locations sent to their resort instead of having to carry the package around. This privilege is also extended to guests of the Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green.

So to answer your specific question, the Hilton at Downtown Disney is the only hotel in that area to offer any sort of Disney on-site guest privileges in way of access to the Extra Magic Hours.

Q. I would like to know why Disney doesn't have a "Parking Pass"? It could be purchased at the same time you buy your tickets and dated for each day of your visit in the parks. Would save scrambling for money each morning when you enter the gates and probably save the attendant time, dealing with cash. Course not everyone would use them, but just seems like a good idea. (Submitted by Susan S.)

A. Hi, Susan! Well, unfortunately we don't really know why Disney does something in a particular way any more than anyone else. What we can guess is that a parking pass might just confuse people more than it helps. Although the parking lots at all four theme parks do require a fee, parking at a water park or Downtown Disney is free. Parking at your resort, or a resort you drop in to visit, is also free. Furthermore, the use of Disney transportation does not require payment for any guest.

At the theme parks, the parking fee is $11 for cars, $12 for campers and trailers, and $15 for a bus or tractor/trailer. The good news is that fee does not apply to you if you are staying on Disney property. For the length of your stay, you just need to display the parking permit you will be issued at check-in and you will be waived through without paying. If you are not staying on property, you will have to pay the above mentioned fee, but that is good for the entire day. So, if you decide to leave for a while or choose to change parks, simply show your receipt from earlier in the day and you won't have to pay another time.

If you are going to have to pay for parking (i.e. you are staying off-site), and feel that scrambling for the cash each day would be bothersome, perhaps a little advance planning would alleviate some stress. We've read that many MouseforLess members prepare envelopes ahead of time with the correct amount of money needed each day. That way you can just grab the envelope you need in the morning without the scrambling. It also helps to budget, since on a longer stay the parking fee can add up.