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Could Resort Fees Be Coming to Walt Disney World Hotels?

Disney Resorts have set themselves apart from their competitors for years largely due to the irreplaceable amenities they offer to Guests. From close proximity to the theme parks to first picks of dining reservations, and more, there are a lot of special features at Disney Resorts that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.

One of the major differences between Walt Disney World Resort hotels and other properties is that Disney does not charge Resort fees on top of regular room rates and taxes. Is it possible for this to change in the future though?

Credit: Disney

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Disney Resorts do not currently require Guests to pay Resort fees, but they do charge for parking overnight. The cost of parking at Disney Resorts varies by the accommodation type, with value Resorts charging $15 per night, moderate Resorts (including the Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground) at $20 per night, and deluxe and deluxe villa Resorts at $25 per night.

Outside of parking fees, transportation to Disney theme parks and other Resorts, Wi-Fi access, and use of other on-site facilities like pools, gyms, and select recreational offerings are all included in the cost of your stay. At many other Resorts across the hospitality industry, however, this is not the case.

Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Credit: Disney

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While we do not expect Disney to start charging Resort fees, there was a time when we did not imagine Disney charging for overnight parking for Resorts, or for FastPass (now Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane.) On top of this, there are several very popular Resorts located on Walt Disney World property that are not operated by the company that do charge such fees.

In the EPCOT Resort Area alone, Guest are able to stay at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, which charges Resort fees just steps away from Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Yacht & Beach Club Resort, and the entrance to EPCOT’s International Gateway. Hotels at Disney Springs, and other areas surrounding Walt Disney World typically charge Resort fees as well.

boardwalk-resort

Credit: Disney

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Earlier today, Disney quietly increased prices on a number of experiences and products, including theme park tickets at Disneyland, several food and beverage items, lightsabers and droids in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney Genie+, and more.

At Disney Resorts, Guests have already lost several pre-pandemic benefits, including Extra Magic Hours, and the Disney Dining Plan, the latter of which Disney has previously stated will return eventually. As a result, we do not see Resort fees coming at least in the immediate future, but given recent price hikes anything could certainly happen and we will be sure to keep you updated here on Disney Tips.

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."