Updates at Disney’s Port Orleans and the Possibility of Resort Fees at Walt Disney World

There have been some exciting things happening at some of the Walt Disney World Resort hotels, specifically Port Orleans and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge! And we're hearing about a potential resort fee at all Walt Disney World hotels. Read on!

Changes made to nighttime safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom LodgeChanges made to nighttime safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Port Orleans has been a hotbed of activity lately! The breakfast menu has been updated at the Riverside Mill. Several dishes including the Egg White Frittata Sandwich and the Quiche Lorraine are off the menu. Ol' Man Island officially reopened on March 4 and the Muddy Rivers Pool Bar was serving guests once again!

The new aquatic play area at Port Orleans French Quarter is also open! The area is full of fun water features for the younger guests! Check out photos and more information here.

If you've ever wanted to experience the Night Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge now is the time! The activity is now reportedly open to all guests, not just those staying at the hotel. And the name has been changed to the Starlight Safari. Find out more here.

And finally, it's being reported the Disney has been sending out a survey to guests regarding potential $15-per-night hotel fees. These resort fees would reportedly cover the Disney Magical Express, MagicBands, parking at the hotel and theme parks, Wi-Fi, resort entertainment, and more.

How would you feel about a $15-per-night resort fee? Let us know in the comments.

Kesajen wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 18:12:

Kesajen's picture

Seriously?? The hotel cost should cover that. If not, increase the cost. I hate seeing added "fees", I would much rather pay what they need to charge to keep those services running and "free".

Karen Casagrande wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 18:31:

Karen Casagrande's picture

I can't believe they would add another fee to an already expensive vacation. We have to either fly or drive to Florida and that in itself is an expense for a family of five.
Our vacation in Disney is usually 6 nights and and we always get the 5 day park hopper passes along with the quick service dining plan. They have just raised the prices on their dining plans and if you had in another $90.00, vacation is really starting to add up. Staying for a shorter time period to save money would not make the whole trip worth it in my opinion.

David J wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 18:51:

David J's picture

Resort Fee is just another way of increasing the cost/price of the room/resort. When I go to Orlando or any vacation area, I look for low or no resort fees and free parking. Why do I want to pay for the Disney Magical Express, MagicBands, or parking at the hotels?
- I do not use the Disney Magical Express because I drive to Orlando.
- I have a pass that includes parking so why would I pay for it twice.
- I already have more than one 'Magic Band' so why would I want to pay for more.
- As for resort entertainment, I am already paying for pricey food and beverage at the entertainment site.

Tracie 15 wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 19:01:

Tracie 15's picture

I would have to agree with David! Seems in the last month every time we get a update on Disney World it price increases for one thing or another. I think the prices are high enough they should all ready have enough for these services.

Mary Ann wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 19:13:

Mary Ann's picture

Room prices are already astronomical, as are park admissions. Charging an additional tariff seems wrong to me. As much as I enjoy visiting DisneyWorld, particularly the Food and Wine Festival, it is becoming difficult to justify going there annually as I have for several years.

DonnaM wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 19:59:

DonnaM's picture

No!! I agree David...Same goes for me... We live in Fl and trips to WDW and staying on property will be greatly reduced if not totally eliminated with an added resort fee. I We drive so no need to Magical Express, got the magic bands and we are seasonal pass holders that mind you just went up to cover parking...not going to pay twice

Susan COBB wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 20:02:

Susan COBB 's picture

Really? I can't even afford your prices without the $15 surcharge. Think again Disney thieves

BarbaraB wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 20:51:

BarbaraB's picture

There are 2 ways to go with this that I would much prefer over the resort fees.

1. Raise the room rates to cover the cost of the "free" stuff. After all, that's Business 101...charge enough to cover your expenses and still make a profit.

-OR-

2. Lower the room rates and add an "a la carte" option. Only pay for the things you actually use. If you want to take the Magical Express, pay for it. If you want to use the WiFi, pay for it. If you want a Magic Band, pay for it. This would give Disney a better idea of what their guests really want what can be cut from the budget because it's not cost effective.

I would much prefer option 1 as I don't really like being "nickel and dimed" on every little thing (I'm looking at you airlines, with your baggage fees, seat fees, etc.), but I can support the idea of only paying for what you actually use.

Evelyn Jasper wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 21:29:

Evelyn Jasper's picture

Gotta say that I'm not thrilled about an additional fee. As Donna M wrote, we're annual passholders who drive and have magic bands. We make lots of weekend trips to WDW plus two 10 day trips annually. We could stay a lot cheaper, and sometimes even nicer, offsite without any effort. If this goes into effect with all the other price increase, we'll have to look hard at how we "do Disney" in the future.

Rebecca wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 21:37:

Rebecca's picture

The costs of the hotels, tickets and food is already high enough and nearly breaks the bank every time I visit. I don't think a $15 per night fee is at all necessary.

Dave wrote on Thu, 03/10/2016 - 22:15:

Dave's picture

Charging a resort fee for services NO ONE ASKED FOR? I'll stay off property. Seriously.

LaDeanna wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 01:13:

LaDeanna's picture

They shouldn't charge people for services they do not use. We do not use Magical Express. We didn't ask for the Magic Band program - Disney implemented that. If we are at the parks, we don't watch hotel entertainment. We do not park at the parks. We do park at the hotel and we do use wi-fi. I think Disney is just about to price itself out of business. Park prices rising, nickel and diming us here and there, food prices are exhorbitant. It's getting to be ridiculous.

JCM wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 02:02:

JCM's picture

WDW is going to fee their self right out of business!

Ted wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 02:15:

Ted's picture

I agree with Kesajen. Just increase the cost of a night at the hotel. Don't nickel and dime me when I am already paying $10,000 for a vacation.

VML wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 03:10:

VML's picture

I HATE resort fees! Add it to the room rate and be done with it!, Argh!,

WALTER wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 03:25:

WALTER's picture

The addition of a fee is appropriate, ff there is an added value to the client. It is as easy for me to pay with a credit card for what I wish to buy, as it is to waive my wrist band. A paper ticket is as simple to scan as electronic access, and the parking is necessary if you wish to handle crowds at attractions that Disney wishes to handle. Therefore, almost all of the benefit is to Disney and little to the consumer. Therefore, I can not justify an increase of fees, unless Disney can demonstrate the added value that comes with the added fee based service.

Stacie S wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 06:32:

Stacie S's picture

I definitely don't agree with a per night charge. You already pay enough to stay on Disney property to have use of all the amenities. And for what they're saying it's going for....magic bands, well if you use a Disney vacation package you're already paying for your magic bands, as well as if you're a season pass holder you're also paying already. For magic express...if you drive, you don't use magic express, and if you use magic express you're not parking at the parks poor the hotels, so that makes no sense either. I just think another fee added on to what you already pay for a Disney vacation, is going to make it virtually impossible for most families to take that vacation.

Jim123 wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 10:59:

Jim123's picture

Didn't rates go up after Magic bands were annouñced years ago? We usually stay in the campground and it is now more than a hotel stay. We have to go to other resorts for better food and drink options.

Jean wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 13:59:

Jean's picture

A fee is ridiculous! The rates are high enough that we put up with the Value resort and the 1000s of kids when, as seniors we would like something a little more upscale. Nix the new fees!

Jennifer wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 16:55:

Jennifer's picture

Ridiculous, cast members make minimum wage and they expect to charge an additional $15 dollar fee. No way!!! The sad part is, people will continue to make Disney executives rich and will continue to spend there money there. If people would take a stand and stop going, where Disney's pocket would be affected, then prices would not be as high.

Misty wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 18:17:

Misty's picture

B.S. Disney charges enough as it is! AND, as a resident and pass holder. I don't use Disney Magical express so that would be bogus! None of the money goes to the employeeS where it should go! Disney is going to turn into a "Rich man's" destination which would be a travesty.

karen241 wrote on Fri, 03/11/2016 - 19:26:

karen241's picture

Judging by the ever increasing crowds at Disney World, people are going to pay whatever is charged. I vote no fees. Just raise the hotel prices.

Beverly wrote on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 03:58:

Beverly's picture

Oh boy, resort fees? The parks are well attended, Disney is making money, this is just another example of greed. I've been a passholder since 1988-have stayed on site numerous times. The ticket prices, room cost, food and drink is already high. I also do not use Magical Express, or WiFi, we had to have a Magic Band to get into our room and have been using the same ones since first
implemented (we had no choice) Live in Florida, drive to park, pass includes parking now, why would I want to pay twice?
Get real, or loose customers.

Beverly wrote on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 03:58:

Beverly's picture

Oh boy, resort fees? The parks are well attended, Disney is making money, this is just another example of greed. I've been a passholder since 1988-have stayed on site numerous times. The ticket prices, room cost, food and drink is already high. I also do not use Magical Express, or WiFi, we had to have a Magic Band to get into our room and have been using the same ones since first
implemented (we had no choice) Live in Florida, drive to park, pass includes parking now, why would I want to pay twice?
Get real, or loose customers.

Beverly wrote on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 03:58:

Beverly's picture

Oh boy, resort fees? The parks are well attended, Disney is making money, this is just another example of greed. I've been a passholder since 1988-have stayed on site numerous times. The ticket prices, room cost, food and drink is already high. I also do not use Magical Express, or WiFi, we had to have a Magic Band to get into our room and have been using the same ones since first
implemented (we had no choice) Live in Florida, drive to park, pass includes parking now, why would I want to pay twice?
Get real, or loose customers.

Beverly wrote on Tue, 03/15/2016 - 03:58:

Beverly's picture

Oh boy, resort fees? The parks are well attended, Disney is making money, this is just another example of greed. I've been a passholder since 1988-have stayed on site numerous times. The ticket prices, room cost, food and drink is already high. I also do not use Magical Express, or WiFi, we had to have a Magic Band to get into our room and have been using the same ones since first
implemented (we had no choice) Live in Florida, drive to park, pass includes parking now, why would I want to pay twice?
Get real, or loose customers.

Kenneth wrote on Fri, 03/18/2016 - 21:26:

I agree with "NO" on Resort Fees. It rubs me the wrong way.

1. These "benefits" being support by resort fees, I already have. Why would I think giving them up with no positive gain is worthwhile?

2. All these different fees are so overlapping, we must be paying for everything two or more times.

3. Disney is a very deluxe place to visit. The pricing is already very deluxe, so adding more to the price simply makes it unavailable to many more people.

Disney, you have a great product, you have great service (in spite of the pay scale), and you have great prices. Let's not keep adding to the cost of a Disney Vacation until nobody can afford to visit as often or at all.

Jennie Gardiner wrote on Sun, 03/20/2016 - 08:01:

Jennie Gardiner's picture

Hubby and I are booked at POR 16-20 September 2016 and are really concerned about the introduction of a $15.00 per night resort fee. We're travelling from Australia for this trip and are already paying an absolute premium to stay onsite PLUS we've got a fairly large gap in the value of our dollar, so a $15.00 per night resort fee is actually more like $20 AUD for us. This would raise our overall accomodation bill by a further $80.00. We've already made up our mind that if the fee comes in we're moving offsite and have already made a secondary reservation at a Lake Buena Vista resort for half the cost of our stay at POR. Stop scalping your guests Disney for the budget blow outs in Shanghai. Pretty soon you'll push everyone to the point that all your resort profits will suffer.

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