Disney looks into $15 resort fee

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With new parks, "Star Wars", and construction on new lands, profits are sky-high for Disney.

But Channel 9's Julie Salomone found out the theme park is looking into a new fee for guests to pay while staying at certain resorts.

A Disney spokesperson pointed out the company constantly does guest surveys, and the latest one asks guests if they would be willing to pay a $15 per night resort fee.

Walt Disney World owns more than 25 resorts in Orlando.

The multibillion-dollar company is surveying resort guests by email, asking if they would pay the fee in the future.

It would include amenities, like Magic Bands, Fast Pass+, Wi-Fi, parking at the resort and Extra Magic Hours.

Currently, those amenities are complimentary for resort guests.

“That’s ridiculous. If you stay four nights, that’s an extra $60. Can’t believe that,” said tourist David Chodrow. “Not worth the money."

Mike Adrajna, who is staying at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort-Riverside, said he’s enjoyed his stay, but wouldn’t want to pay more in resort fees.

“I came here (Orlando) in 1972. It was like $16.50 for a ticket, now it’s like $200, $150. I don’t even know because they throw it all in with all the other fees,” he said.

A Disney spokesperson strongly stressed it was just a survey and there are no solid plans to tack on the additional fee.

To compare, a three-night stay at the Gaylord Palms could cost $1,000.

The price includes a $20 resort fee per night for Internet and use of the fitness center.

The Swan and Dolphin hotel charges a $25 resort fee per night.

At Disney’s shareholder meeting last week, it was announced the company raked in $52 billion in revenue last year.

Resort fees are common at other hotels.

The survey also asks guests how a resort fee would impact their decision to stay at the resort.

Cox Media Group