Disney World raises rental prices for lockers, wheelchairs and scooters
Featured, Jason Garcia, News — By Jason Garcia on November 19, 2009 at 2:41 pm
The sharpest price increases are for lockers at Disney's water parks. Pictured is Blizzard Beach. (Courtesy of Walt Disney World)
Walt Disney World this week hiked rental prices for some frequently used items by between 11 percent and 60 percent.
The price of renting a small locker in one of the resort’s four theme parks climbs from $5 per day to $7 per day, up 40 percent. A large locker jumps from $7 to $9, a 29 percent increase.
The price hikes are steeper in Disney’s two water parks. Small lockers rise from $5 to $8, up 60 percent, and large lockers rise from $7 to $10, up 43 percent.
Meanwhile, the cost of renting a wheelchair goes from $10 per day to $12 per day, a 20 percent increase. And the cost of renting one of the resort’s electric scooters goes from $45 per day to $50 per day, an 11 percent increase.
Disney says the refundable deposit charges for wheelchairs and scooters haven’t changed.
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64 Comments
Great! just now its more expensive for me to go…
why, you too fat to walk?
You would think Disney would raise prices on something other than Wheelchairs and Scooters. I think they are trying to deter people that are handicapped or have trouble getting around from going to their parks. Shame on you Disney! Shame on you!
No they are trying to deter the people who rent the scooters because they are too lazy to just walk around. Also, you don’t really need a locker if you don’t try to move to the park for a day. The water parks are the only place I ever get a locker.
Gee Amber–not opinionated are you?
I pray one day you do not need assistance getting around to enjoy life. What comes around-goes around!
You really should look at getting some professional help Amber. You have alot of anger inside. Very sad and sick.
I have a muscle condition that I can not walk very far. I try my best but my legs let go.I think they should maybe rent them cheaper to people with handicaps. A person with a handicap could show their medicare card or something. I am one of those people that are going to have to pay more because some lazy bum had to ride a handicap scooter. Thanks from all of us who really are handicapped!!
if you really are handicapped and cant walk how do you get around everyday? It seems like you would own a wheelchair if that was the case and could bring it to the park.
AMEN PAM. IT is all the fat lazy people who are not handicapped that ruined it. All they have to do is cut out 1 Big Mac and they can afford the hike. Plus the real handicapped people have there own scooters.
I’m with you, Pam. I have a muscle problem that makes it hard to do a lot of things, like walking. It WOULD be nice if Disney would issue some sort of pass that would allow us to, for instance, NOT have to walk up flight after flight of stairs to watch the Lights, Motors, Action! show. I get around WDW by sitting a lot and enduring the pain. I don’t feel I’m so far gone that I have to be hauled around in a wheelchair. Dealing with physical problems is something only the one with the problem understands.
Shame on you Joe. 3/4 of the people in the electric wheelchairs are not handicap they are just to fat and lazy to walk. If they cut back on there Big Mac binges they could afford the extra $5. If you complain about $2 – $5 more than you shouldn’t go anyway. I say thank you Disney.
Okay…so I see 11 percent and 43 percent…what went up 60%?
“Small lockers rise from $5 to $8, up 60 percent”
It was such a large article you must have missed that line.
the small lockers at the water parks went up 60%
wow they raise everything but wages!!!
Let Disney have what is Disney’s ….
do a time share resort tour and get free tickets to disney or universal or sea world… beat them at their own game…
Of course you do realize the timeshare companies purchase the tickets from Disney right? I mean…you did know that right? PLEASE tell me you knew that!
They need to stop paying their executives so much and maybe that will help with the budget. We little people don’t make a hefty check or bonus and are lucky if we can go on vacations. When people stop going to the park all together because you can’t afford to take your family anymore then maybe they’ll learn. This world in going down quick, better get right!!
They’ll get you one way or anothe to keep their profit up.
Actually, a lot Disney cast members got raises this year…as opposed to the other park.
i got .28 this year. man, that was super helpful. they might as well spit in my face with that crap. maybe eventually we’ll have a workforce than can afford to not have 4 roommates or a spouse that makes twice as much as them that can support ‘em.
If you’re tired of Disney spitting in your face, quit. No one is forcing you to work at Disney.
No one is putting a gun to anyones head and forcing them to go. If you can’t afford to go or choose not to go, don’t go. If enough people stop going, they will probably lower their prices. Obviously Disney feels their guests will continue to come and pay the higher rates or they wouldn’t raise them. They are probably right. Geez, so much whining.
They raise everything to support the huge salaries the Disney executives make. People should just stop going to these places that nickel and dime you while lining the pockets of the greedy corporate big wigs! I can’t believe they charge anything for the use of wheelchairs…this is really an outrage!!
Its amazing that Disney takes things away (x-mas lights from EPCOT,tons of food options,for example)and still raise prices on parking,Tickets,lockers,food.Wow all during hard times for people.If we would just stop going we would sure send a clear message.This is hard for me to write because we are stock holders, passholdersand DVC members.
“we are stock holders (ok maybe, I can see this)
passholders (not a good value)
and DVC members (complete sham and waste of money).” There is more in the world to see, other than Disney hype. Let me guess, you’ve been on the cruise ships about a thousand times, as well…?
If only it would deter the people who rent scooters who really do not need them. Lazy is not a disability.
Amen!!!!
Also, if your kid is big enough that their feet drag the ground when sitting in a stroller, it is time to make them walk. DON’T RENT A STROLLER!! My parents made me walk, or my dad carried me on his shoulders until I got to big for that. I turned out just fine.
Disney is pricing things for International guests. American salaries are actually DEcreasing, but still prices are going up. Why? Because the dollar is plummeting in value and Disney knows that International travelers can still afford it because their money is holding its value. Disney doesn’t care if its guests are American, English, Indian, Chinese or Martian, Disney will sell to the group willing to pay the most… it’s just that Americans may not be able to afford to go. But the disgusting thing is, Disney could NOT have been built without the support of the American people.
I agree not only with what you’re saying, but to add to that-there’s no place on WDW property to be an adult. The only place an adult can be an adult without heathen kids running around is ‘Victoria & Alberts’ and wow, that’s not a economy restaurant. My wife and I were in a Disney resort, bar the other night-we flipped open the drink menu and lo-and-behold the first page were Disney themed kids drinks….give me a break. And for certain, about ten minutes later, a young family rolled in their kids, right into the bar and started their family b.s. It’s sad, really sad that Disney has become what it has become. Poor value of people’s hard earned dollars.
the whole purpose of disney parks is to escape reality and be a kid again. nobody goes there to be a grown up and if they do they obviously don’t know jack. i’m baffled by this comment
A family with kids sat by you at a Disney resort…..what has that place turned into when you see kids everywhere at Disney….I’d schedule another vacation there just to see if this was a fluke…
Disney is primarily a FAMILY theme park! I was so disgusted by this comment. Why do you think pleasure island no longer exists??? If you want to go somewhere more Adult oriented go to Universal and stop dogging Disney for being a family park. You probably don’t have kids right? I’ll be very surprised if you do.
Disney should be ashamed for the prices it charges for the electric wheelchairs!!
Now if they would only increase the price of strollers by 100%. The less strollers in the park, the better. Besides, and I already know that someone is going to be offended by this, if your child needs to be in a stroller than he is too young to truly enjoy the parks.
Maybe the people with strollers are not there for their child’s amusement. Not everything a child does is for their own fun.
I own DVC (Excellent Value, as I have made my money back by renting out points on years I dont go)… We go down every other year or so. We have taken our son when he was one… He enjoyed it greatly, thank you. I have photos to prove it.
Will he remember it? Nope.
Will I have the wonderful memories when I’m all crimped up in a nursing home (God Forbid)of his big smile the first time he saw Mickey Mouse? Absolutely.
You can have your opinion. I can have mine.
I have an idea. Don’t like the prices? Don’t go!
But for no charge, Tigger will squeeze your butt and Goofy will impede the paths of disabled persons.
To everyone saying “don’t like the prices don’t go” say that to a child who is disabled and going for the first time. Is this fair to her or him. They should not be punished like people who are simply too fat to carry themselves around the park. I loathe seeing those people running down my 8 year old to get to the ride faster..Charge them for wear and tear…not a handicap child.
Most people who are truly disabled (this goes for children) have their own wheelchairs that they bring to the resorts. The wheelchair rentals are mostly for people’s convenience. If they want to go and don’t want to pay the extra money, maybe they should walk around their block a few times and get themselves in walking shape so they can enjoy Disney on their feet.
what everyone is claiming is ridiculous. Handicap children usually would have their own device so the argument is ridiculous. The real focus should be on the fact that:
Parking is $14
Tickets are $79 per person
Average lunch for 4 is $59 at a fast food restaurant
Strollers are $31 for a double (more than twice a single stroller)
If you calculate this it equals $420 and you haven’t done any rides yet. Over 500 if you eat dinner there. We are not talking fancy food here folks. It has become unaffordable. You can have under $1000 cruise for three days for 4 in today’s market. That’s 3 days of fun. Disney has priced themselves out of the market.
Not that it matters to your calculation, but most parents have a stroller, just like most of the disabled have their own devices.
Again, if you don’t like what Disney does then PLEASE do not go. It’s so annoying being at the park with your family and have someone ahead or behind you in line constantly whining about Disney. You spoil it for others. I’m sure you’d be happier at Great America or a carnival. As for the scooters, it’s a shame how they are abused by folks who don’t need them. I have been hit from behind by them and have people honk at me as if they are waiting for the seas to part to let them through. I imagine the actual number of people who really need them is very small.
Well said Jan! I never understood why people would complain during their visit. They paid money to arrive, spent time bringing in the family and then have the nerve to complain about Disney. They Roll their eyes and look my way for approval! I simply say, don’t like it, don’t go. Leave the rest of us to spend lots of money on having fun! That is exactly what it is, Fun!
Also, I truly despise the parents dragging their crying children that say, “we paid for this and your going to enjoy it whether you like it or not!” Take a brake everyone. Disney is and always has been a way for my family to have fun! You never know, stop complaining and you might just have some fun instead. Life is Good.
Thank you Jan…. I hope these complainers go to the movies next time and the people behind them complain about the price of popcorn the entire show and see if they like it. You people know the price of the ticket, you paid it. Suck it up or stay home.
THIS IS NOTHING JUST WAIT TILL YOU SEE HOW MUCH YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN IS GOING TO COST YOU FOR 2010…..THAT RAISE FOR THESE RENTAL LOCKERS IS WELL WORTH IT…SERIOUSLY NEXT FEW WEEKS WHEN YOUR SELECTION HAS TO MADE …..DONT CRY LOL..
Disney is entertainment. Look at the other entertainment options and compare the values. With my Disney annual pass I go to one of the four theme parks (in Florida) almost weekly. I get up and fix breakfast for me and the grandkids, we hit the park when the gates open and stay until noon or a little later. Then we head back home and have lunch. Last year I paid approximately $1.92 per hour per person. Movies, $5 to $10 per person per movie, snacks (if we ever buy them) $10 to $15 per person (and that is one drink and one popcorn.) That costs approximately $5 per hour (no snacks). Magic basketball game, nose bleed seats are $25 to $50 and $10 for parking, yes Disney is not the only entertainment venue that charges for parking. Food at the Magic game, mortgage your house! That cost $17.50 per hour. Bon Jovi concert, $85 tickets in the third level for a 4 hour (being liberal) show comes to $21.25 per hour. Let’s talk about salaries, Disney CEO = millions per year, lead actors = millions per movie, professional athlete = millions per players per years, singers = millions per year as opposed to the average person working these venues = peanuts.
My my my, the entitlement crowd is out in force today.
How dare Disney make a profit, everything should be free (and paid for by someone else)!
Here’s a rule of thumb: If you can only make minimum payments on your credit cards, quit spending money on things you can’t afford.
If the rental prices for these items is such a problem, you shouldn’t be going.
You know EVERY time Disney raises prices, we hear the same thing “Oh GREAT! Now my family can’t go. How unfair! So and so is getting paid too much…blah blah blah whine whine whine.”
When I couldn’t afford to go to Disneyland as a poor newlywed, I didn’t go.
When I needed to save to go as a little older, but still poor newlywed, I saved money all year and stayed in budget hotels, ate out of the parks, brought my own food, and went.
Now that I can afford it as a rich, highly paid teacher…oh wait… Now I work a second job (that I love, so it’s a choice) to be able to afford a trip once a year to Disneyland, and the odd trip to Disneyworld (across the country).
“Tell that to a child…” oh please. If a parent doesn’t hype up Disneyland, a kid isn’t going to beg to go. Teach a child, handicapped or not, that he or she doesn’t always get everything he or she wants…that’s life, kid! I’d like a mansion in Beverly Hills, but it’s not happening.
Last time I was in Disneyland I saw so many morbidly obese people on the scooters it was downright sad. I always try to hold judgement. I don’t know if they are in the chair because they are obese, or obese because they are handicapped and limited in their movement. However, I know that most are probably the former, and few the latter. We have one body, folks. It is wholly our responsibility to care for it. Put as much effort into making small, positive healthy changes in your life as you do complaining about the price of a corndog in Disneyland and not only will you, down the road, save OODLES of money, but you’ll live a longer, happier, healthier life.
If you want people to stop using the scooters you don’t raise the prices. You make them waste their own time and take a safety course, before they get on them. That last about an hour to an hour and a half. People won’t waste their time so they will whine and walk.
Also, with my 34 yr old wife who has to use a scooter b/c of balance issues due from 2 brain surgeries I think I should say this. If you use the handicap entrance to rides at Disney please use manners and don’t bring 15 people in line with you. How about your spouse and child(ren) instead of every known living relative including the cousin twice removed. Like I said use some matters.
Amen- friend- that goes for disabled and or parents with children(in strollers or not instrollers)- only the parents and children, not as you say- every living relative- We are retired, but always arrive at the terminal early and do sometimes get A(southwest airliens) and have been first in line – only to have to wait until 20-30 people in the above mentioned get to go on first- we don;t mind but it can be a little annoying- you are right somepeople are just plain RUDE AND INCONSIDERATE!!!!
That goes for the Parks too- when did manners or consdieration go to the wayside. Enoough whinny for now!!!
God Bless
On my fifth visit from Scotland this year, and looking forward to it as well. There is a lot of positive and nagative comments being made about Disney’s prices. There is no place in this whole wide world where the prices are coming down ! We save our money all year round to do a trip like this, so please let us spend it on what we wish and enjoy doing so. For my Wife and Myself Disney means Magic, the type of Magic you don’t get anywhere else at any price.. so Zipit to you now complainers…
By the way, You think Florida is expensive, you should try living in the United Kingdom….
If you don’t like what Disney (and other theme parks in the area) are doing don’t go.
It is that simple. Don’t spend your money there…spend it somewhere else if you want. But realize that everywhere you go there are going to be expenses that are up to an individual to decide if they want to pay it or not.
Dinner out a restaraunt: Prices have gone up, portions have gone down in size. Do you go there and eat and complain or do you stay home and eat for about the same cost? (consider grocery prices going up, time spent cooking, cleaning up etc)
Sea World: raised their prices as well. It is a park with limited options on where to go and how often do you really need to go anyay? Seen Shamu once, seen him a few times…same whale different day.
At least at Disney you have 4 parks with different themes to waste your money on.
Lets talk about groceries, they have gone up as well…no one complains about that though. Why? Because FOOD is a necessity…theme parks are not.
As for for Wheelchair rentals ..why should they be free? They weren’t free when they were purchased, they are not free to maintain for safety and state codes. They are not free to charge with electricity. Are your strollers free when you get them at the store for your kids?
Lockers are a convience..but why are they needed. Store the extra baggage you brought with you under the stroller and avoid renting a locker. Have the person sitting in the wheelchair be the baggage carrier.
Just a few thoughts from someone who doesn’t go to Disney because I choose not to spend my money there. Oh..and like most people in the state I used to work for the mouse and think they are awesome..however, that does not mean I am blinded by loyalty.
They provided a great place to work at one time and I remember those days fondly..but I am not going to pay for something that is not worth the price.
WELL IF THE POWER THAT ”B” sez that u get more values for your money then. then do go ,but eat outside the parks . and if you wish to purchase disney items go to the nearby disney’s outlet on Harbor BLVD. and every body is happy. respectfully WALT’S BARN CREW / TOM
Ok reading all of this is really irritating! I am one of those fat lazy people as most are putting it that rent the ECV…am I fat YES, am I lazy NO…I have torn meniscus in both knees, 3 herniations in my back from car accident many many years ago and 1 herniation in my neck from the same accident. Would I like to walk the parks with my kids? OF COURSE! Problem is, I can’t….I can walk for maybe a 1/2 hr to 45 min but that’s about it. I plan on riding a while, parking, walking and sending my daughter to pick up the ECV like I always do. Basically, I walk until I can’t walk anymore….now I do believe that some form of proof should be required to rent one of the ECV’s..my doctor would gladly give me a note or I could just show my Handicapped place marker registration too…point is, I agree with some of you who say people just rent them to get to the front of the line….I have seen many healthy looking/people walking with no problems hop right off the ECV to trade with someone else. Just because they pay for it doesn’t make it ok! My mom has a walker that she is taking with us…she won’t go in the wheelchair because she is plain stubborn! Anyway enough venting for now
Fat and lazy, Etc, Has nothing to do with it. With the increase of costs to operate a business $2.00 dollars is nothing, nor is 10-20% increase in prices. I live in Colorado and travel to Disney every year for my children. If thats all you have to complain about move to Denver and then you can complain about prices……….
I really can’t object to Disney raising their prices. To be honest most people if given an opportunity will charge as much as traffic will bare so why not Disney. What I really find offensive is our local movie theater charging $5.50 for a slushie and $7 for popcorn. Thank god for NetFlix and microwave popcorn.