When I moved to Southern CA from Texas 25 years ago, one pet peeve of mine was having to pay for parking.
In Texas... they want you to eat at their restaurant, or visit their mall. They don't want anything to keep you from coming, so they have large parking lots to accommodate the masses.
Of course in CA with land at a premium/and or non existent, it has given the establishments the excuse to charge for the convenience of parking.
With a natural gas car now, when I park, it gives me an excuse to mention quite innocently, "Do I get to park for free because I am driving a natural gas car?" I know it sounds pathetic and cheap, but hey we're in a recession and every little bit helps!
Usually most places say no, or don't even understand the concept of a NGV vehicle. But sometimes it works.
To my shock I pulled into Disneyland of all places at the end of summer, and was pleasantly surprised to be waved thru. I wasn't really looking forward to an end of the summer run at the happiest place on earth(wife and kids idea), but after my freebie, it started a day that eventually became the best time we had every had at the park(no lines!!!!)
So NGVers...give it a try when you pull to the attendant. You never know when you will get VIP recognition, for helping to Green the planet. I am sure Walt would have approved.
Paul
DISCLAIMER: I am sure this is not official Disneyland policy. I probably just found a sympathtic attendant.
In Texas... they want you to eat at their restaurant, or visit their mall. They don't want anything to keep you from coming, so they have large parking lots to accommodate the masses.
Of course in CA with land at a premium/and or non existent, it has given the establishments the excuse to charge for the convenience of parking.
With a natural gas car now, when I park, it gives me an excuse to mention quite innocently, "Do I get to park for free because I am driving a natural gas car?" I know it sounds pathetic and cheap, but hey we're in a recession and every little bit helps!
Usually most places say no, or don't even understand the concept of a NGV vehicle. But sometimes it works.
To my shock I pulled into Disneyland of all places at the end of summer, and was pleasantly surprised to be waved thru. I wasn't really looking forward to an end of the summer run at the happiest place on earth(wife and kids idea), but after my freebie, it started a day that eventually became the best time we had every had at the park(no lines!!!!)
So NGVers...give it a try when you pull to the attendant. You never know when you will get VIP recognition, for helping to Green the planet. I am sure Walt would have approved.
Paul
DISCLAIMER: I am sure this is not official Disneyland policy. I probably just found a sympathtic attendant.
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