Walt Disney World Parking can be overwhelming, with continual updates and changes. The Plain Everything team is here to provide the latest information, tips, and tricks on all things parking at Walt Disney World!
If you’re planning a trip to the happiest place on Earth, you’ll need to know the latest Walt Disney World parking information. This post will cover everything about Walt Disney World Parking.
Walt Disney World Parking – Theme Parks
Guests staying at Walt Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders receive free standard parking when visiting the theme parks – woohoo! (Additionally, last time I worked at Walt Disney World, Cast Members also received free parking.) If you would like to upgrade to preferred parking (i.e. spots closer to the park’s front entrance), you just have to pay the difference. It usually works out to be around $15-25.
Those not staying on Disney property will have to pay a parking fee. However, once paid, this parking pass is good all day and at all four of the Walt Disney World theme parks. When traveling to the parks via a personal vehicle, the prices are as follows:
- Standard parking for a car or motorcycle – $30 per day
- Preferred parking for a car or motorcycle – $45-$55 per day (rate will vary based on date)
- Oversized Vehicle Parking (shuttle, limo, camper trailer, RV, bus, or tractor trailer) – $35 per day
Please note that parking fees are not refundable. Also, Disney World parking is limited and subject to availability. If you leave the theme park and return later, you are not guaranteed a parking spot. This is a rare occurrence, in our opinion, but it is good to consider on those busy park days.
Preferred Parking at Disney World
Preferred parking rates vary based on the date of your visit. Currently, you can’t purchase preferred parking in advance or online. To inquire, speak to any Cast Member at a parking booth.
The parking lots for each theme park open approximately 1 hour before that day’s Early Theme Park Entry time. (Magic Kingdom may open a bit earlier at 90 minutes.)
- At Magic Kingdom, the lots are named after classic Disney heroes, princesses, and villains.
- EPCOT lots are identified by various characters in the Disney and Guardians of the Galaxy universe, such as Moana, Rocket, and Crush.
- At Hollywood Studios, guests can park at the Buzz, Jessie, Mickey, Minnie, or Olaf lots.
- When parking at Animal Kingdom, the lots are both real and mystical animal-themed.
If you plan to park a personal vehicle when visiting the parks, use the Car Locator service via the My Disney Experience app. It stores your location in case you forget or get lost when returning to your vehicle. If you open the app when you’re parked, it will automatically enter pertinent details. If not, you can also enter your vehicle’s location manually.
The Trams Have Returned!
The beloved trams have returned to all four Walt Disney World theme parks! Once parked in a lot at a theme park, you can hop on a courtesy tram that will bring you to the front entrance. They are a time saver and a leg saver!
- The Magic Kingdom tram runs from the parking lot to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC). From there, guests can take the monorail or boat to the main entrance.
FREE Walt Disney World Parking!
Good news! All guests visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, or ESPN Wide World of Sports will receive complimentary standard parking. Disney’s Car Locator service works at water parks and the ESPN Center.
Walt Disney World Parking – Disney Resorts
During the day, self-parking is complimentary for guests who want to shop, dine, and explore a Walt Disney World hotel. However, some Disney resorts require visitors to have a dining reservation to park their vehicles. In our experience, some resorts are very lenient, while others are extremely strict. *cough* Disney’s Riviera Resort *cough* We have noticed that Deluxe Resorts are sticklers on the dining reservation requirement. To be safe, we suggest grabbing a dining reservation at any restaurant inside your chosen Deluxe resort OR visit via the monorail, train, boat, or Skyliner!
Self-parking is now free for guests staying overnight at a Disney resort! Valet parking is available at Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney’s Coronado Springs. Once you arrive, check with the Security Host for parking options. Valet service is $39 per night. Lastly, visitors to The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort receive complimentary standard parking. Each campsite provides parking space for one vehicle.
Parking at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is different, as there is a fee. Self-parking costs $34 per night, while valet is $44 per night. Those going to the Mandara Spa or dining at select Swan and Dolphin restaurants can have their parking validated. Click here to read more.
Walt Disney World Parking – Disney Springs
For those heading to Disney Springs, standard self-parking is free for all guests. Three parking garages (Orange Garage, Lime Garage, and Grapefruit Garage) and several surface parking lots exist. Guests can also utilize Disney’s Car Locator service at Disney Springs.
At one time, preferred parking was offered at the Mango surface lot; however, there is no current information on the Disney Springs website. It also seems that valet parking is no longer available.
Click here to read more about parking at Disney Springs.
Parking For Guests With Disabilities
There are numerous designated parking areas throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for visitors with disabilities. Disney requires a valid disability parking permit to use these spots, and standard parking rates will apply.
Disney recommends that those visiting the theme parks with mobility disabilities and/or traveling with personal wheelchairs, electric scooters, or other mobility devices park within a disability parking lot. These lots are conveniently located near the main entrances of all four theme parks. Guests can ask about disability parking lots at the Auto Plazas, which are located as you drive through the entrance of each theme park.
Additionally, guests can ask to park near the end of a row, ensuring they will be closer to the courtesy trams’ pick-up/drop-off locations. From there, trams will transport guests to the park’s main entrance. Contact Guest Services at (407) 824-2222, email disability.services@disneyparks.com, or click here for more information.
Electric Vehicles at Walt Disney World
If you have an electric vehicle that needs to be charged, there are several ChargePoint charging stations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. These charging stations are first-come, first-served. The locations are:
- Resorts:
- 6 spaces at Coronado Springs
- 2 spaces at Riviera Resort
- 2 spaces at Wilderness Lodge
- Theme Parks:
- 5 spaces at Magic Kingdom (1 space at the front of the Medical Parking Lot and 4 spaces at the front of the Zurg Parking Lot)
- 4 spaces at EPCOT (front of the HeiHei Parking Lot)
- 4 spaces at Animal Kingdom (in the Medical Parking Lot)
- 4 spaces at Hollywood Studios (front of the Mickey Parking Lot)
- Disney Springs:
- 3 spaces on the 5th floor of the Orange Garage
- 3 spaces on the 5th floor of the Lime Garage
- 3 spaces on the 3rd floor of the Grapefruit Garage
- 4 spaces in the Watermelon Lot near the Cirque du Soleil theater
The fee to charge at one of these stations is $0.35 per kilowatt hour, with a minimum service amount of $1.50. Guests must pay with a credit card or a pre-ordered ChargePoint card, which is available at chargepoint.com. When charging, the machine stops and makes a “ping” sound, indicating the vehicle’s battery is fully charged.
Walt Disney World Parking & Driving Tips
You can book rental cars on Disney property! Disney provides three car rental services – Enterprise, National, and Alamo. Click here to learn more.
Driving throughout the Walt Disney World Resort is super simple, with brightly colored signs perched on the roadside. These signs direct you toward theme parks, resorts, and other Disney areas. If you miss your turn, it is usually pretty easy to get redirected or travel an alternative route.
Don’t worry about driving off-site for gas. Currently, there are three Speedway gas stations on Disney property, all of which are open 24 hours and offer competitive gas prices:
- Across from the Disney Springs area
- Located between Hollywood Studios and the Boardwalk Inn
- At the Walt Disney World Car Care Center, which is by Magic Kingdom
If you have a car emergency while on vacation, don’t fret! Security guards within/near parking lots can help with issues like a flat tire, towing, dead battery, or no gas. There is also the Walt Disney World Car Care Center that can help. Simply call (407)824-0976 for assistance. (PS: I would save this number in your contact list before your vacation!)
Can I Park At a Disney Resort Without Staying There?
- Answer: Yes! But you may want to book a dining reservation just in case.
Additional Disney World Parkring Tips
Did you know you can book ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft and travel to any Disney location? If you don’t mind the extra cost, this is a great way to travel when vacationing at Walt Disney World quickly. If you want to stay “in the Disney bubble,” so to speak, try booking Disney’s own ride-share service, Minnie Van, available in the Lyft app! You and your family will be picked up in a Minnie Mouse-themed vehicle and dropped off at the main gate of your destination.
Walt Disney World has a wonderful bus system connecting guests to theme parks, water parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. You do not have to stay on the property to take advantage of the buses. It is a great way to travel without using a vehicle throughout the Walt Disney World Resort area. Buses arrive on average every 20 minutes, but they can run later when crowds are high. Also, it’s important to note that the bus routes are not always a straight shot to your destination, so check the map at the bus depot or the Disney app to find the exact route.
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