A majority of the visitors to Walt Disney World come from different states, different countries, and even different continents. Disney has a wonderful transportation system that will transport you for your entire vacation without ever having to drive a car (unless you venture by the Tomorrowland Speedway). However, there may be times that your family decides to rent a car while they are in the Orlando area, or your family may decide it is cheaper to drive the family car to Disney World as opposed to flying. If you fall into that group, these twelve parking tips are just for you!
1. Familiarize yourself with the pricing and budget accordingly.
If you’re staying off-site and driving in, parking at Walt Disney World theme parks can really add up especially for longer stays. The cost of parking at the theme parks each day is $20 for cars and motorcycles, $22 per day for shuttles, limos, campers, trailers and RV’s and $25 a day for buses or tractor trailers so be prepared to budget accordingly.
2. Arrive at the parks early.
If the thought of pulling into a packed parking lot, schlepping to a tram stop and getting on a packed tram just to get to the theme park doesn’t sound pleasant, then imagine what it feels like repeating that journey at the end of the day when feet hurt, little ones are tired and tempers are on the rise. There are only 2 real solutions for this: pay for premium parking (and we’ll talk about this in a minute) or arrive nice and early to the parks. By early, I usually recommend that guests arrive about an hour before park opening.
3. Decide if you want to go premium.
Disney is big on premium experiences these days from dessert parties, optional add-ons and now even park cabanas. So, its no wonder that in March of this year premium parking was introduced to Disney visitors. For $15.00 extra guests have the ability to park in premium parking spots which are guaranteed to be nearer to the front of the parks and to drastically cut-down on wait times. This may be a nice option for families who can’t arrive super early to score good parking spaces. Guests wanting to opt in to the premium parking are able to do so when they arrive at the parking lots.
4. In the morning take a picture of where you parked.
Since Disney World is the number one theme park destination in the entire world, it is safe to assume that when you visit, there will be other people visiting. The parking lots are HUGE at each of the parks and are divided into several different lots and rows. It is helpful that when you get to the end of your parking row if you snap a picture of where you car is parked!
5. Be Careful.
Disney engineers have spent a lot of time streamlining the parking process so they can get people in the parks as quickly as possible, but also so they can get as many cars as possible into a finite space. Be aware of the fact that cars will be pulling in next to you and possibly behind you. When exiting your car, be sure to walk to the front of the row you parked in, so you aren’t in the way of oncoming traffic.
6. If park hopping, always park where you’ll end your day.
If you plan on visiting more than one theme park each day, pick the one you’ll be visiting last and park there. It may seem like an extra step that you don’t want to take in the morning but it will be worth it when you finish your busy day at the parks and know that you don’t have to use Disney transport to go all of the way back to the first park that you visited that morning.
7. Avoid leaving with everyone else.
If you’re planning on heading back to your car immediately following the afternoon parade or after the evening fireworks, be prepared for some gridlock. That’s why I always advise guests that are driving to leave at unconventional times. If staying for the parade, wait an extra 45 minutes before deciding to head home. Want to stay for the fireworks? Don’t be in a mad rush to leave the same time as everyone else. Many retails shops will stay open up to an hour after parks close. So take your time.
8. Know where you can park for free.
Not everywhere you park during your Disney visit will charge hefty prices. A few Disney destinations do still offer complimentary parking. Disney Springs for instance offers free parking to visitors who are there to dine or shop. It is also free to park at both of Disney’s Water Parks. If you’re dining at any of Walt Disney World’s resorts then you won’t have to pay for resort parking. ESPN WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS there is no fee for parking here. (Note that there are no shuttles to the theme parks from this location.)
9. Rethink free parking hacks.
The internet is full of sites offering ways that Disney guests can cheat the system and park for FREE at Walt Disney World. However, for those of us that visit the parks on a regular basis, the sheer logistics of what is needed to make this work makes many of us say “No Thanks”. For instance though you could technically park for free at Disney Springs and head to the parks, is it really worth the 1 hour that it might take you by the time you wait for a resort bus, transfer, and then wait for another bus to take you to the theme parks? Now imagine doing this late at night when you are exhausted. Though you could technically save yourselves the $20, is it really worth it? Guests should also remember that Water Parks often operate on limited schedules meaning you’ll have to leave your theme park of choice extra early to go out and retrieve your car.
10. Go Green.
Disney does have a small number of electric car charging stations located at Epcot. There is a charge of 35 cents per kilowatt/hour and a minimum required charge of $1.50. Hopefully Disney will extend the charging stations to other parks and other areas of Disney World!
11. Oversized Cars.
My father-in-law drives and extended cab truck and generally we are required to park on an end space (and it always ends up that we have the park on the far end of the lot). Unless you need all the extra space for your family or for what you are transporting, be wary of getting a big car if you want to avoid excessive walking.
12. Disney Security.
The parking lots are patrolled by members of the Disney Security team. They are also available to assist you if you have any issues with your car like a flat tire, accidental lock-out, etc.
Parking can be a trying experience, especially while you are on vacation at one of the top vacation destinations in the world. Keep these tips in mind to keep your frustration and aggravation to a minimum.
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MAGICALGETAWAY IS AT YOUR SERVICE.