So, you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World. Do you fly or drive? Walt Disney World has a great free transportation system with its buses. If you are planning on driving to the theme parks, I am going to share some information to make your life easier.
If you are a Walt Disney World Resort guest, you receive complimentary standard parking at the theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs for the duration of your stay. This also applies to select Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club guests who have a resort reservation.
Be prepared to show your Disney MagicBand when you are at the auto plaza for the theme park you are visiting. If you have a WDW Annual Pass or are a Disney Vacation Club member staying on points, you should also have your driver’s license handy so they can verify you.
They accept cash (carry some smaller bills to pay), credit cards, Disney Rewards Redemption cards, and Disney Gift cards. Once you pay, your parking is free for all the theme parks you might visit that same day. So hold onto your receipt to show at the auto plaza when you park hop.
- Standard parking cost is $25 per day for a car or motorcycle.
- Preferred parking (closer to the entrance) is $45 to $55 per day. Weekends, holidays, and special events are typically the highest rate.
- Oversized vehicles such as shuttles, limos, camper trailers, RVs, buses, or tractor-trailers are charged $35 daily.
- You can’t prepay for parking at Walt Disney World.
There are designated parking areas for guests with disabilities. A valid disability parking permit is required. For more information, you can call Disability Services at 407-560-2547 or email [email protected].
There are a few Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the front of each theme park parking lot. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Disney Springs also offers Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
Disney Springs: 13 spaces—3 on the 5th floor of the Orange Garage, 3 on the 5th floor of the Lime Garage, 3 on the 3rd floor of the Grapefruit Garage, 4 new Level 3 charging stations have been added in front of Cirque du Soleil in the Watermelon parking lot. These are available at a rate of $0.40 per kwh with a 20-minute grace period. After the grace period, the user will be charged $0.30 per minute until the car is moved.
Before you leave your car to head into the theme park, be sure to take a picture of your car and license plate, especially if you have a rental car. At the end of a long day, all the cars look the same.
Did you know that the My Disney Experience app has a handy car locator feature? You can enter the theme park, the lot you parked in, the row, etc. If your phone has died, you can ask a cast member in the parking lot where they were parking when you entered the park that day. They will be able to get you close to the area where you parked your car. Remember, don’t leave any valuables in plain sight, turn off your headlights, and be sure to turn off your car. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen this in the parking lots. I am sure the family won’t be happy at the end of the day.
I hope this helps you speed your way through the parking lot and to a great day in the theme parks. ‘Til next time, see you in the parks!
