Though we here at Disney Addicts are constantly extolling the virtues of the Disney resort transportation system, let’s face it. Disney gets loads of visitors each day that are either staying off-site, live locally or just prefer to bring there cars with them to the theme parks each day. If you count yourself among this group and are planning a visit to Walt Disney World, here’s 8 parking tips to make the beginning and end of your Disney days a little bit easier.
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. The good news is that if you’ve paid for parking and decided to move to a different park that day, you don’t need to pay again.
Guests should also note that on-site guests, select Annual Passholders, and Florida Resident Passholders do not have to pay for parking.
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. Yes it may mean a lot of sitting around first thing in the morning but you’ll thank me when you leave the park after a long day and your wheels are nearby.
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. It should also be noted that Premium Parking is not currently a benefit for on-site guests or passholders who also must pay the extra $15.00 for premium access.
4. In the morning take a picture of where you parked. The theme park parking lots at Walt Disney World can be massive. Even though you may think you know exactly where you’ve parked, if you’re leaving after dark, are worn out or leaving with the heaving masses it can be so easy to get disoriented. So take a second before you head to the park gates in the morning and snap a picture of the sign identifying your parking section. Its nice to have a point of reference rather than trying to find your vehicle in a sea of cars.
5. 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.
6 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, have a wander and let those anxious to leave get stuck in the bumper to bumper traffic.
7. 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. However parking at the resorts if you aren’t staying there is time limited and security may want to verify that you have reservations.
8. 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. What looks good on paper when executed may not actually be the best option. Next time think about staying onsite!
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