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trip to Walt Disney World is a dream come true for many. But before getting lost in the magic, there is one practical aspect you will need to consider – parking. Although, like everything else, Disney even does this well. With a host of parking lots inclusive of all needs and preferences, driving to Disney can be a breeze. And with our handy guide, we have you covered for everything you need to know, including costs and where to park…
Is parking free at Disney World?
Parking is free for guests staying at any Disney Resort hotel or those with an annual pass. So, if you do need another reason to fully immerse yourself in all things Disney, this one could be it. However, if your lodgings do take you a little further afield or you’re not a passholder, don’t worry. All other guests simply pay a parking pass which is valid all day for all four theme parks. Parking is subject to availability, so we do recommend getting there nice and early to secure your spot.
What options are there for parking at Disney World?
Standard
Standard parking is the most common type of parking at Disney World and is available at all four theme parks. This option costs $30 for the day and is the cheapest on offer. For guests of
Disney Resort hotels, it is the standard parking that is complimentary.
Preferred
If the excitement of Disney is just too much to bear and you can’t wait to enter those magical gates, you may want to opt for preferred parking. With this option, you are within closer reach of the parks, making it a smart choice if you have little ones in tow or perhaps just want to save your steps for the parks themselves. If you do go with preferred parking it will cost you a little more. So, expect to pay up to $55 per day.
Oversized vehicle
For those travelling in a larger vehicle, such as a shuttle, limo, camper, or RV, there are designated parking spaces at no extra cost to standard pricing towards the back of the parking lots. These areas are clearly marked and provide all the room you could need, making parking your oversized vehicle hassle-free. Plus, the more room in the vehicle, the more room for Disney merch to take home!
Where you can park…
If you have purchased a Park Hopper ticket, which allows you to visit more than one park per day, then you may want to take full advantage of the parking pass and drive to each park for added convenience…
Magic Kingdom parking
As
Magic Kingdom is the most popular of the theme parks, you should leave yourself plenty of time to get parked. But be warned, the parking lot is also one of the furthest from the gates and does require a bit of travel to get there, including a tram and monorail or boat. This equates to roughly 30 minutes of extra transit time, so you will want to factor that in. The good news is that the parking lot stays open later than the others so parking here could be a good option to save you rushing to get your car for a 9pm closing time at Hollywood Studios for example.
EPCOT parking
EPCOT has a vast parking lot with multiple sections, meaning finding a space here shouldn’t cause too many issues. And unlike Magic Kingdom, EPCOT parking is conveniently located right outside of the theme park. Although due to its large proximity, you may want to take advantage of Car Locator in the My Disney Experience app. Just put in your car parking information and this handy tool will guide you back to it.
Hollywood Studios parking
The parking lot at
Hollywood Studios is smaller than that of EPCOT but it is still in close proximity to the theme park gates. With that in mind, it is probably not worth paying that bit extra for preferred parking at this one. It’s also worth noting that the Skyliner runs between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, so if you are park hopping, you may want to make use of this whimsical transportation rather than driving and parking at EPCOT also.
Animal Kingdom parking
With the parking lot for
Animal Kingdom opening roughly an hour before the theme park does, we recommend getting an early start to the day to secure a spot. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Cast Member asking the ultimate Disney parking question – standard or preferred? While preferred parking is your best bet to get closest to the entrance, the tram service makes parking anywhere at Animal Kingdom straightforward.
Parking for guests with disabilities at Disney World…
Full inclusivity is part of the package when it comes to Disney, and as such, there are many designated parking areas throughout Walt Disney World Resort that are available to guests with disabilities. All you need is a valid disability parking permit. And if you are unsure of where to find a space, Cast Members are at the ready to give a helping hand.
Disney Parking FAQs
Can I park at a Disney hotel if I don’t have a reservation?
Yes, standard complimentary parking is available while guests enjoy dining, shopping, and entertainment at the hotels. However, if you do have a reservation for the hotel, overnight parking is also free.
Are there parking lot trams at Disney World?
Yes, there are complimentary trams that take guests from the theme park lots to the main entrance or transfer point. So, wherever you’ve parked, you know you’re just a short ride away from the magic.
Is Disney parking cash only?
While cash can be used to pay for parking, it’s certainly not the only way. There are many payment options for parking at Disney World. These include credit and debit cards, Disney gift cards, and Google or Apple Pay.
Are there electric charging stations at Disney World?
Yes, there are several electric charging stations available in the parking lots of all four parks. To use the service, you will need either a credit card or pre-ordered ChargePoint card, which can be purchased online. ChargePoints are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cost $0.35 per kilowatt hour.
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