Since Walt Disney World doesn’t seem to be lowering prices on ANYTHING we thought we’d try to figure out how to avoid parking fees at Walt Disney World. How much does Disney charge for parking at Disney World? Between $30- $55 per day, depending on a variety of things. So, here are all the things you Can Do to make sure you are not paying for parking at Walt Disney World.
Contents
- 1 Disney World Parking Costs
- 2 Parking at Disney World
- 3 How Much Are Disney World Parking Fees?
- 4 Parking at Disney Theme Parks
- 5 Parking at Disney Resort Hotels
- 6 Parking at Disney World Water Parks
- 7 Parking at the Disney BoardWalk
- 8 Parking at Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports
- 9 Parking at Disney Golf Courses
- 10 Disney World Parking FAQ
- 11 How to Avoid the Disney Parking Fees
- 12 Park for Free at Disney Springs
- 13 Get Disney Free Parking Perks With these Memberships
- 14 Disney Parking Fees Tips
Disney World Parking Costs
Just how much does it cost to park at Disney world? Disney Theme Park Parking Costs between $30- $55 per day depending on the type of parking you choose and your vehicle type. Since a Disney Vacation is already so expensive, adding yet another charge was a little much to take. The Disney World Parking Fees are pretty standard for any theme park parking in Orlando, Florida. But, that doesn’t mean we are OK paying them. If you too are like us and trying to figure out how to save some money on your Disney Vacation, then let’s dive in! Here is everything to know about the Cost to park at Disney World and how to get Disney Free Parking instead.
Parking at Disney World
If you’ve chosen to bring a car to Disney World, or rent one while you’re in Orlando, never fear. Here we’re going to give you the rundown on How Much it Costs to Park at Disney Parks and Resorts. And how to get FREE Parking at Disney for your vacation. Let’s dive into the particulars.
Disney World Theme Park Parking
If you’ve ever seen Nationals Lampoons Vacation, then you know what Walt Disney World Theme Park parking feels like. As the Griswold family arrives at Wally World, the scene of an expansive parking lot, accompanied by the song, Chariots of Fire, is hard to forget. Disney World parking is a lot like that. It’s parking lots upon parking lots of distance between you and the front gates of the parks. And at Magic Kingdom, you don’t even get a parking lot, because that’s for busses. Instead you park at the TTC ( Ticket and Transportation Center) and head to the park via monorail or ferry boat. But we’ll get into that later. If you’re driving to Disney World, and not using the Disney Complimentary Transportation, we’ll go over everything you need to know about parking at the parks.
Disney World Resort Parking
When it comes to free parking Disney gives the biggest perks to it’s Resort Guests. Because parking at Disney World hotels is FREE. And if you’re looking for free disney world parking at the theme parks, well Disney Resort guests get that too. Parking at a Disney Resort doesn’t cost anything if you’re staying there. And if you’re visiting the resort for dinner, or browsing, you typically have about 3 hours at your leisure. However, this is only true for official Disney Resort Hotels. Partner hotels like the Disney Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve Hotels have separate parking rules, which we’ll share below. Disney Good Neighbor Hotels, and many of the hotels within walking distance of Disney Springs also have parking fees.
How Much Are Disney World Parking Fees?
Okay, so how much does Disney charge for parking? Typically Disney Parking Fees range from $30- $55 per day at each theme park, depending on the type of parking you choose. The Disney World parking cost varies throughout the year, as noted by the pricing range shared below. Be sure to always check up-to-date pricing on Disney’s Parking page. So How Much is Parking at Walt Disney World? Standard and Preferred Parking Fees are for a regular car or motorcycle. An Oversized Vehicle is considered one of the following: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus, or Tractor Trailer. Note that parking for guests with disabilities requires a valid disability parking permit and all standard parking rates below apply.
Parking at Disney Theme Parks
Disney Theme Park Parking Costs can be expensive when you’re adding it daily to a Disney Budget over a weeks vacation. That said, in addition to sharing the prices of parking at Disney World, we’re also sharing how to get Free Parking at Disney World below!
- Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $30 per day
- Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45, $50 or $55 per day*
- Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer – $35 per day
Standard Parking at Disney Theme Parks
Standard parking at Disney World Theme Parks is $30 a day for regular sized vehicles and motorcycles. Remember that Disney Resort hotel guests and select Disney Season Passholders receive complimentary theme park parking.
- Standard parking: $30 per day; car or motorcycle
Preferred Parking at Disney Theme Parks
What is the Preferred Parking at Disney? So frankly, if you’re toting little ones and have chosen to bring a car to Walt Disney World, then preferred parking may be a lifesaver for you. Even at $55 bucks a day. Preferred Parking at Walt Disney World gets you parking spots close to the Disney Park entrance.
- Preferred parking: $45, $50, or $55 per day; car or motorcycle
Oversized Vehicle Parking at Theme Parks
- Oversized Vehicle Parking: $35 per day
Standard Theme Park Parking is included for Disney Resort Guests, which means free parking at Disney if you’re staying at a Disney Resort. Disney Annual Passholders also get free standard theme parking. Disney Vacation Club Members only get free Disney Parking at the theme parks if they’re staying at a Disney Resort.
Disney World Parking Lot Trams
If parking at at Disney Theme Park, the distance to the front entrance of the park, is substantial. As such, there are Disney trams that loop the parking lot throughout the day to bring guests to the entrance. This a wonderful service, and we love the cast members who devote their days to this monumental task.
Disney Parking for Guests with Disabilities
Walt Disney World Resort has designated parking areas for Guests with disabilities. Standard parking rates apply, and disability parking permits are required. There are Disability Parking Lots at the front of each park which allow those who use wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility devices easier access to the entrances.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Electric Car Parking at Disney World Parks is available. To use this service, you will need a credit card or a pre-ordered ChargePoint card—available at chargepoint.com. The cost to charge at these stations is $0.35 per kilowatt hour, with a minimum service amount of $1.50. Charging will stop once the vehicle’s battery is fully charged. ChargePoint will “ping” the owners to alert them when their car is ready.
- Magic Kingdom: 5 spaces—one space at the front of the Medical Parking Lot and 4 spaces at the front of the Zurg Parking Lot
- EPCOT: 4 spaces at the front of the Journey Parking Lot
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 4 spaces in the Medical Parking Lot
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 4 spaces at the front of the Mickey Parking Lot
- 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 and 4 in the Watermelon Lot near the Cirque du Soleil theater
Parking at Disney Resort Hotels
Every Disney Resort hotel has ample parking. So, while you don’t necessarily need a car at Disney World, if you’re venturing out into Orlando, Florida, or heading to Harry Potter World, you will have somewhere to park if you bring your car. As such, depending on your resort, it may not necessarily be close to your room, but parking is available, nonetheless.
Disney Resort Parking Fees at Walt Disney World
Disney Resort Parking is FREE for Disney Resort Guests. Disney Resort hotel guests receive complimentary standard parking at Walt Disney World theme parks, daily early theme park entry (with valid admission and a park reservation), and complimentary on-site transportation options such as buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.
Valet Parking at Disney Resorts
Only select Disney Resorts offer valet parking. However, if you’re staying or visiting a Disney Deluxe Resort or Disney Coronado Springs Resort, you have the option to choose Valet Parking.
- Valet Parking: $33
Disney Resort Parking Fees at Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
Some of our favorite hotels on Disney property are the Disney Swan Hotel, Disney Dolphin, and Disney Swan Reserve. These Marriott Bonvoy hotels near Disney World, are on the Disney BoardWalk and offer walking distance access to both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. They do however, both have Resort Parking Fees.
- Self Parking: $34 per night plus tax
- Valet Parking: $44 per night plus tax
If you’re not staying at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, visiting the on-property restaurants at these resorts qualifies for validated parking. The following restaurants are included in parking validation at the Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve Hotels.
Disney Resort Parking for Day Guests
If you’re heading to a resort, with your car, Disney Resort hotels offer complimentary standard self-parking while guests enjoy dining, recreation, shopping, and entertainment.
Parking for Disney Vacation Club ( DVC) Members
Do Disney Vacation Club Members get Free Parking at Disney theme Parks? Disney Vacation Club Members do not get free parking at theme parks unless they are staying at a Disney Resort.
Hotel Parking for Guests with Disabilities
Walt Disney World Resort offers designated parking areas for Guests with disabilities who have a valid disability parking permit. For more information, contact Disability Services by phone at (407) 560-2547 or by email at [email protected].
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Electric Car Parking at Disney World is available. To use this service, you will need a credit card or a pre-ordered ChargePoint card—available at chargepoint.com. The cost to charge at these stations is $0.35 per kilowatt hour, with a minimum service amount of $1.50. Charging will stop once the vehicle’s battery is fully charged. ChargePoint will “ping” the owners to alert them when their car is ready. Charging Stations at Disney Resorts can be found at the following locations.
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: 6 spaces in general parking near ADA spaces
- Disney’s Riviera Resort: 2 spaces in general parking near ADA spaces
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: 2 spaces in general parking near ADA spaces
Parking at Disney World Water Parks
Do you have to pay to park at the Water Parks? No. Parking is complimentary for all guests visiting Disney Water Parks in Orlando, Florida.
Parking at the Disney BoardWalk
The Disney BoardWalk does not have it’s own parking lot. However, day guests can park at the surrounding resorts as permitted by the parking attendants. Alternatively, we recommend parking at Disney Springs and taking a Disney Bus to any of the following Disney Resorts on the Boardwalk.
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Beach Club
- Yacht Club
Guests parking at Hollywood Studios can also grab the ferry to the Boardwalk, located at the Hollywood Studios entrance. Or take the walking path from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT.
Parking at Disney ESPN Wide World of Sports
Do you have to Pay for Parking at ESPN Wide World of Sports? No. Parking is complimentary at ESPN for all guests.
Parking at Disney Golf Courses
Parking at Disney’s Golf Courses is FREE. Palm, Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista and Oak Trail Golf Courses all have free parking. As do the Disney Miniature Golf Courses. If visiting Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf Course, you can park in the shared lot with Disney’s Swan Reserve. If heading to the Disney Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course, you can park for free at Blizzard Beach.
Disney World Parking FAQ
Before we dive into all the ways you can avoid Disney Parking Costs on your vacation, let’s answer a few questions.
Do you have to Pay for Parking at Disney Every Day?
If you are not staying at a Disney Resort, then YES, you have to pay Disney Theme Park Parking for every day you visit a theme park. But you only have to pay for the theme park parking once per day. So, if you plan on park hopping, you will only have to pay once.
How Much Does it Cost after 6 pm to park at Disney World Theme Parks?
Disney Parking Costs after 6 p.m. are the SAME as they are any other time of day. The only exception to this is if you have a Table in Wonderland card, which we’ll chat about below.
Does Disney Charge for Parking if I Park Hop to Multiple Parks on the Same Day?
No. You pay for your theme Park Parking ONCE in a day. So you are able to park at more than one Disney theme park in one day without paying multiple times.
Do Disney Resorts Have Parking Fees?
No. Disney Resort Guests can enjoy complimentary self-parking when staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. As a reminder, Disney Resort hotel guests also continue to receive complimentary standard parking at Walt Disney World theme parks, daily early theme park entry (with valid admission and a park reservation), and complimentary on-site transportation options such as buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.
Does Each Disney Park Have a Different Parking Cost?
No, all Disney theme parks have the same parking cost, depending on which parking you choose. The Magic Kingdom parking fee, EPCOT parking fee, Hollywood Studios parking fee, and Animal Kingdom parking fee are all the SAME. So, if you’re wondering how much is parking at Epcot, then know it’s the same as everywhere else; between $30-55 per day. You can check the above section for how much it costs to park at Walt Disney World.
Is there Free Parking at Disney World?
The easiest way to get free parking at Disney Parks is to stay at a Disney Resort. Disney Resort guests get complimentary parking at the resort, as well as at the parks, throughout their stay. If you’re looking for other ways to park at Disney Parks for FREE, keep reading. We go into 5 more ways below that can help you get free parking at Disney World.
Can you buy a Disney World Parking Pass?
While not necessarily a “pass,” when you check in at the parking kiosk on your way to the parks, it will be noted that you have already paid. And you will be able to come and go freely in and out of the park, or to other Disney parks that same day. Remember, you don’t need to pay for parking if you’re staying at a Disney Resort, so simply tell the attendant and they can look it up.
Parking at Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel?
If you’re staying at Disney’s Dolphin Hotel. Swan Hotel or Swan Reserve know that there is a $40 resort fee, as well as a parking fee per night during your stay. As such, plan to pay the additional amount if you choose to park here. Self Parking: $34 per night plus tax. Valet Parking: $44 per night plus tax
Do you need a car at Disney World?
No, you don’t need a car at Walt Disney World. Even when flying into Orlando, Florida it’s simple to book a Shuttle to Walt Disney World, and back again. And you can simply take advantage of the complimentary Disney transportation options during your stay. Boats, Buses, the Monorail, and the Disney Skyliner all connect resorts, parks, the BoardWalk and Disney Springs, so that you can get where you’re going.
Can I Park at a Disney Resort without Staying there?
Yes! You can usually park at a Disney Resort without staying there. Whether you’re there to browse the grounds, dine at a restaurant or hunt down some merchandise, just let the guard know your plans. Every Disney Resort parking lot has a guard at the gate that can share if there is parking available for your visit. They are there to check in Disney Resort Guests, and won’t turn you away unless the parking lot is full or busy.
Can I rent a Car at Disney World?
YES! In fact, renting a car at Disney World is one of the easiest things to do, because they have a car rental site right on the property. Check out everything that is offered at the Disney Car Center. From car repairs to rentals, and roadside assistance, you are covered.
We’ve used the Disney Car Center, during tough times when flights had been canceled and we needed to drive home. Similarly, we’ve also driven to Disney in a rental car, dropped it off at the center, and then flew home.
How to Avoid the Disney Parking Fees
So how can you park for FREE at Disney World? The Disney parking prices are reason enough to try and get out of them. On a typical 6-day vacation, you would have spent 180 dollars alone just for parking in the theme parks. And that doesn’t include your hotel parking fees or any other parking fees you incur say if you visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well.
Stay at a Disney Resort in Walt Disney World
Let’s start with the easiest one first. If you are a Disney Resort Guest you get Free Parking at Disney Theme Parks. Yep. That’s right. Complimentary parking at any theme park comes as a perk of staying on Disney property.
Don’t Bring a Car
Another easy one. They can’t charge you to park if you don’t bring a car! If this is a new concept for you read up on How to Get to Disney Resorts from Orlando International Airport. This service means you can literally walk onto the plane in your hometown, rely solely on Disney transportation for the length of your stay, and return home without ever needing a car. It took us two years to be OK with being trapped at Walt Disney World in this way but is now one of our favorite parts about being there- never driving anywhere.
Stay Off-Site at a Hotel that offers a shuttle to Walt Disney World Parks
Many Orlando hotels have shuttles to Walt Disney World parks. If you’re booking at hotels.com or expedia.com you can find transportation options in the details. of each hotel. Your best bet is to zero in on the Disney Good Neighbor Hotels, which not only have the Free Shuttle to bring you to the parks but often have most of the other Disney parks, like Disney’s Early Morning Hours as well. If you choose this option as a way to get free parking at Disney World, consider that you may still have to pay for nightly parking at your hotel. We also recommend you make sure you are part of whatever loyalty program the hotel is associated with OR book through hotels.com which sometimes offers Free Hotel Parking as a perk of Booking Disney through a Third Party.
Park for Free at Disney Springs
Do you have to Pay to Park at Disney Springs? No! Parking at Disney Springs is FREE. If you choose you can secure Valet Parking for $20 dollars a day. Remember to check out the Disney Springs hours so you can make sure to get back to your car before closing. Hours for Disney Springs Parking Lots are aligned with the shopping hours at Disney Springs.
Park at Disney Springs and Grab a Bus to Any Resort
You can grab a bus to ANY Disney Resort from the Disney Springs Bus area. But if you want to get to a certain park, certain resorts are just closer than others. Here’s the breakdown of which buses to take so that you spend the least time on Disney transportation and more time in the parks. You can also grab a bus to any Disney theme park from Disney Springs, but only after 4 p.m.
Disney Springs to Magic Kingdom
Take a Bus to any Monorail Resort and either grab the monorail over to Magic Kingdom or walk. The closest resort to Magic Kingdom is The Contemporary Resort. And there is a walking path that leads straight from the Contemporary to the Magic Kingdom gates. Your next best bet will be the Grand Floridian Resort which has the first stop as Magic Kingdom, or you can access the new walking path!
Disney Springs to Hollywood Studios
If you’re headed to Hollywood Studios from Disney Springs, grab a bus to the Boardwalk Resorts. The closest Disney Resort to Hollywood Studios is the Swan Hotel or the Dolphin Hotel. Both of these hotels, plus all the Boardwalk Resorts connect to the Walking path to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. This will be about a 10-15 minute walk to either Hollywood Studios or EPCOT once you get off the bus.
Disney Springs to EPCOT
If you’re heading to EPCOT, your best bet is to grab the bus to the Beach Club. The Disney Beach Club is located right outside of the EPCOT International Gateway in the World Showcase section of the park, near the Disney Skyliner station. So you will be able to enter the park from the back gate. It’s literally a 3-minute walk from the Beach Club.
Disney Springs to Animal Kingdom
Head to Animal Kingdom Lodge to get closest to Animal Kingdom and keep your bus ride short. We also love Animal Kingdom Lodge for all things relaxing and easygoing. So if you’ve got the time head to the balcony to watch the animals roam the savanna for a minute. You can even fill up your refillable mug at The Mara quick-serve restaurant while you’re there.
Park at Disney Springs and Grab the Boat to a Resort then Grab a Bus
If you’re looking forward to some Beignets to start your day at Walt Disney World then you can head to the bus ramp at Disney Springs. This will take you to Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside. While this won’t be the best way to save time at Disney it will, by all means, be the most leisurely and fun.
Park at Disney Springs and Walk to Saratoga Springs
We love the walking paths at Walt Disney World, and the walking path from Disney Springs to Saratoga Springs is less than a 5-minute walk, along a lovely waterside path. You can see where to grab a bus to any Disney Theme Park on this Saratoga Springs Resort Map. Scroll to the bottom of the map. In the bottom right-hand corner, you’ll see a blue line that says “Walkway to Disney Springs.” Near that spot, you will grab your bus at the Congress Park Bus Stop. Then you can hop on any bus you choose and head back to Disney Springs when your day is done.
Get Disney Free Parking Perks With these Memberships
If you’re staying on property at a Disney Resort and are cringing at the thought of 30 dollars a day to park at a theme park, there are other options! These memberships include Free Parking at Disney World and may be worth the look!
Park Free with a Tables in Wonderland Dining Reservation
AFTER 5 PM If you have a Tables in Wonderland Card you can park free at any Disney theme park to access a Tables in Wonderland participating restaurant. That said, you can only park for a period of 3 hours. You do have to Pay for Parking on the way in and then on the way out get reimbursed at Guest Relations for the parking fee. So this one is a bit of a hassle. But if you’re just going to grab a bite to eat and maybe a quick ride, you may be able to take advantage of this one. Note: A Tables in Wonderland Card is only available if you’re a Florida Resident, DVC Member, or Disney Annual Passholder.
Purchase a Disney Annual Pass with the perks of Complimentary Parking
Ahhh, the joys of becoming a Disney Annual Passholder. While there are many perks to holding a Disney season pass to Walt Disney World, getting Free Parking at Disney Theme Parks may not be worth the $1000+ dollar per person price tag. If you were already debating if a Disney Annual Pass is worth it for you and your family, then know that Disney annual pass holders get free parking at hotels too.
Disney Parking Fees Tips
If you’ve thought it through and decided that bringing a car to Walt Disney World may just be your best bet, then here are a few things to remember.
- You only pay theme park parking fees at Disney World ONCE Per Day. So you can park hop without paying additional fees.
- Disney Resort Guests can park for FREE at Disney Theme Parks. This is why we always recommend Staying on Property at Walt Disney World.
- Disney Resort Guests can park FREE at Disney Resorts.
- Disney Annual Passholders get FREE Standard Parking at Theme Parks
Disney Parking Fees
You will have to pay for parking at Disney somewhere. What are your best tips for saving money on parking at Disney World? Need more ways to Avoid Hidden Fees at Walt Disney World? Let us know if you found any new Disney parking hacks we should know!
Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer with an MLIS in Information Science and a B.S. in Arch and Design. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.
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