Parking at Walt Disney World Theme ParksIf you are renting a car and /or driving to WDW you will need to park you car in one of the Disney parking lots. Alternatively, if you are staying onsite and have a rental car you will also need to somewhere to park.
All the parking at Disney World is outside the main entrance to the Theme Park, the only exception to this is the Magic Kingdom where the parking lot is located at the Ticket and Transportation Centre. After you have parked you can then take either the Ferry or the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom.
Disney World parking lots are very large and there are trams that run constantly to take you from the parking lot to the entrance. When you park your car, make a note of the section you are parked.
At Epcot parking lots are named after Future World Pavilions and Trams provide transportation to the main entrance.
At The Magic Kingdom parking lots are named after Disney Characters. Lots Minnie, Sleepy and Dopey are all within walking distance of the ticket centre. All other lots are served by Trams.
Parking Costs
Parking charges for Non-Disney Guests are charged daily and you can use the same parking ticket in all of the Disney Theme Parks on that particular day, just show your ticket to the Cast Member and they will wave you through.
The current charges are:
Car / Motorcycle / Limo / Shuttle -- $14
Camper / Trailer / RV -- $15
Bus -- $18
Who Qualifies for Free Parking
Guests staying at a Disney Resort will be given a parking pass when they check in which must be placed on your dashboard. This identifies you as a Disney guest and enables you to gain parking at all the Disney Parks.
For guests staying at either the Swan or Dolphin Hotel you will not be given a free parking pass. You will need to show your room key to the Cast Member at the toll booth and this will enable you to park for free.
If you are an Annual Passholder you can also park free of charge at all of the Disney Theme Parks.
Disney Dining Experience card holders are also entitled to free parking at the parks after 5pm.
Some have wondered "Can I park overnight in one of the theme park lots or at the Disney Transportation Center?" The answer is no. We spoke with someone in Walt Disney World Security and they confirmed that your car will be towed if left overnight in a theme park lot and some visitors have been unfortunate enough to experience this for themselves. That being said, it never hurts to call Guest Servies at (407) 939-5277 and ask.
Guests with Disabilities
The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM and Animal Kingdom, each have a special parking area for guests with disabilities. When entering the Park ask the Cast Member at the booth for directions to the disabled parking lots. You are normally told to follow the blue line to the Disabled Parking Area.
The water parks, resorts and all other Disney properties have designated parking for disabled guests which clearly marked with signs and symbols.
If you are visiting from the UK, your blue disabled badge is accepted at all of the Disney parks and at all Disney property, just place your badge in your windscreen as normal. Alternatively attach the badge to a bulldog clip and tie some string around it so that you can hang it from your interior mirror.
Parking at Other Disney Locations
The Disney water parks, Downtown Disney, Disney's Wide World of Sports, Fantasia Gardens, & Winter Summerland all offer free self parking.
If you wish to visit any of the Disney resorts, self parking is free to all guests, but some resorts have parking restrictions. The Polynesian, Beach Club and Contemporary have a 3 hour parking restriction for guests not staying at these resorts. Upon arrival you will be given a 3 hour parking pass which will allow you to dine or visit the resort. If you are visiting the Resort to dine and have made an ADR, make sure you take the ADR number with you as you may be asked to provide it.
It is worth remembering to carry photo ID with you as normally you are asked for this before you are allowed entrance.
If you are visiting The Swan or The Dolphin there is a charge of $9 (+ tax) for self parking.
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available at all of the Deluxe Resorts for $12 per day. These are the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Contemporary, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Boardwalk, Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge Resorts
Guests using the valet service are only charged once per day. Simply show the attendant at the resort the parking receipt and you will not incur additional charges for that day except tipping for the attendants. You are normally given a coloured hang tag that will identify to the attendants that you have already paid that day.
If you are staying at a Disney deluxe resort and are using valet parking, give them your room number and the charge will be made to your room bill. If you are in a in a hurry or want to save time then when you are ready to leave your room you can telephone the valet and they will have your car waiting for you by the time you get to the front entrance. If you are not staying at the Resort, you pay the valet captain when you return to collect your car.It is usual to tip the attendant when you pick the car up, generally $1 or $2.
Disney Vacation Club members can no longer get free valet parking.
Disney Dining Experience Members can valet park free of charge at any Disney resort offering this service by showing their DDE membership card, again please remember it is customary to tip.
Valet parking is free of charge to all vehicles displaying a disabled tag at all Disney facilities offering valet service.
At the Swan and Dolphin hotels, valet parking is $12.00 (+ tax) for day parking, and $16.00 (+ tax) for overnight parking. Disney resorts' valet receipts are not accepted by the Swan and Dolphin or vice versa.
Remember to give the valet attendant a tip when they retrieve your car.
AAA Parking
Some vacation packages through AAA are given a special "Diamond" parking card. If you show this card to the Cast Member who is directing traffic in the parking lot, they will allow you to park in a special AAA parking area if there is room.
For the latest WDW parking information and costs, always visit this page.