Whether you live within driving distance of Disney World or you just find having a car is easier, you are going to want to read our tips. There have been some big changes to parking at Disney World recently and it has caused quite a stir. Before we get into the details of the changes, if you are looking for tips on getting around without a car you should read our Disney World transportation guide. So let’s take a deep dive into what you need to know about parking at Disney World.
How Much Does Disney World Parking Cost
Parking Costs for Disney World Resort Guests
At Disney World hotels, you NO LONGER have to pay for overnight parking. Fees were first put into place on bookings made March 21, 2018 and beyond. Starting on January 10, 2023, overnight self-parking will once again be offered complimentary to guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World
Disney Resort guests will still retain free parking at all Disney World theme parks. Simply, display your MagicBand at the parking booth. The attendant will simply scan and confirm your free parking admission. The same process is used when your return to your Disney resort hotel.
The breakdown is by resort type:
- Value resorts – $13 per night
- Moderate resorts – $19 per night
- Deluxe and DVC resorts – $24 per night
- Valet Parking – $33 per night available at select Disney Resorts
Offsite Disney World Parking Guests
You will be subjected to parking fees at all four of Disney World’s theme parks if you are not a Disney World resort guest or a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder.
Cost of Parking at Disney World Theme Parks
If you are not an Annual Passholder or a Disney World Resort Guest there is a parking fee. A parking pass is good all day at all 4 theme parks (Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park). Special, preferred parking is located conveniently close to the theme park entrances. All parking fees include applicable sales tax.
- Preferred parking – $45 to $50 per day (pricing is seasonal)
- Standard parking – $25 per day
- Oversized Vehicle Parking (Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus, or Tractor Trailer) – $30 per day
You can park at both Disney World water parks as well as Disney Springs for free.
Arrival Parking
All four Disney World theme parks have entrances where you will have to stop and pay for parking. These can best be described as toll booths. Here you will pay with cash or credit for the level of parking you would like. If you are a resort guest or Annual Passholder show the attendant your Magicband and they will scan it. If you are using an Annual Pass, they may ask to see your ID to confirm your identity.
Once you have paid the rest is pretty straightforward. Follow the signs or cast members to the spot you will need to park in. There are typically loads of them in the parking lot. If you arrive at a park within a couple of hours of closing you may find these cast members absent. Don’t worry this is normal just find an open spot yourself and park. I love when this happens since I can normally score I pretty good spot in the front!
Depending on where you park you may not be up for the walk to the front of the theme park. In which case I highly recommend waiting for the tram. The tram will take you to the front of the park or at the Magic Kingdom to the front of the Ticket and Transportation Center. They come around every 5 to 10 minutes and will help save your feet which have a lot of walking ahead of them!
Charging an Electric Vehicle at Disney World
Disney has several charging stations at Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, and Disney Springs. With the major parking lot renovations underway at Hollywood Studios, I suspect there will soon be some there as well. If you would like to take advantage of these charging locations ask Cast Member for directions to these charge ports when you arrive. The charging stations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To use this service, you will need a credit card or a pre-ordered ChargePoint card. These cards are 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.
If you are planning on driving to Disney World don’t stress about navigating. Disney World has simplified and clearly labeled to help ease the whole process of getting to where you need to go. Simply follow the giant purple signs to your destination on Disney World property. It’s important to make sure you note the recent change where resort guests are now charged for nightly parking. This makes renting a car less enticing and may even make flying vs. driving more cost-effective.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
