Not Eligible For Disabled Parking, How About AAA Diamond Parking?

[Disneylvr]

I am asking my questions here rather than the transportation board because you are all so much friendlier....

The reason I want the AAA parking is that our daughter with autism is not eligible for a disabled parking placard in our state. We want to get a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible to avoid having to fold up the Maclaren Major Elite Pushchair for the tram.

My two questions are:

1. We have already purchased a Disney package through Dreams Unlimited (not AAA) but my parents have a room only reservation so I am thinking about purchasing their park tickets at the local AAA office. From what I understand you can get the AAA Diamond Parking Pass by just purchasing WDW park hoppers?

2. Are the AAA Diamond Parking lots really that close to the park entrance to make this a worthwhile option? Where are the lots at each park and at the TTC?

We are just 13 days away from our trip and I am starting to panic. This will also be our first trip using the larger stroller (pushchair) and I don't know how it is going to be but it is necessary for Madelyn to have. Please share any experiences you may have with the AAA Diamond Parking! Thank you so much.

[Schmeck]

I believe if you tell the CMs directing the parking lot traffic that you have a wheelchair but no HC placard that they have reserve spots at the ends of the rows close to the HC parking. I'm sure people with more experience with this will be online soon to give more info!

[Ms_Butterfly]

Like the PP said, there are spots at the ends of the rows reserved for ppl with special needs. You could ask a parking lot CM if your daughter might qualify for that. As far as I know, you are not obligated to take the tram; you can just walk from your car to the park no matter the distance.

[Disneylvr]

Like the PP said, there are spots at the ends of the rows reserved for ppl with special needs. You could ask a parking lot CM if your daughter might qualify for that. As far as I know, you are not obligated to take the tram; you can just walk from your car to the park no matter the distance.

Well let's just say DH and I are not in the best shape and we want to avoid a looooooooong walk to the park entrance especially since we'll be pushing the pushchair all day long. :)

[Ms_Butterfly]

Heh, you won't be the only out-of-shape ppl at Disney, that's for sure! ;)

If you are staying at Disney, you can also use Disney transportation for free (buses, boats, and monorail) and you can usually keep a special needs strolled unfolded on the boats and monorail in the accessible areas.

Won't your stroller be folded up in your car anyway? So, keep it folded 'til you get off the tram and when you leave, keep it folded from just before getting on the tram 'til you need it at your next stop.

[SueM in MN]

I am asking my questions here rather than the transportation board because you are all so much friendlier....

The reason I want the AAA parking is that our daughter with autism is not eligible for a disabled parking placard in our state. We want to get a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible to avoid having to fold up the Maclaren Major Elite Pushchair for the tram.

My two questions are:

1. We have already purchased a Disney package through Dreams Unlimited (not AAA) but my parents have a room only reservation so I am thinking about purchasing their park tickets at the local AAA office. From what I understand you can get the AAA Diamond Parking Pass by just purchasing WDW park hoppers?
It depends on the AAA office. Some will only give out the parking tickets if you purchase an entire package. Some will give it for buying park passes and some might be nice and give you one because of your DD's special needs even if you don't meet what their office's guidelines are.
So, it won't hurt to ask.
2. Are the AAA Diamond Parking lots really that close to the park entrance to make this a worthwhile option? Where are the lots at each park and at the TTC?
They are usually just beyond where the handicapped parking is, so yes, they are closer. That doesn't necessarily mean you won't walk. Some of the walks are still quite long, especially if you are at the end of the lot and there is no tram service.
MK especially. And at MK, if you drive, you are not at the park entrance right away. You will still need to ride either a boat or monorail to get from the Ticket and Transportation Center to the park entrance.
I would suggest you take the boat since going on and off the monorail involves a trip up and down a very long steep ramp.
Heh, you won't be the only out-of-shape ppl at Disney, that's for sure! ;)

If you are staying at Disney, you can also use Disney transportation for free (buses, boats, and monorail) and you can usually keep a special needs strolled unfolded on the boats and monorail in the accessible areas.

Won't your stroller be folded up in your car anyway? So, keep it folded 'til you get off the tram and when you leave, keep it folded from just before getting on the tram 'til you need it at your next stop.
That's a good suggestion.
As long as you are parked close to the tram loading area, you won't need to walk much with your DD and can get her onto the tram with the stroller still folded. If you are planning to bring along a child harness for her, that would be a good time to use it.
I believe if you tell the CMs directing the parking lot traffic that you have a wheelchair but no HC placard that they have reserve spots at the ends of the rows close to the HC parking. I'm sure people with more experience with this will be online soon to give more info!
you are correct, they do.::yes::
Let them know you have a child with special needs with a wheelchair (that is, after all, what your special needs stroller is) and need to park close to the tram. You can quickly explain your needs to the first CM you come to and ask what to (special needs stroller you would need to fold for tram, larger than a regular special needs stroller that may be hard to hold on the tram, child with autism who would not be safe walking a long distance from parking to the tram).
They may direct you to park in the regular lot near to the tram in any row. They may direct you to park in one of the rows close to the entrance or they may direct you to what they call "Medical Parking".
The "Medical Parking" lot includes designated handicapped parking spots - those are marked with a handicapped parking sign or blue painted lines (the recognized sign for handicapped parking). Don't park in any of those marked spots without a handicapped parking perm it because you could get a ticket. There are other spots in those lots that are not marked as handicapped; if you are directed to that lot, you can use those spots without a problem.
Even though you might be allowed to have the stroller open and tied down in the wheelchair spot on the bus, I would not recommend that. There is too much risk of the frame of your stroller being bent by attaching the tiedowns.

[Disneylvr]

We are staying at CBR this time and the buses are our only choice of transportation. They will most likely have us fold the stroller/pushchair each time we board. Since it is not your average size stroller it is going to big and bulky on buses especially crowded ones. Honestly, I have never been a big fan of Disney's buses (I think standing on them is unsafe) and we stopped using them regularly about 8 years ago, even before DD was born. Now that Madelyn is traveling and has autism, the buses are not good for our family. We do use the boat and monorail transportation.

Regardless of whether or not we get AAA Diamond Parking, we will be driving to all of the parks since we are staying at CBR (no monorail). I just hope that AAA Diamond Parking might make it more convenient. After searching and searching on the AAA website (we are members) I found this in the section about purchasing theme park tickets from AAA:

Walt Disney World®

General Questions, applicable to all Disney World passes.
What is parking like at Disney World?

You will be required to pay for parking as you enter the lot. However, with the purchase of Disney World tickets, you'll receive a voucher allowing access to the Diamond Parking lot at the current price (certain blackout dates may apply). The Diamond Parking lot is located near the gate entrance.

Note: The voucher is not a free parking pass, members will be required to pay the regular parking price.

[SueM in MN]

Regardless of whether or not we get AAA Diamond Parking, we will be driving to all of the parks since we are staying at CBR (no monorail). I just hope that AAA Diamond Parking might make it more convenient.
If you have someone nice at your AAA office and buy your tickets there, you may very well be able to explain your needs and get them to bend their rules.
I know that some local offices give them out only to people buying packages; others for anyone buying anything and some give them out to any members that ask.
If you are in an area with more than 1 AAA office, it might be worthwhile to call and ask - like ask about ticket prices and then say you have heard about the AAA parking passes and wonder if you could get one with your ticket purchase. If that office says yes, then buy them there. If not, you just called for information. If you only have one office, I'd just go and explain your situation.

[Disneylvr]

I forgot to add, yes the stroller/pushchair will be folded in the trunk of the car but the footrest and sunshade(it's huge!) do not fold and will be VERY awkward to carry on the tram and try to hold on to Madelyn and the folded stroller at the same time.

I'll just call the local office tomorrow and see if they will give us the parking pass. We do have a package currently booked with then for August (but we are canceling). As I said above, our March trip is booked through DU.

[bookwormde]

It looks like your state is on the process of trying to change their laws to be compliant with the ADA standard. Here is a link.

http://www.house.mo.gov/billtracking/bills091/biltxt/intro/HB0300I.htm

It does not look like if it passes the effective date is before your trip.

You might want to call the sponsoring lawmakers office to see if there is anything that can be done in the interim to allow you access to disable spaces (and placard or license) since it is well established that for safety issues Autism qualifies as a disability in these cases. Here is a link to his info.

http://house.mo.gov/member.aspx?district=047

Here is a links to discussion of this issue in MO

http://www.autismgo.com/Autism-Diagnosis/is-a-autism-diagnosis-enough-for-handicap-plates-in-mo/

This info may not be much help with you short time frame until your trip but it might be useful in the long run.

bookwormde

[livndisney]

Something else to consider, one person can drop off stroller, child and an adult at the "drop off" points in the parking lots. They can then go park the car and hop the tram to the entrance to meet up with the rest of the family.

I know the drop off at MK and EP are about as close to the entrance as you can get. (The one at MK is still at the TTC but as close to the monorail as a car is allowed).

[SueM in MN]

Something else to consider, one person can drop off stroller, child and an adult at the "drop off" points in the parking lots. They can then go park the car and hop the tram to the entrance to meet up with the rest of the family.

I know the drop off at MK and EP are about as close to the entrance as you can get. (The one at MK is still at the TTC but as close to the monorail as a car is allowed).
Another very good point.
All the parks have drop off points that are quite close to the entrance. Tell them you want to do that at the entrance booth to the parking area and they will direct you what to do.

[DisneyFreaks]

Not trying to hijack this thread but I have a question about the AAA parking lot. We purchased our tickets at our local AAA office and the lady there gave us a parking pass when she saw that I use a cane. She said it may be more convenient for me and I appreciate her gesture. We are staying onsite at AKV. Do we still pay to park in this lot? And do we surrender the pass or can it be used again? Are there AAA lots in all of the parks that the pass can be used at as well? Thanks for any information concerning this.

[Schmeck]

Not trying to hijack this thread but I have a question about the AAA parking lot. We purchased our tickets at our local AAA office and the lady there gave us a parking pass when she saw that I use a cane. She said it may be more convenient for me and I appreciate her gesture. We are staying onsite at AKV. Do we still pay to park in this lot? And do we surrender the pass or can it be used again? Are there AAA lots in all of the parks that the pass can be used at as well? Thanks for any information concerning this.

If you are an onsite guest, parking at the theme parks is free, whether or not you have AAA pass, or a placard. You'll get a card to put on your dashboard at check-in.

If you are staying offsite, then parking is not free, even if you have a placard or AAA pass.

[Chuck S]

Not trying to hijack this thread but I have a question about the AAA parking lot. We purchased our tickets at our local AAA office and the lady there gave us a parking pass when she saw that I use a cane. She said it may be more convenient for me and I appreciate her gesture. We are staying onsite at AKV. Do we still pay to park in this lot? And do we surrender the pass or can it be used again? Are there AAA lots in all of the parks that the pass can be used at as well? Thanks for any information concerning this.

Even with AAA parking, or a handicap parking placard, unless there is a reason to NOT use the bus, I abolutely recommend using the bus for Magic Kingdom. The HA/AAA parking at the MK requires you to walk down and up a steep ramp under a road to get to the TTC, before boarding a monorail (another steep ramp) or taking the boat.

The other parks are OK, but the MK is really inconvenient.

[Disneylvr]

Even with AAA parking, or a handicap parking placard, unless there is a reason to NOT use the bus, I abolutely recommend using the bus for Magic Kingdom. The HA/AAA parking at the MK requires you to walk down and up a steep ramp under a road to get to the TTC, before boarding a monorail (another steep ramp) or taking the boat.

The other parks are OK, but the MK is really inconvenient.

That is good to know....for the last 2 trips we have stayed at a monorail resort and this is the first time we are staying at a moderate with DD in 5 years. The first time she was just a baby but I think we still parked at the TTC and used the tram....not sure though. She is much bigger now and with a much bigger stroller/pushchair. We are dining at Kona Cafe on our MK day, is valet parking at the Poly a legal option to park there for the day?

[Cheshire Figment]

We are dining at Kona Cafe on our MK day, is valet parking at the Poly a legal option to park there for the day?
No, it is not. I have used valet parking at several of the monorail hotels for dinner and have had a time-stamped ticket put on the dashboard when I left the car.

[Disneylvr]

No, it is not. I have used valet parking at several of the monorail hotels for dinner and have had a time-stamped ticket put on the dashboard when I left the car.

So even if you pay $12 plus tip for valet there is a 3 hour limit? Oh well, just a thought. I guess we'll be busing to MK or driving to the TTC, no biggie. I am just looking for ways to make this as easy as possible.

[DisneyFreaks]

Even with AAA parking, or a handicap parking placard, unless there is a reason to NOT use the bus, I abolutely recommend using the bus for Magic Kingdom. The HA/AAA parking at the MK requires you to walk down and up a steep ramp under a road to get to the TTC, before boarding a monorail (another steep ramp) or taking the boat.
The other parks are OK, but the MK is really inconvenient.

I totally agree. That walk just about finished me for the day last trip. I guess I was hoping that maybe the AAA lot was a bit closer. My family hates riding the bus so they may just have to drop me off up front and then go park. Thanks Chuck. Thanks to you as well Schmeck!

[Cheshire Figment]

So even if you pay $12 plus tip for valet there is a 3 hour limit? Oh well, just a thought. I guess we'll be busing to MK or driving to the TTC, no biggie. I am just looking for ways to make this as easy as possible.
If you have a handicap tag they waive the valet parking fee at the deluxe resorts.

To park within the toll areas (parking lots for the Theme Parks) which includes the monorail hotels, SoG and WL and FW you have to either be staying at a Disney Resort or have an AP. Valet parking at the deluxe resorts is a separate fee.

[dclfun]

Just remember that with a disability placard and "free" valet parking, you would need to tip so it really isn't free. I know at MK the AAA lot would still be quite a hike- I would also suggest at least taking the bus to that park- it's even worse coming back to your vehicle at the end of the day!---Kathy

[Disneylvr]

Autism in the state of Missouri is not eligible for the disabled placard, my reason for starting this thread in the first place. I am looking for alternatives (like valet parking at a resort we have breakfast ADR's) that will make our trip with a large special needs pushchair/stroller a little easier. Busses are not an option with DD's sensory problems. We are perfectly willing to pay $12 (or more of the price has gone up) plus tip for valet but not if there is a time limit on parking. We have gotten some good ideas from this thread and I thank everyone!

[lalapodip]

I forgot to add, yes the stroller/pushchair will be folded in the trunk of the car but the footrest and sunshade(it's huge!) do not fold and will be VERY awkward to carry on the tram and try to hold on to Madelyn and the folded stroller at the same time.


Hi - I know that you've had your questions answered, but I just wanted to add something about the stroller. We used this exact stroller until 2007, when my son turned 12, and the biggest pain was the fact that you have to remove the footrest when you collapse the stroller. My biggest fear at WDW was that we would leave it behind somewhere, so I was going to suggest that you bring some sort of tote to carry it in (they had a nice size WDW tote for sale in 2007 that worked great!). We never had the sunshade, so I have no idea how big that is!

We used the AAA Diamond parking pass years ago when we drove, and I remember it being worthwhile as far as being closer for all of the parks except MK, as posted earlier. Good luck at the AAA office!

And I also wanted to wish you a safe and happy trip!! :)

[bopper]

If you could park near the end of the row, couldn't you take your pushchair out of the car, not unfold it, and just get into the tram? I guess it depends if your DD must be in it pretty much all the time or only for long distances.

[Disneylvr]

Hi - I know that you've had your questions answered, but I just wanted to add something about the stroller. We used this exact stroller until 2007, when my son turned 12, and the biggest pain was the fact that you have to remove the footrest when you collapse the stroller. My biggest fear at WDW was that we would leave it behind somewhere, so I was going to suggest that you bring some sort of tote to carry it in (they had a nice size WDW tote for sale in 2007 that worked great!). We never had the sunshade, so I have no idea how big that is!

We used the AAA Diamond parking pass years ago when we drove, and I remember it being worthwhile as far as being closer for all of the parks except MK, as posted earlier. Good luck at the AAA office!

And I also wanted to wish you a safe and happy trip!! :)

Thank you!!! The sunshade is pretty big and not very bendable but DD has very fair skin and isn't always cooperative about sunscreen so it is necessary.... I think I have figured it out though. I will bring my BIG Disney tote (I bet it is the same one you are thinking about, we bought it last year for $10) and the sunshade bends enough that I think I can squeeze it in while we are on the tram and the footrest will definitely fit in there. I will carry the bag on my shoulder, my baggalini will be on my back and I will hold Madelyn firmly by the hand. DH will be responsible for the folded pushchair. We may still try to get the AAA Diamond Parking but not use it at the TTC.

[Disneylvr]

If you could park near the end of the row, couldn't you take your pushchair out of the car, not unfold it, and just get into the tram? I guess it depends if your DD must be in it pretty much all the time or only for long distances.

Madelyn, when walking long distances or is in crowded areas/lines, must be in the pushchair. She can walk fine but is known for running away from us (including in front of cars) and not respecting others personal space. The stroller is also a safe place she can escape to when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

[livndisney]

Madelyn, when walking long distances or is in crowded areas/lines, must be in the pushchair. She can walk fine but is known for running away from us (including in front of cars) and not respecting others personal space. The stroller is also a safe place she can escape to when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

A word of advice. In the parking lot, there are not "lines" for boarding the tram. It has really become more of a free for all crowd scene. I know my DD struggles with the mass confusion. People often push people out of the way to board the tram. We actually had a woman plop herself on my lap in an attempt to board the tram. Also you are right there with moving cars.

Depending on when you arrive at a park, you may be near the front and just assemble her chair and walk to the park avoiding the tram completely.

[Disneylvr]

A word of advice. In the parking lot, there are not "lines" for boarding the tram. It has really become more of a free for all crowd scene. I know my DD struggles with the mass confusion. People often push people out of the way to board the tram. We actually had a woman plop herself on my lap in an attempt to board the tram. Also you are right there with moving cars.

Depending on when you arrive at a park, you may be near the front and just assemble her chair and walk to the park avoiding the tram completely.

Oh I know, this is DD's 4th trip and my :blush: 22nd. You'd think by now I wouldn't have anymore questions, LOL! What I am still learning about is having a growing child with moderate autism and developmental delays... Unfortunately crowd confusion is hard to avoid at WDW but at least we can deal with it better IF Madelyn can stay in her chair (in the attraction lines, shows, on the monorail). We purposely avoid the bus but we have to do that OR the trams to somehow get to MK. That is why I was hopeful about valet parking at the Poly or Contemporary but I didn't know time limits were imposed. Last year it wasn't an issue, we stayed at the Poly. Unfortunately the Poly was not in our budget and we are staying at CBR. For part of the trip (3 days) we will have the extra hands of grandma and grandpa.

[Blueberry]

I am asking my questions here rather than the transportation board because you are all so much friendlier....

The reason I want the AAA parking is that our daughter with autism is not eligible for a disabled parking placard in our state. We want to get a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible to avoid having to fold up the Maclaren Major Elite Pushchair for the tram.

My two questions are:

1. We have already purchased a Disney package through Dreams Unlimited (not AAA) but my parents have a room only reservation so I am thinking about purchasing their park tickets at the local AAA office. From what I understand you can get the AAA Diamond Parking Pass by just purchasing WDW park hoppers?

2. Are the AAA Diamond Parking lots really that close to the park entrance to make this a worthwhile option? Where are the lots at each park and at the TTC?

We are just 13 days away from our trip and I am starting to panic. This will also be our first trip using the larger stroller (pushchair) and I don't know how it is going to be but it is necessary for Madelyn to have. Please share any experiences you may have with the AAA Diamond Parking! Thank you so much.

I use a ECV and I have a Disabled Blue parking placard from KY, so I know how important it is to park up close to the park entrances with any kind of mobility device.

Was mulling this over and kinda wondered if MO might issue you one of the red placards for a very specific amount of time, say for your trip if you spoke with them. The red placards are for temp disability and normally run a period of 6 months. Of course I know Autism is a permanent disability, but if they do not issue them for permanent disability they might for a temp thing with a doctors note or recommendation.

The AAA parking lots are located right near the HC ones in most parks. In MK it is next to the parking lot and actually quite a walk to the TTC from there.

Hope it works out for you, I know how hard it is if you have a long walk into the parks.

[livndisney]

Oh I know, this is DD's 4th trip and my :blush: 22nd. You'd think by now I wouldn't have anymore questions, LOL! What I am still learning about is having a growing child with moderate autism and developmental delays... Unfortunately crowd confusion is hard to avoid at WDW but at least we can deal with it better IF Madelyn can stay in her chair (in the attraction lines, shows, on the monorail). We purposely avoid the bus but we have to do that OR the trams to somehow get to MK. That is why I was hopeful about valet parking at the Poly or Contemporary but I didn't know time limits were imposed. Last year it wasn't an issue, we stayed at the Poly. Unfortunately the Poly was not in our budget and we are staying at CBR. For part of the trip (3 days) we will have the extra hands of grandma and grandpa.

Actually you CAN avoid both at MK. If you are dropped off in the drop of area at the TTC. The drop off is just outside the tunnel near the kennels. You could push her in her stroller right up to the monorail. Hubby can park the car and join you. And the drop off place is closer than AAA parking.

[Momof4girls]

Diamond parking isn't much better than regular in the MK lot. Animal kingdom, it's great. Epcot is okay. MGM (sorry - ahem - HS) is a bit of a trek, but not unbearable. Also, like mentioned above, it depends on where you end up in the row. Sometimes it's in the first row by the tram access other times it's waaaay down.

That said, no matter what you do - it's such a hassle to get the kids and a stroller to the MK gates. I highly recommend the boat and using a drop off system as mentioned earlier.

[Schmeck]

How about taking a taxi to your breakfast resort, then jumping on the monorail to MK after breakast? Then do the opposite at the end of the day?

Or valet park the car at the restaurant, have your husband drive to MK parking lot afterwards, and you and your daughter can ride the monorail?

[dclfun]

I would take advantage of any and all options- getting the Diamond parking pass from AAA if possible, having hubby drop you off to the entrances as close as possible, and asking a CM to park as close as possible on the end of a row, explaining that it is nearly impossible to fold up her special needs stroller to get on a tram. I don't understand the disability placard issue though in your state. Since she uses what is considered the same as a wheelchair and needs to be in it, then you would need the placard- it shouldn't be based on her diagnosis of autism- not all autistic kids would need disabled parking but yours does, for the reasons you mentioned. The form I've always had filled out by my physician lists several required criteria but nowhere is diagnosis considered or required.---Kathy

[Disneylvr]

I just thought I update this thread now that we are back..... we did not get a AAA Diamond Parking pass. I didn't even attempt to get one. What we did do is tell the parking lot CM's that DD was in a wheelchair. Usually they let us park in the "reserved" spots at the beginning of a row. Twice they had us park (once at MK and once at Epcot) in the row just behind the disabled parking area. Both of these options worked very well for us. We ended up not using the sunshade for the Maclaren pushchair as it was just too big and bulky to carry on the trams. We did remove the footrest and slip it inside my big 1971 WDW bag each time we boarded and of course folded the Maclaren.

As for parking at the Contemporary for our breakfast at Chef Mickey's. The guard at the gate did check to see if our name was on the ADR list. He then instructed us to where valet parking was and self parking. We were not given a 3 hour restriction so we left our car there for longer and went on to Epcot after breakfast. There were LOTS of empty spaces in self parking so maybe that is why we weren't restricted to 3 hours.

I will probably write a trip report later but I have to say that the CM's were more than accommodating to DD's needs and our trip was pretty much stress free. That is why we are already planning a trip for next year!!! Thank you everyone for all your tips regarding transportation and parking!!!

[kaytieeldr]

deleted/not needed

[dclfun]

I'm so glad to hear that everything worked out well. Can't wait to read your TR!---Kathy