I love all the hotels too
Just saying that lots of great, very close by hotels have pay for parking and most of them resort fees, although I think like everybody gets those waived with a package or hotel status or whatever. I think its just a matter of what's "normal" - paying parking is a fact of life for me, or Ubering. Its not something I ever think of, I mean if I want to see a local tiny band tonight - I'm paying to park or Ubering. The only place I regularly go that I don't pay for parking is Target. All of the hotels close to me in Nashville, are pay to park - unless you go out in the burbs. Its just the cost of living. That's where we differ, you said "its a very big deal to me" - its just not for me. I pay to park where I get my hair and nails done. Stinks that it bothers you, but using my hometown as an instance, which isn't exactly "the big city." Would you not visit the Opryland Hotel? There is not free parking its $28 or $38 for valet. You can't park in the river, and they've walled off access from the mall. If its a deal breaker for you at WDW - where would you stay? Or, would you ditch the car? Honestly, curious! I love hearing about other's travel styles, so I'm definitely not arguing, just curious
The one good thing about WDW is you can easily hop between their resorts - I love it, without having to fuss with driving. Tons of transport options and cheap Ubers - they can keep their Minnie Vans though