AAA Diamond lots?

[Ursine1]

I seem to remember that on my last trip to Disney World (several years ago) there were reserved sections in each park parking lot for AAA members. I think they were near the front, but off to the side... near the handicapped area I think. Does anyone know if they still exist? They came in really handy when arriving at a park in the afternoon (after hopping form one park to another).

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I've never seen them at any of the other parks, but at the Magic Kingdom, they're the most inconvenient spots. You're better off parking in a regular row. The Diamond lot is in the far corner by the handicapped spaces. No tram access, you must walk. And it's a 5-10 minute walk.

 

[cpl100]

I have never used the pass, but I just got one today. So they do exist.

If anyone has experience about using them, please post or pm me.

Thanks.

 

[betterlatethannever]

AAA diamond lots

At Epcot, after going through the toll booth, stay to your LEFT. There will be a little sign stating (among other things) to follow the GREEN line (if I remember right) for the AAA lot. You will end up in the 2nd row of the lot farthest left of the Epcot entrance.

At MGM, the AAA spots are at the end of each row, right where the tram picks up/srops off.

AK - no personal experience with where they are at.

 

[cpl100]

The MGM ones sound great. Were the Epcot ones good too or more like the person stated for MK?

Thank you.

 

[Gillian]

If the MK AAA spots are near the handicapped spots, does that mean the handicapped spaces are really bad? Usually it's good to park next to them.

I do remember once we got to the MK really early and the attendant said the regular spaces (they were filling the 2nd row at that time) were better than the AAA ones.

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by Gillian
If the MK AAA spots are near the handicapped spots, does that mean the handicapped spaces are really bad? Usually it's good to park next to them.

I do remember once we got to the MK really early and the attendant said the regular spaces (they were filling the 2nd row at that time) were better than the AAA ones.

I drove to Disney with my Dad who is disabled and we have the appropriate placard on the car. He walks with a cane and has some vision problems. The Handicapped spaces are meant for those who must use a wheelchair and cannot board the tram. The spaces are close but the tram drops you off closer.

The attendant told us just to let the parking attendant in the "regular" lot know you have a disabled person in your car and they will direct you to a space that is very close to the tram. We boarded the tram with the rest of the guests. I am glad we used this system instead of the handicapped spaces because it was more convenient.

I would only use handicapped parking if you are unable to board the tram.

 

[erikthewise]

Last year we parked at AK after lunch on a very slow day; there were no CMs directing parking. We ended up parking in an area with green diamonds or something because it was close and not handicapped. The green markings meant nothing to me at the time but afterward I thought it might be the AAA parking. It was on the far right of the lot so I ended up there naturally after following the parking arrows all the way around.

We are AAA members but weren't using a AAA package or anything. There was no enforcement and no problem parking there.

 

[SueM in MN]

The Handicapped spaces
are meant for those who must use a wheelchair and cannot
board the tram. The spaces are close but the tram drops
you off closer. ...We boarded the tram with the rest of the guests.
I am glad we used this system instead of the handicapped
spaces because it was more convenient.

I would only use handicapped parking if you are unable to
board the tram.

I'd agree totally with that. The handicapped lots are not that close to the entrance (except at MGM) - in fact, it's usually quite a hike. If you have a wheelchair that can be folded up or will be renting a wheelchair or ecv (scooter) in the parks, it's better to ask for a spot close to the tram.
We have seen the AA lots and they are usually close to the handicapped parking with no tram.

 

[betterlatethannever]

Originally posted by cpl100
The MGM ones sound great. Were the Epcot ones good too or more like the person stated for MK?

Thank you.

The Epcot lot is similar to MK in that there is no tram service. But, I think, since you are parking in the second row (first row is handicap) you could get pretty close.

 

[cpl100]

Thanks for the information.

 

[SueM in MN]

But, I think, since you are parking in the second row (first
row is handicap) you could get pretty close.

At Epcot, the handicapped parking is past the road where the trams leave you off (past the monorail track). There are several rows of handicapped parking (4 or 5, if I remember right). I'm not sure if the AA parking is just after those or not. But, you would walk farther in the AA or handicapped parking than you are likely to if you park in the regular lot and use the trams.