AAA Parking Perk?

[AntePrincess]

I've read in several places that you receive free parking in a special reserved for AAA parking lot at the theme parks, but I'm not certain if you get the perk simply by showing your membership card as you come to the parking lot or do you have to book your vacation through AAA to get it? If it's true you are directed to a reserved lot can anyone who's BTDT give me feedback on it? I'm strongly considering going value or moderate and driving my own car from resort to the parks.

 

[vicki_c]

A - it is not free parking. You still have to pay, you just get to park in a reserved area near the front of the lot.

B - it is a certificate/pass and you can get it through AAA. Depending on your AAA local policies, you may get it just by asking (if you are a member of course), you may get it for purchasing tickets, or they may require that you book a full WDW travel package through them.

Some people seem to love it. I've never had one, but never felt the need. We arrive early enough to get decent parking places anyway and we also don't mind riding the tram up to the front of the parks.

 

[Jestocost]

A - it is not free parking. You still have to pay, you just get to park in a reserved area near the front of the lot.

OP: If you are staying on-site at a Disney resort, parking is free at the theme parks and you will not have to pay. But, as vicki_c noted, the perk for AAA is not free parking; it's parking in a "preferred" area (subject to availability, and I have heard that the AAA area does fill up).

 

[vicki_c]

OP: If you are staying on-site at a Disney resort, parking is free at the theme parks and you will not have to pay. But, as vicki_c noted, the perk for AAA is not free parking; it's parking in a "preferred" area (subject to availability, and I have heard that the AAA area does fill up).

Thanks - good point - wasn't thinking about having free parking anyway if you are on-site.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've read in several places that you receive free parking in a special reserved for AAA parking lot at the theme parks, but I'm not certain if you get the perk simply by showing your membership card as you come to the parking lot or do you have to book your vacation through AAA to get it? If it's true you are directed to a reserved lot can anyone who's BTDT give me feedback on it? I'm strongly considering going value or moderate and driving my own car from resort to the parks.

I've been with someone using the AAA parking permit. Yes, it got us a 'bit' closer to the park entrances. But, not nearly close enough for me to get all excited about it.
AAA offices have varying policies regarding this. Some will give the parking permit to any AAA member. Others will want you to buy at least park passes through them. While other offices have you book a pkg though them. You should check with you particular AAA office and find out what their policy is.

As far as driving to the parks...if you drive to MK, you will park at the TTC and then have to either ferry or monorail over to MK itself. It makes much more sense to just take the bus from your resort. The other parks are a bit better about parking areas. I have never had an issue with the buses at WDW. In all honesty??? I have had the best bus service at Pop vs a deluxe resort!!!! And the moderates aren't too far behind!! Yes, they have multiple stops within the resort, but the buses still work very well.

 

[AntePrincess]

A - it is not free parking. You still have to pay, you just get to park in a reserved area near the front of the lot.

Ok, thanks for clearing that up. I will be getting free parking through staying on site anyway, but I was confused.

B - it is a certificate/pass and you can get it through AAA. Depending on your AAA local policies, you may get it just by asking (if you are a member of course), you may get it for purchasing tickets, or they may require that you book a full WDW travel package through them.

Hmm, there are a few within driving distance, if I decide to drive vs using the buses I might check out the options.

OP: If you are staying on-site at a Disney resort, parking is free at the theme parks and you will not have to pay. But, as vicki_c noted, the perk for AAA is not free parking; it's parking in a "preferred" area (subject to availability, and I have heard that the AAA area does fill up).

Hmm. Doesn't sound like much of a perk in the end, and I've heard the preferred seating for the fireworks is no great shakes either. I wonder if any of the AAA Disney perks are worth it.

As far as driving to the parks...if you drive to MK, you will park at the TTC and then have to either ferry or monorail over to MK itself. It makes much more sense to just take the bus from your resort. The other parks are a bit better about parking areas. I have never had an issue with the buses at WDW. In all honesty??? I have had the best bus service at Pop vs a deluxe resort!!!! And the moderates aren't too far behind!! Yes, they have multiple stops within the resort, but the buses still work very well.

TBH, I'm fine with the buses, but I've heard bad things about them if we end up camping at FW and DH wants to know the options. Thanks, though!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

If you are staying at FW take the Boat to the MK.

I drive to most parks. I NEVER drive to MK. Drive, take a tram or walk, take a boat are the 'undependable' monorial (Holding for Clearance is not my favorite chant... and a squirrel can disrupt that thing LOL!)

Where as the resort buses and boats let you skip directly to the gate without the other transport methods! Just SO much nicer!

 

[goodferry]

We just returned and had a pass that a AAA agent friend gave us (we are members) and it worked great for us. We were just as close to the front of the park as handicap parking at the three parks we drove to.
As far as ease of access comparing driving to using the buses I can't compare a five minute drive to a 25 minute (best case scenario) bus experience, there is no contest. The Disney buses are absolutely easy to use, but fast they are not.
We did not drive to the Magic Kingdom, that's a headache!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

May I suggest you also take the bus/boat/monorail/feet etc if you plan to indulge in adult beverages. I am almost certain I saw a DUI arrest on my last visit. Man was out of the car and it looked to me like they were doing "sobriety" testing. I somehow doubt the Orange County jail is near as nice as your hotel room!

 

[meanpc]

My wife bought a AAA pass on ebay for $5. The parking was a lot closer than the standard parking lot. Last time we went to Disney, we took the buses every time. This time we drove the entire time. Driving to the parks is WAY quicker and less stressful in my opinion.

Oh, we are not AAA members. Ethical to use the pass? Probably not.

 

[goofy4tink]

My wife bought a AAA pass on ebay for $5. The parking was a lot closer than the standard parking lot. Last time we went to Disney, we took the buses every time. This time we drove the entire time. Driving to the parks is WAY quicker and less stressful in my opinion.

Oh, we are not AAA members. Ethical to use the pass? Probably not.

Ethical? Nope. Legal? Nope. Did you fail to notice the 'not for sale and non-transferrable' on the passes? It is expressly against AAA rules to do that.

But...people continue to do it. As long as their group benefits, it doesn't seem to matter whether or not its the right thing to do.