FREE Parking Close to the Swan/Dolphin

[dotsofunn]

We are staying at the Dolphin in a couple of weeks and really don't want to pay to park when we will be using Disney transportation most of the time. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there somewhere to park within walking distance. We do need a car some of the time for other things that we will be doing...but don't want to pay the $12 for self-parking.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

 

[Lynne M]

There's really no way around it. Nearby hotel lots are for the guests of those resorts, and parking at a theme park overnight would be very inconvenient, if they even allow it.

 

[skelooch]

How about at Fantasia Gardens mini golf. It's a bit of a walk, over a 1/4 mile from the ground floor entrance at the rear of the building.
Just a suggestion, don't know if it would be allowed, if it is I'm sure you won't be the only one parking there.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I honestly don't see how you can park anywhere else like Fantasia Gardens because eventually it closes and if Disney Security saw your car parked there when no one else was, wouldn't they think something was wrong and wouldn't sense why it would still be there.

 

[Danibelle]

I think you are stuck with self-parking. If your car is left in a theme park lot overnight, you might be towed.

 

[Lewisc]

You need to include resort fee and (if you'll have a car) the cost to park when you evaluate the cost of the S/D vs the cost of other resorts. Guests who won't have a car need to include the cost of transportation from MCO to the S/D.

You might get away with Fantasia Gardens for one night but there might be "issues" and/or possible towing the second night.

S/D are great hotels. Great location. Good rates. You just need to look at your total costs.

edited to add

I'd be concerned with my car being stolen, or broken into, if I left it overnight in a theme park or at Fantasia Gardens.

 

[BebopBaloo]

Definitely don't park anywhere other than the Dolphin/Swan parking lots. As others have said, your car will be in danger of being towed if you leave it parked at Fantasia Gardens, or some place similar. It stinks that they charge for parking, but that's part of the Dolphin/Swan package now..unfortunately :/

 

[Polydweller]

The other thing about Fantasia Gardens is that Disney has figured that one out. It has become common for a CM to be at the entrance asking why you are there. If they see you walk towards Swan/Dolphin they will have you remove your car.

 

[madalex]

We are staying at the Dolphin in a couple of weeks and really don't want to pay to park when we will be using Disney transportation most of the time. Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there somewhere to park within walking distance. We do need a car some of the time for other things that we will be doing...but don't want to pay the $12 for self-parking.

If the daily parking fee at the Dolphin puts you over the edge of being able to afford that resort, perhaps you should consider staying at a less expensive resort which is within your budget.

 

[goofy4tink]

Parking costs are part of 'doing business' at the S/D. That's just a fact of life. If you don't want to pay for it, then you may have to look elsewhere to stay. I know that I'm not crazy about having to pay $15 a night to park at Hard Rock, but that's the way it is. Disney's free parking at their resorts has spoiled me.