handicap parking

[vhoffman]

I have a handicapped permit. Does anyone know if parking at the parks is free or reduced price if one has this permit? We're not staying on site, otherwise parking would be free regardless. Also, how is the handicapped parking? Are there ample spaces? Is the handicapped thing enforced--that is, do they really look for those permits and tow if necessary? Shame on people for using those spaces if they're not entitled to them. My SIL routinely used her grandmother's permit, although she's not handicapped. Well, they do expire after a certain number of years (varies by state). She was using her grandmother's permit even after Granny died. Well, her permit expired this year. SIL was groaning and moaning about not having a permit now. Then, about a month ago, SIL had a stroke. She is now entitled to her very own permit. Don't tempt fate, or, in other words, be careful what you wish for...

 

[DMRick]

You still pay full price for parking. The handicap parking allows you just that..handicap parking. When I went with my broken leg, I was told the valet parking was free at the resorts (when we went out to eat), but we didn't test it. Hubby dropped me off and went and parked. We found in some instances, that like the AAA parking, sometimes the parking was better in the regular lots and then took the trams..no trams that I remember in the handicap parking, and sometimes the "walk" was longer than if we had taken a tram. We were allowed to park on an end, nearer the tram in the regular lot once, which helped. You get a new respect for those who need the handicap resources..I didn't enjoy the work involved in dragging crutches, and being pushed in a wheelchair. I think (no, I know) I have a lot more patience and understanding now, for those who have to over come all that comes with that handicap permit.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

If you stay off-site, unless you have an annual pass you must pay for parking at the four major parks.

If you have "HP" plates or a state-issued "disabled" hnag tag there is no charge for the valet parking at the resorts. When the valets see a car where the user has a wheelchair or ECV they normally will not charge, but it was suggested to me that I have the hang tag on the mirror anyway. This way if a supervisor was patrolling the lot there would be proof that you were entitled to no fee.

However please tip the valets. They have always been tip positions and they don't get any of the fee. Normally I tip them $1 or $2 each way, depending on the weather and if I do not need my ECV handled. If I will be using my ECV I expect the valets to assist with removal from the trunk and set up, as well as disassembly and putting in the trunk; then I will tip $5.00. A few very rare times I did not receive assistance with the ECV; in those instances there was both no tip and a discussion with a supervisor.

I don't think they tow from the lots, but they do call in the police departments on occasion for enforcement; in Orange County the ticket for illegal parking in a handicap space is $250.00.

All the parking lots have special wheechairs at no charge at disabled parking, which may be used to get you up to the gate but NOT into the park, and again at the gate to get you back to disbled parking.

At Epcot and the Studio disabled parking is very close. At Animal Kingdom it is about the same distance as the tram drop-off. For the Magic Kingdom, if you don't haveor need a wheelchair you might be better off in one of the special parking places right next to the tram aisle; just ask the parking attendant.

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't have a lot to add to what DMRick had to say, but I'll confirm and add some info.
Yes, you do pay full price for parking at the parks. At the resorts, valet parking is free with a handicapped parking permit (although tipping the CM is a good idea).

Handicapped parking at Epcot, AK and MK can be quite a hike (and no tram, as DMRick mentioned).
The handicapped parking at the studio is very close to the entrance. If you will be renting a wheelchair in the parks, you might be better off parking in the regular parking area and ask to be at the end of the row, near the tram stop. That would give a much shorter walk than parking in the handicapped parking area.

We sometimes have a hard time finding a spot at Epcot and have sometimes had to park on the far edges of the handicapped parking at AK. The Studio is usually OK. We stay on site, so we take the bus to MK rather than parking. You should be aware at MK that there is a long, steep ramp to get up and down from the monorail station (you have to get up to the station 20 feet up in the air). So, it's easier to take the boat from MK parking to MK.

I have never seen anyone towed, but we have been told by CMs that the local police do cruise the lots and anyone who parks there without a permit risks a ticket ($200 minimum) or tow.

If you have any other questions about touring with a disability, please follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board.

PS. I noticed when I posted that Cheshire Figment posted as I was typing mine.