Handicapped parking

[slkant]

How close is the handicapped parking to the park entrances? Is it far enough away that we would need to take the trams (or at least I think I remember seeing trams on our last visit)? Is it hard to find available handicapped spots that are van-accessible (i.e. room for a side lift)?

I know the standard driving times from resorts to parks. How much extra time do I need to add to account for parking and getting to the entrances?

We will be staying at AKL and will have the option of using our van or the Disney bus system and I'm trying to figure out which will be most efficient for each park.

 

[binkyboots]

I found all the parking good (mgm was the best) but the parking at mk, well this time I think we may try using the bus...

it's not far, but if you are pushing a manual wheelchair with an adult in it, the hill under the road is fairly steep at the end of the night!

if disney transport suits you I'd go for it...

on the other hand if you're in an ecv I'd say take the car, the distance is not huge! I certainly dont mind it... just when I'm tired, lol.

the trams do not stop in the handicapped parking, they are not accesable, unless you can climb in and have a folding manual chair.

 

[mjkean]

The parking is located just past where you would pick up the tram. As you pull into the park, let the CM know that you need handicapped parking. We just put up our temp hang tag on the rearview mirror and pointed to it. They will direct you to the place to park. Keep in mind that the first space you come to, might not be the space closest to the park. Take a minute and look for the walkways. You will be glad you did when you leave.

We took the bus for MK, so I have no idea where to park there.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Yes, when you're going from AKL (or any Disney resort) to Magic Kingdom:
Take the bus! Take the bus! Take the bus!

 

[SueM in MN]

I agree. We have always had a van rented, but often take the buses to the other parks. We ALWAYS take the bus to MK.

For the other questions, there are not that many van accessible spots so you may have to look a bit. I'm thinking that since you are asking about a lift, that means you do have a wheelchair or ECV. In that case, you need to park in the handicapped parking (be sure to bring a parking permit because you can get ticketed without one). As was already mentioned, the parking trams don't service the handicapped parking.
If you don't have a wheelchair or ECV and can step up to get on the parking lot trams, it's better to let the CM know that you have mobility problems and need to park close to the tram pick up point. They do save parking spots for situations like that.