Magic Kingdom Parking

[PrincessTynk]

I posted this question on the Transportation board and they suggested that I post it here as well.Is the only parking lot for the Magic Kingdom located at the ticket and transportation center? I found this at the DIS website "At the Magic Kingdom, the lot is located at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Once you park here, you will need to take either the Monorail or the Ferry to the Magic Kingdom." However I thought there was a parking lot by the Contemporary resort. Is the only parking lot that I'm thinking of right by the Park for the Contemporary guests only? If so I have a concern about the parking bc a friend of mine who is going to Disney with us this summer can't take public transportation. I know it sounds a bit odd but he seriously has a psychological fear of it (I forget the name for it), where he has to be the one driving. So the public transportation would not be an option for him since he suffers from panic attacks. I know the park rides maybe an issue for him as well but he just wants to at least be in the park. My DH and I will prob be the ones taking his kids on all the rides. Also would he be able to qualify for a Guest Assistance Pass? Any information or suggestions would help. Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Hi and to disABILTIES!

This is correct. The only parking for MK is at the TTC, where you would have to take a monorail or ferry boat. The parking lot at the Contemporary is for Guests of the Resort. They do allow short-term parking of three hours, but generally they will check you off on a list of people with dining reservations. And in crowded times they will tow cars.

And as far as a GAC is concerned, I would suggest looking at Post #6 in the disABILITIES FAQs. If you click on where it says "disABILTIES" at the top of this page it will take you to the Index. One of the top items is the "disABILTIES FAQ" which will gives lots of useful information. Note that the GAC is based on needs and your friend would have to explain what his needs are. One thing the GAC will not allow is bypassing of lines.

Or, if you want an easier route to the FAQs, click on the link in my signature.

 

[PrincessTynk]

Fantastic! I will take a look at that, thank you for your help : )

 

[livndisney]

Fantastic! I will take a look at that, thank you for your help : )

If your friend will not be going on the rides a GAC may not help since a GAC is intended to provide access for the disabled person. You friend may do better with watching from the sidelines and or meeting you and the children at the end of the ride. Rides like the teacups, Dumbo, flying carpets and raceway can all be viewed from "safe" areas.

As far as the public transportation you should be able to drop your friend off at the Contemporary and then go back and park in the TTC lot. Your friend would then be able to walk to the entrance of MK. After you park at the TTC you can ride the boat/monorail and meet them at the entrance to MK.

 

[SueM in MN]

If your friend will not be going on the rides a GAC may not help since a GAC is intended to provide access for the disabled person. You friend may do better with watching from the sidelines and or meeting you and the children at the end of the ride. Rides like the teacups, Dumbo, flying carpets and raceway can all be viewed from "safe" areas.

As far as the public transportation you should be able to drop your friend off at the Contemporary and then go back and park in the TTC lot. Your friend would then be able to walk to the entrance of MK. After you park at the TTC you can ride the boat/monorail and meet them at the entrance to MK.

I agree with the other posters. I really can't think of anything a Guest Assistance Card could do for his needs since he is not going to be riding. As the other posters mentioned, the purpose of a GAC is to provide a way to indicate the needs of a person with a disability to CMs without having to explain every time. After reading thru the information about GACs in post #6 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you should have a better idea about GACs and what one could or could not provide for him. There are not certain conditions that will "qualify" for it, the question is whether or not WDW has any accommodations available that would be helpful for the needs. Fastpasses will help you shorten your wait in line for many attractions. You may also want to consider using a touring plan or a service like Tour Guide Mike or Ridemax. They can help you to be in the least busy places at the least busy times. Many people have posted that was was much more helpful than a GAC because it helps avoid crowded areas in general.

I was also going to suggest dropping him off at the Contemporary. It is an easy way from there to MK. Just use the monorail path overhead as a guide of which way to go. One thing he should be aware of is that the walking path goes along the side of the MK bus area. That means he will be walking on a sidewalk where buses are going on the street beside him. He will also see buses waiting there. Not sure if this would cause a problem for him or not, but wanted to make you aware. He may want someone else to walk in with him or walk beside him on the left so they are between him and the bus. There is no other way to get to MK that avoids public transportation.

 

[Schmeck]

When you try to access the Contemporary Resort, you will be stopped at the gate and asked for a reason that you are going there - if the lot is crowded you could be denied access if you don't have an ADR for the resort restaurants.

 

[dclfun]

Is it only busses that cause the panic attacks? If so, perhaps he'd be okay on the ferry boat, where he could go up steps to the top level and get fresh air or walk around on either level. It's much less of an enclosed feeling than the monorail and except during park opening/closing usually isn't terribly crowded. I'd think there's probably a U-Tube video somewhere out there about the ferryboat from the TTC to the MK. Maybe your friend could watch it and see what he thinks. As to the GAC, I also agree that it won't be helpful unless he's going on the attraction himself. For parades I'd suggest arriving early, perhaps laying down a throw or blanket to give some space, and having the rest of your party surround him to keep other guests at a distance. Alternatively he could rent a w/c to also have his own personal space if that would be helpful and if the panic attacks are caused by being in close proximity to others.---Kathy