Misinformation

[LGH1946]

I WAS TOLD BY A DISNEY AGENT THAT THERE IS A PARKING LOT FOR THE MAGIC KINGDOM. SHE SAID YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE THE MONORAIL FROM THE TTC OR RIDE THE BUS. YOU CAN DRIVE RIGHT TO THE PARKING LOT LIKE YOU DO AT THE OTHER PARKS. IS THIS TRUE??? IF SO, TELL ME WHERE THIS PARKING LOT IS?? SHE ALSO SAID YOU HAVE TO PAY $14.00 TO PARK AT ANY OF THE PARKS EVEN IF YOU ARE STAYING AT A DISNEY RESORT. I KNOW THIS ISN'T TRUE! WHAT IS SHE THINKING? SHE HAD TO PUT ME ON HOLD TO VERIFY THIS AFTER I TOLD HER THAT WASN'T RIGHT. I TOLD HER WE ARE RENTING A CAR BECAUSE I HAVE A BAD KNEE AND HAVE A PROBLEM GETTING ON SOME OF THE BUSES. WHEN SHE ASKED ME WHERE I AM STAYING, (ALL STAR SPORTS) SHE SAID I SHOULD STAY AT ONE OF THE RESORTS ON THE MONORAIL LINE. HELLO????? IF I COULD AFFORD THAT, WHY WOULD I BE STAYING AT THE ALL STAR? SHE SAID IF YOU DON'T RENT A CAR YOU COULD PROBABLY AFFORD TO. A RENTAL CAR IS LESS THAN $300.00 FOR 4 DAYS. I DON'T THINK THAT WOULD MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE IN THE COST OF VALUE VS. LUXURY.

 

[lovetoscrap]

You were misinformed. Yes, if you are staying on site (like you are) then parking is free. You will get a card to put in the window for your entire stay that shows you are onsite.

And no, there is not a parking lot that is right at the MK. You do park at the TTC and take the monorail and boat.

Unfortunately you do sometimes run into misinformed CM's or ones that just don't seem to understand what you are asking. Even if you stayed at a Monorail resort you might still have to take a bus-- there is not monorail/boat access from them to each park.

Do you have a handicapped tag for your personal car? If so bring that along and you will be able to park in the hc area at each park. However sometimes (and MK/TTC is one of them) you are actually better off to park in the regular lot and take the Tram. There is a HUGE hill and a fairly long walk to get from the hc parking to the TTC. There is probably a way that you can be dropped off right in front though if that would help, and then have your party meet you after they park.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Wanted to add that renting a car is absolutely the best option if you are not comfortable on the buses. Before I started having problems we had no problem with the buses and took the long lines and crowds in stride. But once I started having problems standing and ultimately needed a scooter full time I quickly realized that a car is the way to go. It is just much easier and less stressful.

 

[LGH1946]

Thank you, I have never rented a car before. But I am hoping it will be much better just like you said. Are the other parks handicapped parking better than the TTC ( re huge hill)? I seem to remember seeing the handicapped parking at HS & it is pretty close to the entrance. I think Epcot is in a pretty good spot, too. The buses are just SO far away in all the parks.

 

[lovetoscrap]

I can't remember exactly where they are except for DHS, because it is pretty much right at the entrance. But I do remember that TTC was the only one that was a problem, not so much for me, but my poor kids that had to walk. At the others it was not a big deal. But depending on how full the parking lot is, you can still have a good walk to the front. Many times they did have wheelchairs available to use from the parking lot to the front (they often have them from the bus area also)

One thing that I am not sure of is if there is a way to drop off someone at the entrance at MK. I don't think there is -- I think the TTC is the only option-- but you might ask on the Theme Parks board, or the disABILITIES board

 

[Kathy Z]

We've only stayed at the Poly and BWI and relied on Disney transportation all the way. The one parking lot I did notice was the one at Animal Kingdom. It is fairly close to the entrance and the ground is level. Assuming you could arrive there early and get a close parking space you should be OK there. AK is a bit harder for persons in wheelchairs because some of the pathways are more congested than MK or EPCOT.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Do you have a handicapped tag for your personal car? If so bring that along and you will be able to park in the hc area at each park. However sometimes (and MK/TTC is one of them) you are actually better off to park in the regular lot and take the Tram.

But if your trouble with the buses is getting on and off, you will have equal or more trouble with the trams. And if you don't have a handicap placard, it's a $250 or so fine (and a tow risk) if you park in a designated HP spot - and according to Cheshire Figment, the OCSD does patrol, frequently

 

[LGH1946]

Yes, I do have a handicap sign. I will bring it with me for sure. Some of the buses you just walk right on, they are level with the curb. But you never know which ones you will get. I had knee replacement 2 yrs ago and the other knee is very bad, too. But I'm not ready to have it replaced yet. It is a terrible surgery and mine wasn't very successful. It is stilll very weak and gets very stiff after walking a good bit. But I don't mean to whine. I will be ok. And I'm looking forward to our trip. Thanks to all for the suggestions and tips.