Park parking lot hours?

[sandymandr]

Hey DISers! Just read on another thread that someone had an 8am bfast at AK, but "the parking lots aren't open that early" so they have to take the bus. Is that correct? It never occurred to me that I wouldn't be able to park when I go to the park for a character bfast?? We have several at 8am for a 9am park opening, what time do the lots open at each park?? My parks will be opening at 9am on the days I am going and our ADRs are all at 0800-0805 am. I figured the lots would be open or else what would non-resort guests with pre-RD character meals do??

 

[seashoreCM]

The current consensus is to drive to the park early and do the best you can, and expect your ADR to be honored even if you are a little late.

You should be seated after only those parties who both arrived before you did and whose ADR times have already arrived.

Should this turn out not to be the rule, suggestions such as park at Animal Kingdom Lodge and take the bus to Animal Kingdom will be in order; however say to the guard that you are visiting or eating at the 'Lodge.
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[MICKEEP]

The AK parking lot is the only one that ever closes. But being there a couple of times early in the morning, I have noticed that the first car through the toll plaza was at 7:30 for a 9:00 opening.

 

[sandymandr]

The AK parking lot is the only one that ever closes. But being there a couple of times early in the morning, I have noticed that the first car through the toll plaza was at 7:30 for a 9:00 opening.

So, DHS, EP, and TTC lot are always open? Getting through at 730 should be fine for a 8am ressie I would think. Thanks for the replies!

 

[SilverMickey]

We have a Sunday morning ADR for 8:05 at Tusker House. I have been so VERY VERY worried about getting into the parking lot at 7:30 to make this happen with getting GAD vouchers turned in and a GAC for my DS. This is our ONLY day at Disney for the next 2 yrs and I want it to start off right!

Is there anyone I can call to see if the lot will be open that particular day? I'm thinking my FIL would not be thrilled with a bus ride or getting to a lot that isn't open. (I can see him giving me a hard time for poor planning all day. In a loving way of course )

 

[clkelley]

So, DHS, EP, and TTC lot are always open? Getting through at 730 should be fine for a 8am ressie I would think. Thanks for the replies!

Yep, those lots are open 24/7. The reason being is that Cast Members have to go through those gates to park for work.

At Animal Kingdom, they designed the lot so that CMs, don't have to go through the toll plaza to park for work, so they can close them and not open till right before park opening.

 

[sandymandr]

Yep, those lots are open 24/7. The reason being is that Cast Members have to go through those gates to park for work.

At Animal Kingdom, they designed the lot so that CMs, don't have to go through the toll plaza to park for work, so they can close them and not open till right before park opening.

AWESOME!!!!!! Thanks!