Parking at Animal Kingdom

[rexmism]

Hello everyone,
We have a trip coming up in a few months where we'll be staying on site (Art of Animation), but the morning of our first day, we'll be coming in from nearby offsite and plan to try to get to Animal Kingdom for rope drop (the recommended 30-60 minutes ahead of opening - no, we aren't rope dropping Flight of Passage - we will try to hit River Journey first). I started considering, rather than parking at the resort and then taking the bus, we might just park at Animal Kingdom. We've never parked at a park before. As I understand, it would be free since it's the first day of our trip, correct? Can anyone give advice for this? What's the better option? How bad is the parking lot - how far will we have to walk if we're getting there an hour or so before opening? Is the parking process at all complicated? Do we scan our band to get in? Any advice and information would be great! Thanks!

 

[Linkura]

Yes, it's free on the first day of your trip. You scan your band. Anything else, I don't know as I've never actually parked there.

 

[MushuHill]

We parked there last April about an hour and half before park opening because we had reservations for Wild Africa Trek and there was only 1 other car in the parking lot. It was right up front. It was great when leaving at the end of the day.

 

[CAS239]

Set your online check in as early as you can.

-they'll scan your magic band at the entrance and you'll park for free
-earlier you get there the closer up you'll park
-very easy to park in every park. It'll be a quick walk to the entrance

 

[disneylover102]

If it's early, it will most likely be an easy walk to the entrance. If it's not a short walk, they usually have a tram to take you to the front.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

I will say this - in case there is a problem with your online check-in: If they don't recognize your resort reservation (which is very unlikely) and you have to pay, don't stress. Guest services will gladly reimburse you later. I doubt this will happen, but I'm the type who would worry about this kind of "what if".

 

[rexmism]

Great tips, thanks everyone! It sounds like this is a pretty good way to go.

 

[Linkura]

Set your online check in as early as you can.

You don't even need to do this. It's a 6am rollover for everyone.

 

[KrazeeK120]

I haven’t been to Disney since May, but we went to AK for rope drop one day. Strangely, they were filling the lot from the back, so we were the 2nd row from the back. There was actually a sign on the walking path - it was 1/3 mile to the entrance. I hate the trams and we always walk no matter how far it is.

Just wanted to let you know not to be surprised no matter what you find. I was pretty shocked that they were filling the lot in that manner.