Parking at the Parks?

[tara98]

On our upcoming trip in September, we will be renting a vehicle for the first time, much to my DS's disappointment. We have only used Disney transportation in the past. We own DVC and have PAP s. Are there any discounts out there for park parking? I have searched the sites and can't seem to find anything. I'm hoping I am just missing it...

Anyone know?

Thanks!!

 

[rlovew]

On our upcoming trip in September, we will be renting a vehicle for the first time, much to my DS's disappointment. We have only used Disney transportation in the past. We own DVC and have PAP s. Are there any discounts out there for park parking? I have searched the sites and can't seem to find anything. I'm hoping I am just missing it...

Anyone know?

Thanks!!

Your APs give you free parking at the parks. If you are staying at a Disney resort you also get free parking.

 

[crazybones27]

If you're staying on property either the guard shack or front desk will give you a parking pass for the length of your stay for free parking at the parks. If you're staying off property AP holders get free parking unless its a blackout time.

 

[hakepb]

If you are an AAA member, you can ask the guard to park in the diamond parking.

 

[Pirate Granny]

I tried the AAA one time...you have to book a package thru AAA to park in the black diamond area. Believe me, I tried numerous times with my AAA card out and flashing it to the parking attendant. NO WAY.

 

[tara98]

Perfect! Thank you all!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you are an AAA member, you can ask the guard to park in the diamond parking.

I tried the AAA one time...you have to book a package thru AAA to park in the black diamond area. Believe me, I tried numerous times with my AAA card out and flashing it to the parking attendant. NO WAY.

You need the special card/placard to park in that lot.

OP, being a DVC member and staying offsite doesn't give you free parking onsite. But being an AP holder does. Prepare to show your ID when you show your AP.

 

[DebbieB]

If you're staying on property either the guard shack or front desk will give you a parking pass for the length of your stay for free parking at the parks. If you're staying off property AP holders get free parking unless its a blackout time.

There's no blackouts for AP's and PAP's. There are blackout dates for FL Seasonal AP's but those don't include parking anytime.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There's no blackouts for AP's and PAP's. There are blackout dates for FL Seasonal AP's but those don't include parking anytime.

I thought special events were blacked out. Like arriving right at the time or slightly after the time the special ticket parties start.

 

[DebbieB]

I thought special events were blacked out. Like arriving right at the time or slightly after the time the special ticket parties start.

Right - only regular hours are included, both for admission and parking. I don't know if I'd call it a "blackout" after hours.

 

[Disneyholic]

If you are an AAA member, you can ask the guard to park in the diamond parking.

I tried the AAA one time...you have to book a package thru AAA to park in the black diamond area. Believe me, I tried numerous times with my AAA card out and flashing it to the parking attendant. NO WAY.

These passes do NOT give you FREE parking. They only get you into a lot that is closer to the front nearer the entrance. (or in the case of MK closer to the monorail or boat to go over to MK) You still have to pay to park. You can't just get into the special space with your AAA card. You need to book your trip or sometimes just buy tickets from AAA to get the special pass to park in those spaces.

 

[hakepb]

You need the special card/placard to park in that lot.

OP, being a DVC member and staying offsite doesn't give you free parking onsite. But being an AP holder does. Prepare to show your ID when you show your AP.

They never asked for more than my AAA card at DAK.
DHS had no spots on the 4th (not sure about other days)
I never tried MK, though.

 

[brertoad]

The AAA "Diamond" preferred parking is spotty at best.

It's a small paper pass with a serial number on it, it's for people who have AAA and bought a vacation package (or for AAA members who have nice enough agents that will give you one).

It IS NOT a parking pass, meaning it does not give you free parking, you'd have to pay for parking as usual, or use your AP to get your free parking. It's a preferred parking location, akin to handicapped parking.

Once you enter the lot, the attendants usually will block you by any means from parking in "Diamond" parking. Out of the dozens of times we've been there, we've flashed the AAA "Diamond" parking pass to get closer, and they will DENY you. They either say the lot is closed, the lot is reserved due to some event, or that you are getting the best place available, or whatever.
We've maybe gotten the privilege of Diamond parking twice out of at least 25 times parking.

Parking in the main theme park lots is the bane of my existence, and the attendants are my Nemeses. They don't operate on the first come first served principle, but I digress.