Parking at Theme Parks?

[kathi]

I'd love some general information and then some tips on parking at theme parks. Specific for my situation, we are DVC members and will drive right to Epcot the day we land (it will be too early to check in unless a miracle happens and our studio at BLT is available). We expect to arrive at Epcot around noon. We have 6-day hopper passes (let our AP expire in December 2019 and am kicking myself).

Do I have to pay to park? I see people talking about preferred vs. standard parking - no idea what that means. Feel free to broaden the discussion to benefit others here who may have a different parking fact set.

Thanks!
Kathi

 

[erionm]

As a Disney Resort guest, standard parking at the theme parks is free. The parking lot attendant will scan your MagicBand to verify that you are a Disney Resort guest.

Preferred Parking is closer to the entrance, so they charge a premium for it.

 

[kathi]

How does one upgrade to premium, just at the ticket booth? Cost?

There are no trams, right? That's why preferred is a thing?

 

[HiStitch626]

Standard is $25, preferred is $45. You can pay the difference.

 

[Fangorn]

Preferred was a thing prior to Covid - it's not new.

Trams have not been operating since the reopening, but the number of guests with cars have also been lower - meaning trams haven't really been needed for the most part. Epcot may be the exception here, as the park gets a ton of locals in the evenings and during festivals (now a nearly continuous string of them), so parking there can be quite a hike to the gates.

Preferred parking is closer, but imo, not so much closer that it's worth the cost.

If you have a medical need (even if you don't have a handicap placard) Disney has "medical parking" that is better than preferred parking. If you're in that category, tell the CM when you enter the parking lot that you need "medical parking" and they'll direct you.

Steve

 

[maltdizzy]

How does one upgrade to premium, just at the ticket booth? Cost?
There are no trams, right? That's why preferred is a thing?

Preferred is a thing because Disney is convinced that people will pay more to park closer. It's an up-sell, based on teired parking at places like Universal. It's been around for ~3-4y years and hasn't been a smash success, but it also doesn't cost Disney anything to continue offer it.

 

[kathi]

Thanks. We never knew about it before, and pre-covid visited several times a year. We usually try not to drive to the parks. We can walk, just wanted to maximize time in the park and not the parking lot!

 

[Upatnoon]

You don't have to pay to park if you are staying at a Disney resort.

If you are not staying at a Disney resort you have to pay to park.

Preferred parking is up near the front of the lot. It's worth depends on when you arrive and how much you mind walking. Many times I have parked next to it in regular parking.

I would not pay for it, but some people like "preferred" things and Disney is there to oblige.

 

[ucf_knight]

I'd love some general information and then some tips on parking at theme parks. Specific for my situation, we are DVC members and will drive right to Epcot the day we land (it will be too early to check in unless a miracle happens and our studio at BLT is available). We expect to arrive at Epcot around noon. We have 6-day hopper passes (let our AP expire in December 2019 and am kicking myself).

Do I have to pay to park? I see people talking about preferred vs. standard parking - no idea what that means. Feel free to broaden the discussion to benefit others here who may have a different parking fact set.

Thanks!
Kathi

If you’re still wanting an annual pass go to guest services and ask if you can switch your tickets to AP’s and pay whatever the difference is. Some people have had luck doing this in person at guest services. My daughters passed expired during COVID and we did not renew. I called trying to renew and they said no but try at guest services on our upcoming trip. I did and they allowed me to renew.