Preferred parking, has it been full?

[lugnut33]

Just curious if anybody has a report on what they are seeing in terms of popularity for Preferred Parking?

I saw a photo from March 19th and it was empty, but I don't what time it was taken (could have been early, but there were cars in the handicapped parking lot ahead of it.)

 

[zaccaglin]

Nope. I see about 50 cars in the kingdom lot and about 30 in the Epcot lot on average every day.

 

[Ellwood970]

Nope. I see about 50 cars in the kingdom lot and about 30 in the Epcot lot on average every day.

I hope that's a sign that people are reaching a limit with Disney and their pricing. I know I have. I go on the cheap now. They need a backlash, people spending less money.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Take the bus. You meet interesting people with scooters.

 

[yulilin3]

I live here in Orlando and go to the parks 3 times a week and I have never been offered this new preferred parking, not sure if it's because I have an ap but I would think they would offer it to everyone

 

[Micca]

I live here in Orlando and go to the parks 3 times a week and I have never been offered this new preferred parking, not sure if it's because I have an ap but I would think they would offer it to everyone

Was it ever established if AP holders could get the preferred parking with only an upcharge, i.e., not pay the full amount?

 

[yulilin3]

Was it ever established if AP holders could get the preferred parking with only an upcharge, i.e., not pay the full amount?

no clue...maybe that's why...I'll ask next time I go

 

[richmo]

Going into Epcot a couple weeks ago, one day there was a portable electric sign indicating preferred parking was available. Also, if you look at the rates listed on the CM booth at the tollgate, Preferred Parking was listed (at least at Epcot). I don't think its something that is verbally "offered", you likely have to ask for it.

 

[LATJLP]

Yes, AP holders can simply pay the $15 for the preferred parking.

 

[yulilin3]

Going into Epcot a couple weeks ago, one day there was a portable electric sign indicating preferred parking was available. Also, if you look at the rates listed on the CM booth at the tollgate, Preferred Parking was listed (at least at Epcot). I don't think its something that is verbally "offered", you likely have to ask for it.

that's how much I've been paying attention to this

 

[lovethattink]

The Monday before Easter the preferred lot was almost empty at Epcot. 2 rows filled a third started.

 

[obxshark]

So, help me understand why anyone would want preferred parking. I mean, park your car, get on the shuttle, and you're there. What could be easier than what they already have?

 

[Nancyg56]

So, help me understand why anyone would want preferred parking. I mean, park your car, get on the shuttle, and you're there. What could be easier than what they already have?

I bet it was in place before the Summer crowds, with Easter as a test. I would not pay, and clearly not many others will either. Wasted money IMO. DIsney needs to rethink some of how they want to increase their revenue....a lot of negative feedback and perhaps not so much positive return.

 

[lugnut33]

So, help me understand why anyone would want preferred parking. I mean, park your car, get on the shuttle, and you're there. What could be easier than what they already have?

Maybe they should switch it? Make the preferred parking the new regular parking. Then make the far away spaces more expensive, but include a free tram ride to the entrance.

Thanks for all the updates, I was just curious how this was working for Disney.

 

[sticker231]

It has been pretty empty the past few days. There isn't much of a bonus in EPCOT, a few rows closer perhaps. It is probably a way to get a few extra dollars from people who have no idea what they're actually paying for.

 

[DebbieB]

What if the regular parking is full? Do they close the lot unless you pay for preferred parking?

 

[SureAsLiz]

So, help me understand why anyone would want preferred parking. I mean, park your car, get on the shuttle, and you're there. What could be easier than what they already have?

Saturday it took me over half an hour to get from the toll booth to a parking spot at MK - not including the time it took to get to the toll booth. Those parking in the preferred lot were able to park immediately rather than having to wait. That's the biggest advantage I've seen to these lots

 

[CAS239]

So, help me understand why anyone would want preferred parking. I mean, park your car, get on the shuttle, and you're there. What could be easier than what they already have?

The trams are incredibly slow. As an AP, I wouldn't be against paying $15 if we were parking at the back of MK.

Regardless of where we park, unless the tram is there and ready to leave, we walk and usually always beat the tram to the park.

I see the main draw for preferred parking being how much easier and quicker it would be when leaving the park with crowds

 

[OKW Lover]

Nope. I see about 50 cars in the kingdom lot and about 30 in the Epcot lot on average every day.

I've been to Epcot twice since this experiment started. Haven't been to the other parks though. I agree that the preferred parking doesn't appear to be very popular, but I'd estimate the Epcot lot had at least 100 cars the two days I was there.

 

[bbjunkie]

Saturday it took me over half an hour to get from the toll booth to a parking spot at MK - not including the time it took to get to the toll booth. Those parking in the preferred lot were able to park immediately rather than having to wait. That's the biggest advantage I've seen to these lots

I agree this is likely the real appeal. I don't use the parking lots at Disney because I stay on site, but our local amusement park has preferred parking that is an extra $15 and I pay it every time. It isn't just because I'm closer to the entrance, it is because I pull right in, park right away, and am in the park more quickly. I'm going to be waiting in lines all day; I don't want to start by waiting in a line to park.