Have a reservation at Ohana at the Polynesian, but not sure if you can park for free if you’re not staying there? Want to do some shopping and exploring at the Boardwalk but don’t want to pay to park and curious about whether you can actually park or not?
I know the feeling – I’ve had that same feeling when heading to a resort for dinner. You pull up to the security gate wondering what the outcome is going to be.
So can you park at a Disney resort without staying there?
No, guests need to have either a hotel or dining reservation to enjoy complimentary parking at a Disney resort. Parking at the resorts is reserved for guests staying in that resort or dining at a restaurant at that resort, and even then some resorts, like Disney’s Boardwalk, have limited guest parking available.
In this article, I’m going to answer the question: “Can I Park at a Disney Resort Without Staying There?” and provide you with the key information so that you can start planning for your own Walt Disney World adventure.
Before we get started, if you’re a fan of all things Disney and love discussing theme parks and planning Disney vacations, then I want to announce the launch of my new private Facebook group, the Disney Park Advisor Community. This is a place where Disney fans can come together to share their love of all things Disney, ask questions, get advice, and make new friends. Click the link to request membership. I can’t wait to see you in the group!
Parking at Resort Hotels
The overnight parking fees for Disney resorts are gone! Staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel at Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be happy to know that starting January 10, 2023, overnight self-parking will be complimentary for all guests.
There is no charge for parking at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Not only are you able to enjoy the beauty of nature while still being close to all the Disney magic, but each campsite also provides complimentary standard parking for one motorized vehicle. This means you can bring your RV, camper or car and park it right next to your campsite, making it easy to come and go as you please.
Even if you’re not staying overnight at a Disney Resort hotel, you can still enjoy complimentary standard parking while experiencing all the dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreation experiences the Disney Resort hotels have to offer. This means you can park your car and spend the day exploring the different resorts, enjoying a meal, or doing some shopping without having to worry about the cost of parking. It’s a great way to make the most of your visit to Disney World.
Valet Parking
When you stay at select Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, or at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, you have the option to use valet service. Upon arrival, you can check with the Security Host for parking options and they will assist you with valet service.
The cost for valet service is $33 per night, sales tax included. This service allows you to drop off your car at the entrance of the resort, and a valet will park it for you. This can be convenient if you have a lot of luggage or if you are traveling with small children. Additionally, when you are ready to leave the resort, your car will be brought back to you at the entrance, so you don’t have to worry about navigating a crowded parking lot.
Parking for Disney Vacation Club Members
As a Disney Vacation Club Member, you can enjoy complimentary standard overnight self-parking when staying in a DVC Deluxe Villa at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, no matter if you are using Vacation Points or another form of payment. And if you choose to use Reservation Points for your stay at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel, parking is also free.
For Members who do not opt to use Reservation Points and are staying in an accommodation other than a DVC Deluxe Villa at a Walt Disney World resort hotel, there will be a charge for standard overnight self-parking. However, there is no fee applied when you visit one of the Disney hotels just to shop, dine or enjoy activities for the day – though valet parking will have an additional charge.
How can you avoid paying for parking at Disney?
If you’re trying to save a little bit of money on parking fees when visiting Disney, there are some options for you. First off, becoming a DVC member or an Annual Passholder will grant you free parking at any Disney park or resort.
If this isn’t an option for you, then taking advantage of the shuttle transportation from off-property hotels can help minimize your fees; however, this option does not include Disney resorts and times may vary depending on where you’re staying.
The best way to completely avoid paying for parking fees is by staying on property during your visit. It may seem like you have to pay extra since these fees are bundled in the price of your ticket, but the long-term benefits make it more than worth it. You’ll be able to enjoy all that Disney has to offer with no additional costs and also access exclusive amenities such as second entry into certain attractions and discounts on food and merchandise items.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
If you are staying at or visiting a Disney Resort hotel with an electric vehicle, you’ll be able to make use of one of the ChargePoint charging stations located in selected parking lots.
Your best bet is to ask a Cast Member for directions to the charging station closest to you, and remember that they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
You’ll be glad to know that each port features both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers so that you can charge up your electric car quickly and efficiently. The ports themselves offer plenty of safety features such as LED lights indicating when your vehicle is properly connected.
| Resort Name | Electric Vehicle Charging Stations |
|---|---|
| Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort | 6 spaces in general parking near ADA spaces |
| Disney’s Riviera Resort | 4 spaces in general parking near ADA spaces |
| Disney’s Wilderness Lodge | 2 spaces in general parking near ADA spaces |
| Magic Kingdom park | 5 spaces (1 in the Medical Parking Lot, 4 in the Zurg Parking Lot) |
| EPCOT | 4 spaces in the Journey Parking Lot |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park | 4 spaces in the Medical Parking Lot |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | 4 spaces in the Mickey Parking Lot |
| Disney Springs | 13 spaces in the Lime Parking Garage |
Parking at the Theme Parks
Guests visiting the theme parks will pay one fee for a parking pass that is valid all day at all 4 theme parks: Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Preferred parking is conveniently located close to the theme park entrances and all parking fees include applicable sales tax.
Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45 to $50 per day* Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $25 per day Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer – $30 per day
*Pricing is seasonal and will vary based on date of visit.
Standard theme park parking is included for registered guests of Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders. These guests can also choose to enjoy preferred parking by paying the difference in cost between their included standard parking and preferred parking (difference is currently $20 to $25 per day*).
My Disney Experience Car Locator
The My Disney Experience mobile app offers a complimentary feature called Car Locator that uses Location Services to find and save your parking details at select Walt Disney World Resort parking locations.
Parking options at Disney at a glance
| Parking Option | Cost | Accessibility | Location | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resort Hotels Self-Parking | Complimentary | N/A | Disney Resort Hotels | N/A |
| Valet Parking | $33 per night | Available at select Disney Deluxe and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, as well as at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort | Disney Resort Hotels | N/A |
| Parking for Guests with Disabilities | Standard rate | Designated parking areas available for Guests with disabilities who have a valid parking permit | Throughout Walt Disney World Resort | N/A |
| Disney Vacation Club Members | Complimentary | N/A | Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villa or a Disney Resort hotel | N/A |
| Theme Parks | $25 – $50 per day | Standard parking included for registered Guests of Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders | Magic Kingdom park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park | Preferred parking available for an additional cost |
| Electric Vehicle Charging Stations | N/A | N/A | Available at select Disney Resort hotels and theme parks | ChargePoint charging stations |
Nexts Steps
The next step is connect with other Disney fans. Join the Disney Park Advisor Community group to connect with other Disney fans and get tips and advice on planning the perfect Disney vacation. This private Facebook group is the perfect place to share your love of all things Disney and get insider knowledge from other Disney enthusiasts. Simply click the link below to request membership and become a part of our community.
