Parking – What’s Going On?

There has been a lot of confusion since Walt Disney World announced that they would start to charge for overnight parking at the resorts. One of the main questions that I’ve heard is does that mean that Resort Hopping will become a thing of the past? Relax, you will not be charged if you decide to visit a Walt Disney World resort for a few hours, the fees are only for overnight parking. Here is a quick rundown on parking at both the resorts and the theme parks.

Resort Parking:

The overnight parking fees, effective March 21, are $13 per night for Value Resorts, $19 per night for Moderate Resorts, and $24 per night for Deluxe Resorts. Valet Parking, where available, is $33 per night. These charges are of course per vehicle. If you made a reservation before March 21, 2018, the parking fees will not apply.

If you’re staying at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, there is no parking fee. Each campsite allows for one vehicle.

Disney Vacation Club Members continue to enjoy free parking. As already mentioned, people who park during the day can also park for free. Remember that you cannot park at a resort and then hit the theme parks, but you are allowed to explore the resort, dine in the restaurants, and browse in the shops. When parking during the day at a resort you could be given a time limit, and at some resorts the number of spaces is limited so you could be turned away.

Theme park parking:

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort theme park parking is free, all that you need to do is scan your MagicBand. Annual Passholders also receive free parking. Everyone else needs to pay to park. Standard sized cars and motorcycles are currently $22 per day, oversized vehicles are $27 per day, and Preferred Parking is $45 per day. You’ll pay once per day but hang onto your receipt. You’ll need it if you plan to Park Hop or leave and then return to the same park. There is no fee to drop someone off.

If you own an electric vehicle, there are three places to go for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. You’ll find them at Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. You’ll need a credit card or a ChargePoint Card. The cost is 35 cents per kilowatt hour, with a minimum cost of $1.50. Ask a Cast Member for directions when you arrive.

Other Parking:

Parking is free at both of the Walt Disney World Water Parks and also at Disney Springs. If you prefer valet it is offered at Disney Springs for a fee of $20 per day. Parking is also free at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.