Planning a trip to Disney World and wondering about the parking options? You’re in the right place.
Disney World preferred parking is a premium option that positions vehicles closer to the park’s entrance, offering a shorter walk compared to standard parking. It costs between $45-$50 per day, varying based on demand and season.
Let’s dive into the world of Disney World preferred parking and see what it has to offer.
(The Ultimate Guide to Disney World)
Introduction to Disney World Preferred Parking
What is Disney World Preferred Parking?
Disney World preferred parking is an upgrade from the standard parking options available at all Disney World theme parks.
When you opt for this, you’re essentially choosing convenience.
How?
Well, Disney World preferred parking places you as close to the front entrance of the park as possible, depending on your time of arrival.
This means you’ll be much closer to the security checkpoints and the main entrance of each theme park.
Imagine starting your day with a shorter walk to the park and ending your day with an even shorter walk back to your car after all the fun and exhaustion.
Sounds great, right?
Why Consider Disney World Preferred Parking?
If you’ve never visited the parks before, you might be wondering about the real value of this parking option.
Here’s the thing: the only parking spots that might have a better location than Disney World preferred parking are in the Medical Lot (reserved for guests with a handicapped parking permit) and occasionally, the EV parking.
But, EV parking is super limited.
So, if you’re aiming for some of the best parking spots at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, Disney World preferred parking is your best bet.
Remember, every moment at Disney World is precious.
The less time you spend walking to and from the parking lot, the more time you have to enjoy the magic inside.
So, as you plan your visit, consider Disney World preferred parking as a way to add a touch of convenience to your magical adventure.
How Much Does Disney World Preferred Parking Cost?
Unlike the fixed cost of Standard Parking, which is $25 for cars and $30 for larger vehicles like trucks and RVs, the price for Disney World preferred parking can vary from day to day.
Currently, it ranges between $45-$50 per day.
You might find the higher end of this range more common on weekends and during peak holiday seasons like New Year’s and Christmas.
It’s essential to note that this parking option is valid for just one day.
So, if you’re thinking of hopping between parks on the same day, the good news is that your Disney World preferred parking can be used at any of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
Is Disney World Preferred Parking Worth It At Magic Kingdom?
Magic Kingdom is one of the two theme parks at Walt Disney World where preferred parking might be a worthy consideration.
Why?
Because reaching Magic Kingdom involves navigating a vast parking area, and then you’ll need to hop onto a monorail or ferry boat to reach the main entrance.
Given that Magic Kingdom boasts one of the country’s most expansive parking lots, moving across it isn’t a walk in the park (pun intended).
So, if you’re looking to maximize your time at Magic Kingdom, Disney World preferred parking can offer significant value.
Is Disney World Preferred Parking Worth It At EPCOT?
EPCOT is the other park where Disney World preferred parking might be a good idea.
While EPCOT does have a sizable parking area, the real value comes from the nature of the park itself.
On average, visitors tend to walk more at EPCOT than at the other three parks.
With attractions like the World Showcase and limited seating options during festival dining, a day at EPCOT can be quite taxing on your feet.
So, after indulging in all the delightful food and drinks, having a shorter walk back to your car with Disney World preferred parking can be a relief.
Is Disney World Preferred Parking Worth It At Hollywood Studios?
For Hollywood Studios, the general advice leans towards skipping the preferred parking. The reason?
Visitors usually take fewer steps here compared to the other parks.
Plus, Hollywood Studios has a relatively smaller parking area, making the walk to and from your vehicle less daunting.
However, the location of Disney World preferred parking here is quite strategic, being just a few steps away from the Skyliner and the security checkpoint.
Is Disney World Preferred Parking Worth It At Animal Kingdom?
The Animal Kingdom presents a bit of a dilemma when it comes to Disney World preferred parking.
On one hand, the parking lot is vast, and regardless of where you park, it’s a fair walk to the security checkpoints and main entrance.
On the other hand, the park offers ample shade and attractions like the Kilimanjaro Safari, which gives you a chance to rest your feet.
Given these factors, the consensus is that preferred parking might not be the best choice for Animal Kingdom.
Other Tips About Preferred Parking
Annual Passholder Discount
For those holding a Walt Disney World Annual Pass, there’s a silver lining.
Annual Passholders enjoy free parking at all four Disney theme parks.
Moreover, they only need to cover the difference between Standard Parking and preferred parking.
This means that for Passholders, the cost for preferred parking drops to a range of $25-$30 instead of the usual $45-50.
Validity and Transferability
It’s essential to know that preferred parking is valid for just one day.
But here’s a bonus: if you’re hopping between parks on the same day, your preferred parking can be used at any of the Walt Disney World theme parks.
So, if you start at Magic Kingdom and decide to end your day at EPCOT, your parking privileges travel with you!
