Hi Leilani,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thank you for your question. I’m so excited to see that your magical vacation is less than a month away!
I’m really glad you asked this question, Leilani. This is a piece of Disney vacation advice I've heard too, but I have to warn you against it. While you're welcome to visit a resort for dining, shopping, or even just to explore, you may not leave your car at a resort and visit a theme park unless you are a Guest of that resort. After three hours in visitor parking, you risk having your car towed, and that would
not be magical!
I don't want to discourage you from visiting resorts, though! My family loves resort hopping – there are so many magical snacks and restaurants to try, and the resorts really are beautiful to walk around. If you do have dining reservations, you'll provide their reservation number to the Security Cast Member at the gate, and they will confirm the reservation and allow you to park. Otherwise, just tell the guard that you want to explore the resort, and they will direct you to the parking area.
Leilani, if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you will have theme park transportation from your resort included in your stay, and parking at the theme parks will be complimentary when you show your MagicBand at the parking entrance. If staying offsite,
parking is available for a fee at each Walt Disney World theme parks, and is currently free at Disney Springs.
Autumn is such a fantastic time to visit Walt Disney World, and I hope you have a wonderful time. Please come back and see us if you have any more questions as you get ready!
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn