Hey there, Crystal. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question.
My family and I live fairly close to Walt Disney World and typically drive every time we head that way so I know all about the
parking lots at Walt Disney World. Currently, parking lots are opening anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to that particular park opening. Typically, I like to be at the parking lot entrance right at an hour before park opening. Normally, we are one of the first few cars in line each morning, if not the first, and then a line will form from there before the lot is open and we are allowed to park.
If you are staying at one of the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels or are an Annual Passholder, parking is complimentary at each of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. If not, standard parking is $25 per day and preferred parking is $45.00 - $50.00 depending on the season. If you are an on property Guest or an Annual Passholder wishing to upgrade to the preferred parking spaces, you'll just need to pay the difference.
The day you are visiting Magic Kingdom Park, you'll actually be parking at the Transportation & Ticket Center. Once you park your car you'll go through a temperature screening tent and security. Then you'll need to either take the
monorail or
ferry boat over to the Magic Kingdom Park. I really like both forms of transportation so I'd just go with whichever one is there when you are ready to head over.
Because the Transportation & Ticket Center is across the lake from Magic Kingdom Park, you'll have to rely on transportation to get back to your car after the park closes. The ferry boat and monorail will run at least 1 hour after the park closes taking Guests back to the parking lot. At the other theme parks, the parking lot doesn't exactly have a designated closing time as you are able to just walk out to your car when leaving the theme park. At Magic Kingdom Park, you will need to keep an eye on the time to be able to use the complimentary transportation to get back to your car.
I hope this helps, Crystal. If you have any other questions,
I'd love to help.
Have a great day!