Hi Kelly!
Welcome to planDisney.
You are correct! Unlike EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where you park at the parking lot, and simply walk to the entrance (or maybe use a parking tram to transport you to the entrance if you're a fair distance away) the system is a little different for access to
Magic Kingdom Park.
You will need to drive to the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) to access the Magic Kingdom Parking Lot. From there you have to board a monorail or a ferryboat to take you across Seven Seas Lagoon to the entrance to the Magic Kingdom. I love sailing across the lagoon, and I still remember the first time I ever did that, with Cinderella Castle coming into view - it feels so magical! Even if you take a taxi or rideshare, they are only permitted to drop you at the Transportation & Ticket Center, with the only cars allowed at the actual park entrance being the
Disney Minnie Vans. For Disney Resort hotel guests, Disney buses also stop close to the entrance.
This interactive map (scroll down the page, then zoom in) will show you exactly where you need to go - the TTC is located next to Disney's Polynesian Village Resort.
There is a
daily parking fee at the theme parks, which is good for the whole day, even if you move to another park (just keep hold of your parking receipt).
If you are visiting a Disney
water park (Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Disney's Blizzard Beach, whichever is open), parking is complimentary for all guests. Disney Springs also offers complimentary parking for everyone.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions, we are always happy to help you plan your vacation to Walt Disney World!
Sue