Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel Sara ~
I often drive down instead of flying when I visit the Walt Disney World Resort. I am a heavy packer and like being able to bring everything but the kitchen sink with me.
There are a lot of great complimentary
transportation options at the Walt Disney World Resort. However, I always enjoyed being able to drive myself around the resort when my boys were in a stroller so that I didn't have to fold it to board the buses and some of the watercraft.
Standard self-parking at all of the theme parks is free for all Guests who are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or who are current Annual Passholders. Preferred self-parking in lots closer to the theme park entrances is also available. If you wish to upgrade from standard self-parking to preferred parking, you would only need to pay the difference. For example, the current fee for standard self-parking at one of the four theme parks is $20.00. Preferred parking is $40.00. If you want to upgrade, you only have to pay the $20.00 difference. Please keep in mind that parking rates are always subject to change without notice so these prices may differ during your visit.
The upside of taking a bus to the Magic Kingdom is that the buses drop you off very near the entrance. If you drive, you will have to walk or take a tram from the parking lot to the Transportation and Ticket Center. From there, you can take a monorail or ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom. For the other three theme parks (Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom), you can take a tram or walk from the parking lot to the front entrance.
Please feel free to visit us again with all of your planning questions. We're hEAR for you!
Wishing you minnie magical memories :-) Allison V.