Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Ashlee! We're so glad you stopped by to bring us such a great question.
On all my visits where I drove down to the Walt Disney World Resort, I always chose to use my own transportation during my vacation. I generally preferred it. Parking at Magic Kingdom is unique in that it's located about a mile and a half from the actual park. The parking lot, also known as the Transportation and Ticket Center, will have a special area for handicapped parking that is closer to the transportation that will take you to the park via monorail or ferry boat.
Magic Kingdom is the one park that was usually my exception to my "drive our car" rule. When you use
Disney's complimentary transportation to Magic Kingdom, you are dropped off closer to the park and you bypass the Transportation and Ticket Center altogether, potentially saving you some time.
Disney Resort Hotel parking is exclusive for guests staying at those resorts or for those with dining reservations with a 3-hour limit. Otherwise, guests visiting Magic Kingdom are not allowed to park there.
A really helpful tool I use often is the directions feature on the
My Disney Experience mobile app. When you are there enjoying the magic, you can use this tool to help you as you travel between locations by simply searching for your destination and selecting
get directions. You will then see a travel time estimate and your travel options.
I hope this information is helpful as you continue to plan your dream visit to the most magical place on earth. Don't hesitate to come back to bring us any additional questions you might have.
See ya real soon,
Emille