We are staying off property with a rental car. A member of our party is in a wheelchair. If I bring our own handicap placquard for the car, is there a handicap area to park and what does it cost to park there?”

Hello, Jaynee! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question. 

I always drive to Walt Disney World and really enjoy having my own car to get around the resort, so I am your go-to girl for everything parking lots at Walt Disney World. I think you will be happy to know that there is, indeed, handicap parking at all of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Resorts. To park in these areas, you will need to have your disability parking placard out and visible where Cast Members will be able to see it. Standard theme park parking is currently $25.00 per day. If you plan on visiting multiple Walt Disney World Theme Parks in one day, be sure to save your receipt because you only have to pay once a day and will be able to park at the other theme parks for free. After you've paid, you'll be directed to park in the handicap parking lot. These lots are closer to the entrance of each of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Because the handicap lots are so close they do not offer tram service from these areas to the front of the park, although tram service is temporarily suspended anyway due to COVID-19 but I thought you should be aware for future trips. 

Currently, parking lots are opening about 45 minutes prior to each park opening in the mornings. I personally like to be at the parking attendant booths right at an hour before the theme park opens because there does tend to be quite a line in the mornings. Arriving an hour before, I'm almost always one of the first cars in the parking lot. I like to pack breakfast to be enjoyed in the car to pass the time while we wait. When the parking lot is ready to open up for the day, the lights will turn green and you can pull up, pay and then be on your way. 

One other suggestion I have is to pack some bottled water or other drinks in a cooler to keep in your car. The parking lots are not shaded and even with parking closer in the handicap lot, it can be pretty hot getting back to your car. Having a cold beverage waiting on you when you return is a great way to feel refreshed when you get back to your car, it's one of the perks of driving yourself. 

Jaynee, I hope this helps ease your mind about parking when you visit the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. If you have any other questions before your trip, please feel free to come back and ask me.