Hey Janet,
Welcome to planDisney! If you're visiting Walt Disney World while staying off property, you absolutely can use Disney transportation to get around the resort. Disney World is massive - if you plan to park hop or visit a park plus
Disney Springs you will have no other choice but to either drive, use a rideshare service (like the fun
Minnie Vans or a similar service) or use the resort transportation system. Personally, when I'm on vacation I prefer not to drive. It's not a vacation to me if I'm behind the wheel!
Parking at the theme parks is fee-based. You can find information on
what those fees are here. Disney's transportation system is complimentary - once you park your vehicle, you can use any of the available transportation methods to get around the resort. If you plan to park hop, I typically suggest parking at the theme park you plan to end your day at. This way, you can head straight to your car when the night ends instead of building in additional time to travel back to your first park via the complimentary transportation system.
Remember to use the
Car Locator feature within the My Disney Experience app. This technology helps you locate your car when you return to the parking lot. After a full day in the parks, I know my brain doesn't often retain details like this so it's fabulous that Disney has thought of everything for us!
I hope you found this information helpful, Janet. Please come on back if you need any additional help with planning. See ya real soon!
Sakinah