Hi Gillian!
Welcome back to planDisney.
It's always a pleasure to assist my fellow guests from the UK. Thank you for sending us this question.
Whether or not we drive a car, or solely use complimentary Disney transport, it's easy to find our way around the vast Walt Disney World Resort.
If you have an overnight reservation at a Disney Resort hotel,
parking is complimentary for resort guests at that hotel. You don't need to do anything, and can come and go as you please for your entire stay. Also, if you are simply visiting another Disney Resort hotel, maybe for dining, or shopping, parking is complimentary (
subject to capacity). And more great news, parking is free at the four theme parks for Disney Resort hotel guests.
There is no charge for parking for
all guests at the
water parks - Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach (whichever is open) and
Disney Springs.
Some people ask if it's better to use Disney Transport to travel around the Resort, or use a car. Driving a rental car tends to be a quicker option, as you can just get in the car and go! You might wait up to 20 minutes for a bus or a boat to arrive, but you'll arrive closer to the park entrance so there's less walking time, or waiting for a parking tram in the parking lots. From my own experience staying in the Magic Kingdom Resort area it would take me around 10-15 minutes driving/parking time to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, and a little longer to Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. Sometimes it's just nice to hand the driving to someone else for the day!
Disney transport will begin running 45 minutes before park opening times, and up to an hour after park closing.
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions, and you can
send me a direct question if you wish. We are always happy to help you plan your magical holiday to Walt Disney World!
Sue