Hello and welcome, Marion! I'm so glad you've stopped by the planDisney with your question.
My family and I always drive down to Walt Disney World and because so, even if we are staying at a
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, we typically like to drive ourselves to the
Walt Disney World Theme Parks. I like having the flexibility of having my own car to get around. I think you will be happy to know that as a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Guest, you do receive
complimentary standard theme park parking at all of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks and at Disney Springs. If you'd like to upgrade to preferred parking at any of the theme parks, you would just need to pay the difference. When you arrive at the theme park parking lot, the Cast Member working will either scan your MagicBand or Keys To The World card to verify your hotel reservation and then you'll be able to head to your parking spot. The Walt Disney World Theme Park parking lots open up anywhere between 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to the park opening. The parking lots can get pretty hot in the Florida sun, especially in the summer months. If you are driving yourself to the theme parks, I recommend keeping a small cooler in your car with some water in it. It's so nice to have a refreshing beverage waiting for you when you return back to the car after a long day inside of the theme parks.
Keep in mind, if you are a Walt Disney World Resort Guest, you can take advantage of the
complimentary transportation to and from the theme parks. Depending on where you stay this could be a bus, boat, monorail or Disney Skyliner. Complimentary theme park transportation begins running each morning about 45 minutes before each of the parks open up and up to two hours after closing.
I hope this helps, Marion. If you have any other questions, please feel free to come back and
ask me. I'm happy to help.
Have a great day!