Hey Sanjay, thanks for asking me this follow up question about purchasing an
Annual Pass and paying for parking.
Complimentary standard parking at the theme parks is a benefit once your pass is activated, and one way to activate your pass is to scan into a park for the first time. In this case, you will have to pay for parking when you arrive at the park if your pass is not yet active. You can activate it at the
Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs and then drive to the park. Disney Springs does offer complimentary parking.
There have been varying tales over the years of Cast Members both charging and not charging for parking for soon-to-be activated passes. My fellow panelist Jason has indicated that Guest Services may
refund your parking fee to your credit card or in the form of a gift card if you paid for parking before your pass was activated, but I wouldn't say that it is guaranteed. Make sure to hold onto your receipt if you take this route. My advice is to activate the pass at Disney Springs and enjoy the complimentary parking at the park of your choice!
I hope you are excited to get your Annual Pass, Sanjay! You're sure to enjoy all the
perks and benefits that come along with it, and I hope to someday be a Passholder, too. I know that if I keep on believing the dream that I wish will come true.
Stay magical,
Scott