Cars Lightning McQueen
  • On Sep 10, 2021
    William from OH Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    What times do the theme park parking lots open prior to their respective park?

    Hello and welcome to planDisney, William. I can see that your trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth is coming up. I bet you are getting so excited! 

    William, my family and I typically always drive to Walt Disney World for our trips. Because of this, I've gotten so used to having a car and now love driving myself around the Walt Disney World property. We are early park people, which means we are at the parking lots as early as possible. I've found that parking lots open up anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour prior to that park's scheduled park opening time. There's some flexibility in the time because it depends on who's working and when the Cast Members are all set. I've noticed that Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park tends to be closer to the 45-minute mark whereas Disney's Hollywood Studios usually opens the parking lot up closer to one hour prior mark. I suggest getting there right at about an hour early. This will put you up toward the front of the queue that will start to form before the parking lot is officially open. 

    If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel or are a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, you'll receive complimentary theme park parking. If not, standard theme park parking is $25.00 per day and preferred parking is $45-$50 per day. If you plan to park hop, be sure to save your parking receipt. You pay one time per day and can park at any of the other Walt Disney World Theme Parks at no extra cost. 

    Something I like to do when I drive to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks, William, is to pack a small cooler of water to keep in the car. It can be a long walk back after an even longer day in the theme parks so it's nice to have a refreshing beverage waiting on you when you return. 

    I hope this helps you plan your morning a little bit better. If you have any other questions, please feel free to stop back by and ask me. I'm happy to help. Have fun! 
thumbnail image for Jackie

Meet the Panelist: Jackie, North Carolina

I love all things Walt Disney World.  In fact, since becoming Annual Passholders, my family of 3 is always hopping in the car for a quick trip to visit with Mickey Mouse!  I've been known to make the 8 hour each way drive to Walt Disney World (in one day!) to indulge in a Mickey Waffle or enjoy a sunny day at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park.  I may have a small family, but we are always up for some BIG fun at the Walt Disney World Resort.   Learn More About Jackie

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