Welcome, Nicole!
Thanks for asking for some creative ideas on park hopping logistics for your upcoming
Walt Disney World Resort vacation! I love to think these things through and am happy to help you plan a seamless day enjoying these two fantastic theme parks.
The easiest solution is sometimes the simple one.
I think you are best to park your own vehicle at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, drive to the Transportation and Ticket Center where you can leave your vehicle while at Magic Kingdom Park, and then it will be nearby at the end of the night for a quick exit after a long day. Standard theme park parking is complimentary if you are a registered Guest of a
Disney Resorts Collection hotel or are an
Annual Passholder. If not, you only
pay for theme park parking once a day – you will show the receipt from Disney’s Hollywood Studios parking when you arrive at the Transportation and Ticket Center and not have to pay a second time for your stay at Magic Kingdom Park.
There aren’t any great alternatives, Nicole as parking at the Disney resorts is reserved for Guests staying there or during a short period for a dining reservation. I can’t think of a centrally located, safe and valid parking spot for your vehicle that is more convenient than driving yourself between the two theme parks. Disney’s
complimentary bus transportation is a fun and easy way to park hop, but it is so nice to exit Magic Kingdom Park and know your own vehicle is secured nearby as the day’s exhaustion sneaks up on you.
I like the time spent in my own vehicle when park hopping to blast the air conditioning and enjoy a few minutes of quiet after the stimulation and excitement of the theme parks. Of course, if I plan to drive myself, I need to be mindful of the temptation of festive theme park cocktails and be sure that I am well hydrated and alert for a safe drive. (Remember, this isn’t the Piston Cup Racing Series!) I also like to stash a cooler with fresh ice and drinks or a damp cloth in the car awaiting me when I arrive – ahhh, so refreshing! The roads between theme parks have clear signage as most of the Guests driving in this area are new to the Orlando area and
navigating between Disney locations, just like you! I hope you find this a relaxing short break as you make your way to Magic Kingdom Park. You can plan for a quick 10-minute drive between the two parks.
No matter what you decide, don’t forget about
Disney’s Car Locator feature within the
My Disney Experience App. This handy mouseketool helps you save your parking location for ease of finding at the end of the theme park visit – especially helpful when you’re visiting more than one large parking lot in a day!
I hope this helps pave the way for a seamless day of park hopping fun! Please let us know what other questions you have as you finalize the details for this special trip.
Ka-chow!
Amy