Hi there, Wendy! Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question!
While I love using
Walt Disney World’s complimentary transportation, sometimes driving to the parks just makes sense. On the few occasions we’ve rented a car and headed straight to the parks from the airport, arriving midday when the lots were already filling up, we were incredibly grateful for the option to upgrade to Preferred parking!
Now, when it comes to
Preferred parking, it’s important to know that it’s available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved in advance. Paying for it doesn’t guarantee a spot, as parking is always subject to availability. This also means that if you leave and return later in the day, or if you decide to visit another park, you may not find an open preferred space.
That being said, preferred parking can be a game-changer, depending on your plans! It saves time and steps, which can be especially helpful during those hot summer months or if you’re park-hopping. At
Magic Kingdom, preferred parking gets you closer to the Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC), but keep in mind that there are no parking lot trams in the preferred section, and you’ll need to walk the short distance to the TTC before catching the monorail or ferry to the park.
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, standard theme park parking is complimentary, and Annual Passholders also receive standard parking as a perk. Both groups can pay the difference to upgrade to preferred parking if desired.
I hope this helps as you plan your trip, Wendy! Wishing you a magical visit filled with fun, laughter, and as little walking from the parking lot as possible!
Eean