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Kilimanjaro Safaris; Animal Kingdom; AA
  • On Jan 4, 2010
    Caroline from NC Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We will be going to WDW in a couple weeks and staying off-site. Once we get to the park's parking entrance, usually how long does it take to get parked? Then once parked, how long does it take to get into the park itself, like Magic Kingdom?

    Hi Caroline,

    So excited for you and your upcoming trip!  If you're visiting Epcot, Animal Kingdom or Disney Hollywood Studios, I'd allow myself 45 minutes from the time I arrive at the parking lot until I walk through the turnstiles. You could get lucky and it take less time but I want to get the most of my Disney time.  If you get there when the park opens, you may be able to walk to park's entrance without taking a tram which saves time.
     
    The Magic Kingdom is a little different story.  The lines to pay to park are typically longer and the parking lot is much bigger so you could be looking at 30+ minutes just to get to the Ticket and Transportation Center (TTC).  From that point, you'll either take the monorail or ferry boat to the Magic Kingdom.  The trip on the monorail is approximately 5 minutes once on board and the ferry boat is approximately 7 minutes once on board.  Lines tend to longer to board the monorail.  I usually allow myself an hour and 15 minutes or so to get from the parking lot of the MK until I go through the turnstiles.

    Keep in mind that once you arrive at any of the parks' entrances, you will be required to go through security and have your bags checked so have them open and ready to go.  If you do not have your tickets in hand and need to purchase them once you get there, allow yourself another 15 - 20 minutes.

    If you are booked for a character meal or something time sensitive, you may want to allow yourself a little more time just to be safe.  I wouldn't want to spend the extra money to do something special and miss it because of parking or long lines at the turnstiles.

    If you have an annual passholder in your party, they will be able to show their picture ID and annual pass and you will not be required to pay the parking fee.

    Please let us know if you have any further questions.  Have a magical trip!


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Meet the Panelist: Allison, Georgia

I'm a Disney-fanatic! I made my first trip to Disney World the year it opened and have grown up crazy for all things Disney. As the Mom of a son with Cerebral Palsy, I love providing recommendations for families traveling with a special needs member. Learn More About Allison

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