Disney Tips for Frugal Parking
- Use alternative parking to avoid high Disney lot costs.road to animal kingdom florida Aug 05 image by amethyst from Fotolia.com
After a day or two in Walt Disney World, many parents come to a conclusion that the entire theme park is designed to painlessly remove as much money as possible from guests in dozens of different ways. After two days of overpriced ice cream bars and souvenir t-shirts, a $14 tab for parking may just be the last straw. Take matters into your own hands and use the Disney system to help you save money. You may have to spend a little more time on a monorail or shuttle bus, but the money saved each day can quickly add up. - Shades of Green is a resort hotel on Disney property used only by active and retired military members. If you are not a guest at this resort, you can still park your car in the parking garage for $5 for the entire day. Park your car then wander over to the front door. A shuttle bus comes every half hour or so and goes directly to the Ticket and Transportation Center. From there, you can take the monorail to Magic Kingdom or Epcot, or a shuttle to any of the other parks.
- Park at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian or Contemporary resort. Parking at the resorts is free for resort restaurant guests, so have breakfast or a mid-morning snack at one of the many hotel restaurants and snack bars that are available. Hop on the monorail right outside the resort hotel and go anywhere in Disney that you like. Finish your day at the park with a drink or dessert at the hotel resort, then return to your own room in your car.
- Parking is free at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, the two water parks in Walt Disney World. Park at either water park first thing in the morning. Stroll to the bus stop and get in line for the next shuttle bus. You can ride shuttle buses from any park in Disney to any other park. You may have to transfer buses at the Ticket and Transportation Center or ride a monorail, but your car will be safely parked for free all day at the water park.
- Downtown Disney is a closed street of shops and restaurants right outside the Disney parks. Many people spend an entire day here, but even if you don't want to shop you can take advantage of a deal. Parking at Downtown Disney is free. Park anywhere in the lot and hop on one of the buses that take you around the theme parks and to the Ticket and Transportation Center. People who like the nightlife will be especially pleased with this plan, as shuttle buses run to Downtown Disney until 2 a.m.
