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Using a car at Disney World

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Using a car at Disney World

Even though Disney makes it easy for you to leave the driving to them, many people still prefer to use a car at Disney World.

If you plan on driving (or are thinking about driving) on your next Disney World vacation, here are some resources you might find helpful if you plan to use a car at Disney World.

Let’s get started…

Renting a car at Disney World

You can rent a car at the airport or many locations onsite at Disney World. This is super handy for may people. To learn more, check out our complete guide to renting a car at Disney World.

Parking and driving at Disney World

Having initially been terrified to drive at Disney World, I finally took the plunge and had a car during a month-long trip and was shocked how easy it was to navigate and park at Disney World. Well, most of Disney World anyway.

Check out our parking and driving guide for more info on what to expect.

Where to stay at Disney World if you have a car

One of the things that doesn’t get talked about much with regard to resort suggestions is the resorts that are most convenient with a car.

In general, Value and Moderate resorts are easier to get in and out of with a car because in most of those resorts, you can pull up very close to the building where you’re staying.

This is also true at Old Key West and Saratoga Springs Resorts.

Deluxe Resorts, on the other hand, generally have 1 main parking lot that you have to walk to so it’s not as quick to get in and out.

Check out our pros and cons of Disney World resorts for more info.

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Shannon Albert

Jason

Thursday 25th of May 2017

On a recent trip to Orlando, we discovered you can save a lot of time by being enrolled in the rental car company loyalty programs. When we arrived at the Budget area, there was an extremely long line, and very few agents working at the counter. But we happened to notice a sign directing FastBreak members directly to the garage. I had signed up for the program just a few days prior so we followed the signs and were in our car less than 5 minutes later.

Marie-Luise

Monday 22nd of May 2017

Hi and thank you for this great article! Answered every remaining question that I had so far in terms of driving around DW. However it raised a new probalby odd question. Coming from Europe I won't have any possibility to get my hands on coins since the bank is only changing as low as 1$ bills. So now I am kind of worried to be stucked on a toll road. What are you supposed to do when you come to an unmanned booth with only bills? Thanks everyone for trying to help a lost European here ;-) And I wish you all a magical time during your next WDW vacation

Dorothy Z.

Tuesday 11th of April 2017

Why is parking not good at MK? I'm driving down with my mom who uses a seat walker(she has a handicap sticker) and we're staying off site. What is the best thing to do?

Jessica

Friday 7th of April 2017

Thank you, so helpful! I have a question about parking at a resort for dining reservation (we will not be staying at resort). In the post you wrote, "If you are visiting for dining reservations or to tour, etc., you can park up to 3 hours for free" How do you get that parking pass? Book it ahead of time, day of? Also, can anyone take the monorail even if not staying on property or going to the parks that day, (just using it for transportation for dining)?

Shannon Albert

Friday 7th of April 2017

You don't need to get a parking pass. Just tell the guard you have a dining reservation when you arrive at the resort. They will likely check your name on the list and then you'll park. The 3 hour timeframe is Disney's recommendation but not usually enforced strictly.

Anybody can use Disney transportation, even people who aren't staying onsite.

Brandi

Wednesday 5th of April 2017

We are going in December and renting a van for the trip down from NC. We will be staying at Shades of Green, if we decided to drive to the parks would we have to pay at each park or can you just pay 20$ for the whole day?

Rebecca

Friday 7th of April 2017

Hi Brandi, my husband and I drive from Savannah several times a year and stay at Shades of Green. It is great! They have buses to all the parks and, if you are comfortable with a 15-minute walk, you can walk from Shades to the Polynesian and use the monorail from there. Just thought I'd chime in and let you know it is SO convenient!

Megan

Thursday 6th of April 2017

You pay $20 for the whole day, e.g. if you pay for parking at Hollywood Studios in the morning, then go to Animal Kingdom at night, the parking receipt from Hollywood Studios would be valid at Animal Kingdom. I hope this helps :)

This has the full Disney parking policy: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/