Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
One guest’s “hack” for free parking at Walt Disney World Resort has raised ethical questions among fans on social media.
The Disney parks can be an expensive vacation destination, and parking fees are just one of the many costs guests encounter. Walt Disney World Resort theme park parking costs $30 for daily standard parking and up to $55 for preferred spots. This hefty price tag has led some Disney Park guests to look for ways to save, but one TikTok user’s solution has led to significant backlash.
The “Free Parking Hack” Explained
Credit: Inside the Magic
This summer, TikTok user Maria J Lane (@mariajlane) shared a video detailing her “hack” to avoid parking fees at Walt Disney World Resort. Lane explained that if a guest has access to an accessible parking pass, they can park for free using valet services at any of the Monorail Resorts.
@mariajlane Follow along from more Disney tips and tricks, I love parking at grand Floridian, and taking the monorail to Magic Kingdom. #disney #magickingdom #disneytok #disneymom #disneyworld #disneyadult
“I’m going to show you how to get free parking at Disney,” Lane said in the video. “If you have accessible parking, you get free valet at any of the resorts…My pro tip is to park at one of the Monorail Resorts and take it straight to the Magic Kingdom.”
While Lane’s tip may have seemed harmless to some, it quickly garnered criticism from others who felt the practice was unethical. Many Disney Parks fans voiced their displeasure on social media, calling it an inappropriate use of a system designed to help guests with disabilities.
The Backlash: Is This Taking Advantage of the System?
Some commenters took issue with the use of an accessible parking pass for the purpose of saving on parking fees, arguing that this behavior takes advantage of a system meant for people who need it. Paid disability parking is available at Magic Kingdom Park (via the Transportation & Ticket Center), EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Credit: Inside the Magic
“Don’t park at the resorts if you’re going to the parks, the resort parking is for guest staying,” said @witchxstitch. “EVERYONE HAS TO PAY FOR PARKING, YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL OR ENTITLED TO FREE THINGS.”
“As a Disney Pass Holder you sign to adhere to all Disney policies. This is 100% against Disney policy,” @disneydadbod1 replied. “You can only park at a resort if you are staying there or have a dining reservation. This is showing people how to do the wrong thing.”
A Larger Discussion on DAS and Accessibility
The controversy also sparked a conversation about Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS), which has become increasingly strict in recent years. Many commenters connected Lane’s actions to the challenges with DAS, fearing that behavior like this could lead to even more rigorous policies that would negatively affect those who truly rely on accommodations.
Credit: Flickr, Ussamam
“This type of stuff is why DAS is so heavily policed now,” @mattmcdaniel527 commented.
“Taking advantage of yet another thing and Disney will have to redesign this so people who actually need it can’t use it,” @rissmy echoed.
Walt Disney World Resort’s History of Cracking Down on Loopholes
Walt Disney World Resort has a long history of closing loopholes that guests use to avoid paying for parking. For example, many guests used to park at Disney Springs, where parking is free, and then take a bus to the theme parks. Disney has since discontinued bus service from Disney Springs to the theme parks to prevent this practice.
Credit: Disney
Similarly, while parking at Disney Resort hotels is free for overnight guests, resort-hopping has become a point of contention. Guests would sometimes park at hotels without staying there, booking dining reservations or placing Mobile Orders just to secure free parking. Disney has cracked down on this, especially at the Monorail Resorts. Even guests with Advance Dining Reservations sometimes have to pay for parking at the Transportation & Ticket Center (TTC) and take free transportation to their destination.
Is it wrong to try to get free parking at Walt Disney World Resort with this “hack?” Disney Tips would love to hear from you in the comments!
