Are you planning to drive to Walt Disney World for your next family vacation? If so, you’ll be able to easily use your vehicle to get to the theme parks, including EPCOT.

You can take the stress out of your arrival by using our guide. Below, learn about everything from parking fees to your EPCOT parking spot. That way, you can start your day with ease and enjoy every minute with your family!

Table of Contents:

EPCOT Parking

The Walt Disney Company understands that the more straightforward they make visiting, the more likely guests are to return. That includes parking.

Just as there’s crystal-clear signage on the roads, the toll booth at the entrance to the park is well-marked. Just follow the signage for the lane that best describes you. Look for signage for hotel resort guests, day visitors, and more.

If you’re not staying at one of Disney’s hotels, you’ll need to show identification and verify your theme park reservation for the day. You’ll then need to pay the parking fees or show eligibility for free parking.

Parking Tiers and Fees

If you’re staying at a Disney resort hotel, your resort parking fee includes theme park vehicle fees. Resort fees depend on where you stay. You’ll need to show your parking pass, and cast members will direct you to the next available parking spot.

You have only two choices for parking at EPCOT, standard and preferred. Standard parking costs a flat fee per day (or included for resort guests), while preferred parking fees vary depending on demand and availability.

In December 2022, Disney charged $25 per day for standard parking for standard vehicles (including SUVs and pickup trucks) and motorcycles.

Preferred parking costs between $45 and $50 per day. Resort guests can pay the upcharge from their resort fee for preferred parking.

EPCOT Parking Lots

As you can imagine, the parking lots for Disney’s theme parks are massive. EPCOT has seven parking lots in total. We’ve listed them roughly in order of distance from the main entrance:

Journey (preferred parking only)
Amaze (reserved for handicapped parking)
Imagine
Create
Explore
Discover
Wonder

Journey and Amaze parking lots are the only ones easily accessible on foot. For all others, you’ll need to catch a tram. Don’t worry if you miss it or can’t get right on one; they run very frequently, especially around park opening and closing.

Even from the Wonder lot, the tram ride isn’t too long. You’ll arrive at the main gate or back at your lot within ten minutes or so. The trams are open-air but covered, protecting you from the sun and rain.

How To Get Free Parking at EPCOT

As a disclaimer, note that Disney changes minor fees and policies – such as parking – without notice. Some of the following guidelines may go away or improve in the future.

Disney Vacation Club members get free parking when staying at a Deluxe Villa or using their points. Annual pass holders receive free parking at the theme parks but not at the resorts.

For obvious reasons, the only resort that offers free parking is Fort Wilderness Cabins and Campgrounds. However, if you drive an RV or other oversized vehicle to the parks, you will have an additional parking fee.

Finally, Disney employees (called cast members) get free parking. They must show their Disney ID badge at the toll booth for standard parking. They don’t need to be driving, but they do need to be a passenger in the car.

EPCOT Parking FAQs and More

There’s still a lot to learn about parking at Disney theme parks, including EPCOT. Find answers below.

Is premium parking worth the extra fee?

It depends. Parking generally is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you arrive later in the morning on a busy day, it may be worth it if you want to get into the park quickly.

For some families, access to a car is crucial. Especially if you have little kids or infants, the vehicle can provide a quiet respite in the middle of the day. That’s much easier if you don’t have to take the tram.

Where else in Walt Disney World can you go from EPCOT?

Many places! From EPCOT, you can walk directly to:

Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
The Swan and Dolphin
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

You can ride the Skyliner to:

Disney’s Riviera Resort
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort

You can ride the Monorail to:

The Magic Kingdom
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Can you park overnight at EPCOT?

Officially, Disney does not allow overnight parking in any of its theme park lots. But it happens, especially at EPCOT. Certainly, Disney would rather you refrain from driving if it’s unsafe.

If you have to leave your car overnight, try to contact guest relations. You can give them the make, model, and license plate number, avoiding fees. Otherwise, you may need to pay for the second day of parking when you arrive to pick up your vehicle.

Do resort guests get free parking?

Technically not, because they pay for it at their hotel. They don’t pay an additional fee to park at the theme parks unless they opt for preferred parking.

Do you have to pay to drop someone off at Disney World?

No, you can drop people off for free. Don’t try to sneak into a parking lot, though. Disney’s way ahead of you!

Where is there free parking at Walt Disney World?

Disney Springs, the vast shopping and entertainment district, is the best place for free parking. It isn’t easy to get to the theme parks from there, though.

Day visitors can park at the resorts for free, but your time is limited, so that’s not an option for sneaking off to the parks, either.

Get Parked and Get Going at EPCOT

Now you know everything you need about EPCOT parking. Arrive at the theme park without worries and enjoy your day with your family!

Facebook X Reddit

More about our TFVG Author

Author Profile

James Brockbank

Founder at The Family Vacation Guide

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

Additional menu