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Credit: Inside the MagicIf you are driving to one of the Walt Disney World theme parks, you should know that there is a fee put into place in order to park your car in the lot for the day. Depending on what type of parking you choose, as well as what type of vehicle you are driving, depends on the price you will pay.
But if you wanted to avoid these parking fees, there may soon be one way to do so — though it is really up to luck!
Related: As Disney World Returns to Normal, One Major Amenity Still Missing
For starters, per the official Disney World website, Walt Disney World currently charges the following for parking at the theme parks:
Guests pay one fee for a parking pass good all day at all 4 theme parks—Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Our special preferred parking lots are located conveniently close to the theme park entrances. All parking fees include applicable sales tax.
Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45-$50 per day*
Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $25 per dayOversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer – $30 per day
Standard theme park parking is included for registered Guests of Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders. These Guests can also choose to enjoy preferred parking by paying the difference in cost between their included standard parking and preferred parking (difference is currently $20-$25 per day*).
Now, if you didn’t want to pay the fee for parking, there is one way around it.
In case you aren’t aware, Disney chooses a “family of the day” to open Magic Kingdom every morning — though, at this time, due to the ongoing pandemic, this tradition has not been seen. But, prior to temporary theme park closures, every morning, Magic Kingdom held a musical opening ceremony at the train station, known to Disney fans as the “rope drop.”
During the “rope drop” opening ceremony, there was always one family that would help to open Magic Kingdom. This family is actually handpicked by Disney Cast Members and if you were chosen as the “family of the day”, you would also receive a special parking spot — which ends up being free of charge!
Although we have not seen the iconic “rope drop” opening ceremony at Magic Kingdom since the temporary theme park closures, Twitter user, bioreconstruct, noticed that on a recent visit to Magic Kingdom, the parking spot is still blocked off, indicating this special perk could return soon:
Family of the day parking privilege seen still available July 17 and today July 24. Closest parking spot to Transportation and Ticket Center.
Family of the day parking privilege seen still available July 17 and today July 24. Closest parking spot to Transportation and Ticket Center. pic.twitter.com/yzVqerRYGh
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) July 24, 2021
Related: No Trams Running, But Disney Adds Magic to the Walkway!
Within both photos, not only do you see cones blocking the parking spot but there is also a sign in front of the spot that reads “reserved for the family of the day!”
At this time, we are unsure of when Magic Kingdom will bring back the “rope drop” opening ceremony or when they will pick a “family of the day” again, but seeing the parking spot still reserved is promising!
Have you ever been selected as the “family of the day” at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!