Hi, just got back this evening from a nice weekend at Shades of Green Resort on Walt Disney World property. I’ve got lots of great info and pictures to post in the coming weeks, but there is one thing that I wanted to post right away.
When I was checking in to Shades of Green on Friday the desk clerk casually mentioned that if I wanted to drive my own car and park at Disney’s theme parks I’d need to pay the $14.00 per day parking fee at the theme park entrance. “I said What? I thought Shades of Green guest’s parked for free.” and she replied, “Sorry they just changed that.”
From the time Shades of Green opened and until recently their guests were extended the same benefit as other guests staying at other resorts on Disney property. But apparently Disney has decided to put an end to this benefit. You still have the Shades of Green provided buses which will take you to Animal Kingdom, Disney Studios, the water parks, and the Transportation and Ticket Center (where you can catch a monorail to the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT and Disney bus transportation to all points). Or you can make the 10-15 minute walk to Disney’s Polynesian Resort and catch the monorail there.
While the Shades of Green bus service is appreciated, my family enjoys the freedom of driving to some of the parks (we’ll walk to the Poly to catch the monorail if we’re going to the Magic Kingdom) or other destinations on property. We find it so much more convenient to drive ourselves. At the end of a long hot day in the theme parks we’d rather get in our car and be back to our room as quick as possible. You can wait a long time for the resort bus to arrive at the pick up points, then you’ll pack into the bus with 30 other people who’ve also been in 95 plus degree weather all day.
So if you’re someone who has enjoyed, or was planning on the free parking for Shades of Green guests at Disney’s theme parks, you’ll need to factor an extra $14 per day into your planning budget for each day that you want to use your car.
Check back soon for lots more Shades of Green info, tips, and reviews. Also look for a redesign of the main site which will more closely match the look of the blog.
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It sounds like , nothing is free anymore . Many resorts / hotels are all charging to park “per day” . Last year went to Chicago , parked and it cost us $20.00 ( per day ) .
I know, it’s frustrating. You just have to look for every way to save that you can. My personal tip is when I pay with cash I never give anyone coins. I get coins as change and every bit goes in my Disney fund. It adds up, one time it was over a year between visits and I’d saved over $300.
Another way we used to do it , take all of our tax refund and overtime money and put it in the savings. You’re exactly right “look for every way to save , that you can”. Vacation club . People would use there credit cards for vacation instead of saving it , well I save , pay it all off before , I go vacation.
There an article , I just read today where hotels nickle and dime you . If you want that article direct me to what email to send it too .
We are heading out tomorrow morning to take the long drive from NJ to WDW. We are going for 10 days, and will be staying at the SOG. When going to Epcot and Hollywood Studios we are going to park for FREE at the Boardwalk and take the FREE boat ride in. Magic Kingdom trips will start with a walk to the Polynesian. The only parking that we will need to pay for is at Animal Kingdom. We have breakfast reservations at the Tusker House, I wonder if that will get me free parking? I will post amore about the trip when I return.
Hey Brian,
Hope you have a great time! Ten days wow, that’s great. Make sure you take mid day breaks, it’s been real hot and humid here in Florida this summer.
Great ideas on the parking!!!
A tip on the Boardwalk parking lot: They’ve changed the non-guest parking. When you enter the Boardwalk lot across from the Hess gas station you used to be able to drive straight towards the resort almost to the bridge and turn right into the lot, to park close. But now the gate guard will tell you to take an immediate left to park. This entrance is at the very far end of the parking lot and a long walk. But once you enter the lot drive straight back to the rear of the lot then turn right (heading towards the resort again, this parallels the valet parking area which is cordoned off) and drive up as close as you can. It’s about the same distance as where you used to be able to park. I saw lots of people just enter the lot and park at the far end not knowing you could drive up closer because if you look to the right as you enter you see the closed off valet area.
Enjoy your trip, Steve