Whether you’ve had to cancel or change your Disney World vacation plans this year or not, you might be wondering how your next trip to Florida will be different.
Magic Kingdom
One of the things we’re thinking about doing differently is driving to Disney World instead of flying. Here’s why:
Gas Prices Are Projected to Remain Low Through The Summer
According to USA Today, fuel is selling for less than $1 a gallon in over a dozen states right now and it might even continue dropping. Analysts say crude prices hit a low not seen since 2002 because consumers are driving less often.
These Guys Have the Right Idea
Combine your savings at the pump with any fuel rewards offered by many grocery store chains, and you might be able to fill your tank for less thanks to all that food and TP you’ve been buying in bulk lately.
But Aren’t Flights Going Cheaper, Too?
It’s true — you CAN find some really affordable flights right now. We’re talking round trips to Disney World for less than $100! While you might be tempted to scoop up some of these really good rates, there ARE a few other factors to consider before you do.
Airlines Are Expected to Offer Fewer Flights Initially
As parts of the country are slowly beginning to reopen, until there are more passengers, it’s possible many airlines will be choosing to fly fewer planes.
Orlando International Airport
Southwest’s CEO has specifically mentioned that the number of flights going to Florida will depend largely on Disney World reopening as well as restaurants and other businesses starting back up. People need something to go TO, and several of these industries are interconnected to one another.
More Control Over Your Environment Than Flying
Airports that have remained open during this time have already implemented several new safety and sanitation guidelines while the Re-Open Florida Task Force has also proposed several new protocols.
Orange County International Airport
The new procedures being discussed include reducing the number of touchpoints while encouraging more use of mobile boarding passes, and encouraging travelers to bring carry-on luggage only to reduce contact at the ticket counter and baggage claim areas.
More frequent cleaning is occurring while most airports are now using hospital-grade cleaner and restrooms are being pressure-washed every night. Employees are now required to wear masks, and masks are available for purchase.
Orange County International Airport
Plexiglass has been installed in customs areas and security checkpoints, and social distancing guidelines are being adhered to with 6-feet of distance between guests waiting in security lines at all times. Lanes have also been widened while seating areas at the gates have been spaced out accordingly.
That said, if you wish to keep a greater distance from other travelers (and for your own peace of mind), you might find it more comfortable to drive your own car instead of flying on a commercial plane. Just keep in mind that depending on the distance you need to travel, you might have to make frequent stops or spend the night at a hotel which could still be considered a risk.
Read more about these airport protocols here!
Less Worry About Your Odometer
Never thought about driving to Disney World before because you didn’t want to rack up the miles on your car? Well guess what — if you’ve been working from home like many of us have for the last several weeks, you probably haven’t been using your car as much!
Magic Kingdom Entrance
And since you haven’t been doing that daily commute packing on the miles, why not take a family road trip to Disney World?
What About Parking?
If you’ve only ever flown to WDW before, you’re probably not super-familiar with how bringing a car into the Disney World mix works.
Wilderness Lodge Parking Lot
But that’s okay! It’s super-easy, and doesn’t really have to change anything about the way you normally do Disney!
Overnight Self-Parking
Okay, first the bad news — since March of 2018, Disney World now charges a fee for overnight parking. Standard overnight self-parking is available to registered guests and it’s applied to your hotel bill upon check-out. All parking fees include applicable tax. Here’s the breakdown for standard parking at the Disney World Resorts:
- Disney Value Resorts: $15 per night
- Disney Moderate Resorts: $20 per night
- Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts: $25 per night
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Note — complimentary standard parking is available to guests staying at the Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Each campsite provides parking space for one (1) motorized vehicle.
Valet Parking
Valet Parking is a little different. It’s only available at select Disney Deluxe Resorts and Disney Deluxe Villas and costs $33 per night (sales tax included).
Parking at the Disney World Theme Parks
If you are a guest staying at a Disney World-owned property, you will get complimentary standard parking at all of the Disney theme parks for the length of your resort stay.
Newly Repaved Parking Area at Hollywood Studios
If you’re staying somewhere off-site, each theme park will charge you a parking rate ($25 for standard parking) if you drive and park your car in one of the lots. Keep in mind, if you pay for parking at one theme park, you won’t have to pay for parking at any additional theme parks you might visit on that same day (just save your receipt).
Epcot Pathways from Parking Lots
But trust us when we say — just because you drove to Florida, it doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of Disney World’s free transportation services. Besides, you could probably use a little break from your car after all that driving you just did! Leave the car at your resort and hop on a bus, ferryboat, monorail, or Disney Skyliner instead!
Walt Disney World
What do you think? Are you considering driving to Disney World this year instead of flying? We’d really like to know your thoughts on the matter, so sound off below!
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Which do you think makes the most sense right now: flying or driving to Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!
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It’s $25 for standard parking at the theme parks nowadays. 😊
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
It’s like you read my mind! I’ve been pricing this out and it would save us about $1200.
Thanks, Lydia!
We’re definitely planning on driving in November from Cleveland. Stopping in NC at our son’s and then to Disney. Cannot imagine getting on a plane any time soon.
We are thinking of driving rather than flying just after Thanksgiving. We are 4 senior citizens with some health issues. We’re a little nervous about the recirculated air in a plane.
We have never flown to WDW. It’s about a 12-hour drive for us, including all stops and meals, so we always drive it in one day. While we do use Disney transport on property, we’ve learned that the easiest way to get to a dinner reservation at another resort hotel is to drive, so we do drive on property. Plus, having a car enables us to go off-property for groceries, which gives us much more selection at lower prices. And finally, when we’re ready to leave, there’s plenty of room for that souvenir we just couldn’t pass up.
We always drive to WDW and rarely use Disney transportation. My daughter is impatient, the wait times are too long and she prefers to be the one driving. Her theory is that she didn’t pay all that money to wait on a bus. I just go with the flow.
I think we will still fly. We are in the older Disney fans category and driving from Pa. to WDW is hard on the back and other parts if you know what I mean. The planes will be thoroughly cleaned . When we had to fly from Aruba to Philadelphia at the start of the virus , the plane had been cleaned and most of us felt safer on the plane than getting off at the airport. We all have to play it safe no matter which way we travel. It’s the way of the world. Anyway, if you drive you still have to stop for gas (pumps are dirty) and restrooms will have many customers . On the plane I will use clorox wipes , much easier than a 18 hr. drive and cleaning everywhere we stop. Good luck to you all driving. Have fun at Disney!!!!!
My family and I have always drive from SC. It’s an easy drive. We park our vehicle, and don’t see the inside of it until the morning we leave. We ONLY we Disney transportation while at the resort. If we go in November, we’ll do the same thing!
I have plans to take the Amtrak Auto Train from Virginia in November. I travel by myself and would have to make too many stops and pay for hotels otherwise. I did it once before and it worked out well. I like having my own transportation rather than relying on Disney buses. This is really handy when going from resort to resort. Yes, you pay for parking at the resort. However this fee also covers your parking at the parks. You just have to show you have paid. Now with COVID-19 it seems even a better idea to have my own bubble.
I always drive to Disney it’s only about a 13 hour drive. It’s very relaxing I can go at my own pace and make stops at different tourist sites on the way.
I watch a lot of DFB on youtube and wondered why all the videos seem to assume you have flown since driving has so many positives. Along with ability to get groceries and room for souvenirs, here’s some more reasons:
– ability to pack more for special circumstances such as extra shoes, jackets and food
– strollers – bring your own and not worry about fighting to get them on the Disney buses
– faster park hopping (except MK)
and possibly the biggest reason for us is the ability to leave when we want as opposed to when the plane with the cheap fare leaves. Even a direct flight can take several hours when you add in driving to the airport, parking, security, and even the Magical Express. Depending on when the flights would be, you may get more resort time by driving.
Has anybody driven from Pittsburgh, PA. If so How long did it take. Very interested.