Just saw this on twitter from WDW News Today. It's also showing up on various boards but with no official word I'll label this rumor for the time being.
Beginning March 15th and lasting for just a few days, guests parking at the Magic Kingdom or Epcot will have the option of paying for a premium parking space closer to the park entrance (or at least a monorail or ferryboat). The charge for the premium parking is $15 above the regular $20 charge. There is no word yet on what the charge will be for resort guests or annual passholders, but we would assume that they would pay just $15 since they are already offered complimentary regular parking.
The exact locations of the premium spaces are unknown at this time.
- Lynn -
INTERCOT Staff: Theme Parks, DVC
I knew that rumor had been going around. I assume this is probably a trial run during a peak busy time. Hopefully it doesn't last. The money grabs are just getting out of hand.
Chris, aka Strmchsr
INTERCOT Staff: Vacation Planning, Guests with Special Needs, and Weather Guru
Seems pointless to me. Unless they start charging for the tram.
I will be shocked if this doesn't become permanent. They are plucking money from everything else so why not squeeze parking while they are at it?
A number of theme parks already do this. This doesn't bother me at all as it's 100% optional.
Natalie
INTERCOT Staff: Disneyland Resort-California, The Water Cooler
Busch Gardens has been doing that for years. I think it is $10 more for the premier parking in Williamsburg. I have a season pass so my parking is free but if the premier parking is an option I will usually spring the $10 for it. It makes things much faster getting home. I would imagine Disney would do the same thing for AP holders and resort guests.
I believe Silver Dollar City does this. Still takes forever to get inside the park.
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Legoland FL does this, but it's reasonable, and there's no tram (last I went). We walked when we did the driving thing anyway, a further walk would help burn off the calories consumed that day.
I don't have a problem with this, there is a tram, and I have never had a issue leaving the park in a car, even at busy times like Christmas week. If people want to pay extra to park close, let them.
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People think I'm crazy because I pay an extra $40 one way for extra leg room on the plane.
If people want to do that for parking - I say go for it.
But I really want it to flop. 
The trams take you right up the entrance for goodness sake
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DizneyRox;2480686 wrote: Legoland FL does this, but it's reasonable, and there's no tram (last I went). We walked when we did the driving thing anyway, a further walk would help burn off the calories consumed that day.
Not sure it would be a father walk, I usually get to the parks for rope drop, and am directed to parked in a lot on the extreme left of the park. Walking to the gate I pass lots that are filled in later in the day.
"Welcome, Foolish Mortals..."
DisneyGiant;2480733 wrote:
But I really want it to flop.The trams take you right up the entrance for goodness sake
When put that way it almost sounds like a plan to fleece the first timers."Welcome, Foolish Mortals..."
Speedy1998;2480735 wrote: When put that way it almost sounds like a plan to fleece the first timers.
And that would be something new?
Steve
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Speedy1998;2480734 wrote: Not sure it would be a father walk, I usually get to the parks for rope drop, and am directed to parked in a lot on the extreme left of the park. Walking to the gate I pass lots that are filled in later in the day.
Sorry, I didn't mention... The walking was at Disney. We never leverage the tram, regardless of how close we park. If it's further, then more calories. Think of it as making lemonade out of lemons.
If you don't feel like walking, just follow the green line. Used to be closer parking at Epcot, MGM and AK if my memory serves me right.
It is no wonder that businesses feel pressured to 'be like everybody else.' Guests/customers even expect them all to do the same things. I must have really been foolish to fight against that mindset in my own business life.
