Your Definitive Guide: Mastering Parking at Disney Springs

Where to park for Disney Springs? The short answer is: there are several free parking options including surface lots and parking garages. The Lime Garage and Orange Garage are located closest to the Town Center and Marketplace areas. The Grapefruit Garage provides the best access to the West Side. The Watermelon Lot and Strawberry Lot are surface lots further away from the main areas, but often are viable options during peak times. Parking availability changes throughout the day, so knowing the lay of the land, leveraging technology, and having a backup plan are essential for a stress-free visit.

Navigating the Disney Springs Parking Landscape

Disney Springs, with its blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment, is a must-visit destination. But let’s face it: finding parking, especially during peak season, can feel like navigating a theme park queue. Fear not! This guide equips you with the insider knowledge to conquer the Disney Springs parking game like a pro.

Parking Garages: Your First Line of Defense

Disney Springs boasts three multi-story parking garages: Lime Garage, Orange Garage, and Grapefruit Garage. These are usually the preferred options due to their covered parking and proximity to different areas of Disney Springs.

• Lime Garage: Located closest to the Town Center area, home to many popular retail stores and dining options like Anthropologie and STK Orlando. This garage fills up quickly, so arrive early, particularly on weekends and evenings.

• Orange Garage: Similar to Lime, the Orange Garage offers excellent access to Town Center and the Marketplace. It’s another prime spot, so be prepared for potentially longer wait times to find a space.

• Grapefruit Garage: Situated on the West Side, this garage is your best bet for easy access to Cirque du Soleil, House of Blues, Splitsville Luxury Lanes, and the AMC Dine-In Theatre. The Grapefruit Garage tends to be less congested than Lime and Orange, making it a smart choice if you’re heading to the West Side.

Surface Lots: Reliable Backups

When the garages are full, the Watermelon and Strawberry surface lots become valuable alternatives. These lots involve a slightly longer walk, but Disney provides complimentary bus transportation from these areas to the heart of Disney Springs, making the journey manageable.

• Watermelon Lot: Located across Buena Vista Drive, this is one of the larger surface lots. While a bit of a walk, the buses are frequent and efficient.

• Strawberry Lot: Adjacent to Watermelon, Strawberry offers a similar experience – a reliable parking option with complimentary bus transport.

Beyond the Main Lots: Considerations

While less common, parking at nearby Disney resorts and utilizing transportation to Disney Springs can be an option during extremely crowded periods. It’s essential to check with the resort regarding their parking policies for non-guests.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Parking Experience

• Arrive Early: This cannot be stressed enough. Especially during peak seasons (holidays, summer), arriving well before your planned activities significantly increases your chances of snagging a prime parking spot.

• Utilize the Disney Springs App: The official app provides real-time parking availability information, allowing you to check garage status (open, full, etc.) before you even arrive.

• Follow Signage and Traffic Control: Cast Members are stationed throughout the parking areas to direct traffic and manage congestion. Follow their instructions for a smoother flow.

• Consider Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off directly at Disney Springs, eliminating the parking hassle altogether.

• Plan for Extra Time: Even with the best planning, unexpected delays can happen. Allocate extra time for parking and transportation to avoid rushing and starting your visit stressed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Disney Springs Parking

1. Is parking at Disney Springs really free?

Yes! Standard self-parking at all Disney Springs garages and surface lots is free. There are no parking fees to enter and park.

2. Is there valet parking available at Disney Springs?

Yes, valet parking is offered at a set price. However, it may be temporarily unavailable, so check before your visit. Valet typically provides a faster and more convenient drop-off point.

3. How do I know if a garage is full before I arrive?

The My Disney Experience app provides real-time parking availability updates for the garages. Look for the “Disney Springs” section and check the parking status.

4. What happens if all the parking is full?

If the garages and surface lots are at capacity, Cast Members will direct you to alternative parking options, which might include overflow lots or nearby resorts with transportation to Disney Springs. This is rare but can happen during peak holidays.

5. Are there parking spaces for guests with disabilities?

Yes, accessible parking spaces are available in all garages and surface lots. They are located closest to the elevators or bus stops. Ensure your disability parking permit is clearly displayed.

6. Can I park my oversized vehicle (RV, camper, etc.) at Disney Springs?

Parking for oversized vehicles is very limited and not guaranteed. It’s best to contact Disney Springs Guest Services in advance to inquire about availability and potential alternative parking locations.

7. How often do the buses run from the surface lots to Disney Springs?

The buses run frequently, typically every 10-15 minutes, from the Watermelon and Strawberry lots. However, wait times can vary depending on the time of day and crowd levels.

8. Is there preferred parking available?

Currently, there is no dedicated “preferred parking” area beyond the valet service. The earlier you arrive, the better your chances of securing a spot in the closer garages.

9. Can I leave my car parked overnight at Disney Springs?

Overnight parking is generally not permitted at Disney Springs. Your vehicle may be towed. If you require overnight parking, consider parking at your resort hotel and using Disney transportation.

10. How long can I park at Disney Springs?

While there isn’t a posted time limit for parking, parking is intended for guests visiting Disney Springs. Leaving your car parked for extended periods without actively patronizing Disney Springs activities is not recommended.

11. Are there electric vehicle (EV) charging stations available?

Yes, there are EV charging stations located in the Lime Garage on Level 2. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

12. What should I do if I can’t find my car after a long day at Disney Springs?

First, retrace your steps and carefully review the area where you parked. If you still can’t locate your vehicle, contact Disney Springs Security. They can assist you in locating your car and provide further assistance. Try to remember details like what level you parked on, or what landmarks were nearby.