Disabled Parking Query

[Worgie]

Hi,
We are off to Florida in April and our youngest is a blue badge holder here in the UK. Can someone please tell me what the benefits of applying for a US disabled badge is? I understand that we get to park in the disabled bays at the parks, which are nearer to the park entrances but does having the US parking tag mean that the parking cost is reduced or nil? Also, in public car parks do we still have to pay for parking or is it as complicated as it is here in the UK where some are free and some not? Sorry if I sound thick but we have only just got the blue badge for our son so I am still learning!! Our son can walk but is unpredictable in his behaviour. I do not want to go to the bother of applying for a US badge if it will be more hassle than the benefits we gain.
Thanks for your help.
Louise.

[loadsapixiedust]

Most places still charge for parking even with a disabled badge, but the UK blue badge is no longer recognised as valid in Florida and you could be fined for parking in a disabled bay if you don't have a Florida disabled tag.

Valet parking at WDW resorts is free to disabled badge holders.

[lausan]

definatly apply for tag...Disabled bays are near park entrances if u dont have it you may have to take courtsey bus from car park to entrance
also disabled bays outside entrances at restaurants also shopping malls if you dont have it and park in disabled bay you will be fined around $250

[matthews_mum]

Valet parking at WDW resorts is free to disabled badge holders.


First of all I'd like to thank you for your reply to this and my other thread about disabled parking / tags. You have been very helpful and I appreciate that very much :)

Now.... ;) could you please explain what Valet Parking is cos I haven't got a clue? :grin:

Cheers

[loadsapixiedust]

Now.... ;) could you please explain what Valet Parking is cos I haven't got a clue? :grin:

Cheers


Valet parking is the posh version of self parking. ;) You drive right up to the entrance to the resort, there's usually a canopy, hand over your car keys (and a tip) to the valet, take a receipt and they park the car for you. When you are ready to leave, hand your receipt (and a tip) to the valet and they will bring your car back. Very handy if the weather is bad or you are unloading someone who has limited mobility or needs a wheelchair.

It is seen by some as a perk for disabled badge holders but in actual fact it comes about because much of the self-parking at WDW resorts is too far from the entrance to comply with ADA limits.

[matthews_mum]

You drive right up to the entrance to the resort,

Ahhh, so I'm guessing this only applies if you're staying at one of Disney's resorts then and that I can't do it because we're staying offsite?

[loadsapixiedust]

Anyone can visit Disney resorts to shop, dine or just have a nosey around.

Valet parking allows you to stay all day so for instance you could book a character breakfast at a resort, leave the car there and go visit a park for the day using the WDW transport then come back and have dinner at the resort, collect your car and leave. This works especially well at the monorail resorts when visiting MK where the parking is a bit of a pain for disabled guests.