Walt Disney World Resort continues to be a top destination for families and visitors seeking magical experiences. From thrilling rides to delightful dining, it’s no surprise that the resort attracts millions every year. However, with popularity comes logistical challenges, particularly around the convenience of parking.
For years, Disney’s hotel parking policies have been a topic of discussion among guests. While complimentary parking at Disney hotels was once a great perk for visitors, the rules surrounding it have changed to better accommodate guests who actually have reservations at the hotels.
Related: Disney World Hotel Stay Turns Into “Disgusting” Nightmare for Frustrated Guest
In a move that will likely affect both hotel guests and dining visitors, Disney World has announced a significant update to its hotel parking policy, addressing some of the ongoing issues surrounding access to parking spots.
But what does this mean for you? Here’s the breakdown of the new changes and what you can expect when visiting Disney World in the near future.
Good News for Dining at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Amidst the changes to Disney’s hotel parking, there’s a silver lining for dining guests looking to visit Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
Related: Disillusioned Guest Slams Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort for Poor Room Quality
As reported by Jeremy (@mainstmagic) on X (formerly Twitter), Disney has now introduced a more flexible parking policy for guests dining at select restaurants at the Polynesian Village Resort.
HUGE NEWS!! (And maybe even breaking?)
Starting today, guests are now allowed to park AT the Poly if they are dining at Wailulu, Tambu, or Trader Sam’s starting at 2pm until close!!
Now there is no excuse to not visit 3 of the best spots on property!
HUGE NEWS!! (And maybe even breaking?)
Starting today, guests are now allowed to park AT the Poly if they are dining at Wailulu, Tambu, or Trader Sam’s starting at 2pm until close!!
Now there is no excuse to not visit 3 of the best spots on property! pic.twitter.com/B2KFl952ae
— Jeremy (Main Street Magic) (@mainstmagic) May 1, 2025
Related: What to Know About ‘Ohana at Walt Disney World
This update is great news for Disney visitors who want to enjoy dining at the resort’s popular spots, including Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, Tambu Lounge, and the Wailulu Bar & Grill at the Polynesian Bungalows.
Why the Change?
The change to parking rules was introduced after feedback highlighted the difficulties some guests faced while trying to park at the resort for dining. Jeremy’s tweet indicated that Wailulu Bar & Grill had been struggling to attract enough guests, which led Disney to adjust the parking policy in an effort to bring more customers to the area.
With these updated policies, Disney is making it simpler for guests to enjoy dining experiences without the stress of parking confusion.
It’s worth noting that the Polynesian Village Resort is home to one of the most famous dining spots on property — ‘Ohana, which is beloved for its all-you-care-to-eat dinner service, featuring dishes like Ohana Noodles and Pork Dumplings.
While reservations for ‘Ohana can be notoriously difficult to secure, visitors will be pleased to know that Tambu Lounge, located at the front of ‘Ohana, also offers these delicious menu items in a more relaxed setting. It’s a perfect alternative for those who can’t get into ‘Ohana but still want to enjoy the flavors of the restaurant.
For guests planning to visit any Disney-owned resorts or dine at the Polynesian Village Resort, it’s a good idea to stay informed about the parking policies at each location. If you’re making a reservation at Wailulu Bar & Grill, Trader Sam’s, or Tambu Lounge, this change will undoubtedly make your dining experience smoother and more convenient.
What do you think about Disney’s new hotel parking policy? Do you believe this will improve your experience when dining at the resorts, or do you think it might cause more frustration for guests? Let us know in the comments! Share your experiences and thoughts on this change, and be sure to stay tuned for any future updates from Disney World as they continue to refine their guest services.
