There are lots of ways to explore Disney World.
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You can check out the theme parks, you can check out the hotels, and you can even dine and shop at Disney Springs. During one of our recent reporting walks around the resort, we heard some commentary that made our ears perk up. We asked what YOU guys thought about people sleeping in their cars in Disney World. Here are your replies.
Our team goes to Disney World every single day to check out the new changes, fresh snacks, and more updates around the theme parks and hotels. During a stop by one of the Disney hotels, we overheard a conversation that security guards have started to watch for the growing problem of people driving to the resorts and sleeping in their cars from there. They referenced events like runDisney where people will come only for the event and have a nap in the parking lot before the early morning events.
Springtime Surprise 2026
Hearsay isn’t fact, and we won’t act like it is. That’s why we decided to ask if YOU guys have also heard of this potential problem or if you’ve even done it before. We received nearly 150 replies, and some of you guys even had firsthand experience! Jennifer Beth commented, “They check to make sure it’s not a medical emergency or an OD. Standard procedure for anyone sleeping in any parking lot.” That’s when Kristi Ammons replied, “Can confirm. I’m mostly useless after 8PM, but I married a musician who regularly has late gigs. I’m often woken up from a very peaceful car nap as part of a wellness check (often cops/security, but sometimes civilians too).” So it could just be increased safety precautions.
Pop Century Room 7136 near the parking lot
Another reader asked why people would want to sleep in the parking lot, to which Angela Zultowski replied, “Some people will drive 18 to 19 hours all the way straight through till they hit Disney, and when they arrive it’s in the middle of the night and their room isn’t ready until 3:00 p.m. I know someone who used to do this; he and three of his buddies would pile into the car and drive 19 hours straight. Because they couldn’t check in until later on the day, they would just sleep in their car until the sun came up and then at least checked their bags at baggage claim until check-in time.”
Port Orleans French Quarter Lobby
Dani Prosper confirmed that some racers will also make this choice because of runDisney! Dani wrote, “I did it in April after the springtime surprise yoga. I didn’t want to wake up my family one more time, so I stayed in my car and was scrolling. Next thing I know, security was at my car wondering if I was ok.” Amanda Golz also shared that her family arrived at 4 AM ahead of schedule. They were tired, and so they checked in with security and took a nap before continuing with their day.
Pop Century
One user even shared that she has slept in her car before due to her roommates’ increasingly loud snoring! She noted that she got her own room for the rest of their trip. Several commenters noted that napping in the car before check-in isn’t uncommon for them. It’s important to note, you cannot get into the parking lots without a reservation or checking in with security. Even if you arrive in the middle of the night, you will still need to talk to security before they let you into your resort’s parking lot.
BoardWalk Inn Entrance
If you want to make sure a bed is there for you when you arrive, you can book a room for the night before. You can also request early check-in times with Disney when you’re doing the online check-in, although they can’t always accommodate requests. Instead of sleeping in your car, Kelly Lawson commented, “If you’re waiting for your room, just sleep on a lounge chair at the pool lol.” Honestly, we have done this before!
Animal Kingdom Lodge Pool Chairs
Before sleeping in your car at any point in the day, don’t forget how hot it gets in Orlando no matter the time of day, so always be sure to do what is safest for you and your family. There have also been events lately where guests showed up hours before Disney even opened, like the Lorcana Special Release Event. Some of the comments speculated if events like this also increased guests sleeping in their cars beforehand.
Long lines for the Lorcana event
We’re eager to see if this is something that develops throughout the year as we head into the holidays. If you want to give your opinion or firsthand experiences, be sure to follow us on Facebook, where we love to ask you guys your thoughts! As always, be sure to keep following DFB for more Disney news, updates, and more.
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Have you found if the Mickey cinnamon roll that was at Westward Ho been transferred to another restsurant?
I can see this being a thing depending on what event is going on at the time. I’m sure Disney would rather have your $$$ for one night for a room instead though lol But it makes sense that the runners would want to nap and/or conserve energy before their run. And the story of the guys sleeping in their car until their room was ready cause they arrived in the middle of the night, makes sense to me too. it wouldn’t bother me if someone did it, because in order to get onto the property of a resort anymore you have to have a reservation. I would just tell security my plans when I checked in with them so they would know, if I was going to do it.
This must not be a huge problem or Disney would come up with a solution. On both sides of the issue I am glad there is so much security at Disney, however it is a risk for safety and security and of course the weather. Do they place them in overfill lots or the resort parking? I would be concerned if I saw someone sleeping in a car in the resort lot.
My wife and kids drove out there in May and I flew in due to my job. They got there way early so she booked a room at Music resort for one night. I got in to the airport at like midnight and didn’t get to the resort until 2 so it was nice to have a room to sleep in for a while.
Have you discovered if the Mickey shaped pecan, carmel cinnamon roll sold at Westward Ho going to be on another restaurants menu ?