After receiving the first email, I emailed them back:
Ken
Mar 8, 6:42 PM EST
And that includes the theme parks also?
Ken
They replied:
Ethel Hodapp (Disney)
Mar 8, 10:58 PM EST
Dear Ken,
Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort! Yes, it does include the Theme Parks.
If you have any other questions or challenges, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling us at 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) or by chatting with us in the Help Center of the Walt Disney World® website (only available on the US site). Cast Members will be happy to assist you further.
Sincerely,
Ethel Hodapp
eCommerce Sales and Service Team
Even though you got that answer, I would not count on it being correct.
I’ve never heard reports of anyone not being charged for parking at the parks by showing a handicapped parking permit.
I have seen reports of people who showed their handicapped parking permit, asked at the parking kiosk if they got free parking and were told no.
And, we have our daughter’s handicapped parking permit clearly visible when we pull up to the kiosk and are always asked for our Magicband or other way to pay (because we are staying on site, we get free parking at the parks).
Parking is free at the parks for anyone staying at one of the Disney owned resorts or with an annual pass (I don’t know if all types of annual pass qualify - at one point, it was just certain levels of AP).
There is a daily resort parking fee for guests to park at their resort hotel. Apparently, Disney chose to waive that for guests who show a handicapped parking permit. I do not know why.
The usual valet parking charge is waived for guests with a handicapped parking permit, although tips are still appreciated. That is actually fairly common at other places that offer valet parking.
The reasons are that most usually do not have enough close by handicapped parking spaces and safety; since the entrançe area is very busy with cars pulling in and out, it’s safer to offer valet parking to get guests out of the traffic if their disabilities affect navigating/moving quickly.