There are many options when it comes to parking at Disneyland. Different lots to choose from, shuttles and walking bridges, the monorail. How do you decide what’s right for you? We’re going to look at all the options and what they cost or don’t cost.
I remember going to Disneyland as a kid and parking right in front of Disneyland in a HUGE parking lot (that is now California Adventure Park) and wondering, how were we going to find our car when we were done? Luckily, my parents took care of all that, I’m sure they had numbers and characters that made it easy to find your car.
All that is in the past thanks to the Car Locator that’s free in the Disneyland App, but before we get into that. Let’s go over your options for parking.
Where can I park at Disneyland?
There are 2 main parking garages and 1 main parking lot for those that are staying offsite and driving to Disneyland each day.
First is the Mickey and Friends parking structure, it’s west of Disneyland and offers buses that drop you off at the main entrance to both parks. It also has access to the pedestrian bridge that takes you over Magic Way. You can’t go wrong with either, but after a fun day in the park, it’s nice to have options when heading back.
Second, is the Pixar Pals parking structure. It’s very similar to the Mickey and Friends parking structure. It’s west of Disneyland but south of Mickey and friends parking. It has Buses to take you to the park entrance and a walking bridge to the main entrance as well.
Both are great for keeping your car out of the hot California sun.
Third is the Toy Story lot, which is located south east of California Adventure. They have buses that drop you off at the entrance of both parks or you can walk along Harbor Blvd to get to the parks.
If you are staying at a Disneyland Hotel, each has its own parking garages or lots. The Grand Californian offers valet or self parking. The Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel offer self parking.
There is also a parking lot that is solely for Downtown Disney, it is south of The Disneyland Hotel, it has hourly parking as well as parking validation for shopping and eating in the Downtown Disney District.
Where to park at Disneyland?
If you’re coming from the following, park at the Mickey and Friends or Pixar Pals parking garages.
- South on I-5
- East on CA-91
- From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- From Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- From Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
If you’re coming from the following park at the Toy Story lot.
- North on I-5
- West on CA-91
- On CA-22
- From John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- From Ontario International Airport (ONT)
These are suggestions, if you’re wanting covered parking and don’t want the Toy Story lot, you can always park at Mickey and friends or Pixar pals.
How much is parking at Disneyland?
Depending on where you park, will determine how much you pay. Some offsite hotels offer free parking if you’re staying there and a free shuttle to the parks. If you park at any of the 3 main parking structures/lots they are all priced the same.
Daily Parking Rates for Mickey and Friends, Pixar Pals, and Toy Story lot
- $30 per car or motorcycle
- $35 per oversized vehicle, motorhome or tractor (without trailer) – at the Toy Story Parking Area only
- $40 per bus or tractor (with extended trailer) – at the Toy Story Parking Area only
If you want preferred parking which gets you closer to the elevators and escalators in the Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures
Daily Preferred Parking Rates
- $50 per vehicle
- $20 per vehicle to upgrade pre-purchased parking
When preferred parking is purchased, a cast member will direct you to the preferred parking spots. If you pre-purchased parking on Disney’s website before going you can pay the extra $20 for preferred parking when you get to the parking gate.
Hotel guests wanting to park their car at a resort hotel will be charged the following:
Rates For Hotel Guests
- Self-parking: $35 per night per vehicle
- Valet parking: $65 per night per vehicle
- Oversized vehicle parking: $40 per night per vehicle
Are there electrical vehicle parking stations?
There are Electrical vehicle charging stations in multiple parking areas, you need to scan your ChargePoint card to use these stations. The following have vehicle charging stations.
- Mickey and friends
- Pixar Pals
- Toy Story
- Paradise Pier Hotel
- The Disneyland Hotel
- The Grand Californian (Valet Only)
Downtown Disney District Parking
Again, this is located south of The Paradise Pier Hotel. The cost can vary depending on if you dined or purchased anything while in the Downtown Disney District.
The first hour is $10 after that you can apply any validations you received while shopping and dining.
Validation is given for a $20 min purchase from any Downtown Disney locations which will give you an additional 3 hours of same day parking.
Validation is also given from any Downtown Disney table service restaurant, which will give you up to 5 additional hours of same day parking.
If you don’t get any validations while in Downtown Disney each additional hour after the first hour is $14 with the max daily parking or lost ticket fee being $66.
Restaurants and lounges within Disneyland Resort hotels do not validate for Downtown Disney District parking.
Theme Park Disabled Parking
Parking for Guests with disabilities is available throughout the Disneyland Resort, including the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures and the Toy Story Parking Area. A valid disabled parking placard or license plate is required.
Guests should follow directional signage or inquire at the toll plazas for parking options. Standard parking rates apply at all parking lots.
If a designated disabled parking space is not available, a parking Cast Member will direct you to an available parking option closest to an elevator at the parking structures or to bus transportation at the Toy Story Parking Area. If you have specific parking needs (e.g. additional space to lower a wheelchair ramp or lift) please notify a parking Cast Member for assistance.
At the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures, tram service provides Guests transportation to the Main Entrance Esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Recreational and Oversized Vehicle Parking
Parking at any other location designated for the theme parks, hotels or Downtown Disney District is not permitted. Accommodations for overnight parking are not available.
Recreational and Oversized Vehicles
- Buses
- Dually trucks
- Motor homes
- Passenger vehicles with a trailer
- Recreational vehicles (RV)
- RV campers
- Tractor-trailers
How can I remember where I parked my car at Disneyland?
Luckily Disneyland has taken care of that for you, it’s a free feature in the Disneyland app called Car Locator. It allows you to manually enter your vehicle information without Location Services enabled, you can use it at select parking locations at the Disneyland Resort. It works best if you have your location service turned on, but it’s still nice if you have an option there if you have a phone battery that gets low.
We hope this guide to parking at Disneyland helps you make the best decision for you and your family!!
