We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Sometimes it is the small things you don’t think about when planning a Disneyland vacation that can throw you for a loop. Disneyland parking is something we rarely see mentioned on planning sites, but you will want to plan for it.
From the cost, to how to get free parking at Disneyland, we have tips you will want to read. Today we are talking about Disneyland parking, tips and tricks. Plus what can you expect from parking during the closure of Disneyland’s Theme Parks.
So you are planning your first visit to the Disneyland Resort! Congratulations! You are about to experience some amazing magical memories. Planning your first trip can be overwhelming, so I am going to share with you some things to know before you go.
When guests start planning their visit to Disneyland, they often think about everything from what rides to go on, learning about Disneyland MaxPass and Fastpass, booking character meals, and more. But oftentimes, the things they forget to plan for are the thing they encounter as they head to the parks. Parking at Disneyland.
There is so much to know before you go be sure you search this blog or check out the Disneyland tab for more tips.
Hotel Guest Parking
There are a few things you will need to know about Parking at Disneyland Resort. If you rent or drive your car to the Disneyland Resort, you will need to utilize parking at some point, either at your hotel, at the parks, or both. So I am going to give you all of the info you need about parking at Disneyland so you are prepared.
On-Site Hotel Parking at Disneyland
If you are staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel and plan on utilizing their parking, you will need to know that there is a fee for parking.
As of 2021 the rates for parking at the on-site hotels at Disneyland is as follows:
- $35/ night for self-parking
- $65/night for valet parking (Valet Parking May Not Be Available)
Now, I am going to give you my thoughts and that is… If you are going to be parking a vehicle, just do Valet Parking. It is $15 more per night and in my opinion, is totally worth it.
We have stayed at all three hotels and the lot for the self-parking is pretty big. It is much easier to just utilize the Valet Parking
On-Site Parking for Character Dining
If you are not staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, but have a character dining experience booked at one of the on-site hotels, it includes parking for a set amount of hours. When we dined at Donald’s Seaside Breakfast we had 3 hours of valet parking. The Princess Adventure Breakfast at Napa Rose in the Grand Californian includes 5 hours.
Note: Valet parking fees do not include tips. Carry some cash to tip your valet! Same for when you utilize the Disneyland hotels parking for character dining.
Disneyland Parking Info
Below are some basics about parking at Disneyland Resort. After we cover the basics I will give you tips on info to help you choose the best parking option, and…how to avoid parking costs at Disneyland!
Cost of Parking at Disneyland
- $30 for vehicles and motorcycles
- $35 for oversized vehicles (only available at Toy Story Lot)
- $40 for buses and vehicles with trailers (only available at Toy Story Lot)
Cost of parking at Downtown Disney
The following is the cost of parking at the Downtown Disney lot (Simba Lot) without validation. We will cover all the validation info later on. Below I have listed the parking rates for Downtown Disney
- $10 for first hour (Validation does not count for the first hour)
- $14/hour billed in half hour increments
- Minimum $7/half hour charge
- Initial 15 minute “free” grace period (for quick drop-offs, or turn arounds if the lot is full)
- $66 max daily fee, or lost ticket charge
- Validation is available at select establishments with a minimum $20 purchase. Validation is for the time after the first hour, so even with validation, you will pay $10
What is considered “oversized” when Parking at Disneyland?
The following vehicles are considered oversized and must utilize the Toy Story Lot and pay the oversized vehicle parking cost”
- Buses
- Dually trucks
- Motor homes
- Passenger vehicles with a trailer
- Recreational vehicles (RV)
- RV campers
- Tractor-trailers
Preferred Parking At Disneyland
Disneyland parking can mean parking pretty far out, in the back corner. That walk at the end of the night can fill brutal.
Disney offers preferred parking, where you will be parked closer to the trams/escalators/elevators. Preferred parking is only available at the Mickey and Friends parking structure.
The cost for preferred parking at Disneyland is:
- $50 per vehicle
- $20 per vehicle to upgrade prepurchased parking
Electric Vehicle Charging at Disneyland
If you are the owner of an electric vehicle, there are a limited number of ChargePoint charging ports in the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure. You will need to have a ChargePoint card already activated when you arrive and then ask a Cast Member for directions to the charging ports.
Annual Passes with Free Parking
The new version of Annual Passes – Magic Keys – have some parking benefits for the top two tiers.
Inspire Key Holders (the top key) will receive free standard parking at Mickey and Friends, Pixar Pals, or the Toy Story Lot.
Believe Key Holders (the next level down) receive 50% off standard parking at the same lots. However, they do not receive that discount on block-out days.
Can You Leave and Re-Enter Disneyland Parking Without Paying Again?
Your parking fee gives you in and out access for the day. You do not have to return to the same lot, but a Mickey and Friends or Toy Story Lot parking receipt will not allow you to park at Downtown Disney or one of the Disney Hotels without charge.
Disneyland Parking Lots and Structures
There are 2 main parking areas, and a short-term parking area near the Downtown Disney District (with an hourly rate). If you plan on going all day, you will want to park at either the Toy Story parking lot, or the Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals Parking structure.
When deciding where to park at Disneyland there are a lot of different factors to consider. First is where you are coming from.
If you are heading south down I-5, there is a carpool lane exit for Disneyland Drive that takes you to the Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structure, as well as the Downtown Disney area.
If you are heading north to get to Disneyland, you will most likely be directed to the Toy Story Parking Lot.
But of course, each parking structure or lot has its pros and cons. Below I will help break down the difference in the options for you to make the decision that is best for your family.
Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures
When it comes to parking, my family prefers to utilize the Mickey and Friends or Pixar Pals Parking Structures. We have utilized the Mickey and Friends structure for years, but now we love parking at Disneyland’s Pixar Pals parking structure.
In 2019, Disneyland expanded the parking structures by adding the Pixar Pals parking structure which is adjoined to the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure. The addition of this structure adds additional parking spaces, elevators, covered security checkpoints, and a pedestrian bridge that leads to Downtown Disney.
My family parked in Pixar Pals several times. Both these structures have parking indicators that have been added to show if spots are available when arriving later in the day, but they are very inconsistent with if they are working or not.
The Pixar Pals and Mickey and Friends Parking Structures will sometimes share the same exit ramp, which can lead to a backup. We found that after about 8 pm the Pixar Pal structure exit ramp was open and we were able to get out easily.
The pedestrian bridge from Disneyland’s Pixar Pals Parking Structure (accessible on Level 2) is great! It was a quick 4-minute walk to the Downtown Disney security.
We also prefer this lot because a lot of times we choose to walk to Disneyland through Downtown Disney. We find it is sometimes faster, and also, at the end of the night, we don’t like to stop moving because that is when we realize how tired and sore our feet actually are.
Pros of Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals Parking Structure:
- Most levels are covered
- Bathrooms
- Close to Downtown Disney for an alternate entrance option
- Close enough to walk to parks
- Includes a pedestrian bridge leading to Downtown Disney on the second Level of Pixar Pals Structure
- Preferred parking available
- Electric Vehicle Charging Available
Cons of Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals Parking Structure:
- Often long lines for the elevators for those with strollers (Please do NOT take your stroller on the escalator, especially with a child in it.)
- Anaheim PD often closes off this parking structure for traffic reasons (you may be redirected to Toy Story Lot)
- You can no longer leave strollers open in any row of the tram
Toy Story Lot
Disney has expanded the Toy Story lot and added a security checkpoint within the parking lot, much like at Mickey and Friends. This checkpoint is only used when the park capacity needs it. They have also added restrooms in this lot! Hooray!
Pros of Parking at Toy Story Lot
- The shuttles seem to load and unload faster, shorter wait to load in both the parking lot and at parks
- No need to utilize an elevator to get to your car if you have a stroller
- Dropped off closer to the park entrance than the trams
- You can walk to the Toy Story Lot from many convention center area hotels and ride to the park
Cons of the Toy Story Lot
- Must fold strollers to get on the shuttle
- Not within easy walking distance of the park (you will want to ride)
- No covered parking, and cars can get VERY hot
- No preferred parking options
Downtown Disney Parking
If you are doing a quick trip to Disneyland, or only visiting Downtown Disney, you may benefit from parking at the Downtown Disney Parking Lot (Simba Lot).
This parking has a high hourly rate, but may be a good option for some.
Downtown Disney Parking is located in the Simba Lot by the Paradise Pier Hotel. Follow signs for Downtown Disney parking if you wish to utilize this lot.
Pros of Downtown Disney Parking
- Can be validated with purchases at select Downtown Disney Establishments (the first hour not validated)
- May save money over other parking for quick visits
Cons of Downtown Disney Parking
- The Simba Lot is not as close as the old Downtown Disney Parking
- High hourly rate if you are not validated
- Must keep track of your ticket
Tips for Disneyland Parking
So the cost or location of the Disneyland Parking lots has you cringing? Not to worry! I have solutions for you including how Disneyland Parking can be FREE for you!
How to park closer to the gates
One tip that many people do not know about is that several of the hotels on Harbor Blvd will allow you to pay to park in their lots.
The prices may often be close to or the same as Disneyland parking, but you will not have to wait to get to your car via a tram or shuttle, and instead can just simply walk across the street, leaving your kids in their stroller the entire time.
Want to save even more in this area? Try out SpotHero to get a discounted parking rate at these hotels.
How to get free parking at Disneyland
You can visit Disneyland and NOT pay for parking, even if you drove to the area.
1. Take advantage of your hotel parking! Most of the hotels in Anaheim charge a parking fee. However, booking hotels through Get Away Today can get you discounted or even FREE parking (A perk exclusive to Get Away Today customers at some area hotels), and then you can simply walk to the parks. Or if you are staying near the convention center, walk to the Toy Story Lot and use the shuttles at no cost.
Tip: On Get Away Today’s site, search “Free Parking” in the amenities
2. NEARLY Free Downtown Disney Parking with Validation. If you will only be at Disneyland Resort for a few hours, making a purchase at one of the Downtown Disney restaurants can get you nearly free parking at Disneyland! UPDATE: You will now be required to pay $10 for the first hour.
You can get 3 hours of free parking with a purchase of $20 (minimum) and validation at any Downtown Disney location.
You can receive 5 hours of free parking in Downtown Disney with validation from Napa Rose.
Ready to book a Disneyland Vacation?
If you are ready to book your Disneyland vacation, we suggest booking through our friends at Get Away Today. They always have a great deal and can add on a lot of magical extras to your vacation. Just click the image below to book now.
Picnic and lockers…that’s a good idea! I can’t stand the outrageous prices for food. Useful advice!
Amy, where do you suggest I park…a grandma, by herself, walking to meet her grandkids? In one of the parking structures? If so, which one? Thanks.
You could park at either Toy Story Lot or one of the structures, and take the tram or shuttle. If your family is staying at a nearby hotel, you may be able to park there as well.
I”ve never been before, but perhaps when our kids get old enough to really remember it we’ll take the trek. 🙂
Great Tips! We are going on our first trip as a family this year and I will be referring back to this list! I also pinned it 🙂
Great tip about pictures of the tickets. I wouldn’t have thought of that. Thank you!
These are great tips, I’ve not been to Disneyland before but I would love to take my family in the next few years. Thanks for sharing and thank you for linking up with #100 Days Of Disney xx
Thanks for sharing these fab Disneyland tips. We hope to go to California at some stage and a visit to Disneyland will of course be on the cards!
Thank you for adding this to #100DaysOfDisney, be sure to come back and add more – there’s still 80+ days left xoxo
Sent this link to my SIL for there first Disney trip.
Do you know if it is allowed to bring a portable grill and have a small cookout in the Disney picnic grounds?
While it is not specifically on the banned list, I am pretty sure it would not be allowed past security.
You talked about parking at a near by hotel for close to the same price as parking at Disney. How do you know where will allow this? Is there a way to reserve parking spots before you arrive? I am not seeing this on the hotels you mentioned websites.
I have updated this post to include SpotHero which will help you find a spot to reserve in advance at one of the hotels across from Disneyland.
I used your link to SpotHero but didn’t get a credit to my account. =(
I will email and see if they know why it isn’t working. Sorry.
There are some really good tips in here. I would also add that people who want to have a good spot in the structure should consider some of the first rows when they enter the Mickey and Friends structure. You can snag a spot closer to the east side of the lot. It’s easier to remember where you parked if you are close to the end, and it will be an equal or shorter walk than being in one of the rows “closer to the front” but where you actually end up parking further west.
I would also say, while this article has some absolutely fantastic pointers, at the beginning it has some rather redundant parts.
I felt like I read what each parking structure was and it’s relation to the park four times, and in reality you should have one explanation at the start, and not have to go over them multiple times. That beginning explanation should be committed to the readers memory at that point.
But thank you for this. Never even knew hotels would let you valet park for less than Disneyland would.
If parking cost was not a factor, where would you park? Looking to find the quickest way into the park during this time (pandemic) Thanks in advance!
If parking cost were not a factor, I would park at one of the hotels across the street on Harbor that allow parking. Much closer to the parks. I like Courtyard because it has Valet service.
If I want to use courtyard parking and want to use valet – would you suggest just showing up or reserve with SpotHero first?
I personally would just show up. During busy season it may not be offered, and I am not sure if SpotHero is able to keep tabs on that.
Please explain more about Proffered Parking. Can you walk into the Park from wherever Prefered Parking is located? Especially since the Trams will not be working by July 2nd of this year?
Thank you.
Dottie Gallivan
Preferred parking is just closer to the tram loading during regular times and security now. I am not sure if the trams will be up by beginning of July. If you are staying somewhere serviced by ART that might be a better option, or being ubered to the Harbor Blvd side.
I checked with Marriot. They’ve increased their daily rate to $40. Waiting to hear back from Anaheim hotel.
The spot hero link didn’t work for me, but I’m happy to use your code if you can send one to my email.
Oh wow! They just told me in April that it was $25 plus tax. I will reach out to my contact to see why the change. Thanks for the update.
Spot Hero is listing it as $35. Your referral link isn’t working. Hopefully you can get it back up so that others can take advantage of the federal credit!
Thank you for letting me know. I will check on it.
Tell me about disabled parking. We have a disability van for our adult daughter and a hanging disability tag. Can we park in a structure, and specifically can we park on the roof to watch the fireworks tonight?
Best place for handicap parking? I heard there are no trams so which lot is the closest walk to the entrance and how early do we need to get there during the week
Toy Story Lot will be your best solution. It has busses running and handicap parking.
Is the Toy Story Parking lot opened everyday and is there any issue walking to the lot from one of the adjacent hotels that border the parking lot?
Yes, it is open every day and nope. We walk over to it all the time from the hotels by it.
If we use one of the hotels parking, does it include all day, such as if you would like to come and go, or is it a one-time service? I know Valet was mentioned but wondering if those hotels have regular parking to come and go too.
I believe this will depend on the hotel. You can call the hotel front desk and check with them.
How can we access the Mickey & Friends or Pixar garages coming from San Diego? We prefer to park there so we can stop at Downtown Disney on the way back to the car. I used to have a route to do it, but I can’t remember it anymore.
So if we park in the main parking structure..near the elevators..is there a tram there to take us to the gates? I’m in a wheelchair..there is noway to walk all that way..and being pushed all that way isn’t easy either. I will need a motorized scooter inside the park..Id like to be prepared..has all this changed? We will be there next week?
There is no tram but I believe the Mickey Vans are still running for those in wheelchairs. Toy Story Lot has busses running now, so that is where I would park
There’s NO more Free Parking for Downtown Disney. 1st hour is $10 no matter what, and you can get up to 3 ADDITIONAL hours of free parking if you make $20 purchase at any shops or 5 ADDITIONAL hours of free parking if you eat at table-service restaurant.
Hi, we have a semi truck (trailer tractor) and are planning to visit Disneyland. Where can we park the truck without reserving a room? We plan to sleep in the truck at night. Thank you
Ooh… not sure about that one. I would think you would need to find a truck stop in the area.
Is there any availability for bicycle parking? We’re camping about 3 miles away and would like to bike in if possible!
Sorry for the delay as I was on vacation, I think so but now I can’t remember. This is a great question and I will try and get an answer for you ASAP
Good evening! We just got back from our cross country trip and we indeed found bicycle parking after you take your bike through the security checkpoint at Downtown Disney (they’ll direct you to the racks), and also at the other entrance area where the buses and Uber/Lyft drop offs/pick ups are!
AWESOME! I will add this information to the post soon.
Is the Toy Story Lot able to load a motorized scooter onto their buses?
Yes, last I checked.
Hi. In your article about Toy Story parking lot, you say as one of the Pros, ‘You can walk to the Toy Story Lot from many convention center area hotels and ride to the park’.
Do they charge us if we do not park our car in the lot?
I am staying in a hotel across the street (north) from the lot.
Also, how many pickup locations are there around the Toy story lot. And hopefully you can somewhat describe where they are.
Thanks Dan
Nope, no charge if you are not parking a car. Just walk in and utilize the shuttle.
Where is handicap parking now ?
Both lots have handicap parking available.
The $10 Downtown Disney parking has worked great for our 3-5 hour visits! We have eaten a few of the Downtown Disney restaurants which have all been great. However, we would like to take advantage of trying some of the other restaurants inside Disneyland and CA Adventure. Do you know if they offer validation?
They do not. Only Downtown Disney offers it.
Wondering if you have an update on handicap parking? Currently, are their trams to the Pixar parking lot? I’d like to enter from the Downtown Disney side, but can’t walk that far.
Yes, there are trams now running. Thank you for the reminder to update this article.
Can we walk to the Mickey & Friends/Pixar Pals parking structure from local hotels and utilize the tram to get to the park?
You can but it can be a hassle.
So the best plan if we are just going to Downtown Disney for around 4 hours is to park at the Simba lot, pay the $10 for first hour, then do the $20 purchase for validation for an additional 3 hours? Or would the pixar pals lot be better doing the same routine?
Thanks for your time!
YES. The Simba lot is what I would do unless you have a Magic Key with free parking at PixarPals
Becca you suggested walking from a nearby hotel to the Toy Story Lot by the convention center. I am staying off Orangewood and West in a couple weeks. Someone mentioned there was no shuttle service after July? So will there be service from the Toy Story /convention center lot or not? Thanks for all the great information.
I am not sure what shuttle service they were talking about. The Toy Story Shuttles run year round, 365 days a year.
I have reservations for today and just need to check in . Simba, run to monorail, check in and run back to car? 15 minutes?
Sorry, just saw this. I think it might be possible, but if not it will be the $10 for first hour. Let me know if you tried it and if it worked.