Where to park at disneyland?

There are several Disneyland parking lots, off-site locations and places on property where you should or should not park depending on your plans. Maybe you just want to visit Downtown Disney or do character dining at a hotel. Where should you park (or better yet, not park) and how can you get free parking? We'll go into that too as well as how to save money on parking. Let's hop to it!

If you are looking to park onsite, here are a few things you need to know.

Accepted Payment

The accepted payment methods at Disneyland parking lots are:

Magic Key Parking Benefits and Discounts

Disneyland recently changed the parking benefits for some of the Magic Key passes. Magic Key parking benefits are excluded on blockout dates.

Magic Key holders do not need to have a theme park reservation to use their parking benefit, but they do need to be in the car. Magic Key holders do not get parking benefits at Downtown Disney or the on-site hotels.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

A limited number of ChargePoint charging ports can be found in the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, Pixar Pals Parking Structure and Toy Story Parking Area. To use a port, you’ll need to scan a ChargePoint card. Just ask a cast member for directions to a charging port or for assistance when you pull in. These ports are first-come, first-served.

Disneyland has two massive parking structures for theme park visitors. They are connected to each other and share one security and tram loading area, so it’s really like one big structure. They technically have different names and names for the floors. The OG parking structure is Mickey and Friends at 1313 S. Disneyland Drive. Pixar Pals next door is the newer structure. You’ll access the Mickey and Friends structure off Disneyland Drive, coming from Ball Road. If taking I-5 North, you’ll exit Harbor Boulevard and make a right, then an immediate left on Ball Road and a left at Disneyland Drive. From I-5 South, you’ll exit at Ball Road and head straight onto Disneyland Drive.

You can only enter the newer Pixar Pals structure from the street at limited times, such as from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To access it, turn from Ball Road onto Disneyland Drive, but instead of following all the signs to Disneyland Theme Park Parking, which leads you to the left to access Mickey and Friends, stay to the right at the fork in the road as if you are following signs to the Disneyland Hotel. Make a right on Magic Way. Then make a right into the Pixar Pals structure.

Pixar Pals is our favorite place to park in the morning for several reasons. We never encounter a line at the booth, and we usually find parking close to the elevators. But don’t try this route later in the day. The entrance will be closed off and you’ll have to drive around the block to access Mickey and Friends.

If you need to leave the structures in your car and want to return that day, you’ll show your parking receipt to gain free re-entry to any Disneyland theme park lot.

In both structures, you’ll take escalators or elevators (or stairs if you like) down to the ground level to access restrooms (at the base of Mickey and Friends), park security and the open-air parking trams. The trams will take you to the Esplanade at the park entrances and the end of Downtown Disney near World of Disney. You have to remove your tadpole and fold strollers to get on the tram. If you use a wheelchair or have assistive devices, you can access certain wider tram cars or take the Mickey Vans.

There is another way if you’d rather walk or avoid folding up your stroller. From the second floor of the Pixar Pals structure, there is a pedestrian ramp that takes you to the Downtown Disney entrance. You can enter security there and then walk through Downtown Disney to get to the Esplanade. It’s about a 15-minute walk. Once inside Downtown Disney, you may instead opt to take the monorail into Disneyland Park instead of walking. (The monorail does close early at night, so don't count on it taking you back later at night). The monorail turnstile counts as a park entrance, so once you scan your ticket, you can use or purchase Genie+ to start making Lightning Lane selections. We like to mobile order breakfast from the monorail and pick it up at Galactic Grill after disembarking.

Parking Structure Tips:

The Toy Story Lot is an outdoor Disneyland parking lot located off Harbor Boulevard just south of Katella at 1854 S. Harbor Boulevard. In fact, in the morning hours until sometimes early afternoons there is a secret entrance open at Katella and Clementine. If the gate is closed, you'll have to hear to the Harbor entrance. We never encounter a line here, and the Bullseye lot you enter is located right next to the restroom and water-bottle fill station, plus it is close to the bus loading area. When you leave at the end of your Disney day, this lot is closer to the freeway with less pedestrian traffic, so it also makes for a quick escape.

There is one bus area for all Toy Story lot entrances and parking areas. To access the theme parks, you will take a bus to the Esplanade (masks are now optional on this bus). If you arrive before early afternoon, you will go through security before boarding the bus. But if you arrive later, you will go through security just outside the Esplanade. If you need to leave and re-enter the lot, you’ll need to show your parking receipt to get back in without paying again.

Parking Lot Tips:

If you are visiting Downtown Disney for shopping or dining, you can use the Downtown Disney Simba parking lot located off Disneyland Drive, just south of Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel at 1580 S. Disneyland Drive. The first hour costs $10 and then it’s $14 an hour for each hour after that (charged in 30-minute increments with a minimum of $7) for a maximum of $66. Hold onto your ticket because if you lose it, you'll pay the maximum. Beyond the initial parking fee and validations, the hourly rate kicks in.

Validation? Tell me more! You can get your parking ticket validated, which will apply after the first hour of paid ($10) parking. If you spend $20 or more at any shop, quick-service dining location or kiosk, you can get an additional three hours of free parking. For table-service dining, you get five hours of free parking. Do not park here to dine at hotels and character dining as they do not validate parking for this lot. We will get into that under Hotel Parking. Do you want a hack for getting three hours of parking? Buy a $20 Disney gift card, get the validation and then use the gift card for dining or purchases at valid locations while you are there or save for a future visit so at least that $20 is spent on something you enjoy instead of just parking.

Do not use this lot for theme park parking or hotel parking. The hotel restaurant and lounge validation does not work for this lot. If you want to visit both Downtown Disney and a theme park, just park in the theme park parking. The buses, shuttles or pedestrian ramps will take you to Downtown Disney without costing you extra.

Hotel parking prices vary for hotel guests, day guests and people coming to dine at restaurants. If you are staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels, you will walk to the parks. There is no need to leave the hotel and park elsewhere.

Overnight Guests

If you are an overnight guest, you will pay:

Note that self-parking at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel is across the street near Paradise Pier.

If you are not staying at a hotel, be sure to get your parking ticket validated when dining. Even short-term parking is very expensive. For example, here are the Daily Standard Rates for non-hotel guests:

If you are visiting hotel guests and spending some time at the resort, you are better off parking in Downtown Disney with validation or parking at a parking structure.

Hotel Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

ChargePoint charging ports are located in the Fantasy self-parking lot of the Disneyland Hotel and on the ground floor of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel's self-parking structure. To use a port, you’ll need to scan a ChargePoint card.

At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Guests with electric vehicles may ask a valet attendant about charging port availability. Valet charges apply. If you choose to self-park, you may use the charging ports at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel's self-parking structure, based on availability.

Restaurant Validation

If you are dining at a table-service restaurant, the parking benefits vary. Generally, you receive three hours of free parking at the hotel where the restaurant is located for most table-service or character dining. That includes valet parking at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel. Here is a look at some of the restaurants that validate at the hotels (not a complete list):

If you finish dining and still have time left before your free parking expires, then feel free to enjoy the hotel or Downtown Disney for a bit.

After the initial complimentary period, guests will be charged the daily standard rates (also applies to non-overnight guests without dining validation) posted above.

Spa Guests (Non-Overnight)

If you are not an overnight guest at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, you get five hours of complimentary self-parking included when you spend $125 or more at Tenaya Stone Spa. Receipts cannot be combined to meet the minimum requirement.

Off-Site Hotels

Some hotels in the area (such as the Anaheim Hotel) allow Disneyland guests to park for a fee as long as they have extra space. You may not save money, but you might save some time compared to parking in the larger Disneyland parking lots, especially when transportation lines are long or the lots are not open. For example, we parked at the Anaheim Hotel the day we arrived before parking lots opened so we could be first in line to get a hand-made candy cane at Holiday Time. It's a short walk of only a few minutes to the Harbor security area and theme park entrances.

GardenWalk

You can park at Anaheim GardenWalk to save a few dollars and some time, especially if you want to line up at security before the parks open. It’s located off Disney Way and is about a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Harbor security. At Garden Walk, right after you park, you will text 949-532-8293 to get an Anaheim attractions flat rate $25 per day. Text your parking ticket number and "AA" to get the rate. Payment is completed upon exit.  Within 30 minutes of parking, they should send you a code to pay $25 to park all day. The normal daily maximum is $30.

The cheaper price tag comes with a warning though. This lot is not as secure as the Disneyland lots. We have heard some stories of people’s catalytic converters being stolen when parked at Garden Walk. Your froggy friends just want you and your cars to be safe.

Park and Ride

Another way to avoid paying to park at Disneyland is to park and take a bus. Some Disney fans suggest parking at the Fullerton Park and Ride, where it's free to park. Hop on the LA Metro 460, which runs every 20 minutes. It's a 10-minute ride and costs about $1.75 (subject to change).

You can also park at ARTIC (train station) for free and use the on-demand bus or just get an Uber for about $6 each way.

Hopfully, we have taken the mystery out of Disneyland Parking for you. Let us know if you have any further questions in the comments section below. If you stay at a Disneyland Resort hotel or nearby off-site hotel within walking distance, you can avoid the hassle and cost of parking.

Related: Taking Public Transportation to Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood

Related: Reasons to Stay at a Hotel Near Disneyland on Your Next Trip

Here are the quick details you need for parking at Disneyland in 2023:

Keep reading for more in-depth parking details including preferred parking, ADA parking, trams and shuttles to the theme parks, oversized pricing and more.

QUICK DISCOUNT PARKING: Use my referral discount for parking at nearby hotels, no shuttle or tram needed! Please comment with your parking location and cost so we can keep track of all the good deals! Last reported user parked at Tropicana for less than $10 with my code.

There are several Disneyland Parking areas to choose from when parking at Disneyland Resort. This article explains each area, along with tips for parking in that section and which is best for you depending on direction of travel, kids, pets and more.

Theme park parking fees are charged as a daily rate and include in and out privileges.

Parking price for Downtown Disney District and Disneyland Resort hotels vary. Keep reading for more details on where to park and more pricing options.

Disneyland Resort parking lots open at least one hour before Disneyland opens, but may open even earlier. Here’s a snapshot of your basic parking options for a day at Disneyland Resort.

Note: all strollers must be collapsed before boarding trams at Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals, even in the larger rows.

Pixar Pals parking from the 5 south, exit Disneyland Drive. Carpool land also exits to Disneyland Drive. Shop Loungefly Disney backpacks here for your Disneyland trip.

If you’d rather skip the tram ride to Disneyland, the walkway is now open!

A quick stroll over to Disneyland allows you to skip the tram and go through security just before entering Downtown Disney.

Pay at any parking area booth with cash, card, Disney gift card (read about all the things you can buy with Disney gift cards here) or Disney vouchers. In and out access for the day is allowed.

After parking you will take a tram, shuttle bus or walkway to the Disneyland main gates. More details on that below.

Located on Disney Drive and Ball Road; if you are coming from the 5 Southbound, exit at Disneyland Dr./Ball Rd. and stay in the left lanes for theme park parking. If you’re carpooling, stay in the carpool lane and use the carpool exit for Disneyland Drive.

Six stories of parking with restrooms, elevators and escalators lead you to the security check point and tram for a ride to Disneyland Resort’s main entrance.

As you head down the escalator, make your way to the ground floor of Pixar Pals for security screening. After clearing security, you’ll jump on board the tram. Also note that children may not ride in strollers while abroad the tram. All strollers must be folded before boarding.

Tram rides are quick and convenient but if you’re 6 feet tall or more, these seats might be a little tight.

It’s a short ride over, but be prepared. Note: if you’re bringing your pet to Disneyland, park in Mickey and Friends. EV charging stations are also located in Mickey and Friends on the second level.

Toy Story Shuttle Lot is an uncovered parking area located on Harbor Blvd near the Anaheim Convention Center. If you are coming from the 5 freeway northbound, you’ll likely find yourself here: exit Orangewood and right on Harbor.

This area is open regularly and also serves as overflow when other areas are full. You’ll be taken via Toy Story shuttle bus to Disneyland Resort’s main entrance.

Security checkpoints for the Toy Story parking lot is located just steps away from the main gates of Disneyland and California Adventure. Note: if you’re bringing your pet to Disneyland, park in Mickey and Friends.

Downtown Disney parking is now $14 for each hour. Pay with cash, card, gift card or vouchers. You can get Downtown Disney parking for as little as $10 with validation and minimum spending.

Validation Options

If you’re staying at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels, you are still required to pay a nightly parking fee of $40 per night, additional fees for oversized vehicles.

Dining at an onsite restaurant for a romantic night out or maybe for a character breakfast? Get 3-5 hours free with validation from select hotel restaurants.

After your validation time expires, there’s an additional fee so be sure to set a timer on your phone. Parking includes ground level and parking structure options. Remember, there is no theme park or Downtown Disney parking at any of the Disneyland Resort hotel. You can pay with cash, card, gift card or vouchers.

If you’re simply doing a quick pick up or drop off at Disneyland Resort, this information is for you!

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.

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.

If you’re coming from the following, park at the Mickey and Friends or Pixar Pals parking garages.

If you’re coming from the following park at the Toy Story lot.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.