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What are the prices for parking at Disneyland? What are your parking options? Is there a way to get free parking? Check out our insider guide to parking at Disneyland Resort – updated for 2024
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.
Parking at Disneyland – Everything to Know Updated for 2024
Here is everything we will cover in this parking guide:
- Cost of Parking at Disneyland
- Theme Park Parking Options
- Downtown Disney Parking
- Parking Tips
- How To Get Free and Nearly Free Parking
Once you finish reading this article, I suggest browsing the site for more insider tips.
Planning to visit Disneyland in 2024?
Disneyland has released its calendar for celebrations and seasons.
Cost of Parking at Disneyland Resort
We are going to give a simple breakdown of the parking costs at Disneyland. Afterwards, we will discuss the different parking options, pros and cons of each, and our tips for saving… and even getting FREE or nearly free parking.
PARKING RATES FOR DISNEYLAND RESORT Theme Park Guests
- Disneyland parks parking – $35 per car or motorcycle (Toy Story, Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals)
- Oversized Vehicle Parking – $40 per vehicle (Only at Toy Story Lot), Oversized vehicle, motor home or tractor (without trailer)
- Bus or Tractor with Extended Trailor – $45 per vehicle (Only at Toy Story Lot)
- Preferred parking – $55 per vehicle (Toy Story, Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals)
- Downtown Disney Parking – $10 First Hour, $14/Hour, $66/day max (see the how to save on Downtown Disney parking section for validation info)
Theme Park Parking includes in and out privileges for the day of purchase.
PARKING RATES FOR DISNEYLAND RESORT HOTELS
RATES FOR GUESTS STAYING AT THE HOTELS:
*All rates for hotel parking will have tax added to the rate listed below
- Self-parking – $40/night per vehicle
- Valet-Parking – $70/night per vehicle
- Oversized Vehicle Parking – $45/night per vehicle
Rates for Guests Visiting Select Restaurants at Hotels of the Disneyland Resort:
- Storytellers Cafe: 3 hours of complimentary parking—your choice of valet or self-parking—with restaurant validation at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Napa Rose: 5 hours of complimentary parking—your choice of valet or self-parking—with restaurant validation at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Goofy’s Kitchen: 3 hours of complimentary parking—your choice of valet or self-parking—with restaurant validation at Disneyland Hotel
- Tenaya Stone Spa: 5 hours included parking when you spend $125 or more at Tenaya Stone Spa; receipts cannot be combined to meet the minimum requirement—your choice of valet or self-parking—at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Daily Standard Rates
- Self-parking – $40 per vehicle for the first hour plus $10 for each additional hour, with a maximum rate of $80
- Valet parking – $70 per vehicle for the first hour plus $10 for each additional hour, with a maximum rate of $140
- Oversized vehicle parking – $45 per vehicle for the first hour plus $10 for each additional hour, with a maximum rate of $85
Does Disneyland Have Electric Vehicle Charging
If you have an Electric Vehicle and are hoping to charge it while parked, Disneyland Resort has a limited number of charging ports at most of these locations.
Disneyland uses ChargePoint stations for charging electric vehicles and guests must have a valid ChargePoint card/account. ChargePoint rates apply.
Details about electric vehicle charging can be found in the detailed info for each parking option below.
Accepted Forms of Payment For Disneyland Parking
Disneyland Resort accepts the following forms of payment:
- Cash (bills up to $100 accepted)
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, JCB and Diner’s Club
- Disney Rewards Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card
- Disney Gift Cards
- Disney Dollars
- Pre-paid parking vouchers
Daily Theme Park Parking Structures and Lots- Which To Choose
If you are visiting the Theme Parks at Disneyland, and need to park a car, you will have two (well technically three) parking locations to choose from. The different options have their pros and cons, and we are breaking them down for you here.
While the location you park at will largely depend on where you are coming from, some regulars have favorite parking options. Here is what to know about all of your options.
What Time Does Parking Open
The Disneyland parking structures and the Toy Story Lot open no later than 60 minutes before the earliest Theme Park opening time.
When they expect large rope drop crowds they may open them even earlier.
Theme Park Disabled Parking
Before we get into each parking location, I want to cover parking for guests with disabilities. From the Disneyland website:
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.
Disneyland.com
Toy Story Lot Parking Info
Address – links to Google Maps: 1854 S Harbor Blvd Anaheim, CA 92802
The Toy Story Parking Lot is located near the Anaheim Convention Center on Harbor Blvd. This parking lot is an open air lot, with no height restrictions for vehicles.
This is the only location that offers parking for oversized vehicles and buses.
Services available at the Toy Story Lot:
- Bathrooms (though these are a bit out of the way)
- Continual Shuttles to and from the parks
- Security before boarding shuttles during morning hours
- Has preferred parking available
- Offers Electric Vehicle Charging
- Parking for guests with disabilities
Pros of parking at the Toy Story Lot:
- Shuttles drop off closer to the park gates
- Shorter lines for shuttles (compared to trams for the parking structures)
- Guests of surrounding hotels can easily walk in and utilize the shuttles at no charge
Cons of parking at the Toy Story Lot:
- Security check is not always offered before boarding shuttles
- Open air lot means you have no shade
- Bathrooms at the lot are not near most guests paths from parking to shuttles
Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures
Address – Links to Google Maps: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
The Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pal parking structures are connected to each other, and located on the Downtown Disney side of the parks. These are parking structures with a tram system to take guests closer to the park gates.
Guests may also choose to take the Pedestrian Bridge located on the 2nd floor of the Pixar Pal structure and walk through Downtown Disney to access the parks.
Services available at Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pal Structures:
- Bathrooms (located on ground floor)
- Continual trams to and from the parks
- Security before boarding trams
- Has preferred parking available
- Offers Electric Vehicle Charging
- Parking for guests with disabilities
Pros of parking at the Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pal Structures:
- Covered parking helps keep cars cooler
- Always offers security screening before boarding the tram
- Option to walk to Downtown Disney (often with shorter security lines) and walk back
Cons of parking at the Parking Structures:
- Lines for elevators for strollers and wheelchairs can be quite long
- Lines for security and for the tram can be quite long, both in the morning and evenings
- Parking structures are quite large and may require a long walk (even longer than at the open-air Toy Story Lot)
- When arriving after noon, when parking is less directed, the system that should alert open spots is not always accurate. It’s spotty at best (pun intended)
Downtown Disney Parking Info
If you are spending a partial day at Downtown Disney, perhaps to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping, you will want to park at the Downtown Disney parking lot.
Address – Links to Google Maps: 1739 Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA 92802
Downtown Disney Parking Rates
Downtown Disney’s Parking rates are a bit different. The first hour is cheaper, and then the increased hourly rate after that is charged in 30-minute increments.
Directly from the Disneyland site:
The first hour of parking costs $10. Validations apply after the first hour of paid parking.
Enjoy an additional 3 hours of same-day parking with a $20-minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location—or up to 5 additional hours of same-day parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant.
Beyond these validations, each additional hour costs $14, charged in 30-minute increments, with a minimum $7. The maximum daily parking and lost ticket fee is $66. Parking is subject to capacity.
Please note that restaurants and lounges within Disneyland Resort hotels do not validate for Downtown Disney District parking areas.
Downtown Disney Disabled Parking
Guests with valid disabled parking placards or license plates may park in any available disabled-marked space—subject to space availability. Standard parking rates will apply.If you have specific parking needs (e.g. additional space to lower a wheelchair ramp or lift) please notify a Cast Member for assistance.
Disneyland.com
Disneyland Parking Tips From An Insider
My family has driven to Disneyland dozens of times and utilized the various parking options. Below are my best tips for Disneyland parking.
Don’t Forget Where You Parked
The Toy Story Lot and the parking structures are both quite large. Additionally, after visiting multiple days, it can be hard to remember exactly where you are parked each day.
One of the biggest tips for this is to make sure to take a picture of the closest sign in the parking structure, showing the character, row, and section.
The Disneyland App also offers a car locator service. It works okay but is not 100% reliable.
Personally, I suggest taking the picture as well as using the car locator, just to be safe.
Strollers Must Be Folded
When taking the Disneyland Tram or the Guest Shuttles, strollers must be folded.
For this reason, make sure that you don’t load up your stroller and expect to be able to leave stuff in it when riding the shuttles.
Read more about Strollers at Disneyland
At The End of The Night
When returning to your parking area, the Trams often get long lines. That said, there are often loading areas farther down that have shorter lines. Ask a Cast Member at the loading area if there are shorter lines farther down.
I often find it is better to walk back to the parking structures at the end of the evening if the lines are too long.
BONUS TIP: To skip the Downtown Disney crowds, hop on the Monorail in Tomorrowland and have it drop you off at the other end of Downtown Disney.
Parked in the Toy Story Lot? I have found that for the most part, the shuttle lines aren’t terrible, which is nice.
If the lines are super long, ask a Cast Member what they think the wait is. If it is too long, you could opt to order a ride share and be dropped off at the Homewood Suites next to the Toy Story Lot. This option usually takes at least 20 minutes and comes at a price, so I only suggest it if the wait time is expected to be over 45 minutes.
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. Check the pricing before using this option as it can vary.
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 money? Try out SpotHero to get a discounted parking rate at these hotels.
How to Park For Less… and Even Free! At Disneyland
Parking at Disneyland is expensive, but there are some great ways to save on parking. In fact, I have hacks to park for FREE as well.
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.
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
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.
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.