Driving to the Disneyland Resort can be a bit confusing if you aren’t familiar with the area. Heck, parking itself can be confusing even if you are familiar with the area! Let’s cover the basics of the parking areas and how to get there.
Theme Parks Parking
Standard parking, preferred parking, and oversized vehicle parking are all available! The parking lots & structures can accommodate cars, motorcycles, RVs, buses, etc. Oversized vehicles and buses may be directed to the Toy Story Parking Lot. Accessible parking and EV charging spots are also available.
Standard parking is the cheapest option, with preferred priced higher, granting guests closer access to escalators/elevators and the transportation area. Is it worth it? In my opinion, no, because it will only save you maybe 5-7 min at the most. However, it may be something to consider depending on your needs!
Parking Area Information
Mickey & Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure
Mickey & Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure have 6 levels, with all areas except the top floor covered with shade. Escalators, elevators, and stairs are available to take guests to the arrival plaza. From there, guests can take the tram or walk to Downtown Disney using the pedestrian bridge, available from the second floor of the Pixar Pals Structure.
These two structures are connected and share a common entrance. There is also an additional entrance off of Magic Way into Pixar Pals Parking Structure, usually open in the mornings only. See the routes in red below.
Once you’re parked, you will approach the arrival plaza, where you can go through security and take the tram to Downtown Disney. You can also walk to Downtown Disney via the 2nd story pedestrian bridge, and go through security from there. Walking to Downtown Disney allows you the option to catch the Monorail to Tomorrowland, subject to availability.
All strollers will have to be folded prior to boarding the tram. Wheelchair/ECV transfer access is available!
Toy Story Parking Lot
Toy Story Parking Lot is located off-site and offers no shade. Buses carry guests to Downtown Disney. Walking is also an option, but is a 20-30 minute walk on surface streets.
There is one entrance into Toy Story Parking Lot, located off S. Harbor Blvd.
Guests can either take the provided bus to Downtown Disney, or walk. Buses drop off on the eastern side of the Esplanade. From there, you go through security and will see Disney California Adventure on your left, Disneyland Park on your right, and Downtown Disney straight ahead. Strollers must be folded to board the bus. Wheelchair/ECV transfer access is available!
Note: Security structures have been built at the Toy Story Lot, but they are not always in use.
Downtown Disney Parking
Downtown Disney parking is available at the Simba Parking Lot.
Hourly rates are charged at Simba Parking Lot, with validation provided at Downtown Disney shops and restaurants.
Reminder – Disneyland Resort Hotels do not validate for Downtown Disney parking.
The Simba Parking Lot is accessed from Disneyland Drive, next to Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. After entering the parking lot, continue towards the parking booths. Once you’re parked, you must enter through the Downtown Disney security checkpoint, located at the top of the picture, below. Guests may not cross Disneyland Drive and enter through Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; that entrance is reserved for registered hotel guests only.
Hotel Parking
Overnight guests can park at their respective hotels for a fee, either self-parking or valet.
Guests who are dining or visiting the spa at the Disneyland Resorts Hotels may also park at the hotels.
3 hours complimentary valet or self-parking with validation from:
Storyteller’s Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel
5 hours complimentary valet or self-parking with validation from Napa Rose & Tenaya Stone Spa, both located at the Grand Californian.
