Disneyland Parking Decoded: Your Guide to Hours, Rates, and More

Master Disneyland parking with ease! This guide covers locations, rates, and tips for a smooth start to your magical journey. Unveil the secrets of parking options and get ready for an enchanting adventure!

Step into the enchanting realm of Disneyland, where imagination takes flight and childhood dreams materialize! Soar through galaxies in Tomorrowland, conquer pirate ships in Adventureland, and meet beloved Disney pals around every corner. But before your adventure begins, mastering the Disneyland parking lot is key to a seamless journey.

This guide deciphers the mysteries of Disneyland parking, unveiling hours, rates, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned park veteran or a wide-eyed newcomer, this article equips you with the knowledge to navigate the parking landscape with ease. So buckle up, adventurers, and get ready to decode the secrets of the Disneyland parking lot – your magical escapade awaits, just beyond the asphalt horizon!

Disneyland Parking: Locations, Rates*, and Hours

Disneyland has 3 parking locations:

Conquering Disneyland’s magic starts with navigating its parking realm! Choose your adventure from three convenient locations:

  • Mickey & Friends: Park right by the iconic Mickey and Friends structure, closest to Disneyland Park.
  • Pixar Pals Parking Structure: Buzz Lightyear welcomes you to this vibrant structure, a quick stroll to the two Disneyland parks.
  • Toy Story Parking Area: Woody and pals greet you at this spacious lot, with bus or walking access to the park entrances.

Electric vehicle charging stations are available in the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures. If you have any disabilities, parking assistance is available! Ask a Cast Member for directions to designated parking areas.

two people with mickey hats walking in front of disney castle in disneylandWhat about the rates?

And now, the burning question on every adventurer’s mind: how much is parking at Disneyland? Worry not, for your trusty guide unveils the pricing map. Disneyland parking cost is the same across all parking structures:

  • Standard Heroes: Cars and motorcycles park like royalty for $35 a day at Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals structures.
  • Oversized Champions: Motorhomes, tractors (sans trailer), and other titans pay $40 a day at the Toy Story Parking Area.
  • Ultimate Beasts: Buses and tractors with trailers conquer parking for $45 a day at the Toy Story realm. The Toy Story parking lot is the only spot for oversized vehicles.

Currently, reservations are not required for Disneyland parking, unlike Disneyland park reservations which are mandatory for entering the parks. You can arrive with your Disneyland ticket and purchase a parking voucher at the toll booths on the day of your visit.

Pro Tip: Reserving a Disneyland parking voucher online offers several benefits. The most important (we think!) is that online purchase secures your place and avoids frustration upon arrival. Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons or events! Plus, with a parking voucher, you can skip the line at the parking toll booths and head straight to the parking structure.

Aerial view of village in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland in Los Angeles, California, USADisneyland Park Hours of Same Day Parking

Disneyland’s parking options offer flexibility for same-day adventures, letting you enjoy the magic from open to close and beyond.

Parking purchased for the theme parks (Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, Toy Story) is valid for the entire day you enter the park, no matter the arrival or departure time. Park once and enjoy the magic from opening to closing, and even linger for nighttime fireworks or special events!

Related Post: Rides at Disneyland: Explore Thrill and Kid-Friendly Attractions

If you’re staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, you may enjoy early entry to one of the parks on select days. Your parking pass still remains valid for the entire day, regardless of the early entry benefit.

Disneyland’s Free Shuttle Service

Generally, shuttles run every 10-15 minutes between the three Disneyland parking structures and the theme parks. However, the frequency can vary depending on crowds and operational needs.

Want to walk instead? The walk from the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure to the Disneyland Park entrance takes approximately 15-20 minutes. From the Pixar Pals Parking Structure, it’s about a 10-minute walk. The Toy Story Parking Area is the farthest, with a 20-25 minute walk to the park entrance.

Exterior view of Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland in Los Angeles, California, USADisneyland Preferred Parking

Disneyland’s preferred parking offers a touch of VIP magic to your visit, whisking you closer to the park entrances for a quicker escape into the fantastical realms. But of course, preferred parking comes at a premium compared to standard parking. Expect to pay around:

  • $45-50 per day at Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures.
  • $55-60 per day at the Toy Story Parking Area.

For the additional price, you can park your chariot within steps of the park entrance, minimizing your walk and maximizing your excitement. It’s for families with small children or anyone who wants a less tiring start to their Disneyland adventure. We both know the Disneyland Park map doesn’t lie! There will be loads of walking the entire day.

You’ll want to snag your preferred parking spot in advance by purchasing online vouchers on the Disneyland website or mobile app. Alternatively, you can inquire about preferred parking at any theme park parking booth upon arrival. They’ll give you a slot if there’s any available.

Downtown Disney District Parking

Disneyland’s three parking structures get full quickly. But worry not! There are more parking options around Disneyland. You can try downtown Disney district parking at Simba Lot, located off Disneyland Drive, between West Katella Avenue and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. There are ample parking spaces to fuel your magical day.

But before you set sail, let’s navigate the parking rates! The first hour sets you back $10, with subsequent hours costing a friendly $5 each (up to a 5-hour maximum).

Pro Tip: Enjoy additional parking time with validations! Just spend a sweet $20 at any Downtown Disney location (excluding taxes) and score 3 hours of free parking. The freebies extend to 5 hours if you dine at any on-site table-service restaurant!

If you’re staying at any of these Disneyland Resort hotels but are thinking of driving to Downtown Disney, please note that Disneyland Resort hotels do not validate for downtown Disney district parking.

Additionally, there is no valet parking available at any Disneyland parking structures or Downtown Disney District. All parking for both theme parks and Downtown Disney is self-parking only.

The blue Mikey magician hat with a Disneyland logo on it and the Disneyland Hotel in the background in Los Angeles, California, USA
photo credit: Disneyland Hotel via Facebook

Disneyland Hotel and Resort Parking

Staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel adds another magical layer to your visit, with dedicated self-parking options just steps from your room. Each hotel charges its own parking fee, so be sure to check beforehand. And while valet parking isn’t available throughout the resort, a convenient shuttle whisks you straight to the park gates, making your journey to the happiest place on Earth effortless and fun!

Some of the hotels near Disneyland also offer free shuttle services to and from the theme park. plus free parking! Check out these sweet accommodations offered at discounted prices for a limited time on Tripster:

Plan a Worry-Free Disneyland Vacation

Cast aside your worries and unlock the magic of Disneyland! Explore enchanting realms, meet beloved characters, and ignite your imagination – the adventure awaits! But before going, let Tripster be your genie in a bottle. Grab a vacation package with discounted Disneyland tickets and choose your perfect stay right near the park gates.

Skip the planning stress and savor every minute of pixie dust sprinkled fun. So, pack your smiles, book your Tripster package, and get ready to shout “To infinity and beyond!” to a worry-free Disneyland escape!

What Did We Miss?

Do you have any tips to share? Leave us a comment below!

*For the most up to date rates, check the official Disneyland Parking website here.


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Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...


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