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One of the first decisions you’ll make on your Disneyland adventure happens before you even step foot in the park—where to park. With a few tips and a bit of planning, you can make sure that finding the best parking is just as smooth and magical as the rest of your day. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the parking options and choose the one that’s right for you.
1. Know Your Parking Options
Disneyland Resort offers several parking options, each with its own benefits. Here’s a quick rundown:
Mickey & Friends Parking Structure: One of the largest and most popular options, this parking structure is located off Disneyland Drive. It’s connected to the park by trams that will drop you off near the entrance, making it a convenient choice for most visitors.
Pixar Pals Parking Structure: Adjacent to the Mickey & Friends structure, Pixar Pals is a newer option that offers similar benefits. It also has a tram service that takes you straight to the park entrance.
Toy Story Parking Area: Located on Harbor Boulevard, the Toy Story lot is an open-air parking lot with bus shuttles that transport guests to the park entrance. This lot can be a great choice if you’re coming from the east side of the resort or staying at a nearby hotel.
Downtown Disney District Parking: If you’re planning to spend some time in Downtown Disney before or after your visit to the parks, you can park in this lot. However, keep in mind that this option is best for shorter visits, as the rates are higher for extended stays.
2. Arrive Early (Or Late)
If you want to snag the best parking spot, arriving early is key. The parking structures open about an hour before the parks, so aim to get there as close to opening time as possible. Not only will this give you prime parking, but it also allows you to enjoy the park before the crowds really pick up.
On the other hand, if you’re planning a later arrival, consider coming after the morning rush. Mid-morning to early afternoon tends to be busier, so arriving later in the day can help you avoid the heaviest traffic and give you a better chance at finding a convenient spot.
3. Consider Preferred Parking
For an additional fee, Disneyland offers Preferred Parking in both the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals structures. This option gets you a spot closer to the escalators and tram boarding area, which can save you some steps and time, especially if you’re arriving later in the day or have little ones in tow. If convenience is a priority, this might be worth the extra cost.
4. Take Advantage of the Parking Tram or Shuttle
Once you’ve parked, take full advantage of the tram or shuttle service to get to the park entrance. The trams from the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals structures, as well as the buses from the Toy Story lot, are frequent and efficient. If you’re staying at a nearby hotel, check to see if they offer a shuttle service that can drop you off at the park, which can save you the hassle of parking altogether.
5. Have a Backup Plan
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your first-choice parking option might be full. In these cases, having a backup plan can save you stress. If the Mickey & Friends structure is full, consider heading over to the Toy Story lot. Or, if you’re arriving later in the day, look into parking at one of the nearby hotels or even using a ride-sharing service to avoid parking altogether.
Final Thoughts: A Stress-Free Start to Your Disney Day
Finding the best parking at Disneyland doesn’t have to be stressful. By knowing your options, planning your arrival time, and considering options like Preferred Parking, you can ensure that your parking experience is as magical as the rest of your day. Whether you choose the convenience of the Mickey & Friends structure, the accessibility of the Toy Story lot, or even splurge on Preferred Parking, the key is to start your day with ease and excitement—because the magic begins the moment you arrive.
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