Planning your magical journey to the happiest place on earth means mastering the practical details—starting with where to park! Whether you’re driving from San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, or anywhere across Southern California, this ultimate guide reveals everything you need to know about Disneyland Resort parking options for 2025, saving you time and stress so you can focus on the magic ahead.
Theme Park Parking is Your Gateway to Magic
Disneyland Resort offers three main parking areas for theme park visitors, all conveniently located near the parks. As you approach the Disneyland Resort, follow the signs to one of these three parking facilities:
Mickey & Friends Parking Structure
The iconic Mickey & Friends Parking Structure remains one of the most popular parking options. This massive structure is themed with your favorite Disney characters and offers a convenient tram service directly to the Main Entrance Esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Pixar Pals Parking Structure
Connected to Mickey & Friends, the Pixar Pals Parking Structure offers additional spaces with delightful Pixar theming. Like its neighbor, this structure provides easy access to the tram service that whisks you to the magic.
Toy Story Parking Area
Located slightly further from the parks, the Toy Story Parking Area is often less crowded and offers bus transportation to the Main Entrance Esplanade. This is also the designated area for oversized vehicle parking, making it perfect if you’re traveling by motor home or with a trailer.
2025 Daily Parking Rates
Standard daily parking rates for the Disneyland Resort theme parks are:
- $35 per car or motorcycle
- $40 per oversized vehicle, motorhome or tractor (without trailer) – Toy Story Parking Area only
- $45 per bus or tractor (with extended trailer) – at the Toy Story Parking Area only
All parking locations open 60 minutes prior to the earliest standard Disneyland Resort theme park opening time, so plan to arrive at park opening time for the best parking spot experience.
Is Preferred Parking Worth the Upgrade?
Want to be closer to elevators and escalators? Preferred Parking spaces are available at the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, Pixar Pals Parking Structure, and Toy Story Parking Area for guests seeking convenience.
At $55 per vehicle, Preferred Parking costs $20 more than standard parking. If you’ve already purchased standard parking, you can simply pay the difference for that day’s upgrade to Preferred Parking at any parking facility toll booth.
Just remember that the number of Preferred Parking spaces is limited and subject to availability, especially during special events and peak seasons. Early arrival is recommended!
Downtown Disney District Parking
If you’re just visiting Downtown Disney for shopping or dining, the Simba Lot is your destination. Located off Disneyland Drive between West Katella Avenue and Pixar Place Hotel, this lot offers a different pricing structure.
- The first hour of parking costs $10
- Enjoy an additional 3 hours of same-day parking with a $20 minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location
- Or get up to 5 additional hours with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant
- Beyond these validations, each additional hour costs $14, charged in 30-minute increments
- The maximum daily parking and lost ticket fee is $66
Important note: Restaurants and lounges within Disneyland Resort hotels do not validate for Downtown Disney District parking areas, so plan accordingly!
Tips for a Smooth Start to Your Day
The best parking strategy starts with timing. If you’re planning to arrive first thing in the morning (which I highly recommend), try to arrive 60-90 minutes before park opening. This gives you time to park, navigate transportation, and be at the front gates when the magic begins.
Check the My Disney Experience app before leaving your hotel or home. It provides real-time parking information and wait times for the various transportation options, helping you make the best choice for your family.
If you arrive early, you might score a spot in the Aladdin or Jafar lots, which are typically closer to the Transportation Center. These spots fill up on a first-served basis, so morning magic-seekers have the advantage!
Hotel Parking Options
Staying at one of the Disneyland Resort hotels? Here’s what you need to know about hotel parking in 2025:
Rates For Hotel Guests
- Self-parking: $40 (plus tax) per night per vehicle
- Valet parking: $70 (plus tax) per night per vehicle
- Oversized vehicle parking: $45 (plus tax) per night per vehicle
Dining at Hotel Restaurants?
Several hotel restaurants offer complimentary parking (hotel lots only) with validation:
- Storytellers Cafe: 3 hours of complimentary parking with restaurant validation at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Napa Rose: 5 hours of complimentary parking with restaurant validation at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
- Goofy’s Kitchen: 3 hours of complimentary parking with restaurant validation at Disneyland Hotel
- Great Maple Modern American Eatery: 3 hours of complimentary self-parking with restaurant validation at Pixar Place Hotel
- Small Bytes: 3 hours of complimentary self-parking with restaurant validation at Pixar Place Hotel
- Tenaya Stone Spa: 5 hours of included parking at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa when you spend $125 or more (single receipt only)
Standard Daily Rates for Non-Hotel Guests
- Self-parking: $40 for the first hour plus $10 for each additional hour (maximum rate: $80)
- Valet parking: $70 for the first hour plus $10 for each additional hour (maximum rate: $140)
- Oversized vehicle parking: $45 for the first hour plus $10 for each additional hour (maximum rate: $85)
Remember that parking for Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and the Downtown Disney District is not permitted at hotel parking locations.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Driving an electric vehicle? Disneyland Resort has you covered with charging options:
- A limited number of ChargePoint charging ports are available in the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, Pixar Pals Parking Structure, and Toy Story Parking Area
- ChargePoint charging ports are also located in the Fantasy self-parking lot of the Disneyland Hotel and on the ground floor of the Pixar Place Hotel self-parking structure
- At Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, guests with electric vehicles may ask a valet attendant about charging port availability (valet charges apply)
To use any charging port, you’ll need to scan a ChargePoint card. For assistance, just ask a friendly Cast Member!
Accessible Parking Options
Parking for guests with disabilities is thoughtfully integrated throughout the Disneyland Resort. Designated disabled parking spaces are available in all parking areas, though you’ll need a valid disabled parking placard or license plate to use these spaces.
If you arrive and find that designated spaces aren’t available, friendly Cast Members will direct you to the closest available option near elevators or transportation.
Should you have specific parking needs, such as additional space to lower a wheelchair ramp or use a lift, don’t hesitate to notify a parking Cast Member, who will be happy to assist you in finding the most suitable accommodation for your visit.
Getting to the Parks From Your Car
Once parked, you have several transportation options to reach the parks:
- Tram Service: From Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures to the Main Entrance Esplanade
- Bus Service: From Toy Story Parking Area to the Main Entrance Esplanade (can accommodate most mobility devices)
- Shuttle Service: Available for guests with mobility devices from Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures
All transportation options open 60 minutes before park opening, so you’ll never miss rope drop!
Pickup and Drop-Off Locations
If someone is dropping you off or picking you up (or you’re using a rideshare service), use these convenient locations:
- Downtown Disney District: Take Magic Way from Disneyland Drive, then turn left at Downtown Drive and follow signs to the drop-off area. Note that standard parking rates apply after the 15-minute grace period.
- Harbor Boulevard: Enter the drop-off area from the right southbound lane of South Harbor Boulevard between South Manchester Avenue and Disney Way.
Brief waiting is permitted, but parking or unattended vehicles are not allowed in either area.
Money-Saving Parking Tips
Savvy visitors can save on parking costs with a few insider strategies.
When dining at a table-service restaurant in Downtown Disney, you’ll receive up to 5 hours of validated parking—perfect for enjoying a meal and some shopping. Even if you’re just grabbing a quick bite or picking up souvenirs, any Downtown Disney purchase of $20 or more will earn you 3 hours of validated parking.
If you’re planning just a half-day visit, consider arriving later when early birds are leaving, potentially making prime spots available. Many Anaheim Hotel properties offer shuttle services to the parks, which can eliminate parking concerns altogether. And don’t forget to check your Magic Key annual pass benefits—depending on your tier, parking might already be included, saving you $35 per visit!
Your Parking Adventure Ends Here
Understanding your Disneyland Resort parking options is essential for a smooth start to your magical day. Whether you choose the convenience of Mickey and Friends Parking Structure, the spaciousness of the Toy Story lot, or the proximity of Downtown Disney parking, knowing your options means less stress and more time for Disney Parks fun!
Remember that parking availability and prices are subject to change without notice, especially during peak times and special events. For the most current information, check the Disneyland mobile app or official website before your visit.
Now that you’re armed with all the parking knowledge a Disney enthusiast needs, you’re ready to focus on what really matters—making magical memories at the happiest place on Earth.
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