What You Should Know about Parking for Disneyland

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When parking for Disneyland, you are subconsciously forming your first impression of the happiest place on earth. You are so close to the happiness! But wait, you must first park your car and herd your family into the park. How difficult will this be? How long will it take? And oh boy, what will it cost?

Parking for Disneyland Park
Parking for Downtown Disney

TIP: I used to think parking was cash only here, but Jason of DisneyGeek.com tells me credit cards are now accepted. Thanks Jason!

You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised with the parking situation. Disneyland's parking lot is roomy and staffed with friendly, helpful people, even though it's the second largest parking area in the world. Here’s the lowdown.

Parking for Disneyland Park

When you’re on the freeway, you’ll see signs for Disneyland Theme Parks. Just follow the signs right into the park. It’s not hard at all. Once in the lot, you’ll be directed to a spot.

The parking lots have seen some changes recently. Until I get a handle on which lots are open and closed, all I can tell you for sure are the prices, effective August 5, 2010:

$15.00 for Cars and motorcycles
$20.00 for Oversized vehicles, motor homes and tractors without trailers (what? tractors?)
$25.00 for Buses and tractors with extended trailers

Now get out of your car, get your stuff, and catch the tram. The tram will take you from the parking lots to the Disneyland Main Entrance Plaza. You’ll even find restrooms and drinking fountains near the tram loading area. How convenient.

NEW TIP from Hayden from Ripon, CA: "Lately, there have been parking problems with the recent closure of Timon lot. On busy days, going from I-5 to the tram stop can take over 90 minutes! You may be directed to farther GardenWalk, Convention Center, Buzz, or Pongo lots. These cost the same and often do not come with transportation."

Good to know!

Wheelchairs/ECV users will be directed to a special parking area, then proceed to the wheelchair/ECV ramps in the tram loading area.

Parking at Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney, the shopping area adjacent to the theme park, is a parking bargain.

Cost

Free for 3 hours
After that, you get another 2 hours free with validation from the movie theatre and/or any of the sit-down restaurants.
Still not done? Now you pay $2 per 20 minutes, maxing out at $30.00.
Valet parking is $6.00, available from 5pm – 2am.

There are also 2 drop-off areas if your teenager doesn’t want to be seen walking in with you. (There is a 15-minute time limit at both.)

By the Rainforest Café at Magic Way and Disneyland Drive
At Harbor Boulevard, South of the Esplanade intersection.

Here's wishing you good parking karma.

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