Last updated on February 3rd, 2026 at 05:29 pm
This in-depth guide to Disneyland parking comes complete with parking locations, parking fees (plus discounts!), electric vehicle charing and tips for a quick parking experience.
I have all the insights so parking won’t slow you down on your Disney day and update this article frequently from first hand experience.
Quick Info on Disneyland Parking
Here are the quick details you need for parking at Disneyland in 2026:
- Disneyland Parking is $40 per car, per day with in and out privileges.
- Park for $30 at Anaheim GardenWalk and walk about 15 minutes.
- Get discount parking at nearby hotels, often closer than Disneyland parking.
- Disneyland Parking opens one hour before scheduled park opening times.
- Disneyland has 3 parking areas for theme park parking, all at the same price and hours.
- ChargePoint EV charging ports are available at each parking location. Let a Cast Member know you’d like to charge when you arrive. You’ll need the ChargePoint app or card to activate a port.
Keep reading for more in-depth parking details including preferred parking, ADA parking, electric charging stations, EV tips, trams and shuttles to the theme parks, oversized pricing and more.
Disneyland Parking Prices
Disneyland Parking Prices (2026):
- Standard Vehicle: $40/day
- Preferred Parking: $60/day
- Oversized Vehicles: $45/day
- Hotel Guest Self-Parking: $45
- Hotel Guest Valet Parking: $75
- Get discount parking at nearby hotels, often closer than Disneyland parking.
For Disney parking, parking is paid upon entry via credit card, Apple Pay, or Disney Gift Cards. Disney does offer pre-payment for parking during the ticket purchase portion but it won’t save you any money.
Disneyland Parking Lot Maps
There are several Disneyland Parking areas to choose from for theme park parking:
- Mickey and Friends: Off I-5 South via Disneyland Drive.
- Pixar Pals: Shares entrance with Mickey and Friends.
- Toy Story Lot: Best access if arriving from I-5 North.
- New East Side Parking (construction to begin at a later date): Located behind Harbor Blvd. on Manchester Ave.
Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals are structured garages with escalators and tram service. Toy Story is a surface lot with shuttle buses. Parking areas open about 60–90 minutes before official park open.
Disneyland Parking opens one hour before scheduled park opening times. You can line up a bit before, just turn off your car and chill. Once the parking lot officially opens, excited guests honk their horns in celebration.
DISCOUNT PARKING: Use my referral discount for parking at nearby hotels, no shuttle or tram needed! Please comment with your parking location and cost so we can keep track of all the good deals!
Each Lot in Detail
Disneyland Parking Spot Locations—there are 3 parking areas for Disneyland theme park parking.
- Mickey and Friends from the 5 south, exit Disneyland Drive. Carpool lane also exits to Disneyland Drive.
- Pixar Pals parking from the 5 south, exit Disneyland Drive. Carpool lane also exits to Disneyland Drive.
- Toy Story Parking Lot offers easy access if traveling on the 5 north.
- New East Side Parking behind Harbor Blvd., on Manchester (construction begins 2026).
As you navigate through the parking garage in the morning a Cast Member will direct you to your parking space. If you’re returning or coming in later you can look out for the green and red lights above the parking spaces to indicate if a parking space is open (green).
The additional parking for Downtown Disney is not for daily parking, please choose one of the above for your full day in the parks. Mickey and Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structure feed from the same entry point so you might not always get to choose which parking structure you’re assigned to.
Because sometimes you need to know the nitty gritty, I’ve got you.
In Detail Mickey and Friends Parking
Located on Disney Drive and Ball Road; if you are coming from the 5 Southbound, exit at Disneyland Dr./Ball Rd. and stay in the left lanes for theme park parking. If you’re carpooling, stay in the carpool lane and use the carpool exit for Disneyland Drive.
Six stories of parking with restrooms, elevators and escalators lead you to the security check point and tram for a ride to Disneyland Resort’s main entrance.
As you head down the escalator, make your way to the ground floor of Pixar Pals for security screening. After clearing security, you’ll jump on board the tram. Also note that children may not ride in strollers while abroad the tram. All strollers must be folded before boarding.
Tram rides are quick and convenient but if you’re 6 feet tall or more, these seats might be a little tight.
It’s a short ride over, but be prepared. Note: if you’re bringing your service animal to Disneyland, park in Mickey and Friends. EV charging stations are also located in Mickey and Friends on the second level.
In Detail Toy Story Lot Parking
Toy Story Shuttle Lot is an uncovered parking area located on Harbor Blvd near the Anaheim Convention Center. If you are coming from the 5 freeway northbound, you’ll likely find yourself here: exit Orangewood and right on Harbor.
This area is open regularly and also serves as overflow when other areas are full. You’ll be taken via Toy Story shuttle bus to Disneyland Resort’s main entrance.
Security checkpoints for the Toy Story parking lot is located just steps away from the main gates of Disneyland and California Adventure. Note: if you’re bringing your service animal to Disneyland, park in Mickey and Friends.
In Detail New East Side Parking
Construction begins 2026, behind Harbor Blvd., on Manchester in the former Cast Member parking area. This new parking structure will hold about 6,000 cars.
Inside will also be security screening and a shuttle to the resort. This structure will be the main entry point for Harbor Hotel guests with parking options if you’re checking out that day and can’t stay parked at your hotel. The new Disneyland parking structure will also be home to the new ride share pick up and drop off area. More details as construction begins.
Downtown Disney Parking
- Downtown Disney District parking lot opens one hour before scheduled theme park opening time.
- No Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park parking available.
- Downtown Disney parking is also known as the Simba lot.
- Downtown Disney parking fee is $10 for the first hour regardless of validation.
- Validations apply after the first hour of paid parking. Validation gives 3 hours of same-day parking with a $20-minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location or up to 5 additional hours of same-day parking with validation from any Downtown Disney table-service restaurant.
- Maximum daily rate is $66, including for lost tickets.
- Without validations, each additional hour costs $14, charged in 30-minute increments, with a minimum $7.
- The maximum daily parking and lost ticket fee is $66.
- Park right across the street instead using my referral parking link.
Resort Hotel Parking
If you’re staying at one of the Disneyland Resort Hotels (Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, Disneyland Hotel or Pixar Place Hotel), you are still required to pay a nightly parking fee of about $40 per night, additional fees for oversized vehicles.
Dining at an onsite restaurant for a romantic night out or maybe for a character breakfast? Get 3-5 hours free with validation from select hotel restaurants.
After your validation time expires, there’s an additional fee so be sure to set a timer on your phone. Parking includes ground level and parking structure options. Remember, there is no theme park or Downtown Disney parking at any of the Disneyland Resort hotel. You can pay with cash, card, gift card or vouchers.
Get To Disneyland After Parking
Here’s how to get to Disneyland after parking your car.
You have a few options for getting to Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park after parking. No matter which place you park, the park entrance is only a few minutes away and you’ll be enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth in no time.
- Take the free tram from Mickey and Friends or Pixar Pals. Follow the signs and people, then you’ll go through security screening prior to boarding the trams.
- Walk from Mickey and Friends or Pixar Pals just follow the signs and you’ll be there in about 15 minutes. You’ll go through security just before entering Downtown Disney.
- Take the free Toy Story Shuttle bus from Toy Story Parking area, you’ll go through the security checkpoint before you board the buses during peak times only. Otherwise security screening happens right after the bus ride.
Pick Up & Drop Off
If you’re simply doing a quick pick up or drop off at Disneyland Resort, this information is for you!
Travel north on Harbor Blvd toward the 5 freeway. You’ll pass the pedestrian walkway, make a U-turn and then take a right into the pick up and drop off area.
If you’re traveling south on Harbor toward Disney Way, turn right into the pick up and drop off area which is just past the pedestrian crosswalk and bus/shuttle drop off area.
Parking Rules and FAQS
How much is parking at Disneyland, and what does it include?
All theme park parking fees are charged per day and include in-and-out privileges. Standard parking is $35 per vehicle.
How can I pay for Disneyland parking?
You can pay at any parking area booth using a credit card, cash, Disney gift card, or Disney vouchers.
When do Disneyland parking lots open?
Parking structures and lots open 60 minutes before Disneyland Park’s official opening time. Some vehicles begin lining up earlier, and that is allowed.
Can I park at Disneyland with an RV or oversized vehicle?
Yes, but oversized vehicles, including RVs, motor homes and buses, must park at the Toy Story Lot.
Is there free parking with Magic Key passes?
All Magic Key holders receive a parking discount, but only Inspire Key holders get free parking. Check your Magic Key terms for details.
Can I bring a stroller on the tram?
Yes. If you’re taking the tram from Mickey & Friends or Pixar Pals, all strollers must be folded—even in the large rows.
How late do Disneyland parking areas stay open?
Parking areas remain open well past the official park closing time, giving you plenty of time to return to your vehicle.
Where should I park for Early Entry or Rope Drop?
Here is the best place to park depending on your needs or location:
- Toy Story Lot: May open slightly earlier and has fewer crowds.
- Mickey & Friends: Offers shaded parking and tram access, but may get long lines early.
- Disney Hotel Parking: For hotel guests only and great if using Early Entry.
- Harbor Blvd. Hotels: Walking from nearby hotels is often faster than parking in Disney lots.
Where can I park if I’m bringing a service animal?
Mickey & Friends parking structure is the recommended parking location for guests with service animals.
Is EV charging available at Disneyland?
Yes, EV charging stations are available at both Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures.
Do I need to reserve an EV charging spot in advance?
No, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How do I activate the EV charging station?
You’ll need the ChargePoint app or an RFID ChargePoint card to use the stations. Be sure to request EV parking when you arrive.
And don’t forget to download your step by step Park Plan, you can even download it while you’re in the parking lot. It’ll help maximize your time along with Disneyland tips and strategies for your day.
Hi! I’m curious how this has changed in the last few years?
Also, thought I’d mention that service dogs are not considered ‘pets’ and should not be labeled as such.
Hi LM! Since I first published this article more than 10 years ago, I’ve made updates over the years. In that time Pixar Pals parking structure was added, Downtown Disney parking changed areas, parking fees increased, and EV spots were added—just to name a few things. Thank you for mentioning service animals. I will certainly update the verbiage for inclusivity. Prior to 2020 shut downs, Disneyland had a Kennel Club for pets and many people would indeed bring pets to stay at the Kennel Club. If there’s anything more specific you were wondering about changes to parking in the last few years I am happy to help.
Hi, you reference a promo code, but i cant figure out how to get one. Can you help?
Hi! No promo code needed, just use this link to search for nearby discounts. For example, I put in dates next week and found parking near the Toy Story Parking lot (where you can hop on the shuttle for free) for $23 including tax.
Carpool “lane”, not carpool “land”.
Thanks for catching my typos, keep em coming!
How much time does it take to walk to the tram from these lots, and how much time to walk to the front gates if you don’t take the tram?
Hi Amy, great questions I’ll have to add to the article itself. Walking route from the parking structure I’d say 20-30 minutes. Same time if you’re walking from any Disney lots/structures. Walking from parking to the tram or Toy Story shuttle maybe 5 minutes?
We will be staying at a nearby hotel this summer and wanted to see if it’s possible to walk over to the mickey and friends parking and take the tram? Does the tram cost anything? Also, if not the tram, I read there is an overpass from this parking lot that you can use? Can we get to that from walking in? Do you know how long this walk is from the parking lot?
There isn’t really a pedestrian access point to the parking garage there. Feel free to email me jessica@thehappiestblogonearth.com and I’ll see how I can help depending on which hotel you’re staying at.
Will a larger car (Honda Pilot) with a car top carrier on top fit in the parking garages?
Hi Kelsie, I have a pilot as well and it fits easily. With the added height, I would make sure it falls into the height restriction of 13’10”. If it doesn’t, you can always park at Toy Story lot instead. Happy travels!
Hello, we are renting a vacation home near disney and was planning to park in one of Disneyland parking lots mickey and friends lot seems to be the closest to where we are staying but was wondering how bad traffic is getting in and out of the parking lots? we are going toward the end of next month and have a 1 year old so probably wont get to the park super early. do you think it would be easier to park at one of the nearby public lots and shuttle in? I am looking at maybe parking near the Anaheim convention /clarion hotel lot
If you aren’t getting there super early, you should be just fine. I’d go with the closest option.
Hello!
I am going in June with 9 people and we are driving to California in a van. When I purchase my tickets, should I buy the $30 parking pass? And will we have to pay additional for it being a larger vehicle? Or do you recommend us paying there day of at another location like Tropicana if it will be easier to park?
Thank you!
Hi there! Disney identifies oversized vehicles as Recreational and Oversized Vehicles
Buses
Dually trucks
Motor homes
Passenger vehicles with a trailer
Recreational vehicles (RV)
RV campers
Tractor-trailers
So I think you’ll be fine with regular parking with a full size van.
Hello! I’m confused on which parking lot would make the least walking and tram ride to disneyland? I was planning on using mickey and friends.
Mickey and Friends is the winner!
I have one last question where exactly do the trams from Mickey and friends parking drop you off at? Do they take you to the main entrance or to downtown Disney then walk from there? Also when you go through security at the trams will you have to again at the entrance?
They drop you off super close to the gates and you don’t need to go through security again as long as you head straight to the main entrance. You’re so welcome.
Hey I was just wondering if we get to the parking garage before it opens like around 6:30 amd it opens at 7 will they send us away or make us turn around like Disneyworld does? Or can we wait and they will let us in right when it opens?
Lots of people wait, they won’t have you turn around. Have fun!!
Thanks so much for responding!! We can’t wait I know it’s going to be busy but we are so excited! Also would you still advise waiting on the tram in the morning or just walking over?
Being one of the firsts to arrive I bet you’ll breeze through security and be on your way quickly. I say take the tram 🙂
You are literally so great thanks so much I think I’ve been more stressed about the parking than anything lol 😂
Hi,
How often do the parking lots open prior to 7am? I keep being told to be at the gates by 7am to make sure I can get on rides but that’s hard to do if I can’t even enter the garage until that time.
Hi Rachelle, parking opens an hour before the parks open. It used to be 90 minutes before the closure. And up to that point, many suggested getting to the parks an hour earlier. But now I suggest being at the gates closer to 45 minutes before opening. However, many people at nearby hotels walk over about that time as well. If you’re parking via Disney, you’re stuck with what time they open. If you arrive earlier than an hour early you’ll be closer to the front and parking first.
Hi! I have a doubt, if I have a cardiac condition and I can’t walk too much. What would be the closest option to park the car. I’m renting a scooter, but I’m worried that I have to walk a lot, escalators and tram just to get to the main entrance. Or is there a way my husband can drop me real close and then go park the car. My hotel doesn’t offer a shuttle. And what I if we arrive on an Uber there is more to walk than arriving by car? I’m correct??
There is a passenger drop off area which is closest to the gates as explained in the “drop off” section with a map. Hope that helps.
If I’m staying in a hotel that is close to Disneyland parking, can I walk over to the parking lot and get on the tram without a car? I just want to jump on the shuttle to save my legs.
Hi Lora, it depends on which parking you’re referring to. The Toy Story Lot has pedestrian access points so you can easily use that for free. Mickey and Friends (along with Pixar Pals) is trickier to access on foot and once you reach that point, you’re already so close to Disneyland anyway. Let me know which you’re considering so I can be of more help.
Hello!
Are there any non Disney owned parking areas within walking distance of the parks? I would prefer to avoid trams and shuttles if possible. Thanks!
Hi Randy, great question and I’ll have to update this post to reflect my answer. Yes! The Anaheim Hotel, Tropicana, Courtyard Marriott (and possibly others I left out) all allow public parking on a space available basis. They usually charge the same amount as Disney, but the flexibility and ease, like you mentioned is a huge perk.
On a worst case scenario, are you able to leave your car at Mickey and friends over night?
Hi Emily, there is no overnight parking in the Disney parking lots. If you need overnight parking, I suggest checking with some of the hotels on Harbor Blvd. that allow public parking (space permitting) like Tropicana and The Anaheim Hotel just to name a couple.
So, for the life of me I can’t find any place that covers this and it might be that I don’t know how to interpret the information. My question is this; if we are planning to go to Disneyland for two days, and staying at a hotel for only one night, would we need to pay for one or two parking fees? We are planning to go into the parks the day we arrive and depart, but I want to make sure we don’t need to move cars and repark anywhere or get hit with twice the parking fee I was anticipating.
This depends entirely on your hotel and their parking policies. Some allow you to say all day the day you check out without paying an additional night, while some require you move your car by check-out time. I recommend calling your hotel to see what their policy is. Otherwise, you can park at Disneyland on your day of check out.
Where can I park on a residential street and Uber in? Had a horrific experience waiting in a crazy line for almost 2 hrs in the freezing cold in December waiting for the shuttle to the overflow parking so now I really just want to Uber in but not sure where I can leave the car? Thanks
Hi Elizabeth, I would try the Target parking lot on South Harbor or a nearby Walmart. Another place is the Anaheim Transit hub that commuters use to link to trains and buses.
Great idea! Thanks!!
I have a handicap placard can i park for free at Disneyland
Hi Donna, there is handicap spaces available but you still have to pay the parking fee.
What you left out in this article is that there is EV charging stations located in the second level of the Mickey and Friends parking structure.
So smart Gayle! I need to add that information, you’re totally right.
Hi!
We are renting a condo near disneyland & will need an additional parking spot for about 48 hours. Does anyone have ideas? I’m totally willing to pay, but everywhere I’ve checked says they don’t offer overnight parking.
Thanks!
Kristine
Hey Kristine, you could try two places that come to mind. 1 The Anaheim Hotel allows day parking (when space is open) but you could ask about overnight. 2 Try ARTIC where the public transportation hub is. Last time I checked they allowed overnight parking, technically for those using the train and stuff but it’s worth checking.
Hi There.
I am hoping to get some information on Uber/Lyft pick up around midnight when the park closes. Where do we go? Should we schedule ahead of time? Uber or Lyft preference? How do we connect with our driver? Any other advice? Thank you in advance!
Thanks for your question! It’s super easy. See the image of the pick up and drop off area? That is where Uber/Lyft drivers go to pick you up and they usually circle the area at night when Disneyland closes, so you shouldn’t have any problems. I like to request one just as I walk out the gates and then walk quickly over to the pick up area. Download the Uber or Lyft app, most drivers actually work for both at the same time so choose whichever fits your needs (prices will be very comparable) and book. I love using Uber/Lyft after a long Disneyland day!
Thanks, Jessica! We leave tomorrow so I am very appreciative of your quick reply! Last weekend, we were at the Hollywood Bowl and wanted to get a Lyft after the concert. To say that it was complete madness is a massive understatement. I’m anxious that it will be a similar situation when the park closes around midnight. Can you please advise on how to find your driver amidst the pick-up chaos?
Hollywood Bowl is complete madness, Hollywood itself from 4PM and on it complete madness, if you’re using your own car or a ride share. I hope you enjoyed the show there though! It won’t be anything like the scale of that at Disneyland Resort. And do use this pick up space, because nearby hotel parking lots might be tempting but most display a specific “no Uber/Lyft drop off” signs. The apps both allow you to track your driver, and see make and model of the car. When it’s crowded, often my driver will call me and say, “I’m waving” or “I’ve put my hazard lights on” so I can find them in the crowd. I’d love to hear back how it goes. Have a blast!
The last time we went, the parking + tram took extremely long; especially on the way home. It was hell, actually. Our current plan is for me to drop off the family at a pickup/drop-off location, tram it myself, and meet them in the park. Conversely, on the way home, I’d go get the car, and pick them up again at a pickup location. Any advise or warnings for our plan?
The way the tram is these days, I say go for it. There’s nothing to stop you from that plan- just make sure you have your ticket so you can meet them in the parks with no problem. Also having a meeting time and place is smart just incase your cell coverage isn’t super great. I’d love to know how this ends up working out for you afterward. Thanks!
For families that are staying in area hotels or vacation houses near the Mickey and Friends garage, is the tram available for non-parking users? I have read mixed reviews. Thank you.
Hey Chya, when is your trip? Going to dig into this some more but ever since they added security check points at Mickey and Friends, they have made it very difficult to get in and out of this area as a pedestrian. If you find an access point, you’re certainly allowed to. Many pedestrians use the Toys Story lot shuttle the very same way but it’s configuration is different (and of course no where near where you’ll be). I will edit this comment with more info shortly.
Another great resource for this question is my Facebook group, Disneyland with Kids. I’ve started a thread for this exact conversation. You might be interested in following in the meantime. Find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/disneylandwithkids/permalink/1758294597579356/
Thank you! We are not going until this coming October. 🙂
Okay, good to know! Lots will change by then even because they’re building a 4th hotel and new parking in-between where Mickey & Friends and Downtown Disney currently stand. I’ll keep this in mind as I make my visits this year, along with updating this article. And always feel free to leave a comment or email me as well.
Thank you so much! Do you happen to know what the new hotel will be and when it will be complete?!
Not until 2021, but you can read about it here. It’s certainly going to change the dynamics of Downtown Disney!
We stayed at a hotel on Ball road and wanted to save ourselves the extra walk from downtown Disney. We found there is a big white staircase access to the walkway from the Pixar pals parking structure on the south side of the corner of magic way and Disneyland drive. After going up the staircase you can take a right to enter by the second level of the Pixar pals structure to take the tram right near the west side of the entrance to the main gate area. Conversely on the way back to the hotel, we took the tram, escalator up to coco 2 of Pixar pals, across the bridges and down the staircase to access our walking path back to ball road along Disneyland drive. We saved ourselves 10-15 min of walking each way doing this and I hope it will help others as well! Especially after already walking 10 miles!! Best wishes!
This is great, detailed information. Thank you!
I really appreciate Disneyland’s new security and their effort to keep us safe. However our last experience last week while visiting left me very anxious and insecure. We parked in Mickey and friends parking garage where we had to get in a group of people down below like a bunch of sitting ducks to a possible lunatic in the parking garage after the wake of the Las Vegas shooting I think this arrangement needs to be fixed. Cars are not checked before entering the parking garage. We ended up paying for parking and we left because of the anxious feeling standing there waiting like a bunch of cattle in a corral. I know Disneyland is doing their best to keep us safe and secure I do think somethings need to be tweaked. This parking and security arrangement has me rethinking whether or not I will be renewing my annual passes.
Sincerely a concerned parent of two.
Dea, thank you for taking the time to comment. I agree, things need to change. Any time a large group is gathered makes us potential targets. Very sad in this day and age. Tragedy can occur anywhere. I am certain that Disney security is always looking at ways to improve. I would like to see dogs checking cars as they pull in, among other security measures. It’s unfortunate we have to even discuss this. I hope that changes are coming so we can all feel at ease when visiting. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts.
Hello. Does Disneyland still offer in and out privileges with parking? Thank you!
Hi thanks for asking. Yes, in and out privileges for same day parking. You must show your parking pass when you come back in. In and out does not apply to upgraded, premium parking so if you pay extra for that, you will likely be forced to use general parking upon your return. Enjoy you visit!
Great! Thanks for the response!
Not a problem, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you plan. From discount tickets, to in-park plans or just tips in general. Happy to help!