Disneyland Parking: Cost, Tips & How to Save Money (2026)

Last updated on September 28, 2026

Looking for Disneyland parking information and tips for saving money? 

Whether you are visiting for the day or spending a few days at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, there are a number of parking options.

This guide to Disneyland parking will give you an overview of where to park and when – including Downtown Disney parking, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, hotel parking, electric vehicle charging stations, and ride share drop-off and pick-up locations.

To help you plan, I’ve included current Disneyland parking rates, plus lots of tips based on our countless visits to the Disneyland Resort as Southern California locals and long-time Magic Key holders.

Here is a complete guide to parking at Disneyland – updated for 2026.

Downtown Disney Parking

Let’s start with parking at Downtown Disney, as this is the area where things can get most confusing.

The Downtown Disney District is a destination in itself – a great place to go for shopping, entertainment, dinner, or cocktails. Many locals enjoy visiting Downtown Disney just to get their Disney fix, even when they don’t have theme park tickets.

Because of this, the Downtown Disney parking fee is set up for hourly rates.

The first hour of parking at Downtown Disney costs $10. Validations apply after the first hour of paid parking (meaning you can save money if you make a purchase).

You can get an additional three hours parking with a $20 minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney District location. This includes restaurants, shops, and kiosks throughout the district. If you’re planning to grab something to eat, check out my guide to Downtown Disney quick service restaurants.

If you dine at any table service restaurant, you’ll get an additional five hours with validation.

Beyond these parking 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. Parking is subject to capacity.

Downtown Disney parking is located in the Simba Lot, located off Disneyland Drive, between West Katella Avenue and the Disneyland Hotel. From this parking lot, it is a short walk to the new Downtown Disney entrance.

Parking for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park

There are two main on-property parking options if you are planning to spend a day at the theme parks.

1. Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures

Although they are technically considered two separate Disneyland parking areas, the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure are essentially the same location. In fact, the two structures are attached.

With nearly 17,000 spaces between them, the two structures share a Security Checkpoint and tram service from the parking area to the parks.

Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals structures also share a big, clean set of restrooms, located at the foot of the Mickey & Friends escalators.

This is the lot you will most likely park at if you are coming from the 5 Freeway. If you are driving southbound (toward San Diego) there is a ramp that will take you directly from the exit into the garage.

The tram from the parking structures will drop you at the edge of Downtown Disney near the Disneyland Esplanade. This is the area between the two theme park entrances. The tram stop is across from the World of Disney store.

Many people like to park in the structures because at the end of the day, if there are long lines for transportation, you can more easily walk to your car. Not only is it a shorter distance, but there is a nice walkway and you don’t have to go out on the main road or cross a busy street.

In fact, if you park in the Pixar Pals Parking Structure, there is a pedestrian bridge that connects the parking structure with Downtown Disney. Even if you park in Mickey & Friends, you can still use the pedestrian bridge and walk just a bit further to your car, as the structures are connected.

Another thing that makes the structures convenient is you can easily access Downtown Disney via a short walk from the parking structures, and then hop on the monorail. The monorail will take you directly to Tomorrowland inside Disneyland Park.

2. Toy Story Parking Area

The Toy Story parking lot is located a few blocks south of the theme parks, off Harbor Boulevard at Katella Avenue. This Disneyland parking lot has over 5,300 spaces.

Toy Story is a surface lot. There is no covered parking, so you won’t have to deal with escalators/elevators/stairs like you do at the parking structures. However, if it is raining, windy, very cold or very hot – you’ll be dealing with the elements while in the bus loading area.

Again, I find Toy Story more convenient than the parking structures, as there is rarely a back-up of cars waiting to enter and once you’re in, you don’t have to drive up a ramp and circle the levels to a spot. Exiting is quicker, too!

They also have a secondary entrance gate which opens at peak hours to alleviate traffic.

If you park in the Toy Story lot, bus service will take you from the parking area to the parks. The bus will drop you off on the opposite side of the Disneyland Esplanade from where the trams stop, on the Harbor Boulevard side.

You can also walk; it is about a 15-minute walk up and across Harbor Boulevard to Disneyland’s Main Entrance Esplanade.

Which Disneyland Parking Lot Is Best?

So, which parking lot should you choose?

Most people head to the structures, but after countless visits to the Disneyland Resort, I personally prefer the Toy Story Parking Area. And there are a couple of reasons why that I’ll share so you can make your own decision.

In the morning, the lines to pay and get into the lot are almost always much shorter.

I also find Toy Story faster and easier to drive into and out of, and I like avoiding the ramps, escalators, and elevators at the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures. Once you park, buses run between the lot and the Disneyland Resort Main Entrance Esplanade.

That said, Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals have their own advantages. The parking structures provide covered parking, and if you don’t want to wait for the tram at night, you can walk back to your car through Downtown Disney.

The direction you’re arriving from also makes a difference. Disney recommends Mickey & Friends/Pixar Pals for guests traveling south on I-5 or east on CA-91, and Toy Story for guests traveling north on I-5, west on CA-91 or on CA-22.

Disneyland parking costs the same for the Toy Story Parking Area, Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, and Pixar Pals Parking Structure. All Disneyland parking comes with in and out privileges.

In addition to paying at the ticket booth when you arrive, there is also the option to pre-pay for Disneyland parking online when you purchase park tickets. You’ll get a parking voucher to print and present upon entering, or you can show it on the mobile app.

I personally don’t think pre-paying for parking saves any time, but some people like the convenience of paying for everything at once. It is really up to you!

Preferred Parking at Disneyland

So, what exactly is Preferred Parking?

Preferred Parking at Disneyland will get you a spot close to the elevators and escalators in the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure. At the Toy Story Parking Area, you’ll get a spot next to the bus depot.

Enter the same way you would for standard parking, and when you get to the toll booth simply request Preferred Parking, and a Disney Cast Member will direct you to the preferred area.

If you already purchased Standard Parking in advance online, no problem! When you arrive at the toll booth, pay the difference – currently $20 – to upgrade. (The number of Preferred Parking spaces is limited and subject to availability.)

Is Preferred Parking at Disneyland worth it? Personally, I don’t think so! We would rather spend that twenty bucks on snacks. But if not trekking the extra distance at the end of a long, tiring day in the parks is worthwhile for your family, or if it is physically difficult you to get around, then go for it!

Which leads us to…

Disneyland Parking for Guests with Disabilities

If you have a valid handicap parking placard or license plate, you may park in one of the designated handicap parking spots. Parking for guests with disabilities is available throughout the Disneyland Resort, including the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Structures and the Toy Story Parking Area.

Standard parking rates apply at all parking lots. That means if you are visiting the theme parks for a day, you will essentially pay the $40 standard rate and get a spot comparable to $60 preferred parking.

To access Disneyland handicap parking, follow directional signage upon arrival or inquire at the toll booth for parking options.

If a designated disabled parking space is not available, a parking Cast Member will direct you to an available parking option closest to an elevator at the parking structures or to bus transportation at the Toy Story Parking Area. If you have specific parking needs (e.g. additional space to lower a wheelchair ramp or lift) please notify a parking Cast Member for assistance.

Click here to learn more about services for Guests with disabilities on the Disneyland website.

Recreational and Oversized Vehicle Parking

Parking for recreational and oversized vehicles is available only at the Toy Story Parking Area. The Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, Pixar Pals Parking Structure, Simba Lot for Downtown Disney, and hotel parking lots cannot accommodate oversized vehicles.

Overnight parking is not permitted in the Toy Story Parking Area. For daily rates, see the above Disneyland parking costs for oversized vehicles.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The Disneyland Resort offers electric vehicle charging stations in all of its theme park parking areas. A limited number of ChargePoint charging ports can be found in the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, Pixar Pals Parking Structure and Toy Story Parking Area.

To use a port, you’ll need to scan a ChargePoint card. You can set up and activate your ChargePoint card. (The ChargePoint website is not controlled by Disney.)

Car Locator

One cool thing Disneyland offers on their mobile app is Car Locator, a complimentary feature that uses location services to find and save your parking details when you arrive at the Disneyland Resort.

The Car Locator feature is available for the Mickey & Friends, Pixar Pals, Toy Story, and Simba parking areas.

You can also just snap a photo of the closest location sign when you park; that is what I normally do! Either way, you’ll be glad you did after a long day in the parks

Magic Key Parking Discounts

If you’re a Magic Key holder, you probably already know this! But it is worth calling out that theme park parking may be included or available at a discount. depending on your pass type. Be sure to check your benefits before paying the full daily rate.

As longtime Magic Key holders, parking is one of the benefits we use regularly. Just remember that the discount varies by pass, and some Magic Keys only offer discounted parking at the Toy Story Parking Area.

Disneyland Parking Hours

All three theme park parking locations open one hour before the earliest standard theme park opening time. (So, if Disneyland opens at 8 a.m. and DCA opens at 9 a.m., the parking lots will open at 7 a.m.)

I recommend you take advantage of this extra hour if you are hoping to be in the park for rope drop when it opens! If you arrive too close to the park’s opening time, there will be long lines to enter the parking area, and then longer lines to get through Security and board the trams or buses. Arriving early is key!

► Be sure to check out this Disneyland Resort Planning Guide for more tips, plus details on tickets, rides, and special events at the Disneyland Resort. 

New Disneyland Parking Structure Coming Soon

Although an opening date has not been announced, I think it’s worth noting that Disneyland will soon have another major parking option.

Construction is already underway on a new parking structure and transportation hub, which will have approximately 6,000 parking spaces. The new structure is being built on part of the current Manchester cast member parking lot and will include shuttle and rideshare areas, security screening, and dedicated access from Disney Way.

The feature I am most excited about is the new pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard, which will connect the parking and transportation hub to a new esplanade arrival area. This is going to make it very easy to walk to the parks!

For now, this is a future Disneyland Resort project and not yet available for guest parking. I’ll update this guide as construction progresses and Disney releases additional details about the opening timeline.

Parking at Disneyland Resort Area Hotels

On-Property Disney Hotel Parking

If you are staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel, self-parking and valet parking are available for an additional fee.

Overnight Parking Rates

Here are the current parking rates if you are staying at one of the Disney hotels:

• Self-parking: $45 per night per vehicle
• Valet parking: $75 per night per vehicle
• Oversized vehicle parking: $50 per night per vehicle

Hourly Rates at the Disneyland Resort Hotels

If you are visiting the Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place Hotel, or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa for just a few hours during the daytime, hourly rates apply.

Free Parking!

I wish there was a secret way I could share that would tell you how to get free parking at Disneyland while you visit the parks.

Unfortunately, there is not. However, there are a few ways to get validated free parking for a few hours.

Staying at an Off-Property Hotel Near Disneyland

Staying overnight at one of the three Disney-owned resorts is tempting, but they can be very expensive!

To save money on your Disneyland vacation, consider one of the many hotels within walking distance to Disneyland. This is what we usually try to do, and it is super convenient. Some of these hotels are even closer to the theme parks than the Disneyland parking lots!

If you stay a bit further away, that’s okay, too. You’ll often find great deals slightly further out in Anaheim or Garden Grove, a mile or two down Harbor Boulevard.

And though it may seem more convenient on the surface, don’t be tempted to drive from your hotel to the parks. You don’t want to end up paying for parking twice – once to your hotel and once to Disneyland!

Instead make sure you’re looking at hotels with shuttle service. This will eliminate the need to park at Disneyland all together.

Off-Site Disneyland Parking

This Disneyland parking tip might not save you a ton of money, but many will do this to save time!

There are several hotels in the area – mostly along Harbor Boulevard – which offer parking at a flat rate for the day even if you are not an overnight guest of the hotel. Parking fees are typically between $40 and $45, and you can walk from the hotel to the parks.

The Anaheim Hotel, Tropicana, Hilton Anaheim, Clarion Hotel, and Sheraton Park Hotel are a few to consider that offer this service.

Important Note: Parking availability and rates at nearby hotels can change, so always confirm day parking directly with the hotel before arriving.

Anaheim Hotels with Free Parking

Here is another helpful tip. Choose a hotel with free parking, and you can visit Disneyland and not pay for parking at all!

Easier said than done, right? While most Disneyland hotels charge a daily parking rate, there is a way to score a deal.

Book your hotel or a Disneyland vacation package through our trusted partner Get Away Today, and you can get free parking at your hotel. Many hotels offer this perk (among many others!) exclusive to Get Away Today guests. Then you can walk to Disneyland from your hotel or hop on a shuttle and avoid Disneyland parking fees altogether.

To find out which hotels offer free parking, visit Get Away Today and simply enter the search term “free parking.” You’ll get a list of great hotels to choose from and book at a discount.

Disneyland Drop-Off Locations

If your hotel is not within walking distance and you are traveling with more than a few people, consider getting dropped off or ordering a ride share. Sometimes taking a Lyft or Uber can be even cheaper than paying for everyone to take the shuttle.

There are two pick-up/drop-off locations at the Disneyland Resort:

• Downtown Disney District – Take Magic Way from Disneyland Drive, then turn left at Downtown Drive and follow signs to the drop-off area.
• Harbor Boulevard – Enter the drop-off area from the right southbound lane of South Harbor Blvd. between South Manchester Avenue and Disney Way.

These areas may also be used for taxi and rideshare service pick-up or drop-off. Please note that while brief waiting is permitted, parking or unattended vehicles are not allowed in either area.

Disneyland Parking FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about parking at Disneyland.

1. How much is parking at Disneyland?

Standard parking at any of the three official theme park lots is $40 per day, with in and out privileges.

2. What are the Disneyland parking lots?

There are currently three official Disneyland parking lots you can use if going to the theme parks:

• Mickey & Friends Parking Structure
• Pixar Pals Parking Structure
• Toy Story Parking Area

There is also a separate lot for Downtown Disney parking, and one for each of the on-property Disney Resort Hotels. A new additional parking structure for Disneyland theme parks is currently under construction.

Depending on which direction you’re coming from, signs on the road will direct you to the closest Disneyland parking lot. However, you are in no way obligated to follow the signs if you have a preferred parking area or like the amenities of one over another (i.e. bus vs. tram).

I personally prefer the Toy Story Parking Area. It is generally easier to get in and out of compared to the structures, and the line to enter in the morning is never as long.

5. What time do the parking areas open?

Parking lots open one hour before the first park is scheduled to open. All Disneyland parking areas have the same hours.

6. How much is Downtown Disney parking?

Downtown Disney has its own parking lot, and the rates are calculated by the hour. The first hour of parking is $10, with validations available for additional hours. These prices did not change (thankfully!) with the recent price increases at the Disneyland Resort.

Final Thoughts: Parking at Disneyland

Parking at Disneyland is fairly straightforward once you understand the different options. For a day in Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure, you’ll choose between the Mickey & Friends/Pixar Pals parking structures and the Toy Story Parking Area. For a shorter visit to Downtown Disney, the Simba Lot makes the most sense.

After countless visits to Disneyland, Toy Story is still my personal favorite for theme park parking. I find it easier to get in and out of than the parking structures, and the buses make getting to the parks simple.

Whichever parking area you choose, my biggest tip is to arrive early. Giving yourself plenty of time to park, get through security, and take the tram or bus can make the start of your Disneyland day much less stressful.

And don’t forget where you parked!

Read these articles for more help planning your Disneyland vacation:

• Hotels Walking Distance to Disneyland
• Disneyland Hotel vs Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Where to Find Breakfast at Downtown Disney
• Disney California Adventure Rides & Quick Guide
• Where to Find Disneyland Water Refill Stations
• Tips for Using Single Rider Lines at Disneyland & DCA