Planning a trip to Disneyland California can be magical and fun, but there are also more practical things to consider — like parking, hours, and directions to the theme parks. After buying tickets to Disneyland and booking a place to stay (Disney owns several hotels nearby), these are some of the most crucial elements of taking a trip there. They require consideration, especially for visitors planning to drive to Disneyland. Of course, even those walking from Disney’s hotels will need to know when the parks open and how to travel to and from them.
Fortunately, Disneyland makes sure that parking at its theme parks is straightforward — and it ensures its hours are readily available to parkgoers as well. While planning these aspects of a visit isn’t as fun as deciding which of Disneyland’s rides to check out first, it’s never too much of a hassle. And having things like parking, travel plans, and timing worked out beforehand allows guests to relax when the time finally comes to embark on their adventure to Disneyland California.
Anyone driving to Disneyland California will need to utilize the theme parks’ available parking areas, which open 60 minutes before the parks do. Fortunately, they’re conveniently located, whether visitors are heading to Disneyland Park or California Adventure Park. For both locations, guests can utilize one of three parking lots located nearby. Since the two theme parks are within walking distance of one another, both are accessible from all three areas. The parking lots are named after different Disney themes and can be found below:
There aren’t many differences between the three parking locations offered at Disneyland California, but those arriving in larger vehicles (including RVs, buses, and tractor trailers) will need to use the Toy Story Parking Area (via Disneyland.com). Oversized vehicles aren’t permitted to park in any other lots near the parks, hotels, or Downtown Disney District, nor are buses and tractor trailers.
Parking at Disneyland does come with a daily fee, which will differ depending on the vehicle in question. Ordinary cars and motorcycles get a cheaper daily rate than oversized vehicles or buses and tractors. Payments can be made using cash, credit cards, Disney gift cards, Disney dollars, pre-paid parking vouchers, the Disney Rewards Visa Card, or the Disney Rewards Redemption Card. The daily parking costs at Disneyland can be found below:
Visitors who wish to park closer to the elevators and escalators at Disneyland can pay extra for Preferred Parking. This is available in all three parking lots, and it can be purchased upon arriving at the parks. However, Preferred Parking spots are limited, so those hoping to snag one should arrive as early as possible. Preferred Parking at Disneyland costs $55 per day, but it can be worthwhile for those who’d like to limit their walking time.
Disneyland also offers special parking for visitors with disabilities, as long as they have a valid parking placard or license plate. Guests with disabilities can find special parking in all three lots, and there will be signage indicating where to go once they reach the toll plazas. Standard pricing applies, and if an accessible parking space isn’t available, guests will be directed to the closest available spot near an elevator (in the parking garage) or bus stop (to transport visitors to the parks).
There are also a few perks of parking at Disneyland, including a feature to locate one’s vehicle, car charging stations, and tram service from parking areas that are further from the parks. The Car Locator feature can be used on the Disneyland app, and the tram service runs from the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking areas. Both can be convenient before and after long days at the parks.
Disneyland’s hours will determine when visitors show up to the theme parks, but they can vary depending on the time of year and demand. As of this writing, weekday hours for Disneyland Park are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the weekend hours are 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. Disney’s California Adventure Park is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
Visitors can typically anticipate longer hours during the summer and holiday season, while the park is often open for shorter periods of time during the winter. Before booking a trip to Disneyland, it’s always a smart idea to check the calendar and park hours at Disneyland.com. This will ensure there are no scheduling mishaps upon reaching Disney’s Anaheim-based theme parks.
There are multiple ways visitors can get to Disneyland Resort in California, and the method they choose will be largely dependent on where they’re coming from. Those located somewhat close to Disneyland may opt to drive there, while visitors coming from across the country or traveling internationally will arrive by plane. Fortunately, Disneyland.com offers directions for those using all different sorts of transportation. Whether they’re traveling by plane, car, train, or bus, they’ll be able to find the “Happiest Place on Earth.”
Anyone traveling to Disneyland by car will need to look up directions based on where they’re coming from, but the I-5, CA-91, and CA-22 will all get them to the resort. Traveling by car will also require guests to make parking plans. Disney’s hotels have their own parking areas, and the parking locations for the parks are the ones outlined above.
Those traveling to Disneyland by bus can make their way to Anaheim’s Greyhound bus station, located at 100 W Winston Rd. There, they can transfer to Anaheim Regional Transportation (ART) Route 10, which will take them straight to the Disneyland area. There are also a number of bus routes through the Los Angeles County Metro and Orange County Transit Authority rsystems that lead to Disneyland. Using the Los Angeles County Metro, the Metro Express Line 460 will take riders to the parks. Using the OCTA, the following routes connect to Disney: Route 50, Route 43, Route 46, Route 83, Route 430.
Those taking the train to Disneyland Resort will want to reach the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), where they can transfer to a Route 14 or 15 bus that takes them directly there. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner takes riders to the ARTIC, as do several Metrolink lines. The Metrolink lines that go to ARTIC are as follows:
Those coming to Disneyland from outside California may be traveling by plane, which will take them to one of the following airports: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John Wayne Airport (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Depending on which airport they arrive at, visitors will need to set up transportation to the Disneyland Resort. They can do this using taxis and ride-share services, or they can look up local bus lines and trains that run from the airports to Disneyland.