What Time Does Disneyland Parking Open?
If you’re planning a trip to Disneyland, one of the most important things to consider is parking.
Although Disneyland offers a variety of parking options for guests, it’s important to know when the parking lots actually open to ensure that you arrive on time and avoid any inconvenience or delay.
In this post, I’ll answer the question “what time does Disneyland parking open?” and provide you with all the information you need about the opening hours of Disneyland parking, including any exceptions or special circumstances that may affect the normal schedule.
I’ll also share tips to make your parking experience as seamless as possible, so you can focus on enjoying the magic and wonder of Disneyland hassle-free.
Let’s dive straight into it.
What Time Does Disneyland Parking Open? Disneyland Overview
Disneyland is a magical theme park that offers a variety of attractions, entertainment and dining experiences for guests of all ages.
The park is located in Anaheim, California and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
When it comes to parking, Disneyland offers a wide range of options to suit every guest’s needs.
The Standard Parking lot is located on the east side of the park and offers the most affordable parking option.
For guests who want to be closer to the park entrance, the Preferred Parking lot is a great option.
There’s also a special lot for recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers separately.
The cost of parking may vary depending on the type of lot you choose, as well as the time of year and any ongoing promotions or discounts.
Once you arrive at the parking lot, a tram will take you to the main entrance of Disneyland.
It’s important to note that parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak season and holidays.
For this reason, I recommend arriving early to secure a spot and avoid any possible delays or inconvenience.
You can also check online for the latest information on parking availability and any potential closures or restrictions.
What Time Does the Main Parking Structure Open?
The Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pal parking complexes, which are Disneyland’s two largest parking lots, normally open one hour before the earliest scheduled park opening time.
Accordingly, if California Adventure opens at 8 AM and Disneyland opens at 9 AM, you may anticipate the parking structures to open at 7 AM.
The parking lots frequently open a little earlier than usual at some of the busiest times of the year, including the Christmas or Thanksgiving holiday season.
I’ve observed the parking lots opening up during these seasons of the year up to 90 minutes ahead of the earliest planned park opening hour.
While these times are usually consistent and a good rule of thumb to follow when organizing a trip to Disneyland, the parking lots eventually open whenever Disney staff members are ready to welcome visitors.
What Time Does the Toy Story Parking Lot Open?
The Toy Story Lot, like the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals parking structures, will normally open one hour before the earliest scheduled park opening time.
The Toy Story Lot is still designated a “overflow” parking lot and has not always been used in prior years.
However, in recent years, the Toy Story Parking Lot has been open virtually every day of the year.
Note that the Toy Story lot is not immediately connected to Downtown Disney or any of the theme parks.
So, you’ll have to catch a shuttle (or a long walk) to Disneyland from there, unlike the Mickey & Friends and Pixar Pals Parking Lots.
What Time Does the Simba Parking Lot Open?
Typically, the Simba Parking lot will open 15 minutes prior to the scheduled opening of Downtown Disney.
The Simba Parking lot at Disneyland will be accessible earlier than any other parking area because Downtown Disney opens before Disneyland or California Adventure.
The Simba Parking Lot is only available to guests of Downtown Disney so keep that in mind.
Parking here at the entrance to Disneyland or California Adventure will cost you far more than at any of the other lots.
Tips for Optimal Disneyland Parking
Arrive Early: It is strongly advised to arrive early in order to find parking and to avoid traffic and long waits. Plan carefully because the parking lots typically open an hour before the park does.
Know Your Lot: Before you go to Disneyland, learn about the different parking options and their locations. This will help you choose the best lot for your needs and save time when you arrive.
Use Preferred Parking or MaxPass: If you don’t want to walk a long way from your car to the park entrance, consider using Preferred Parking. Another option is to purchase MaxPass, which includes preferred parking as a perk.
Follow Parking Attendants: When you arrive at Disneyland, follow the instructions of the parking attendants. They are trained to direct traffic and parking, so trust their guidance.
Use Navigation Tools: To avoid getting lost in the parking lots, use navigation tools like the Disneyland app or Google Maps. When you depart the park, they will make it easy for you to locate your vehicle.
What Time Does Disneyland Parking Open? Final Thoughts
There you have it, the answer to the question “What time does Disneyland parking open?”
Understanding when Disneyland parking opens and how to make the most of your parking experience will improve your overall park experience.
You can minimize unneeded stress and irritation by coming early, familiarizing yourself with the various parking alternatives, following the attendants’ directions, and using navigation tools.
Remember that parking lots can quickly fill up, especially during peak season.
So, plan ahead of time and check online for the most up-to-date parking information.
With these pointers in mind, you’ll be able to park smoothly, get to the park quickly, and concentrate on having a great time at Disneyland.
