Updated January 23, 2026

Parking can be tricky at the Disneyland Resort.

Let’s take a look at all your options and when to arrive at each for the best shot at arriving early.

Basic Scoop

The Disneyland Resort has several options for parking. With limited real estate, you’ll need to know what to do and where to go.

For all parking details direct from Disney, visit this link. Costs are included there.

Mickey and Friends/Pixar Parking Structures

Parking structures open an hour prior to official parking opening each day. With this in mind, I recommend arriving 1.5 hours prior to official opening if you’re wanting to be first at the gate.

Doing the following will get you to the gate by around 7:30am when guests start being allowed to enter the park:

• Arrive in your car around 6:30am; Cast members allow early risers to line up prior to entering the garage
• At 7:00am, you’ll be allowed in to pay and park
• Park and walk to the security line; go through security and board the tram (the tram will take you to the esplanade – area between the two parks)
• When you arrive, walk straight to the Disneyland or DCA gate to line up

Toy Story Lot

The Toy Story lot now often includes security on-site, allowing you to avoid security on Harbor Blvd like before and walk right into the esplanade upon arrival.

They don’t have it set up every time, but security is open on-site for busier days.

Toy Story lot opens an hour prior to official park opening each day.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney offers parking, but its pricey. Check that link, above, for costs from Disney.

My Preferred Parking Location

The Mickey and Friends/Pixar parking structure is my favorite.

Absolutely.

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