Best parking option?

[Maryland2024]

I am planning a one-day solo trip to DL/DCA. I won’t be able to get there until about 11 am, so I want to get to the parks ASAP. Just me, so no need to worry about stroller.

Where should I park for fastest access at that time? Thanks!

 

[LAS2AMS]

Depends on when you’re going, but in general, Pixar Pals dedicated garage entrance in closed by 11am. So, you’d want to enter Mickey and Friends. The $55 preferred spots will get you in the fastest.

Toy Story Lot will do screening by the busses unt about 12pm. If you’re traveling solo, it’s easy to get on the next bus - provided you’re willing to stand. But that also gets you off a few moments sooner.

Most days, the different between using the parking garage or surface lot won’t be material - just a few minutes, and the “fastest” could be either or. Note that if you leave the park at closing, especially on a weekend, the line for the bus will look intimidating but will nearly always be the faster way out. I’ve been stuck in the garage for over an hour many times….

 

[zapvi]

If you're heading to Disneyland, I’d say go for the Mickey and Friends parking structure. It’s usually the quickest way to get into the park, especially around 11 am. I’ve found that even though it can get busy, the tram ride there is pretty quick and drops you off close to the entrance. If you end up parking at Toy Story, it’s a bit more of a walk, but still not terrible if you’re in a rush.

 

[LKing]

M&F also has a ton of security open at that time of day.

 

[WonkaKid]

The $55 preferred spots will get you in the fastest.

I don’t feel that PP is worth the extra money. It gets you a little closer to the elevators/escalators but with a little luck you’ll get a close spot anyway. It may end up saving you as much as five minutes in total. Your call as to whether that’s worth an additional $20.

 

[LKing]

Good to see you back @WonkaKid. I hope you are doing well.

 

[StarlitNight05]

Yes, good to see you back @WonkaKid. I miss your weekly updates!

 

[WonkaKid]

Yes, good to see you back @WonkaKid. I miss your weekly updates!

Thank you! Here, then, are a few park pics from last Sunday.

Incidentally, a CM I’m friends with in Tomorrowland had a birthday recently. I brought her a small gift but couldn’t wrap it, of course, because I doubted that a wrapped package would be appreciated by security. So I made some gift wrap with the plan of finding some tape once at the park. After my first ride on Buzz, I stopped at the store at the exit and explained to the CM at the counter what I’d planned. She offered to wrap the gift with DL’s tissue, which was a nice surprise. She did a great job and it looked much nicer than it would have had I done it. I’m not good at things like gift wrapping that require neatness ;-)

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Thank you! Here, then, are a few park pics from last Sunday.

Incidentally, a CM I’m friends with in Tomorrowland had a birthday recently. I brought her a small gift but couldn’t wrap it, of course, because I doubted that a wrapped package would be appreciated by security. So I made some gift wrap with the plan of finding some tape once at the park. After my first ride on Buzz, I stopped at the store at the exit and explained to the CM at the counter what I’d planned. She offered to wrap the gift with DL’s tissue, which was a nice surprise. She did a great job and it looked much nicer than it would have had I done it. I’m not good at things like gift wrapping that require neatness ;-)
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It's so nice to see a Sunday update from you! I hope you are doing well.

 

[Pluto468]

Wonderful to see you back, Wonkakid! Hope all is well with you