Downtown Disney parking question

[Disneylandfan1]

How crowded does the Downtown Disney parking lot get on a busy Sunday afternoon? Is it possible to get a parking space in the early afternoon? We have a local relative who wants to join us for a quick visit and an early dinner in DTD, but he mentioned that he had trouble once trying to find a parking spot there. This is the Sunday in late August after the local AP's blockout ends, so I know it will be busy! We want him to be able to park here because it's free for 5 hours with validation, but I'm worried it's impossible to find a spot on a busy day. What do you suggest?

(We are staying at the PPH. We usually fly and don't have any experience trying to park near the resort.)

 

[Girimama33]

If they go early, they have a better chance of finding a spot to park. In the evening, it is nearly impossible.

 

[lostangel52577]

There's parking behind the Disneyland hotel (not sure what the lot is called) that has parking for downtown Disney. That lot takes validation and always has spots. It's a longer walk but less hassle in my opinion when it's later in the day and busy.

I don't know the policy behind when this happens but I've also been able to park completely free at that lot. They weren't even giving out tickets but just letting people park.

 

[longboard55]

There are 3 lots for downtown disney. The main lot across from rainforest, which is usually a mess and we avoid, if you go in the same entry and go right there is a good lot- a little longer walk but less traffic, also in the afternoon (not sure what time) they open the lot just past paradise pier hotel for downtown disney. The PP lot is the best because it is close to DD and they often opens the gates for exiting so no need to worry about 3 or 5 hours. Check all lots, we can always park.