Heads up on Parking at DLR

[WebmasterMaryJo]

This past weekend two DISers (@Califgirl and also @YellowMickeyPonchos, who talked about it on the podcast) were directed to park at the Gardenwalk parking structure instead of the Toy Story Lot or the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure.

Califgirl went on Friday, and had to walk to the resort. YellowMickeyPonchos went yesterday, and she said that there were buses to drive to Disneyland. She also cautioned everyone to keep that parking stub because you have to turn it in when you exit the parking structure, or you'll have to pay.

My recommendation would be to enter Disneyland going south on the 5, and getting off at either the Disneyland Drive carpool, or Ball exit, then go over the bridge to the Mickey & Friends parking structure. If you go surface streets there is a good chance that you will be redirected to another lot.

 

[OKW Lover]

Wondering what's up with the parking at DL? Have some portion of the main lots closed (for maintenance?) or are we just experiencing a period of very high attendance?

 

[figment_jii]

I think it has to with very high attendance. Disneyland Today announced the structure and Toy Story lots both reach capacity on Veteran's Day. With the Avenger's Marathon and the kick-off to the Holiday season on Friday, I'm not surprised to hear that parking was difficult. I expect we'll be seeing more days like that throughout the holiday season (especially on weekends).

 

[az4boys]

Does Toy Story open before MM? We have a 7am MM this week. We are staying near the Toy Story lot and were hoping to catch the shuttle.

 

[calilou]

Ick. I'm super glad we're able to stay onsite for our visit Sunday. Thank you for the heads up!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

@az4boys I don't think so. One time, I went early, and went to Toy Story parking lot to find out that Mickey & Friends opened a half hour before they did. I expect that if you go early you'll get in the lots okay, but go around noon or so, and you may be redirected to the Gardenwalk parking structure.

 

[bumbershoot]

FWIW, on a one-day visit some years ago (not long after GW opened), on a NOT busy day, we were directed to GW. We could have waited for a bus, but the lines were long so we walked instead. So this isn't unprecedented.

 

[DallasToDis]

My recommendation would be to enter Disneyland going south on the 5, and getting off at either the Disneyland Drive carpool, or Ball exit, then go over the bridge to the Mickey & Friends parking structure. If you go surface streets there is a good chance that you will be redirected to another lot.

What is the recommended route if we will be coming in on the 5 from the south (heading north)? Thanks!

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

@DallasToDis What some of my friends have done is go past the Disneyland exit to the next exit (think it's Lincoln), and go under the freeway and make a u-turn on Manchester. That will take you to the bridge over Ball and straight to the Mickey & Friends parking structure. This would only work in the morning when the bridge is going to the parking structure.

 

[rentayenta]

This parking nightmare will definitely put a damper on our midday breaks in two weeks. We are staying in Cypress, about 5 miles away. I got an unbelievably inexpensive rate that I could not pass up.

 

[DallasToDis]

@Mary Jo Thank you so much for the advice (complete with illustrations!). We are driving in from Newport Beach early one morning Thanksgiving weekend so I'm expecting it to be packed.

 

[Astylla]

This parking nightmare will definitely put a damper on our midday breaks in two weeks. We are staying in Cypress, about 5 miles away. I got an unbelievably inexpensive rate that I could not pass up.

We actually stay in Cypress at the Super 8 occasionally and find instead of a midday break we find quiet spots like the animation building , plan a sit down meal daily , do Great Moments , Aladdin , etc. Basically adjust our touring style so we don't wear ourselves out as fast. If we do come back we try to beeline for Toy Story if possible. I also find personally not going during the heat months helps me dramatically but YMMV.

 

[pigletliz]

Last week, I was talking to someone who worked at Disneyland. She stated that on that day, the lots had all been full. Just a ton of people enjoying the beautiful weather.