Mickey & Friends alternative parking options for double stroller and parking directions

[faith1118]

Hi all, I usually I park at Mickey and Friends and use the tram with my double stoller, but this last Monday, for Martin Luther King Jr. day, I got diverted to the convention center parking and this was very inconvenient for me as I have a double stroller that is hard for me to fold and lift onto the shuttle bus with 2 kids. I take the 5 N and get off Harbor usually. Does anyone know of any alternative parking lot where I would be able to take the tram, or any other options, so I don't have to fold up my double stroller in case I get diverted again? I have a parking pass so I don't think I can park at Downtown Disney.
Also, I was wondering if using getting off at Harbor was the best way to get into the Mickey and Friends parking lot...I've seen some suggestions about using the carpool lane at Gene Autry or some flyaway? lane, but I'm not quite sure where that is. I am coming from Irvine. Thanks!

 

[Darkbeer1]

Yes, go directly to Toy Story Lot, so 5 North and exit onto Katella Avenue westbound, make a left onto Harbor (South) to Convention Way, and make a left at the light to the Toy Story Parking Toll Booths. If it is going to be a busy day, they have been forcing the CM to not park next to it (The Katella CM Lot). The Toy Story Buses will stop there if used for guest parking. So you are looking at the large public buses (ART Route 20 paid for by Disney), not sure of its stroller policy. But that is the other main lot other than Mickey and friends. And only M&F can use to unlicensed and therefore not street legal open trams. (The route is all on private roadways, as Disneyland Drive goes over the tram route on a bridge, and there is no contact between the two).

As for the Gene Autry Carpool exit, that is to keep from crossing the I-5 regular lanes and avoiding the need to get off at Harbor. But you still end up on Ball going westbound to Disneyland Drive, so if Disney/the city has closed the lot, no route will let you use it until enough cars are diverted to other lots.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

They make you fold up strollers for the Toy Story buses, so I don't think it will work for the OP.

ETA: OP, how old are your kids? Would a sit and stand stroller work? I find ours to be very easy to fold and carry on the bus.

 

[faith1118]

Hi, thanks for the info The kids are 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 and they need to take afternoon naps so I have a tandem front and back double stroller and it weighs about 50 pounds when I fold it up, so its hard for me to fold it up and take it on the bus with the 2 kids. I usually have my sister with me, but it is still difficult for the both of us, so it's just easier on the tram, but it looks like the Mickey and Friends lot is the only one with the tram?

 

[Darkbeer1]

Hi, thanks for the info The kids are 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 and they need to take afternoon naps so I have a tandem front and back double stroller and it weighs about 50 pounds when I fold it up, so its hard for me to fold it up and take it on the bus with the 2 kids. I usually have my sister with me, but it is still difficult for the both of us, so it's just easier on the tram, but it looks like the Mickey and Friends lot is the only one with the tram?

That is correct.

When the new Pumbaa Parking structure opens in a couple of years or so as part of the Disneyland Eastern Gateway project, that will be an option, as no tram/bus will be offered, just walk north towards the security check and then west over the bridge to the Main Entrance Plaza.

 

[travelgirl06]

You can walk from Toy Story. It's a bit of a hike, but we've done it when the kids fall asleep in the double stroller or the bus line is really long

 

[Darkbeer1]

You can walk from Toy Story. It's a bit of a hike, but we've done it when the kids fall asleep in the double stroller or the bus line is really long

Walk is pretty easy, just head west back to the traffic light you used to enter the lot, and make a right onto the sidewalk on Harbor Blvd. Walk North to the Main Pedestrian Crossing, and make a left to the Transportation Hub.

 

[goodeats]

It's not a 100% guarantee, but even when they close M&F they still let handicap guests park there. When I had my double Bob and two small children I politely told the police my situation and they let me park there.

I too am coming from South County and I find getting to M&F to be a major headache. I'm looking forward to the new parking structure being built!
Here are some options:
Take 5N carpool lane
Exit Disney Way
Turn R on Harbor
Turn L on Ball
Turn L on Disneyland Drive
Caveat: This way has the most traffic I have found.

Another option is to take Disney Way, turn L on Harbor, Right on Katella, Right on Disneyland Drive. You can then pass Ball Road and do a uturn after the flyover. If the flyover is open you can still park at M&F even if they are diverting traffic.

The best option is Pumbaa, which is right off Disney Way, but it is rarely open to guests. Only on the more crowded days and only before 10AM IME.

 

[Darkbeer1]

IMHO, coming from the south (San Diego, Irvine, etc..) and using the Carpool Lane on North I-5, this is the best route

Exit Gene Autry Way (special CP exit)
Right on Gene Autry
Left on State College Blvd (Straight would put you into the Angel Stadium parking lot).
Left on Ball Road
Left onto Disneyland Drive.

This avoids much of the traffic, and just make sure you are in the left lane on Ball prior to crossing Harbor. Of course the closer you get toDisneyland on Ball going west bound,the heavier the traffic gets, but by avoiding Disney Way, Katella and Harbor, you eliminate a lot of the choke points.

 

[faith1118]

Thanks all!! great info!!