Parking & coming back when off site?

[2boysmom1998]

When we visit DL next month we are staying in Placentia not Anaheim. Last year we stayed at the Fairfield Marriott across the street from DL which was great but, it was a little too pricey for us this year. Since we will be driving and parking at DL I was wondering how difficult it is to leave and come back and park again? Last year we just walked back to our hotel, I have a five year old and I would like for him to get a break in the day but, I don’t know how to do it when we are staying so far away. I want to get there when DL/DCA opens and of course see World of Color and the fireworks (we have a 2 day park hopper pass). It’s going to be a long day for him. Any suggestions? He fell asleep in the stroller last year but, after all of the excitement and a nonstop busy day, he needs more than that.

 

[sonnyjane]

Well, it will be a hassle, but you gotta do what you gotta do I suppose. Save your receipt, as you only have to pay for parking once per day, so you won't be charged the second time as long as you keep your receipt. I will say that if you leave immediately after WOC or fireworks, you could really run into quite a jam leaving the parking lot, so you may want to linger a bit to let the mad rush die down.

 

[cmwade77]

Ok, it is about a 18 minute drive to Placentia from the parking structure and 13 minutes from the Toy Story lot according to Google Maps.

The Parking Structure tram will take about 20-30 minutes one way (including wait times) in the afternoon, due to how few trams run at that time. You will generally have a 5-10 minute walk to the car. Some will disagree with these times; however, these are based on personal experience over many years.

The Toy Story shuttle will take approximately 10 minutes one way (including wait times, as the shuttles run continuously at all times of the day) with a 3-5 minute walk to your car.

So, your overall travel time will be:
Parking Structure:
86-116 Minutes

Toy Story Lot:
52-56 Minutes

Also, remember to bring your parking receipt with you to avoid paying for parking twice.

 

[dzny12]

idk what kind of vehicle u drive but we have used our van for impromptu picnics and naps right in the garage. start it up -turn on the a/c put in a fave disney dvd have some sandwiches and sodas in a cpl hrs we are fine again. our kids loved carcamping at DL. don't know why placentia but there are several inexpensive very nice motels near DLR more towards garden grove. very cheap hotels on katella near harbor and on ball road.

 

[2boysmom1998]

Thank you cmwade77. Looks like we will be there for the full day. Hopefully he can sleep a little in the stroller and not be too grumpy.

 

[pixiewings71]

Did you check your dates at places like the HoJo, CCI or API? I just ask because at the HoJo & API I've had rates as low as $59 per night and the CCI has a dedicated shuttle.

I think cmwade had a great post with great estimations of time.

 

[2boysmom1998]

I made my reservations in February and they are non-refundable so, I am locked to where we are staying. We are only doing two days at Disney so, we will deal. The rest of the time we are planning on going to Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm and the beach. We spent 3 days at Disneyland last year, this will be the last trip we take for a while. My husband and I have been married for 18 years and have taken three vacations, next month will be our fourth vacation together. We haven't taken very many. Two vacations have been at WDW and two will be at DL! We are just a Disney family! Thank you though!

 

[bakerudall]

I wouldn't rule out taking a break, depending on the hours of the parks. With long hours, you could take a 5-hour break; after travel time, that's still a 4-hour nap. You could come back and enjoy cooler, less-crowded parks in the evening.

Whatever you decide, you may want to think about splitting your two days at DLR and doing your Hollywood/Knotts plans in between. If you take a long nap and stay up late, you won't have to wake up as early the next day, or if you decide to do two marathon days with stroller naps, you could plan an easier day after the first and your departure day after your second.