Parking Tips Needed

[ams1201]

We are going to Disneyland in December and for the first time we are staying with family instead of on Harbor. We have never had to park at D-Land. So I have some questions:
How much is parking?
Which parking lot is best?
Can we come and go if needed?
Is there a tram and how do we use it?
How early do the parking lots open?

Thanks so much. I am new here but love reading all the tips and tricks of the parks. It makes me so excited for our trip.
Amber

 

[Brady's Mom]

Parking is $12
We have always parked at Mickey and Friends
My kids think the tram ride from the parking structure is a ride
You can come and go as you please for that day - you just pay once a day.
Don't know what time it opens? Sorry.

We have always stayed at a hotel that was not within walking distance, but this next trip we are staying on Harbor and are looking forward to walking instead of parking!

Parking is really not bad, you just have to plan your time a little more wisely. No leaving at 7:25 to be in line at 7:30. Parking always seems to take longer than expected. So add a little more time to your "commuting" to DLR and you will be fine.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I used to like parking at M & F p-structure until an acquaintance talked me into trying the Timon lot. Wow is that easier, faster, and less crowded. That is where we park now (if we can). It fills up early usually though so often we get re-directed to M & F (which is fine, just a little longer tram ride - and SUCH a big structure). If you park in M & F, use the little card they give you to write down where you parked and take it with you. If you forget your car in that structure, it can be a VERY long hunt!

 

[PinkBudgie]

We always drive. I think parking opens an hour before the park.

If you get AAA 3 day park hoppers or more, you get free parking in M&F parking.

M&F also included the open lot below the parking structure. Pinocchio, I think. We ended up there, not inside and it was a quick walk from there to the tram.

We liked being able to bring packages back to our car in the afternoons. We were also able to move our car closer at that time to the edge of the lot.

 

[dhlovesbelle]

I too, will have to park for the first time at DL while we await our check in time. Are the parking lots off of Harbor? Are the signs pretty clear? Thanks!

 

[Brady's Mom]

The parking lot signs are pretty clear. I have never figured out where the Timon lot is though. But, Mickey and Friends is well marked. I don't drive in Anaheim if I don't have too. DH is the one doing all the driving. He grew up in San Francisco and is used to traffic! PP to bad you have to park before you can check in that makes it kind of a pain.

 

[LavenderPeach]

Parking is really not bad, you just have to plan your time a little more wisely. No leaving at 7:25 to be in line at 7:30. Parking always seems to take longer than expected. So add a little more time to your "commuting" to DLR and you will be fine.

I agree that the parking isn't bad. They basically tell you exactly where to park but it can take a little bit of time. We used to live half an hour from Disneyland but we knew it would take us an hour to get from our place to being inside the gate at DL. Of course, this was without kids so I'm sure it would take extra time if you have to get kids gathered. And since we lived so close we usually went when there were less people. I would say to at least count on 20-30 minutes going from your car to the gate.