Mickey and Friends Parking Structure vs. Hotel Shuttles vs. Walking

When you park in the Mickey and Friends parking structure you will want to remember the following items: 

Always remember where you parked. You will get a ticket like the one below. If you are not familiar with the structure, make sure to document your location and bring it with you into the park.

It seems like every time Cast Members guide you to your parking space, it is in the very furthest section of the structure. After you have parked you will want to wait till your row is full and Cast Members have moved to another section. You can then pull out of your parking place and search for a closer spot. (Make sure to avoid the exits, and stay on the same level they have guided you too.) During the day you will have done so much walking that being closer to the escalators at the end of your day is just that much closer to your bed.

 

The parking structure is pretty shaded (except for the top level.) If you want to bring your own food to the park but not carry it around all day, keep your food in the trunk of your car and return to the structure for lunch or dinner. (This is another great opportunity to pull your car closer to the escalators.)

You are allowed re-entry if you drive out of the parking stucture. Make sure to keep your pass showing you paid for parking on that day. This is not recommended during busy times at the park.  Night life (fireworks and Fantasmic) lines getting into the parking structure get very long and can cause a lot of delay.  Do not leave the parking structure at night and expect to get back in easily.

Many hotels and motels in the Disneyland area have shuttles that will take you to and from the park.  They usually are on a half hour schedule.  Check with your hotel to see if they have any additional fees at check in (parking, etc.) and if they have a shuttle and if there are fees to ride the shuttle.

 

Make sure to check the shuttle schedule to allow plenty of time after the park closes to return to your hotel so you don't get stuck at the park.

If you are staying near the park and want to walk, make sure you think about tired children in the evening and that the city blocks are much larger than you think.

With the price of parking at the Resorts, you can save a lot of money by walking or taking the shuttle to the park.  However, nothing beats the ease of being able to go back to the car.