The Downtown Disney District parking lot became unavailable to arriving guests on December 28 as Disneyland Resort implemented an unexpected closure. Guests planning to utilize the complimentary surface lot for shopping and dining found themselves redirected to the (paid) Mickey & Friends Parking Structure instead.
Families Turned Away Sunday
On Sunday, a Southern California family documented their experience after cast members blocked access to the Downtown Disney District lot. TikTok user @disney.damsel shared a video showing how the closure disrupted her family’s evening plans.
@disney.damsel If you’re headed to downtown disney, the lot is closed! we were sent to Mickey & Friends but only had to pay $10 for parking. Thankful Disney accommodated the price but a total tease for my toddler getting on the tram! #disney #disneyadult #disneyland #disneyparks #downtowndisney
The group had intended to take advantage of the surface lot’s free parking, which grants three to five hours of complimentary access with validation from Downtown Disney retailers or restaurants. This option appeals to families visiting only the shopping district, who can avoid both parking fees and the tram system connecting Mickey & Friends to the Disney parks.
Disney cast members stationed at the lot informed arriving guests that the area was closed, directing vehicles toward Mickey & Friends Parking Structure, where theme park visitors typically park.
“They only made us pay $10 for parking,” the Disneyland Resort guest explained. “But don’t think that you’re going to go to the Downtown Disney lot, because it’s not going to work.”
Disney cast members supplied the family with documentation to present at Mickey & Friends. After reviewing the note, the parking attendants charged $10 instead of the typical $40-$ 45 fee.
“Thankful Disney accommodated the price but a total tease for my toddler getting on the tram!” the Disney Park guest wrote.
Holiday Crowds and Employee Needs
The closure appears tied to capacity constraints during peak holiday visitation. Downtown Disney District’s surface lot offers limited spaces that reach capacity quickly when shoppers and diners flood the outdoor complex.
Commenters on the TikTok video highlighted that Disneyland Resort allocates substantial portions of the lot for cast member parking. Hundreds of spaces remain reserved for employees reporting to work shifts.
“They need at least 250 spots free for CMs to park that’s why they close it so guests don’t take them all,” @babygulppp wrote.
The lot’s status for Monday, December 29, remains unconfirmed. Parking availability changes throughout the day based on capacity demands, so guests are advised to inquire with cast members upon arrival at Disneyland Resort.
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This is so funny….that’s my daughter and I can confirm they closed the lot, we were rerouted to Mickey & friends parking structure which wasn’t planned because then my grandson who is 2 thought we were going to Disneyland as he recognized the parking structure and the tram ride to be teased. Since I’ll pass holders are blocked out.