Summary
This little guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting around the Disneyland Resort and the city of Anaheim.
It’s easy to navigate the Disneyland resort, and you don’t need to have a car to do it. In fact, you’ll save money if you skip that.
Getting to Disneyland From the Airport
Most visitors fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is about 35 miles away. Others choose Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA), which is approximately 14 miles from the Disneyland Resort.
Getting From Your Hotel to Disneyland
From the Disney Resort Hotels: If you’re staying at the Disneyland Hotel, it’s a five-minute walk to the main entrance plaza. The Monorail entrance in the middle of Downtown Disney is even closer. From the Grand Californian Hotel, you can enter directly into California Adventure through a side gate near the swimming pool. From Paradise Pier, it’s a 10-minute stroll to the entry plaza.
Hotels Within Walking Distance: Staying at a hotel within walking distance makes your travel easy. Hotel desk staff can provide directions if needed. Hotels across the street from the main entrance and within two blocks of the gate are more accessible, with details available in the guide to Disneyland hotels within walking distance.
Hotel Shuttles: Some hotels offer their own complimentary shuttle services. These shuttles arrive at color-coded loading zones near the Disneyland entrance on Harbor Blvd. Be sure to remember your shuttle color when you exit so you can get back on the right one. Note that some hotel shuttles run only every few hours. Therefore, it’s advisable to call and inquire about schedules before finalizing your hotel choice. Moreover, if you require a vehicle that is accessible for wheelchairs or scooters, don’t hesitate to ask about that as well.
Hotels on the Trolley Route: The Anaheim Resort Transit Trolley (ART) facilitates travel from many hotels to Disneyland. Their buses operate on eight different routes and run approximately every 20 minutes, except during off-peak times, such as winter weekdays. The drivers do not sell tickets, but a one-way fare may be paid with cash when boarding (exact change is required). Passes can also be purchased at some hotels or in advance online. Participating hotels are listed in the guide to Disneyland hotels on the trolley route. All ART vehicles are ADA accessible.
Driving: Driving your own vehicle provides the most flexibility and a convenient spot to store belongings you don’t need throughout the day. This option may be more economical than taking the trolley if three or more adults (or children over 10 years old) are in your vehicle.
Parking at Disneyland is straightforward if you follow the signs, and you can exit and re-enter throughout the day. Just keep your parking pass to show when you return. If you’re driving from your hotel, simply ask for directions and enter at any parking entrance.
Getting Around the Anaheim Area
In addition to connecting various hotels to Disneyland, the Anaheim Resort Transit Trolley also travels to Knott’s Berry Farm, The Block at Orange shopping area, the Convention Center, and Christ Cathedral, formerly known as the Crystal Cathedral, along with other local attractions.
