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How to Use Disneyland's
Transportation System
Hot Tip:
Note that there are TWO trams currently running from Disneyland to various
destinations. Make sure you're climbing aboard the right one, before
you end up at the wrong place...and don't hesitate to ask any nearby Disney
Cast Member for help if you need it.
Disneyland's transportation system pales in comparison to that of WDW. On the
other hand, with just a single theme park and two hotels, a complex
transportation system isn't really warranted in California.
Essentially, there are four main things to be aware of regarding
transportation at Disneyland:
-
Parking: Disneyland's parking lots charge about
$8.00 for the
privilege. If you leave the parking lot, and return later in the day, your
original parking stub is still valid. Keep it handy! Last, park annual passes
include free parking, so take advantage of that feature (if you enter the
parking lot and have to pay in order to go buy your passes which include
free parking, ask the ticket seller for your refund.) [Note: A very
large, new parking structure is being built that will actually have direct
access to I-5 with tram service to the park.]
-
Monorail: The Monorail runs from a station in Tomorrowland to
the Disneyland Hotel and back. Day visitors can take a ride just for fun, or
you can disembark at the Hotel for an afternoon lunch or just a change of
pace -- even if you're not staying at the resort!
-
Trams: Trams run to and from the park and the Disney-owned
and operated hotels. They also run in the parking lot itself to help the leg
weary get back to their cars at the end of a long day.
-
Lion King Tram (Timon/Pumba) - Runs from the Eastern side of the
Disneyland entry plaza (near Harbor) to the parking lot South of the
park and the hotels.
-
Pinocchio Tram - Runs from the Western side of the plaza (near West
Street) to the parking lot that is North of the Disneyland Hotel.
-
Non-Disney Shuttle Buses: Non-Disney busses run from most of
the area hotels to a bus station area just to the West of the main gate.
It's very handy to use the shuttles instead of your own car...so find out if
your hotel has such a service and what the schedule of runs is.
It really is necessary to have your own vehicle (or a rental) for some
things. For example:
-
Day trips to non-Disney attractions such as Universal Studios Hollywood,
Knott's Berry Farm, etc.
-
Meals at off-site restaurants.
-
Resort Hopping. Even though we usually stay off-site in California, we
still enjoy driving over to the Disneyland Hotel, on occasion, for a meal or
shopping or just to stroll.
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