When you’re heading to Disneyland in the morning — coffee in one hand, stroller in the other, kids already buzzing with excitement — how you get to the parks matters more than most families expect.
Transportation isn’t a small detail. It sets the tone for the entire day.
And after Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART) shut down last month, the hotel shuttle situation around Disneyland Resort changed quite a bit.
The problem is that a lot of hotel websites and travel listings still haven’t fully updated, which makes it hard to know what transportation options actually still exist.
So while updating my Disneyland hotel comparison chart, I contacted hotels individually to verify which shuttles still run, which don’t, and what families should know before booking.
Because this is the kind of decision that somehow turns into 30 tabs of research fast.
What Changed When ART Shut Down
The Problem Right Now: You Can’t Trust the Default Hotel Info
One of the biggest problems right now is that a lot of the information online simply hasn’t caught up yet.
Older blog posts still reference Anaheim Resort Transportation routes that no longer exist. Hotel listings may still mention transportation without clearly explaining what actually still runs.
And to make things more confusing, some hotel shuttles do still exist — just fewer than before.
That’s why I updated my Disneyland hotel comparison chart by contacting hotels individually to verify whether transportation is currently available.
Because honestly? You shouldn’t have to detective your way through transportation logistics just to figure out where to stay near Disneyland Resort.
The Transportation Decision That Usually Creates the Calmest Mornings
Best: Stay Close Enough to Walk
If your budget allows it, staying close enough to walk to Disneyland Resort is usually the simplest and least stressful option.
There are fewer moving parts. No waiting for transportation. No folding strollers onto buses. No wondering how long the return line will be after fireworks.
It also makes midday breaks much easier. And honestly, that reset time can completely change how a Disney day feels for families with younger kids.
Next Best: A Hotel Shuttle
If walking distance isn’t realistic, a hotel shuttle is usually the next calmest option.
In many cases, it’s actually simpler than driving because you avoid parking structures, trams, and some of the extra layers between your car and the park gates.
The challenge now is that there are fewer shuttle options after Anaheim Resort Transportation closed, which is exactly why I updated the transportation information in my hotel comparison chart.
“We’ll Just Drive”
A lot of families assume driving will automatically be the easiest option.
Sometimes it is.
But many people are surprised by how many extra steps are involved with Disneyland parking — especially at the beginning and end of the day.
If You Plan to Drive, Here’s What Most Families Don’t Realize
Mickey & Friends / Pixar Pals Garage (The Default)
The main parking option for Disneyland Resort is the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure.
It’s a massive parking complex, and after parking, you’ll still need to take a tram into the resort area. The tram drops guests in Downtown Disney District, and from there, there’s still a short walk to the park gates.
In the morning, that process is usually manageable.
At the end of the night with exhausted kids, folded strollers, backpacks, and crowds all leaving at once? That’s when it can start to feel like a lot of extra steps.
Toy Story Lot (The Smoother Option for Some Families)
The Toy Story Parking Area works differently.
It’s located about a mile from the parks, so at first it can feel strange because you’re actually driving away from Disneyland before parking.
But for many families, it ends up feeling easier.
The bus ride is straightforward, the traffic flow is often less congested, and the shuttle drops guests much closer to the entrance area — which can feel like a huge win at the end of a long park day.
The Cost Reality (The Double-Pay Problem)
Another thing families don’t always realize is that driving often means paying twice:
So while driving feels like the “simple” plan at first, it’s sometimes the most expensive transportation option — and not necessarily the easiest.
How to Use the Chart Without Overthinking It
1. Start With Walkability
First, look at whether the hotel is walkable to Disneyland Resort.
Even a shorter walk can remove a surprising amount of daily stress from a Disneyland trip.
2. If It’s Not Walkable, Check Transportation Options
If walking distance isn’t realistic for your budget or family needs, then look at current shuttle and transportation availability.
That’s one of the biggest reasons I updated the chart after Anaheim Resort Transportation closed.
3. Then Compare the “Daily Friction” Details
Once transportation is narrowed down, compare the things that make the trip feel easier day after day:
Because the best hotel choice usually isn’t just the one that gets booked. It’s the one that helps the whole trip feel smoother once you’re actually there.
Download the Updated Comparison Chart
The updated Disneyland hotel comparison chart includes current walkability and transportation information following the closure of Anaheim Resort Transportation, along with parking details, breakfast options, pool information, room features, and Disney perks to help you compare hotels more easily.
Detailed chart — best viewed on desktop or zoomed in on mobile.
Updated May 2026.
Want Help Choosing Without Second-Guessing?
Sometimes the hardest part of planning a Disneyland trip isn’t finding information — it’s trying to figure out which information actually matters for your family.
That’s a big part of what VIP Magic Vault is designed to help with: giving families a place to check their plans, stop second-guessing every decision, and get ongoing support without spending hours spiraling through research. Along with planning guides and resources, members also get access to monthly Live Q&A planning support to help make decisions feel clearer and less overwhelming.
Quick FAQs
Do all Good Neighbor hotels still have shuttles?
No. After Anaheim Resort Transportation closed, transportation became much more hotel-specific. Some Disneyland Resort Good Neighbor Hotels still offer transportation, while others no longer do.
Is walking really worth prioritizing?
For many families, yes. Being able to walk back to the hotel without waiting for transportation can make mornings, midday breaks, and late nights feel much less stressful.
Which parking option is easiest with kids?
It depends on your family, but many parents find the Toy Story Parking Area feels smoother because the shuttle drops guests closer to the entrance area and often avoids some of the congestion around the main garage.
Is Toy Story always better than the garage?
Not always. The Mickey & Friends Parking Structure and Pixar Pals Parking Structure can work very well for some families, especially depending on arrival time and where you’re staying. But many people are surprised by how many steps are involved once they park.
Your hotel choice isn’t just where you sleep — it’s a big part of how each day at Disneyland Resort starts and ends.
And when transportation feels simpler, the whole trip usually feels calmer too.
