Disneyland has scaled back plans for a new parking garage currently under construction in Anaheim, reducing the overall size of the structure that is intended to manage the anticipated wave of visitors arriving over the next five years.
Revised building permits were submitted to the City of Anaheim by Disneyland, detailing the changes to the eastside parking structure. This development, reported by Theme Park IQ, indicates a slight reduction in scope for the garage, which is being built on what was formerly an employee parking lot.
Initially planned as an eight-level facility, the new structure will now be built as a seven-level garage. This adjustment decreases the overall size of the parking area by approximately 4%, settling at 3.1 million square feet. While the physical footprint is slightly smaller, plans for electric vehicle infrastructure have increased, with the new garage set to include 316 EV charging stations—a roughly 5% increase from earlier submissions. Visitors can also expect some relief from the Southern California sun, as the garage will feature 18 shade canopies, covering a total of 14,000 square feet.
Construction on this new eastside parking structure and its accompanying transportation hub began in August. This hub is designed to integrate a shuttle bus service and a dedicated area for ride-share drop-offs and pick-ups, streamlining access to the resort. The entire endeavor is part of the larger $1.9 billion DisneylandForward project, a multi-year initiative by Disney to expand and enhance the theme park experience.
Disneyland has not yet announced an official opening date for the garage. However, it is expected to be completed in time to support the debut of several major additions to the resort, including the expansion of Avengers Campus. The new parking capacity is also anticipated to be ready for the influx of tourists expected during the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028. Furthermore, the garage will help absorb crowds drawn to future attractions, such as an upcoming Avatar-themed land, a new Coco boat ride, and a reimagined Tomorrowland, all slated to open at the Anaheim resort within the next five years.
The introduction of the new seven-level parking structure and transportation hub on the resort's east side will also necessitate a shift in existing operations. The current Disneyland bus drop-off and pick-up area, located along Harbor Boulevard, will be relocated to Disneyland’s former Manchester employee parking lot. This lot, situated directly against the I-5 Freeway, will become the new main point for bus arrivals and departures.
To ensure seamless pedestrian access for visitors, a new bridge will be constructed. This pedestrian bridge will connect guests on foot from the west side of Harbor Boulevard, providing direct access between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, to the new parking structure located on the east side of Harbor Boulevard. This aims to improve visitor flow and safety across the busy thoroughfare.
