Among the biggest challenges at any Disney resort is transportation, whether that’s navigating congested rideshare drop-off zones, paying expensive parking fees, or wasting valuable attraction time waiting in queues for buses and trams.
But now both Disneyland and Walt Disney World have new transportation troubles for guests to contend with… and we’re hoping it’s only temporary.
Disneyland Resort
The Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) service in the Anaheim Resort area ended on March 31, 2026. So what does this mean for Disneyland guests as we head into the busy spring break and summer seasons?
Guests staying at nearby hotels relied on the blue ATN buses to get to and from the park (and over the years, most area hotels eliminated their own park shuttles in favor of recommending these buses). ATN also operated the Toy Story parking lot buses.
Unfortunately, alternative transportation options are limited and could potentially create new problems.
If more guests from hotels turn to Uber and Lyft, the resort can’t possibly handle that many additional vehicles in the already congested guest drop-off and pick-up area off Harbor Boulevard. A larger and/or additional space will likely be needed.
There also isn’t currently enough onsite resort parking if everyone starts renting cars, even with the new transportation hub and additional parking structure expected to begin construction soon (but which won’t be ready for several years).
If there were enough parking spaces, the cost to park at Disneyland continues to rise every year, with General Parking currently priced at $40 per car, and Preferred Parking at a whopping $60 per car.
Grove District Transit
The City of Garden Grove is offering a new shuttle service connecting 10 Garden Grove hotels to the Disneyland Resort.
“Garden Grove is a welcoming destination and an important part of the region’s visitor economy,” said Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein. “With the launch of Grove District Transit, we are improving access for hotel guests and reinforcing Garden Grove as a convenient place to stay while visiting the Disneyland Resort.”
The new shuttle system serves the following Garden Grove hotels:
- Sheraton Garden Grove – Anaheim South
- Hyatt Regency Orange County
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South
- Delta Hotels by Marriott Anaheim Garden Grove
- Anaheim Marriott Suites
- Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim-Main Gate Area
- Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Area/Garden Grove
- Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
- Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim/Garden Grove
Grove District Transit operates three routes daily from 7:15 a.m. until 12:45 a.m. at approximately 30-minute intervals:
• Route 1 – Residence Inn Anaheim Resort Area/Garden Grove, Sheraton Garden Grove – Anaheim South, and Great Wolf Lodge (estimated travel time about 10 to 20 minutes)
• Route 2 – Delta Hotels by Marriott Anaheim Garden Grove, Anaheim Marriott Suites, and Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim-Main Gate Area (estimated travel time about 15 minutes)
• Route 3 – Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South, Hilton Garden Inn Anaheim/Garden Grove, and Hampton Inn & Suites Anaheim/Garden Grove (estimated travel time about 15 minutes).
Guests can purchase a one-day pass for $7 or a three-day pass for $21 (unlimited rides). Children under three do not require a ticket.
What Will Disneyland Do?
Disneyland has said that they “recognize the value and importance of resort-area transportation for guests, and are actively exploring next steps,” but no long-term solution has been announced—and while Disney is taking over running the buses from the Toy Story Parking lot, that’s only part of the problem
For the immediate future, the best option for out-of-town guests seems to be booking Garden Grove hotels serviced by the new shuttle, or Anaheim hotels within a comfortable walking distance of Disneyland.
Walt Disney World Resort Roadblock for Off-Site Guests
There’s also been a change to the complimentary bus transportation at Walt Disney World Resort that’s creating a snag for guests trying to get from Disney Springs to resort hotels.
Walt Disney World offers complimentary bus transportation across the resort, including all hotels, all four theme parks, both water parks, and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district. It’s a selling point for many guests who often opt for more expensive Disney hotels as a trade-off for saving money on rental cars and parking. Normally, Orlando locals and offsite theme park guests can also use the free Disney buses to travel between hotels and Disney Springs… but that has been temporarily limited.
Disney has implemented a new seasonal policy for the busy spring break season that requires proof of an active Disney hotel reservation, confirmed dining reservation, or booked recreation activity before they can board at Disney Springs.
Walt Disney World transportation from hotels to Disney Springs (and between hotels and theme parks) does not seem to be impacted.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Do you think it’s Disney’s responsibility to take over the operations of the bus system that makes it easier for guests staying at Anaheim-area hotels to visit the resort? And should guests not staying at Walt Disney World hotels be prevented from using the Disney Springs bus during peak seasons? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
