Originally Posted By TwoStepp I'm new here, but definitely not new to DL! However, this will be the first time that we aren't staying right next to "the crosswalk." We'll be driving in, so I need tips for parking! (We leave this Wednesday! Woo-hoo!) What time (how long before park opening) does the M&F structure open? Are the first trams of the day really packed? Is there a "better" area to park within the structure? (Closer to exit? Closer to tram?) Any other important considerations? Thanks so much!!
Originally Posted By TwoStepp Oops. I just saw that there's a "trip planning" forum. I guess this shoulda been posted there. Sorry!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Yes, the first trams of the day are very full. However, they arrive in a continuous stream, so it doesn't take long to get on one. You don't have a choice where to park in the structure. You are directed the entire way, from the time you enter until you stop your car in it's slot. Someone literally stands at your front bumber and gives you the hand up to stop. It's a highly efficient system and parking is quick and easy. Each floor has escalators and elevators. Take the escalators as the elevators are crammed with people with strollers. Going toward the back of the tram and the back of the individual car usually gets you boarded quicker as strollers take up the front sections.
Originally Posted By berol I got there late once and a bunch of us drove in circles til we realized we were supposed to park anywhere on the level. Just to say in general, for handicapped parking, tell the people that take your parking money and they'll plop a pass on your windshield. Workers see it and wave you in a different direction.
Originally Posted By LuLu >>What time (how long before park opening) does the M&F structure open?<< I had been told an hour before, but found out that, at least on the day I got to the structure that early, it only opened 1/2 hour before the park.
Originally Posted By TwoStepp Thanks so much for the replies! As for the time that the lot opens...is that 1/2 hr. before the EE or before the "regular" park hours?
Originally Posted By hgkelley Anyone who is disabled might want to wait until they are on Daisy, Mickey, Goofy, Donald, or Minnie levels before showing the castmember his or her disability placard. Because of the way the M&F building is structured with elevators to the tram area, it is much easier to get to the trams from these levels than it is to travel the longer route from the ground level Chip & Dale or Pinocchio levels. Also, if you enter from Ball Rd., you are often directed to a closer parking spot than those who drive in from Katella. I am not sure why this is so, but have noticed this phenomenon consistently over the past several months.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe FWIW, we learned a trick once when we went to Disneyland. We had our SportTrak on our SUV. It is one of those 'casket' looking cases for storing stuff. Anyhow, they wouldn't let us in to the parking structure. Instead they directed us to where the busses park. It was so close to the trams it wasn't even funny! Have to say, we've taken it empty a few times since then when we've know we have to use the M&F parking, just because of that reason.
