Anaheim Transportation Network Shutdown: What Disneyland Visitors Need to Know
- Angelica Lynn
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Big changes are coming this March to how you get around Anaheim—and they could impact your next Disneyland trip.
As both an avid Disney goer and travel advisor, I know how important transportation logistics are when planning your Disneyland vacation. So, when I heard that the Anaheim Transportation Network (ART)—those familiar blue buses serving hotels and the parks—is shutting down, my first thought was: This is going to create confusion for a lot of travelers.
Here’s what you need to know, what this means for your upcoming trip, and how to plan ahead without losing any magic.
🚨 What’s Happening With ART?
On January 24, 2024, the City of Anaheim officially announced that it will end its contract with the Anaheim Transportation Network, dissolving the ART system that’s been transporting guests to Disneyland and surrounding areas for years.
The reasons behind the decision involve governance and funding, but for Disneyland vacationers, here’s the bottom line:
The ART bus system will no longer be available as of March 31, 2026.
🏨 What This Means for Disneyland Vacationers
If you’re staying at a Good Neighbor Hotel, a budget-friendly hotel near Disneyland, or any off-site property that previously used ART, this news matters.
Here’s how the shutdown could affect your trip:
No more ART buses from your hotel to the parks
Fewer accessible transportation options for travelers without a car
Increased rideshare demand (and potential surge pricing)
Less predictability for large groups, families with strollers, or travelers with mobility needs
Many families relied on ART to skip the walk and avoid daily parking fees—and now they’re left with fewer clear alternatives.
💡 My Advice as a Travel Advisor
I’ve already started helping my clients adjust their plans around this news. Here’s what I recommend:
1. Stay within walking distance of Disneyland.
The simplest workaround is to book a hotel that’s walkable. Look for locations on Harbor Blvd, especially between Katella Ave and Ball Rd. You’ll be much closer to the main entrance and won’t need to rely on shuttles.
2. Budget for rideshares or rental cars.
If your hotel is farther out:
Use Uber or Lyft for morning drop-offs and evening pick-ups
Be mindful of surge pricing during fireworks or park close
Consider renting a car—but account for Disneyland’s daily parking fee (currently $40/day for standard parking) as well as your hotel's parking fees.
3. Check with your hotel.
Some hotels may offer private shuttle alternatives or partner with third-party transportation providers in place of ART. Ask directly when booking or call ahead if you’ve already made a reservation.
4. Book through a travel advisor (like me!)
I’m staying up-to-date on how the shutdown unfolds and helping my clients:
Choose hotels that work without ART
Transfer existing reservations to hotels that have their own in-house shuttle service
Plan for rideshare or transportation alternatives
Navigate the changes without stress
🚗 What Are the Best Alternatives to ART?
If you can’t stay within walking distance, here are the top options:
Uber / Lyft: Fastest and easiest alternative, but can be costly during peak times
Hotel shuttles: Call to ask if your hotel has set up a private shuttle
Walking: Some “non-walkable” hotels are still only 15–20 minutes away
Rental car + parking: Best for larger families who need flexibility, though parking adds up
✨ Final Thoughts: Prepare, Don’t Panic
While the ART shutdown may sound like a big disruption, the truth is: you can still plan a smooth Disneyland vacation. It just takes a little extra prep.
I’ll continue monitoring transportation updates as the transition progresses. If you’re unsure where to stay or how to get around, I’m happy to help you build a trip that works with your travel style and budget.
📧 Ready to start planning? Reach out for a Disneyland vacation quote—I’ll take care of the details so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the magic.
