Hi there, Lori! Welcome to planDisney. I’m delighted to see that you have an upcoming meal at Storytellers Cafe. I’d love to help you go over your parking options if you go over the 3 hours complimentary parking.
When you make your way onto Disneyland Dr., I don’t know about you, but I start to get giddy knowing the magic that is about to take place when you get out of the car and head into the Grand Californian. You’ll be greeted by a Cast Member asking if you are checking in or visiting, in which you’ll let them know that you have a reservation for Storytellers Cafe. Now, with the 3 hours of complimentary parking, you have the option of doing self-parking or valet. If it’s valet, they’ll simply take your car from you as you exit your vehicle whereas, if you choose self-parking, you’ll park in the parking lot just directly across the hotel and cross the street to head back to the hotel.
If you do find yourself going over the 3 hours, the
daily standard rates are currently: Self-parking is $45 per vehicle for the first hour plus $10 for each additional hour, with a maximum rate of $85. If you choose valet parking, it’s $75 per vehicle for the first hour plus $10 for each additional hour, with a maximum rate of $145.
If you’re pressed for time where you’d like to visit Downtown Disney and browse the shops or even pick up a caramel apple to go at
World of Sweets, you can always re-park your car at Downtown Disney’s parking lot. Currently, the first hour of parking costs $10. Validations apply after the first hour of paid parking. You can enjoy an additional 3 hours of same-day parking with a $20 minimum purchase and validation from any Downtown Disney location. I know I can easily spend that minimum if my son walks into the entrance of
World of Disney and spots the Cars section right by the door. Beyond these validations, each additional hour costs $14, charged in 30-minute increments, with a minimum of $7. The maximum daily parking and lost ticket fee is $66.
I recently dined at Storytellers Cafe with my husband and son, and while we didn’t park our car, we definitely took the time to enjoy our meal and interact with the characters. I was looking at the timestamps of photos that I took a few weeks ago. From walking onto hotel property to paying our bill, it took roughly 1 hour and 32 minutes. This could give you an idea of how to map out your meal time. Luckily, Storytellers Cafe is buffet-style! That way, you’ll be able to grab a plate as soon as you’re seated.
Lori, thank you so much for visiting planDisney. I hope you have an amazing meal at Storytellers Cafe. I know I always do with the hilarious antics of Chip and Dale, not to mention Daisy when you start asking her about Donald. If you have any more questions until your upcoming visit, planDisney is here for you!
With a Sprinkle of Pixie Dust,
Bev