The Disneyland Resort is undergoing a major transformation, and it's not just about the rides and attractions. The resort is getting a brand-new parking garage, and the Manchester Cast parking lot is set to close later this month. This is a big deal, and it's worth taking a closer look at why.
A New Era of Parking
The new parking garage is part of a larger project called DisneylandForward, which was officially announced in 2025 but teased back in 2023. It's similar to the Eastern Gateway project, which was announced in 2016 but never fully came to fruition. The Pixar Pals parking structure, built in 2019, is a different story. The new garage will have 6,000 parking spaces, a dedicated space for shuttles and ride-sharing, security, and dedicated access for traffic off Disney Way. This is a significant upgrade from the current parking situation, and it's a welcome change for visitors and employees alike.
The Impact on Cast Members
The closure of the Manchester Cast parking lot will have a significant impact on Cast Members. According to Workers United Local 50, the lot will be closed starting June 28. Cast Members can access other commuting options at disneycommuterassistance.com. The union has also noted that Cast Members can park in the Katella Cast Member Lot (KCML), Harbor Cast Member Lot (HCML), or Ball Cast Member Lot (BMCL) after the closure. This is a temporary solution, but it's a necessary one to ensure that Cast Members can continue to work and commute to the resort.
The Team Disney Anaheim Office Building
In addition to the closure of the Manchester Cast parking lot, a permit was filed in February 2026 for the demolition of the Team Disney Anaheim Office Building. This building currently sits along the southern edge of the Manchester Cast parking lot and is referred to as offices for Team Disney Anaheim East, a satellite to the main Team Disney Anaheim office, which sits just north of Disneyland Park. The demolition of this building is part of the larger DisneylandForward project and will make way for the new parking garage and pedestrian bridge.
The Future of Disneyland Resort
The new parking garage and pedestrian bridge will create a new entrance to the resort, which will also include a pedestrian bridge to cross Harbor Blvd, leading to a new esplanade arrival experience. This is a significant upgrade to the resort's infrastructure and will make it easier for visitors to get to the park. The new parking garage will also provide a more efficient and convenient parking experience for visitors, which is a welcome change for anyone who has ever struggled to find a parking spot at Disneyland Resort.
Conclusion
The closure of the Manchester Cast parking lot is a necessary step in the development of the Disneyland Resort. The new parking garage and pedestrian bridge will create a new entrance to the resort, which will also include a pedestrian bridge to cross Harbor Blvd, leading to a new esplanade arrival experience. This is a significant upgrade to the resort's infrastructure and will make it easier for visitors to get to the park. The new parking garage will also provide a more efficient and convenient parking experience for visitors, which is a welcome change for anyone who has ever struggled to find a parking spot at Disneyland Resort.
In my opinion, the new parking garage is a much-needed upgrade to the resort's infrastructure. It will make it easier for visitors to get to the park and provide a more efficient and convenient parking experience for visitors. The closure of the Manchester Cast parking lot is a temporary inconvenience, but it's a necessary step in the development of the Disneyland Resort. I'm excited to see what the future holds for this iconic theme park.
