When Shayne and I planned our multi-generational Disneyland family trip with all 19 of us, grandparents, parents, toddlers, and babies, we knew transportation could either make or break the experience.
The last thing we wanted was to deal with multiple cars, parking structures, and tired kids at the end of long Disney days. That’s when we discovered the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) bus, and honestly, it ended up being one of the most convenient parts of our entire trip.
If you’re planning a Disneyland vacation and wondering how to get to the parks without driving, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the ART bus: how it works, how much it costs, and whether it’s worth it for families.
What Is the Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) Bus?
The Anaheim Resort Transit (ART) bus is a shuttle service that connects hotels throughout the Anaheim Resort area directly to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
It’s specifically designed for tourists staying at nearby hotels who want an easy, affordable way to get to the parks without worrying about parking or navigating busy traffic around Disneyland.
For our large family trip, being able to simply walk outside our hotel, hop on a bus together, and head straight to Disneyland felt like a huge win.
How the ART Bus Works
The ART buses run on designated routes throughout Anaheim, stopping at participating hotels and then looping through the Disneyland Resort area.
Most routes run regularly during peak park hours, with buses arriving approximately every 20–30 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. This made it easy for our group to come and go without feeling locked into a rigid schedule.
You simply:
- Buy a pass online or in the app
- Walk to your nearest ART stop (many hotels have one right outside)
- Show your digital pass to the driver when boarding
- Ride directly to the Disneyland drop-off area
For families with strollers, grandparents, or tired little ones, not having to navigate parking lots and tram lines is a major advantage.
How Much Does the ART Bus Cost?
One of the reasons we loved using the ART bus was how affordable it was compared to daily Disneyland parking.
Typical pricing (subject to change) is:
- One-way ride: about $4for adults and $1.50 for kids (ages 3–9)
- 1-day unlimited pass: about $6 for adults and $2.50 for kids
- Multi-day passes (3-day and 5-day options) offer additional savings for longer Disneyland trips
For our multi-generational family trip, buying passes ahead of time made the most sense and saved us a significant amount compared to paying for parking every day.
You can always check the most up-to-date pricing here.
Where to Buy Tickets and Check Routes
Tickets for the Anaheim Resort Transit bus can be purchased online or through the ART mobile app. Once purchased, you simply show the digital pass to the driver when boarding. To view routes, schedules, and current fares, visit the official website.
We highly recommend checking your specific hotel’s route ahead of time so you know exactly where the nearest stop is and how often the buses run during your travel dates.
Pros of Using the ART Bus for Disneyland
From our experience traveling with a large, multi-generational group, there were several big advantages to using the ART bus.
First, it eliminated the stress of driving and parking at Disneyland every day. Anyone who has done a Disneyland family trip knows that the parking process alone can add time and frustration, especially with little kids and strollers.
Second, it was cost-effective. When you’re traveling with multiple families, daily parking fees add up quickly. The ART bus offered a more budget-friendly option that still felt convenient and reliable.
Third, it was simple. Instead of coordinating multiple cars and trying to arrive at the same time, we could all ride together, which honestly made the experience feel more relaxed and fun.
Cons to Consider Before Using the ART Bus
Like any transportation option, the ART bus isn’t perfect, and it’s good to know the potential downsides before deciding.
You may have to wait up to 20–30 minutes for a bus during busy times, especially at park closing. If you’re someone who wants maximum flexibility or plans to leave the parks late at night, you’ll want to factor that into your plans.
Also, buses can get crowded during peak hours, particularly in the mornings and right after fireworks when many guests leave at the same time.
For our family, the convenience still outweighed these minor inconveniences, but it’s helpful to go in with realistic expectations.
ART Bus vs Driving vs Uber: Which Is Best?
If you’re deciding between the ART bus, driving, or using rideshare, here’s a quick comparison based on our experience.
Driving gives you the most flexibility but comes with daily parking fees, navigating traffic, and long walks or tram rides to the park entrance.
Uber or Lyft can be convenient for smaller groups, but surge pricing during peak hours can get expensive, especially for large families needing multiple vehicles.
The ART bus falls right in the middle. It’s more affordable than daily parking, easier than coordinating multiple cars, and more predictable than rideshare pricing. For large families or multi-generational Disneyland trips, we found it to be a great balance of cost and convenience.
Who the ART Bus Is Best For
In our opinion, the Anaheim Resort Transit bus is especially ideal for:
- Large families traveling together
- Multi-generational trips with grandparents and grandkids
- Families staying at nearby hotels in the Anaheim Resort area
- Anyone who wants to avoid Disneyland parking and traffic
If you’re traveling solo or staying within walking distance of Disneyland, you may not need it. But for bigger groups like ours, it made the entire trip feel smoother and less stressful.
FAQs About the Anaheim Resort Transit Bus
Is the ART bus a shuttle to Disneyland?
Yes, the Anaheim Resort Transit bus is a shuttle service that connects nearby hotels and key locations in Anaheim directly to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.
How often does the ART bus run?
Buses typically run every 20–30 minutes during peak park hours, though frequency can vary depending on the route and time of day.
Is the ART bus worth it for families?
For many families, especially large or multi-generational groups, the ART bus is absolutely worth it. It reduces the stress of parking, saves money, and allows everyone to travel to the parks together.
Do kids need tickets for the ART bus?
Yes, children ages 3–9 typically require a discounted fare, while children under 3 can often ride free. Always check the latest pricing on the official ART website before your trip.
Final Thoughts: Is the Anaheim Resort Transit Bus Worth It?
For our multi-generational Disneyland trip, the ART bus ended up being one of those small decisions that made a big difference. It simplified our mornings, saved us money on parking, and made traveling with 19 people feel surprisingly manageable.
If you’re planning a Disneyland family trip and want a convenient, budget-friendly way to get to the parks without driving, the Anaheim Resort Transit bus is absolutely worth considering.
And if you’re pairing your Disneyland visit with a stay at a nearby family-friendly hotel, it can be the perfect way to keep the trip easy, affordable, and stress-free from start to finish.
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