Home » TRAVEL ALERT » Anaheim Shuts Down ART Bus Service: What Disneyland Visitors Need to Know Now
Published on
January 31, 2026
The Anaheim Transportation Network, which has been a staple of the Anaheim Resort’s transit system since 2002, announced that it will cease operations of the ART buses effective March 31, 2026. This decision, driven by budget shortfalls and operational challenges, is set to significantly affect Disneyland visitors, employees, and local tourism-focused businesses that rely on the affordable transit service. The shutdown of the ART service is expected to create transportation disruptions, particularly for those who depend on it to get to the park or nearby hotels.
Why Disneyland and Local Businesses Are Concerned About ART Bus Shutdown
For nearly three decades, the Anaheim Transportation Network (ATN) has provided crucial transportation for the Anaheim Resort, connecting Disneyland with key areas such as the Toy Story parking lot and surrounding hotels. The service had been widely used by Disneyland cast members, as well as budget-conscious visitors staying at off-site hotels who sought to avoid the high cost of parking at the theme park. In fact, the ART bus service had recently gained traction on social media as a popular “money-saving hack” for Disneyland visitors, offering a cost-effective alternative to the $45 daily parking fees at the park.
However, the ATN has faced growing financial difficulties in recent years. According to the ATN Board of Directors, stagnant revenues and rising operational costs led to a decision to wind down the service. Despite efforts to secure additional funding, including a request for $2.5 million from the Anaheim Tourism Improvement District (which collects revenue from hotel taxes), the closure was ultimately unavoidable. The extra funding granted will allow the ART buses to operate for two more months, but after March, the service will cease altogether.
Impact on Disneyland Employees and Visitors
The most immediate concern following the bus service shutdown is the impact on Disneyland employees who rely on the ART buses to get to work. Many cast members, particularly those working at lower wages, had depended on the ART service for affordable transportation. As one of the largest employers in the region, Disneyland has a significant workforce, many of whom are now facing challenges regarding their daily commutes to the park.
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For Disneyland visitors, particularly those staying in more affordable hotels located outside of walking distance to the park, the loss of the ART service will make it harder to access the park without spending additional money on parking or other transport options. Disneyland officials have acknowledged the situation, confirming they are exploring alternative transportation options for guests, including a potential repurposing of the Toy Story parking lot once its new transportation hub is completed in the coming years.
Exploring Alternative Solutions: Local Hoteliers Respond
Despite the looming transportation crisis, the local Anaheim business community is working together to find solutions. Paul Sanford, the general manager of the Westin Anaheim Resort, shared that his company and other local hoteliers are already in discussions with private transportation companies to fill the void left by the ART buses. Sanford emphasized that Anaheim’s hospitality community is closely knit, with businesses collaborating to ensure that guests experience minimal disruptions.
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Sanford also mentioned that alternative transportation solutions being explored include high-end, clean fuel transportation options that could serve visitors in a more eco-friendly manner. “We’ve been working together with several transportation providers and are already on track to have a solution in place by the time ART shuts down,” Sanford said, emphasizing that he was confident guests would not notice a difference in their transportation options.
City of Anaheim’s Response and Future Plans
The city of Anaheim, which also relies heavily on tourism, is aware of the significant impact the bus shutdown will have on the local economy. However, city spokesperson Mike Lyster stated that the tourism industry has had ample time to plan for the transition. With key players in the Anaheim Resort, including hotels, theme parks, and the city government, working together on alternative transportation options, Lyster assured that solutions are already in the works.
“We’ve been planning for this situation for over a year,” Lyster said. “Tourism officials and local businesses are working on options, and we’re looking at longer-term transportation innovations, including gondolas, trackless trams, and other options to better serve visitors.”
For the immediate future, the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) will continue to operate its buses in the Anaheim area. Disneyland has confirmed that the nearest OCTA stop is just a two-minute walk from the park’s entrance, providing a temporary solution for those who can no longer rely on the ART service.
Disneyland’s Commitment to Maintaining High Service Standards
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the ART bus shutdown, Disneyland is committed to ensuring that the guest experience remains seamless. The company has stated that it will continue to provide excellent service for visitors, emphasizing that transportation to and from the park will remain a top priority. With the new transportation hub in development, Disneyland aims to provide an even better experience for its guests once it is completed.
Disneyland’s spokesperson further assured that the closure of the ART bus service will not hinder the park’s ability to accommodate guests. “We are working closely with the city of Anaheim and local businesses to ensure that transportation alternatives are in place before the ART service ends,” said the spokesperson. “Our guests can expect no disruption in service as we explore new ways to keep visitors moving smoothly between our parking lots, hotels, and the park itself.”
What’s Next for Anaheim’s Transportation Landscape?
While the shutdown of the ART bus service marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter for Anaheim’s transportation system. The city and its partners are actively exploring innovative solutions that will not only fill the gap left by ART but also enhance the overall transportation experience for visitors. With plans in place for a new transportation hub and the possibility of alternative transit options, Anaheim is committed to keeping the magic of Disneyland accessible for all.
The transition may take some time, but as Lyster pointed out, the community is ready to adapt. “No one should be concerned about an upcoming visit to Anaheim,” he said. “We are confident that alternative transportation options will be in place, ensuring a seamless experience for all visitors.”
Conclusion: A New Era of Transportation in Anaheim
The closure of the ART bus service will undoubtedly present challenges, but Anaheim’s resilient business community is already hard at work finding solutions. Whether through collaboration with private companies or exploring innovative public transit options, Anaheim is committed to ensuring that its tourism industry remains strong and accessible. As the city looks toward the future, it’s clear that transportation will continue to be a top priority in maintaining Disneyland’s reputation as one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations.
