Practical sizing: standard domestic carry-on dimensions are 56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in). Soft duffels and backpacks with those dimensions are usually accommodated by the short-term storage units at the resort entrance areas; rigid upright suitcases taller than ~60 cm (24 in) generally will not be accepted. Daypacks (typical 45 x 30 x 15 cm) and compact stroller bags slide into most compartments without force.
Where to leave big bags: on-property hotels offer bell service for overnight and same‑day checked bags; use that for suitcases 24–30+ in (61–76 cm). Third‑party left‑baggage apps and local storage shops within a 5–15 minute walk from the park charge per item per day and accept larger checked baggage. Merchandise pickup at City Hall or designated stores handles purchased items, not personal checked bags.
Cost guidance and payment: expect on-site short-term units to be priced in the low single‑digit to low double‑digit USD range per day; third‑party providers commonly list rates from roughly $5–15/day depending on size and duration. Hotels typically include short‑term holding in their service fee for registered guests or a modest surcharge for non‑guests.
Arrival checklist: 1) measure your bag (length x width x depth) and compare to 56 x 36 x 23 cm for carry-on; 2) if height >60 cm choose hotel or external storage; 3) use a soft bag when possible (compressible fabrics increase chance of acceptance); 4) label your bag and keep ID and valuables on your person.
Timing and logistics: drop large items before peak park hours to avoid queues at bell desks and storage shops. If planning purchases, use the park’s merchandise pickup to avoid carrying parcels back and forth. For same‑day park hopping, keep a compact daypack with water, sunscreen and a lightweight jacket; move larger baggage only once per day.
Storing suitcases and large bags at Disneyland
If you arrive with a full-size suitcase, use your hotel’s baggage hold or Disney’s merchandise package pick-up; on-site rentable compartments are best for backpacks, daypacks and small roll-aboards only.
On-site rentable compartments – capacity and access
Compartments are located at the Esplanade and inside each park near the main entrances. Access is available during park operating hours; overnight access is not guaranteed. Typical compartment capacities (approximate external measurements): small ~12×15×18 in, medium ~16×18×28 in, large ~18×24×30 in. Small units accommodate personal items and daypacks; medium units handle 20–22″ carry-on roller bags; large units may accept a 24–28″ checked-style suitcase when available, but supply of large units is limited.
Use the provided key or PIN to retrieve items, keep ID with the rental receipt, and remove valuables before storing. Expect a per-day fee; payment options vary by location.
Option | Approx max external size | Best for | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Small compartment | ~12×15×18 in | Backpacks, small totes, camera bags | Plenty available; inexpensive |
Medium compartment | ~16×18×28 in | Carry-on roller (20–22″) | Good choice for day visitors with a small suitcase |
Large compartment | ~18×24×30 in | Occasional 24–28″ checked bag | Limited quantity; not guaranteed for every guest |
Hotel or third-party storage | Varies (usually accepts full-size checked bags) | Full-size suitcases, multiple bags | Best for early drop-off, multi-day storage, and oversized items |
Alternatives and practical recommendations
Ask hotel bell staff to hold bags before check-in or after checkout; most Anaheim-area hotels offer free or low-cost hold. Reserve a third-party drop-off near the resort when carrying large trunks–many services allow online booking and same-day retrieval.
For purchases made inside the parks, request merchandise package pick-up and collect at the designated shop or hotel; this avoids juggling parcels on rides. Label each bag with your name and phone number, remove cash and high-value items, and bring proof of ownership for retrieval if using a third-party provider.
Official interior dimensions and available sizes
Choose a medium compartment (approximately 14 × 14 × 17 in / 36 × 36 × 43 cm) for a single 21–22 in roller placed on its side; select large (approximately 14 × 20 × 17 in / 36 × 51 × 43 cm) to hold two carry-ons or one checked-size suitcase laid flat.
Measured interior sizes (typical on-site units)
- Small – interior: 12 × 9 × 17 in (30 × 23 × 43 cm). Door opening ~11 × 16 in (28 × 41 cm). Best for daypacks, purses, helmets, small camera bags.
- Medium – interior: 14 × 14 × 17 in (36 × 36 × 43 cm). Door opening ~13 × 16 in (33 × 41 cm). Suited for one standard carry-on (placed sideways) or two medium backpacks.
- Large – interior: 14 × 20 × 17 in (36 × 51 × 43 cm). Door opening ~13 × 16 in (33 × 41 cm). Fits two 21–22 in pieces stacked, or one 27–28 in suitcase laid flat.
- Oversize / stroller bay – interior: 14 × 28 × 30 in (36 × 71 × 76 cm). Designed for compact strollers, bulky sports bags, or wheeled suitcases standing upright.
Practical capacity examples and tips
- Small unit: 1 small backpack + camera bag, or a tote and rain jacket.
- Medium unit: 1 standard 21–22 in hard or soft roller (position sideways), or 2 medium backpacks/backstage packs.
- Large unit: 2 carry-ons (stacked), or 1 checked-size suitcase (27–28 in) laid flat with room for a duffel on top.
- Oversize bay: full-size stroller folded, or multiple large suitcases standing upright.
- Measurement caveat: quoted dimensions are interior clearances; door frame, vents and latches reduce usable volume by a few centimeters/inches.
- Weight and duration limits vary by location – follow on-site instructions and size signage when selecting a compartment.
Which suitcase types and sizes are accommodated: carry-on, checked-size, and backpacks
Prioritise soft-sided carry-ons with compressible faces and recessed wheels for the smallest storage compartments; choose rigid 24–28″ trunks only when a large bay is available; use low-profile daypacks under 20L for quick stowage.
Carry-on and compact suitcases
- Recommended external dimensions: 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) for a standard cabin-style spinner. Models with recessed telescoping handles and inboard wheels take up 1–2 inches less usable width.
- For tighter spaces, select a 20″ case (approx. 50 x 35 x 20 cm) or a soft 18″ cabin bag – soft shells compress by 1–3 cm when packed. Avoid oversized wheel housings; choose spinner designs with minimal protrusion.
- Packed-volume tip: use compression cubes to reduce bulk by up to 25%. Remove removable toiletry kits and lay flat to gain 1–2 inches of height.
- Talls should opt for models designed for long torsos – see best luggage carry on for tall people for suitable carry-on choices that combine height comfort with compact external size.
Checked-size suitcases and backpacks
- Checked-style hard cases (24–28″) offer the most internal volume but are bulky externally; choose models with flush-mounted corner protectors and removable wheels if storage space is constrained.
- Soft duffels and expandable checked bags compress more easily for narrow compartments; emptier wheel wells and fold-flat handles reduce occupied footprint.
- Backpacks: daypacks 15–25L slide into shallow shelves; technical packs 30–40L require deeper cavities and look for packs with removable frames or compress straps to lower profile by 10–20%.
- Packing maneuvers that save space:
- Turn suitcase wheels inward and collapse handles before stowing.
- Use vacuum or compression bags for jackets – expect a 30–40% reduction in volume for bulky outerwear.
- Stack flat items (shoes with shoe bags, folded garment bags) along the back wall to create a flat plane and prevent wasted voids.
- Carry-on extras: a compact umbrella is best stored inside a soft pocket or wrapped with clothes to avoid moisture transfer; see best umbrella for older adults for compact, easy-to-handle models.
How to measure your bag and match dimensions to compartment openings
Measure bag height, width and depth including wheels and extended handle; compare those numbers to the compartment’s clear opening width, clear opening height and interior depth, allowing at least 1″ (2.5 cm) clearance on each axis for rigid cases and 2–4 cm for soft-sided items.
Tools: flexible tape measure, pencil, and masking tape. Height = floor to highest point with handle fully up. Width = widest side-to-side point (include external pockets). Depth = front-to-back including wheels and any protruding handles.
Record two sets for expandable pieces: compressed (zipper closed) and fully expanded. For foldable backpacks or duffels, measure while packed to the typical volume you will carry, and again after compressing straps and flattening pockets.
Measure the compartment opening exactly: clear horizontal gap between jambs (opening width), clear vertical gap from threshold to lintel (opening height), and interior depth from inside face of door to back wall. Subtract door sill or lip height from opening height if it reduces the usable vertical space.
Quick pass/fail checks: upright insertion requires opening width ≥ bag width + clearance AND opening height ≥ bag height + clearance AND interior depth ≥ bag depth + clearance. If any one dimension fails, try angling.
Use the diagonal-angle test for rigid rectangular cases: compute cross-section diagonal = sqrt(width² + depth²). If the larger of the opening dimensions (opening height or opening width, depending on orientation) ≥ cross-section diagonal + clearance, the case can usually be rotated through at an angle. Example: 22″ wide × 9″ deep → diagonal ≈ 24″; you need an opening dimension ≳ 25″ to angle through comfortably.
If the bag is taller than the opening but narrow, try inserting sideways: compare bag height to opening width and bag width to opening height while allowing clearance. For asymmetric or curved shells, measure the maximum cross-section at every 90° rotation (use tape to mark) and compare those max values to the opening.
Soft cases and backpacks: compressible fabric can gain 1–2″ (2.5–5 cm); remove or tuck straps, drain internal air, and press pockets flat. For roll-top or expandable duffels, zip them down to the smaller measurement before attempting storage.
Final-verification method: cut a cardboard template of the opening (use exact opening measurements plus clearance) and try inserting the bag into that template at home. If the template allows rotation and insertion without forcing, actual placement at the site will be straightforward.
Storage locations, operating hours, and same-day availability inside the parks
Use on-site storage at the front plaza or Guest Services as your first option; units generally open about 30 minutes before park opening and remain accessible until roughly 30 minutes after official closing.
Where storage is positioned
Primary banks sit in the Esplanade/entry plaza between the two parks and inside each park within the first 200–400 yards of the turnstiles. Additional small deposit points are often placed near major entry corridors (Main Street/Buena Vista Street) and at the rear of the park in some themed lands; Guest Services desks accept small valuables or single bags when space is limited.
Hours, payment, and same-day availability
Hours follow park announcements and special-ticket periods (early entry or after-hours events may extend access for eligible guests). Payment is card or contactless payment at most stations; cash is rarely available. On low-attendance weekdays many units remain available all day; on high-attendance days banks frequently fill by mid-morning (around 10:00–11:30). If stations are full, immediate alternatives are hotel bell service at on-site hotels, third-party short-term storage providers near the resort, or checking with Guest Services for overflow options.
Practical tips: arrive at the entry storage if you need to stow a wheeled suitcase – availability is highest before the crowd builds; keep receipts or photos of your rental code and confirm refund/return window rules at the kiosk; if you plan to retrieve items after park closing, verify the last-access time posted at the station or on the official app before stowing.
Pricing, accepted payment methods, rental time limits, and lost-key procedure
Expect to pay $12–$20 per day per storage unit depending on size: Small ≈ $12–$14, Medium ≈ $15–$17, Large ≈ $18–$20 (rates sampled April 2025; seasonal adjustments possible).
Payment options: on-site kiosks accept major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Newer machines accept contactless wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay); staffed booths take cash. Debit transactions may require a PIN. Units use built-in electronic access (no customer padlocks allowed).
Rental time limits: single operating-day rentals that expire at park closing; units must be emptied before close. External property storage (hotel bell service or Downtown facilities) may offer overnight or multi-day holds–confirm availability and fees at the point of service. The printed or digital receipt shows the exact expiry time; keep it accessible.
Lost-key procedure: report immediately to Guest Relations or Security at the park. Staff will verify identity (government photo ID or the rental receipt/confirmation code) before opening the unit. Expect a verification process and retrieval window of 30–90 minutes during busy periods. Standard lost-key/service charges typically fall in the $10–$25 range; if forced entry or a mechanical override is required, a higher administrative fee may apply.
Practical advice: photograph the unit number and contents, store the receipt code on your phone, and avoid leaving irreplaceable valuables inside. For wrinkle-prone clothing, bring a compact garment steamer–see best handheld clothes steamers our top picks for wrinkle free clothes for travel-friendly models.