Mickey and Friends Parking Garage at Disneyland

Six stories tall and longer than the Chrysler building is high, the world’s largest parking structure was built to replace surface parking used for the expansion of the Disneyland Resort. FMS was invited to illuminate this gigantic utilitarian structure in a way that would convey the whimsy and magic of the theme park.

The garage, which holds 10,500 cars, is the entrance to the park and the first building that the vacationers experience. Architectural surfaces and light fixtures were tightly integrated to produce a colorful façade that builds anticipation as the guest approaches the park. Since the garage borders a residential area, preventing tremendous light pollution and light spill was a main concern. Considerate luminaire placement and design allowed the vehicular and pedestrian pathways to be clearly delineated while preventing light trespass.