1st DL Trip - Need Help, Please!

[DisneyMomChristine]

As a lifelong WDW vacationer, I have my 1st trip to DL planned for next month.
It is completely last minute, so I don't even have a room booked yet. Thankfully there seem to be some left!
Some questions -

1. Hotels that say that they are "2 Blocks" from DL. Are those truly walkable (with a stroller) blocks with sidewalks, or busy roads, dangerous to walk on? Is it a nice area where I would feel safe walking alone with my 2 children?

2. Transportation to/from LAX. I have read some horrific reviews of the motor coach. I believe another option is the 7-passenger shuttle. Any input? Would appreciate feedback, as it would be most important for the return flight home.

Anything else I need to know as a 1st timer?
Thank you!!!

 

[ten6mom]

Sorry, I cannot comment on transportation from LAX...

However, regarding "walking distance"... I strongly recommend you google map the addresses of the hotels you are considering so that you can see how far they are from the "main entrance" to the parks (off Harbor, which is on the east side of the Resort). Their definition of "block" is not necessarily what I would think of any many could be farther away than you think. I generally stay at one of the hotels on Harbor, between the Howard Johnson and Katella. Anything in that area will be safe enough... lots of park guests coming and going at most hours. There are homeless folks that frequent the bus stops but I have never once had trouble with any of them. Harbor and Katella are busy roads (I think 3 lanes in each direction) but they both have sidewalks and lots of foot traffic.

I am not very familiar with the hotels on Katella, or Ball, or the west side of the Resort.

There is the ART bus system that might assist you, although there is a small (very reasonable) fee. Depending on the distance you might consider this, especially at the end of a long day with little ones.

There are many experts on these boards that are familiar with all sides of the Resort but do please check out google maps' satellite view to get a clearer picture.

Have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[Fuhnuh]

We've taken the LAX Disneyland resort express several times and not found it inconvenient. Maybe we were just lucky. We also only had 2 adults in our party, so the price wasn't bad. The last few times we flew into SNA and just took a cab for about the same price. How many are in your party?

 

[Canuck16]

We have stayed at the Sheraton Park and Anaheim Marriott which are both by the convention centre.......about 15 minute walk to the gate. We have walked to and from the parks early in the morning and late at night and have never felt anything but safe. There are sidewalks everywhere so no issues with walking with a stroller either.

 

[becks59]

The longest walking distance hotel I have stayed at was the Red Lion(About 15 min and we walked pretty fast). I wouldn't have wanted to walk from much further than that hotel and we had two young kids in a stroller. I also agree with checking out google maps to see exactly where the hotels are compared to the Disneyland entrance.

Can't help with the transportation because we always rent a car since we visit multiple places in California.

 

[YukonMommy]

There are a lot of hotels within walking distance, some right across the street! I agree with the others google map it! We have stayed a 15 minute walk out and we always felt safe, it was not uncommon for Grandma to walk back with a kid or 2 by herself at night to our hotel.
We like Prime Time Shuttle, found them clean, reliable and on time.

Have a magical time!

 

[agamble]

Anything on Harbor or Katella that is across from the parks (again use a map) is probably walking distance. It's nice to stay on Harbor if you can get a decent rate, but we've stayed at the Quality Inn on Katella several times and walked to the park. If you're on Harbor you can walk to the bus entrance, which is very popular. If you're on Katella you can actually walk to the Grand California hotel and there are signs pointing you to DTD and the parks.

 

[ClosetDisneyJunkie]

As a lifelong WDW vacationer, I have my 1st trip to DL planned for next month.
It is completely last minute, so I don't even have a room booked yet. Thankfully there seem to be some left!
Some questions -

1. Hotels that say that they are "2 Blocks" from DL. Are those truly walkable (with a stroller) blocks with sidewalks, or busy roads, dangerous to walk on? Is it a nice area where I would feel safe walking alone with my 2 children?
!

This thread might be helpful as you go through the hotel options. In my experience "walkability" is very much in the eye of the beholder, but I hope this helps:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/walking-distance-hotel-list-w-discussion-details-of-hotels.2796786/