Downtown Disney access from off-site hotels

[bbeagle]

We are going to Disneyland with our first day being a non-Disney park day. We were thinking about after flying in around dinner time, getting a hotel off-site on Harbor Blvd and walking to Downtown Disney.

Now, that got me thinking. We don't want to use a ticketed day. Can we walk right over to Downtown Disney? Is there a way through the esplanade (is that what it's called?) without using tickets? Or do we need to walk all the way around or drive? Is this a reason we should choose something like Disneyland Hotel? Thanks!

 

[Cal-Pie]

Yes, you can easily walk across the esplanade without a ticket. You will, however have to go through the security check point on your way in, and again on your way back through to Harbor.

 

[bbeagle]

Thanks! Sounds perfect.