Downtown Disney ??'s and walking

[AlexJanessa]

We get to our hotel at about 4:00pm and I would really like to hit Downtown Disney that evening for some shopping and maybe dinner (seriously, I only just clued into the fact that you don't need a ticket to get into DD). However, I don't want to burn out my kids before we even hit Disney the first day . Can someone tell me approximately how long it would take to get from Ramada Maingate (corner of Harbour and Disney Way) to Downtown Disney?

Also, is there a direct walkway through the park from the Harbour side walk way? Or will I have to follow Disney Way all around to get to Dowtown Disney?

One more, we'll likely eat dinner there. Are there restaurants that we can just walk in (4 ppl) or should I make a reservation somewhere before.

I honestly have no idea... . TIA for your help!

 

[christine*]

I don't know about walking. But I've ate at a few resturants at downtown Disney and you should be okay without a reservation during the week, unless it's spring break or something. I would recommend a reservation for the more popular resturants like Rain Forest Cafe.

 

[Susie63]

Ramada maingate is not far from DTD.Less than 10 minutes I would think. I loved DTD. It's beautiful for strolling at night. The trees are all lit up.They have live entertainment and lots of cool shops for kids to look around in. I recommend Rainforest Cafe for the short people. Lots to look at. Food is okay.
Don't forget to go into The Grand California. Magnificent.
Downtown Disney is just a nice place to be if you have time to relax. If you are hustling to get to the park from DLH it can be frustrating as nothing is in a straight line.
Here is a link to a map found on this board. Just scroll to the top of the page.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=30833146&posted=1#post30833146

 

[WannaseePooh]

To get to Downtown disney, you just walk up Harbour, cross at the crosswalk, and go through the security checkpoints. When you enter the Esplande instead of turning right or left to go to the parks, you just walk stright through to enter Downtown Disney.

 

[Funball]

We get to our hotel at about 4:00pm and I would really like to hit Downtown Disney that evening for some shopping and maybe dinner (seriously, I only just clued into the fact that you don't need a ticket to get into DD). However, I don't want to burn out my kids before we even hit Disney the first day . Can someone tell me approximately how long it would take to get from Ramada Maingate (corner of Harbour and Disney Way) to Downtown Disney?

Also, is there a direct walkway through the park from the Harbour side walk way? Or will I have to follow Disney Way all around to get to Dowtown Disney?

One more, we'll likely eat dinner there. Are there restaurants that we can just walk in (4 ppl) or should I make a reservation somewhere before.

I honestly have no idea... . TIA for your help!

It's not far from harbor to DLR. Downtowndisney is not far from the plaza between DL and DCA. There is a sidewalk that runs up and down harbor on disneyland's side of the street and one on the other also.



In fact my brain just started working and ramada is literally across the street on harbor from DL and so it will only take you less then 5 min. to get to the plaza between DL and DCA, then a few feet more and then your in DTD..Most places to eat in DTD you don't need a ressie for...you probably should make one so you don't wait long specially if you have kids, but that is just my opinion!

 

[AlexJanessa]

It's not far from harbor to DLR. Downtowndisney is not far from the plaza between DL and DCA. There is a sidewalk that runs up and down harbor on disneyland's side of the street and one on the other also.



In fact my brain just started working and ramada is literally across the street on harbor from DL and so it will only take you less then 5 min. to get to the plaza between DL and DCA, then a few feet more and then your in DTD..Most places to eat in DTD you don't need a ressie for...you probably should make one so you don't wait long specially if you have kids, but that is just my opinion!

Very helpful! Thanks. When you aren't familiar with the area, its so hard to tell some of these things from maps only. Yes, its very close (yay!) so I'm glad to hear its not too much of a trek to the Downtown area.

Thanks Susie! I took you up on your recommendation and made reservations at the Rainforest Cafe that night. I think we'll surprise the girls with that one. They will totally love it there.

I'm so excited to "hit the strip" now!!