First Trip to "New" DL-Help with locations!!!

[Julia M]

We are planning on staying at the PP. How do we get to DL from there? I know there is a private entrance to DCA. Should we "cut" through DCA, or do we have to walk over to the DL Hotel and through DD? How long will walking take? I am used to the convenience of staying on Harbor Blvd, right next to the pedestrian walkway (think Desert Inn and Suites or Park Vue).

I won't be too thrilled to discover my walk had doubled or tripled!!

Can anyone help?

Julia

 

[WDW2002]

I hate to be the one to break it to you but I have a feeling that you will find that your walking distance has grown by at least double. I don't think the idea of cutting through DCA will work because DCA often opens later then DL.

 

[Michelle]

It's a short walk to Disneyland, don't worry! Just cross the street and walk through Downtown Disney and you'll be right at the entrance plaza to both Disneyland and DCA. You can also enter DCA through the Paradise Pier entrance and walk through that park, exit it and head across the entrance plaza to DL. It's a less than 10-minute walk.

 

[teri]

To get to DCA, you cross the street toward GC and DCA at the crosswalk, and enter a gate with your keycard. It takes you right into the park, near the Corn Dog stand, very near California Soarin. Cutting through DCA will not substantially reduce your walking time to the main gates of DL since things twist and curve.

You have to readjust your thinking just a little bit... the walk through the DLH and new Downtown Disney is truly part of the experience. DD is beautiful, with nice shops and places to eat. Beautifully landscaped, for a cityscape. Also, the monorail station is right there at that end of Downtown Disney, and you can take that all the way into Tomorrowland - not just inside the main gate. The resorts themselves are worth spending time and enjoying amenities, such as the shops and wonderful dining experiences.

Your walk will be a little bit longer, but it will be very nice if you look around and enjoy what the resorts and DD have to offer. Don't just think of the Main Gates as the goal.

 

[Julia M]

Can I "cut through" DD in the early morning, before it opens?

Teri, You are right, I'm sure the walk will be much nicer walking through a beautiful area. as opposed to a parking lot!! (I'm remembering what it was like before the pedestrian walkway, when you came in from the hotels on Harbor through the parking lot!!)

We usually do not stay on site, as it is alot more expensive. However, we have such a good rate at the PP ($115 per night) we are splurging. (we'll spend the first night-we drive in late-at the Anaheim Best Inn or somewhere equivalent)

Julia

 

[Uncle Buck]

Downtown Disney is always open - it is not gated in any way. Many early AM joggers pass through there. Quite the place at 6:00AM!

 

[teri]

Sure, you can cut through DD or the GC before the park gates open, no problem!!! Have breakfast over there on the way, for a change of pace. The La Brea Bakery has yummy baked goods and coffee.. or the Storyteller Cafe at GC for another character meal... Lots of options.