Getting to DL from Condos on S Walnut St.

[smithfamilyof7]

Our large family (me, DH, our 5 children, plus my dad) are going to DL in February. We opted to rent a nice condo near DL rather than trying to cram into a hotel room. We are not renting a car so we found a condo that's within walking distance (even if it's a long walk!). It's almost directly across the street from Magic Way.

Does anyone have experience staying in this area and walking to the parks? I know we can catch a tram from the parking lot off Magic Way - I wonder if it's quicker to do that or just walk? Any tips on the quickest route to walk to the gate (Downtown Drive then through Downtown Disney vs Disneyland Drive and sidewalk that bypasses most of DD?)? Any issues with it not feeling "safe" walking back through the area at night?

Also, the monorail stops at Downtown Disney, right? Is the only other stop that it makes in Tomorrowland? Does that entrance open the same time as the maingate?

 

[ParkHopper1]

I stay at the Holiday Inn on S. Walnut all the time. The quickest way is down Magic Way then turn right into DTD and enter by ESPN Zone. Second option is the Tram... you can cut through the oversized lot to get to the tram loading. A bit less walking but typically not much faster. We almost always make the walk even when tired.

Area is very safe at all hours. You are still in the resort district area and there is not much reason for people to be loitering around like you might see on the Harbor Blvd side. It is all just parking and residential areas.

 

[ehrawn]

I know the area well enough. It's a quick walk across Walnut and down Magic Way. You can either turn left into the Pinocchio Parking Lot to catch the tram at the base of the M&F or you can turn right and head towards DTD and catch the Monorail (or walk all the way in to the esplanade which isn't that far). Be aware, though. Walnut is a divided street and there is no crosswalk between Cerritos and Ball. You can use google maps' walking direction feature to help you with distances and time.

 

[Malcon10t]

Also, the monorail stops at Downtown Disney, right? Is the only other stop that it makes in Tomorrowland? Does that entrance open the same time as the maingate?

Frequently, the monorail in the morning is reserved for hotel guests. That said, it doesn't always open at the same time, and even when it does, if you are unable to get the first train, it can put you 10-15 mins late getting in the park.

 

[firefly87]

My guess is you will mostly walk vs taking the tram. We stayed in a house off Cerritos about 5 yrs ago and we walked it at the beginning of the trip. It was a trek (stayed a bit farther than you) and we ended up driving and parking in the structure to save our feet later in the trip. But, you are a bit closer and should be fine walking. You most likely won't hit the tram at the right times but if you do, thats great!! (as in by the time you wait for the tram, you could have walked it faster!)

When you are standing at your condo looking directly down Magic Way, keep in mind that there is a wall/fence thing that runs along S Walnut from that corner of Magic & S Walnut all the way down to the Disneyland Hotel (to your right). So you can't exactly cut thru the hotel. I guess what I'm saying is that if you are going to walk it, you will probably take different routes cutting thru the parking lots there and then popping into DTD. We would sometimes get there by ESPN Zone or Rainforest Cafe.

Hope this helps.....as I'm reading it, I feel like I even confused myself.

 

[smithfamilyof7]

Thanks everyone!

My guess is you will mostly walk vs taking the tram. We stayed in a house off Cerritos about 5 yrs ago and we walked it at the beginning of the trip. It was a trek (stayed a bit farther than you) and we ended up driving and parking in the structure to save our feet later in the trip. But, you are a bit closer and should be fine walking. You most likely won't hit the tram at the right times but if you do, thats great!! (as in by the time you wait for the tram, you could have walked it faster!)

When you are standing at your condo looking directly down Magic Way, keep in mind that there is a wall/fence thing that runs along S Walnut from that corner of Magic & S Walnut all the way down to the Disneyland Hotel (to your right). So you can't exactly cut thru the hotel. I guess what I'm saying is that if you are going to walk it, you will probably take different routes cutting thru the parking lots there and then popping into DTD. We would sometimes get there by ESPN Zone or Rainforest Cafe.

Hope this helps.....as I'm reading it, I feel like I even confused myself.

No, this does make sense. I've spent some time on google maps street view trying to figure out where I can and can't walk. I wish that cement barrier wasn't there - cutting through there to the DL hotel sure would make it a quick walk!