Here now and need help re: walking to Mickey & Friends trams

[chabelita545]

We are here now. Tomorrow is our first day in the parks. We're staying in a condo across from Mickey & Friends parking. We're supposed to be able to cut through the parking lot to catch the trams, but just last week, Disney closed the parking lot adjacent to the Mickey and Friends parking structure. Guests go thru security near the escalators at the parking garage. This means the quick walk thru the parking lot advertised by the rental property owners is no longer an option. I've gotten mixed info from cast members and security personnel and had a long detour in the dark tonight when trying to walk "home" after picking up our tickets. Wondering if anyone else has walked to the trams from across the street since the change who could give us some directions or advice. Google maps isn't aware of the new security measures and wants to have us walk thru a place that is now off limits. Or take a 20 minute walk thru downtown Disney. I'd sure love to still be able to utilize the trams at the end of a long day...

 

[Darkbeer1]

Here is a marked map, walk down Magic Way to the traffic light which is the driveway into the Downtown Disney Parking Lot and make a left (north), follow the signs and marked sidewalk, you go along the west edge of the enlarged tram route, you then walk into the actual parking structure, and follow the sidewalk (make a right heading east) until you get to a manned sidewalk that will have you cross the tram route and enter the non-secure area, including the escalators and restrooms. You then go through the security check, and then line up for the trams, which can take a long time to load in the early morning hours.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6999943

To avoid that mess and time eater, make a right at the Downtown Disney Parking Entrance and follow the sidewalks and signs to the north side of the ESPN Zone, then go through Security and walk east through Downtown Disney to the Main Entrance Plaza.

Well, at least those Condos will no longer be able to be rented in about a year (No longer are Short Term Rentals allowed in the city of Anaheim....)

 

[chabelita545]

Here is a marked map, walk down Magic Way to the traffic light which is the driveway into the Downtown Disney Parking Lot and make a left (north), follow the signs and marked sidewalk, you go along the west edge of the enlarged tram route, you then walk into the actual parking structure, and follow the sidewalk (make a right heading east) until you get to a manned sidewalk that will have you cross the tram route and enter the non-secure area, including the escalators and restrooms. You then go through the security check, and then line up for the trams, which can take a long time to load in the early morning hours.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6999943

To avoid that mess and time eater, make a right at the Downtown Disney Parking Entrance and follow the sidewalks and signs to the north side of the ESPN Zone, then go through Security and walk east through Downtown Disney to the Main Entrance Plaza.

Well, at least those Condos will no longer be able to be rented in about a year (No longer are Short Term Rentals allowed in the city of Anaheim....)

Thank you very much for the directions and especially the map! What a shame that short term rentals will no longer be allowed. We have to stay in a place with a full kitchen so we can cook meals as our children have multiple severe food allergies. I thought we'd found the perfect solution. And I feel so bad for all the rental owners who've put in such an investment in some really cute Disney themed rentals.

Well, thanks again for coming to our rescue!

 

[Darkbeer1]

More and more Hotels are being built in the area that comes with a full kitchen, like the Residence Inn and other brands.

But the decision was a "residential" zoned area is designed for residents, and not to run a Lodging business.I have a large one across the street from me (7 bedrooms), and they had a very busy Christmas Week, and causes a lot of impact on the neighborhood.

That is why they have until February of 2018 to close down, plus there is a way to claim a hardship to stay open longer if you can prove that you need some time to stay open, but most folks expect that very few will qualify. And since Anaheim runs its own utilities, they can shut off the water and power fairly easily after proving someone is breaking the STR rules.

Have fun with your visit.... Happy Holidays and a great New Year!

 

[SMD]

Most of the rentals aren't a person or family renting out their home or their one investment property. They're corporations buying multiple homes that are only ever occupied by short term renters. You wouldn't be happy to think you're buying a home in a cul-de-sac of family homes only to have over half of the home on your block turning over every 2-3 nights with 2 or more people per bedroom, often exceeding the occupancy and partying late at night because they're on vacation.

 

[prestoncaldwell]

Thank you very much for the directions and especially the map! What a shame that short term rentals will no longer be allowed. We have to stay in a place with a full kitchen so we can cook meals as our children have multiple severe food allergies. I thought we'd found the perfect solution. And I feel so bad for all the rental owners who've put in such an investment in some really cute Disney themed rentals.

Well, thanks again for coming to our rescue!

You can still rent at timeshare resorts. We use Dolphin's Cove, which is a 10 minute walk from Toy Sory Lot. It was originally an apartment complex, so it is full apartments with kitchens. 1, 2, 3 bedroom. There are other timeshare resorts with kitchens, as well.

 

[Darkbeer1]

Yes, Extended Stay Hotels and Timeshares are good options. In fact, STR's can be built in Anaheim, but only in Commercial or mixed-use" zones, and built to fire and safety codes, including emergency egress and Fire Sprinklers on property. Also, proper off-street parking.

Anaheim is currently working on its Home Sharing rules, in which a owner can rent out part of their house on a short term basis, seems like the rules will be the owner must be present on the property during the rental, and that it will be limited to about half a year (say 180 days a year).

What is going to be banned is the renting of a whole house in a residential zoned neighborhood. Part of this is to free up property to be rented to long term residents,such as someone who wants to work in the Resort area.

 

[SeiterClan]

Thank you also for the directions & map Darkbeer1! We are staying in those same condos at the beginning of Feb. next year & I was wondering how we should go about getting there.

 

[SeiterClan]

Here is a marked map, walk down Magic Way to the traffic light which is the driveway into the Downtown Disney Parking Lot and make a left (north), follow the signs and marked sidewalk, you go along the west edge of the enlarged tram route, you then walk into the actual parking structure, and follow the sidewalk (make a right heading east) until you get to a manned sidewalk that will have you cross the tram route and enter the non-secure area, including the escalators and restrooms. You then go through the security check, and then line up for the trams, which can take a long time to load in the early morning hours.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6999943

To avoid that mess and time eater, make a right at the Downtown Disney Parking Entrance and follow the sidewalks and signs to the north side of the ESPN Zone, then go through Security and walk east through Downtown Disney to the Main Entrance Plaza.

Well, at least those Condos will no longer be able to be rented in about a year (No longer are Short Term Rentals allowed in the city of Anaheim....)

How early do the trams start running in the mornings? We are staying in those townhomes on Walnut in a few weeks & were planning on walking to catch the trams but if there's a long wait maybe we should walk though Downtown Disney...How long would you estimate the walk to take & could you post a map and/or pics like above showing the way we should walk for the directionally impaired please!?!?

 

[Darkbeer1]

How early do the trams start running in the mornings? We are staying in those townhomes on Walnut in a few weeks & were planning on walking to catch the trams but if there's a long wait maybe we should walk though Downtown Disney...How long would you estimate the walk to take & could you post a map and/or pics like above showing the way we should walk for the directionally impaired please!?!?

OK, last I heard, the parking lot and trams open up at least 30 minutes prior to a Magic Morning day (3 days a week), and one hour prior to regular park opening. But Anaheim PD might keep the lot closed at that time for traffic control, and of course, no trams then.

So here is a marked map, just over a half mile to the tram area, and the security check that happens there, (And why the map is marked weird, I am showing you the walkway that takes you around the new area that is not shown in the photo. So i would say about 15-20 minutes to get to the security check.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7010326

And now the full walk without a tram. (Security check would be at the ESPN Zone on the north side). 1 mile of walking, so 30 minutes plus the Security Check, and whatever shopping you do at DtD

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7010328

Hope that Helps.

 

[SeiterClan]

 

[SeiterClan]

OK, last I heard, the parking lot and trams open up at least 30 minutes prior to a Magic Morning day (3 days a week), and one hour prior to regular park opening. But Anaheim PD might keep the lot closed at that time for traffic control, and of course, no trams then.

So here is a marked map, just over a half mile to the tram area, and the security check that happens there, (And why the map is marked weird, I am showing you the walkway that takes you around the new area that is not shown in the photo. So i would say about 15-20 minutes to get to the security check.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7010326

And now the full walk without a tram. (Security check would be at the ESPN Zone on the north side). 1 mile of walking, so 30 minutes plus the Security Check, and whatever shopping you do at DtD

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7010328

Hope that Helps.

This is super helpful! Refresh my memory on the trams....do you have to fold up your stroller? Leaning towards taking the tram but also don't want to be waiting forever either! Also what is the parking lot next to M&F where we turn left off of Disney Way to get to the trams? I'm assuming there is a path/walkway way here? Just don't want to be walking through a parking lot where we're not supposed to be with my 6 kids lol.

 

[Darkbeer1]

They want the kid(s) out of the stroller for safety reasons on the tram, so yes.

As for the walk, there is a sidewalk, street crosswalk, traffic light crosswalk or a painted walkway (looks like a crosswalk) on both routes. The walkway is mainly on the walk from Magic Way to the tram. Also, there is a lot of signage to help out on Disney property (get on Magic Way and the signs will appear). The walkway is on the edge of the parking lot, so fairly safe, but as they say, some drivers might forget to bring their brains when they arrive at Disneyland, so just be aware and not using your smart phone to be on the safe side.

 

[SeiterClan]

Super helpful info! So glad there are signs to follow. Hope your recovery goes quickly & smoothly.

 

[chabelita545]

FYI, we found it a lot quicker and easier to just walk through Downtown Disney. The trams took longer because of the waiting, and it was still a long walk from the parking lot to the condo because you can't cut through the lot. Walking through Downtown Disney wasn't bad.

 

[Karyanne30]

We are staying at springhill suites on ball in a few months before our dlh stay. If we can't cut through anymore and take the tram, would it be better to park in Mickey and friends? I have a signature pass so parking is free for me.

 

[chabelita545]

We are staying at springhill suites on ball in a few months before our dlh stay. If we can't cut through anymore and take the tram, would it be better to park in Mickey and friends? I have a signature pass so parking is free for me.

We stayed at a place off Walnut St. I don't know how you'd walk to the trams from Ball Rd. Unless someone else here has done it recently, I'd call your hotel and ask them. I hate parking at DLR (even when it's free) because it takes forever and you still have a long walk to the trams and then have to wait for the trams.

 

[SMD]

You can walk down Disneyland Dr to Magic Way and get into M&F there or continue through the DTD parking lot and go through security there. What you can't do anymore is turn left when heading south on DL Dr and go through DTD. You have to go through security at either M&F or at the far end of DTD.

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

OK, last I heard, the parking lot and trams open up at least 30 minutes prior to a Magic Morning day (3 days a week), and one hour prior to regular park opening. But Anaheim PD might keep the lot closed at that time for traffic control, and of course, no trams then.

So here is a marked map, just over a half mile to the tram area, and the security check that happens there, (And why the map is marked weird, I am showing you the walkway that takes you around the new area that is not shown in the photo. So i would say about 15-20 minutes to get to the security check.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7010326 (OPTION 1)

And now the full walk without a tram. (Security check would be at the ESPN Zone on the north side). 1 mile of walking, so 30 minutes plus the Security Check, and whatever shopping you do at DtD

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7010328 (OPTION 2)

Hope that Helps.

Bumping this:

Hi ... I marked the above noted links OPTION 1 & OPTION 2.

1) Are both options (1) and (2) still accessible? Will be going in July 2017.

2) Specifically can we still access the Mickey & Friends security check point by turning LEFT on MAGIC WAY and cutting through the now closed "ground level" parking lot?

Meaning this: there used to be an opening by turning Left from Magic Way and cutting through the parking lot to access the trams.
Just want to ensure that the opening is still there AND that the opening has NOT been closed off by fencing.
I'd hate to walk all that way there only to find that the opening is now closed off.

3) New updates re: time Security Check Point AND Trams OPENING TIME on a REGULAR morning? On a MAGIC MORNING?

4) New updates re: time Trams CLOSE TIME?

5) How long (ie. minutes) is the Tram ride?

6) How long (ie. minutes) is the wait for the Tram in the early morning (ie. to make park opening)?

7) Please clarify ... once we clear the security check point we are in the "safe" zone and can go on the Tram which will drop us off near the Esplanade so that we can enter Disneyland OR California Adventure OR Downtown Disney "without" another security check?

Thanks for your help!! Appreciate your patience in answering questions which have already been asked and answered but I just wanted a more current update for our upcoming July 2017 visit.

 

[SMD]

Bumping this:

Hi ... I marked the above noted links OPTION 1 & OPTION 2.

1) Are both options (1) and (2) still accessible? Will be going in July 2017.

2) Specifically can we still access the Mickey & Friends security check point by turning LEFT on MAGIC WAY and cutting through the now closed "ground level" parking lot?

Meaning this: there used to be an opening by turning Left from Magic Way and cutting through the parking lot to access the trams.
Just want to ensure that the opening is still there AND that the opening has NOT been closed off by fencing.
I'd hate to walk all that way there only to find that the opening is now closed off.

3) New updates re: time Security Check Point AND Trams OPENING TIME on a REGULAR morning? On a MAGIC MORNING?

4) New updates re: time Trams CLOSE TIME?

5) How long (ie. minutes) is the Tram ride?

6) How long (ie. minutes) is the wait for the Tram in the early morning (ie. to make park opening)?

7) Please clarify ... once we clear the security check point we are in the "safe" zone and can go on the Tram which will drop us off near the Esplanade so that we can enter Disneyland OR California Adventure OR Downtown Disney "without" another security check?

Thanks for your help!! Appreciate your patience in answering questions which have already been asked and answered but I just wanted a more current update for our upcoming July 2017 visit.

1. I parked in M&F on Mother's Day and walked roughly route 2 through the DTD parking lot security point.
2. At this point, I wouldn't be confident saying that will definitely be the case in July, but it probably will.
3. 1 hour before regular park opening or 30 min before MM
4. 1 hour after the park closes
5. Usually under 5, it depends how fast they go.
6. It's totally random. You can sit there and wait for a tram coming the other direction to clear, they can decide to have the tram from the other side leave before you or send an empty tram over. There may be an issue loading people from the ramp that takes longer. Someone could have their arm hanging out of the vehicle and you'll have to wait for them to bring it back in. It's usually less than 10 minutes, but it depends what's happening on the route that day, which you won't know.
7. You go through security, you get on the tram, the tram drops you in DTD, you have to walk a short distance to the esplanade. If you go through security at DTD you walk through DTD, pass the tram stop and go onto the esplanade.