How important is it to be able to walk to DL from the hotel?

[missbethb]

You all have been so kind today, I have one more question. When deciding on a place to stay, is it a big deal to be able to walk? Is it a pain to do the ART? Seems like a couple blocks or 2 miles wouldn't matter is you are getting on a bus anyway? What don't I know that I need to know. Thanks

If it matters, I have two 9 year olds and a 4 year old.

 

[disneyobsessed808]

You'll find differing opinions on this question, but it really depends on your touring style.

Personally, I prefer having a shuttle, because I'm lazy and don't want to walk after visiting the parks, so a shuttle right outside is great. Also, I don't mind waiting for a bus like the ART or the hotel shuttle (if it has one), but I am usually much more relaxed in my touring. I never had this happen, but sometimes waits for the shuttles can be longer than expected.

For a different point of view (and more extensive) here is a link to Hydroguy's hotel rule:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1199862

 

[kailuagirl]

When was just us "big" kids we didn't mind the shuttle, but now with a stroller and all the kid gear I think it is much easier to be close in walking distance. We went back to the hotel every afternoon for a nap and to change into warmer clothes, refresh, etc. It was really nice not to have to fold up the stroller and unload it and all that fun stuff if we were to have to go on the shuttle. Just my opinion I'm sure whatever you choose will be great!

 

[Look_Its_Nikki]

If I had a choice art or a 10 min walk I would do the walk. I like the idea of being able to just walk to the hotel if I needed something. I have nothing aginst art. It's has nice ac In the summer. It was really easy to use. We never had a problem with it being too crouded. I have noticed that they all most all of the busses are now the big ones. A few years ago they had some small ones and it got full asap ! Let me know if you have any questions.

 

[femommy]

I have a 3 year old and a 12 year old. Everyone that I have talked to said to spend the extra money and be close to the park. It will cut down on travel time and if a nap is needed by my DH (lol) then it is close by.

 

[carebee21]

We like ART. I hate walking anywhere at the end of the night! We've never had a problem with the shuttles not being timely or being over crowded and the passes are reasonably priced, especially if you buy a multi day pass. Our last trip we paid $15/for a 5 day adult pass and I think $3-$4 for a childs pass. I do however think it would be very inconvienant with a big stroller as you have to fold them up, but if you just have an umbrella stroller or no stroller it is great!

The other thing that I think is important to note is that shuttles stop running 30 minutes after the park closes (it might be later in summer but I'm not sure about that as I've never ridden it in the summer) so if you want to go to DTD or look at Disney shops after the park closes you won't be able to if you have to take a shuttle back to the hotel. For us it's not a big deal, but it may be for others.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

The other thing that I think is important to note is that shuttles stop running 30 minutes after the park closes (it might be later in summer but I'm not sure about that as I've never ridden it in the summer) so if you want to go to DTD or look at Disney shops after the park closes you won't be able to if you have to take a shuttle back to the hotel. For us it's not a big deal, but it may be for others.

This is exactly why I don't like ART. I like to close the park down and wander around the shops and various lands taking pictures. I would be so bummed if I couldn't do that. I would probably end up missing the last shuttle and having to take a cab!

 

[samkj]

We only stay in walkign distance since our daughter uses a wheelchair. ART does have wheelchair accessible buses, but I've heard reports of them not always working, plus this is a major time killer. I would go absolutely crazy standing having no control over when we got to Disneyland (not to mention my husband would probably kill me by the end of the week with my constant complaining about "Where is the bus!!, I just want to be there!") It would not be a pretty scene......

 

[HydroGuy]

You all have been so kind today, I have one more question. When deciding on a place to stay, is it a big deal to be able to walk? Is it a pain to do the ART? Seems like a couple blocks or 2 miles wouldn't matter is you are getting on a bus anyway? What don't I know that I need to know. Thanks

If it matters, I have two 9 year olds and a 4 year old.

As others have said it is often a personal preference.

What I value is certainty. That results from a few things including:

o We arrive early - We see great value in being to the park gates early (20-40 minutes before the park opens). This sets up the whole day as far as touring, FASTPASS collection, park hopping, entertainment choices, afternoon breaks, etc.

o Afternoon breaks - We usually visit high season and often in summer, and have learned that afternoon breaks for 3-5 hours are extremely helpful in having enjoyable days and working around crowds and heat

o We stay late - We like to close the parks and never know quite how late we will be out

o We visit infrequently - We want to get the most out of a visit and do not want to waste time waiting for buses or any transportation

When our hotel room door is 5 or 10 minutes away by walking then I know how long it takes no matter what time of day. If one takes afternoon breaks like us then that means four transportations a day.

When we walk we can sleep in a little later because we know exactly the transportation time. We can stay a little later at night because we know exactly the transportation time. We can get a little longer aternoon break because we do not need to get anywhere 5 or 10 minute searly to make sure we catch the bus. Added up over a day that could be 30-60 minutes extra each day. That could translate into 30-60 minutes of extra sleep for kids.

When you depend on a shuttle or bus you never know. Maybe the bus is late. Maybe the shuttle is full when you arrive. Etc.

So bottom line is it depends a lot on how you tour. If you truly do not care about arriving early in the morning or taking afternoon breaks, then buses and shuttles may be a good option for you.

 

[SeattleTink]

Hydroguy.....I think you just read my mind!

That is EXACTLY why we stay close.

Perfectly said.

 

[KCmike]

Personally i don't like the ART. It would never come when we wanted it to. I felt it was overpriced. I enjoyed the walk kind of like DisneySuiteFreak. I like to look at stores and build up the excitement. I will tell you though if your not on harbor some of the outlying hotels are not on good grounds. My sister in law was staying at one of the budget hotels (good neighbor one as well) and they didn't feel comfortable walking outside the hotel or being on that property. They ended up calling Disney and transferring to Disneyland Hotel. Again this was about two big blocks away. Occasionally you will see homeless on harbor and you get the traffic congestion as well.

 

[azdisneylover]

For us, any of the Disney hotels, and anything on Harbor seems to be a decent walk that after a fun day in the park, the walk would be okay. If I had a choice, I would stay at the one that is closest! But, the wallet says, no. Staying close enough to walk easily made it fun to go back to the room to swim daily, nap/rest for a bit and head back to the parks to help close them!
Have a wonderful time!