Is this right?

[momjkm]

I just want to make sure I understand the following:

1) Many hotels on Harbor allow me to walk to the gate. that will take 15-20 min (or less-depending on where I stay)
2) If I stay at a hotel that requires I drive and park at disneyland, it will still take 15 min or so---there is a shuttle? to the park.

so more freedom if I select a hotel that allows me to walk to the gate vs drive/park option?
did this make sense?
Jill

 

[blackjackdelta]

I just want to make sure I understand the following:

1) Many hotels on Harbor allow me to walk to the gate. that will take 15-20 min (or less-depending on where I stay)
2) If I stay at a hotel that requires I drive and park at disneyland, it will still take 15 min or so---there is a shuttle? to the park.

so more freedom if I select a hotel that allows me to walk to the gate vs drive/park option?
did this make sense?
Jill

Hydroguy has a sticky that talk about this very subject. I will see if I can local it.

Jack

Here is that thread.....http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1381580

 

[LavenderPeach]

There is a tram that takes you from the parking structure to DTD or you can walk from the parking structure, which is what we often do if we park there.

Many of us find it easier to stay at a hotel within walking distance so you just have to park once, at the hotel, and then you can walk to and from DLR and not have to deal with parking, trams, shuttles, etc.

 

[skiingfast]

I just want to make sure I understand the following:

1) Many hotels on Harbor allow me to walk to the gate. that will take 15-20 min (or less-depending on where I stay)
2) If I stay at a hotel that requires I drive and park at disneyland, it will still take 15 min or so---there is a shuttle? to the park.

so more freedom if I select a hotel that allows me to walk to the gate vs drive/park option?
did this make sense?
Jill

I would say the freedom is from being able to be car free. Some like to be able to be back at their room in 10 minutes for a nap, to grab a sweater, or go for a swim.

 

[DahliaRW]

Sometimes you'll sit there for a good 15 minutes waiting to get into the garage and into a parking space, as well.

 

[msp2mco]

Disney parking is $15/day, and parking at a Harbor hotel can be free or reasonable. When selecting a hotel, have an understanding of how far the hotel is to the main gate--just not Disney property. I have stayed at the Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites south of DLR, and most people don't walk to the park. My family does, but it isn't a place that we'd just pop back to during the middle of the day.

 

[brookies_mommy]

It just depends on what you want to do. The shuttles are nice, but you may have to wait for them to get you, and pick you up. There not always on time and sometimes thats a pain. Especially when you rush to get there in time. The freedom to walk will be super nice.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I swore off buses years ago. I just hate waiting for the bus, cramming in with a zillion people, and getting to the park when the bus decides. Same with going back. I got tired of trying to make it on to the bus and having to wait for the next one if that one was crowded. Now we either walk or drive our car.

I don't mind driving that much and parking and the tram isn't usually that bad. They are organized in directing you where to park. But we can't go back to our room midday if we drive, usually because I don't want to give up the close parking space we got by arriving early in the morning. It would also take too long.

The last several trips we've stayed at CCI and love how we can leave about 10 minutes before park opening in the morning instead of 30 to 45 minutes before. Unfortunately, all the very nice big hotels are too far away to walk.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

I really think the beauty of a disneyland vacation (as opposed to a Walt Disney World vacation) is the ability to stay within walking distance. It takes so much of the hassle out of the trip. Anaheim isn't that great of a vacation destination itself, so basically you are only going to visit the parks. Being right there and not having to fight traffic (even if staying very close) is such a big deal. I have parked in the lots before when just going on a day trip (when we were already in L.A.), and it is a big hassle getting in and out of the parking lots. You have to pay for parking, and then you have to take a packed with people tram to the park area. It is just so much less complicated when you stay either on property or at a hotel right near it. There are a lot of good options for cost saving places on Harbor Blvd., and walking couldn't be any easier. It makes it easier in the middle of the day to decide that you are all tired and need a rest, and to walk right back to your hotel. This gives you time to take a nap and shower, and then come back refreshed. If you had to take a tram and make it to your car to move it--knowing that you are losing your space and worrying about getting another one, you would probably just stay there. It makes for a very long day!