Walking on Harbor isn't a problem, no matter what time it is. There are always tons of walkers out. Mimi's is good, Tony Roma's was good (when we had one here we ate there a lot but it's been years and we don't eat there at DL because DD11 doesn't like BBQ much), the GW has loads of places to eat. If you don't feel comfortable walking the hotel staff will get you a taxi, just call the front desk and they will make arrangements for you, it won't be an expensive trip, the GW is quite close. There are also loads of places to eat in DTD, you can take the shuttle to the drop off point, walk thru security, cross the esplanade (maybe take this time to shot some photos of the esplanade) and enter DTD on the other side, find something good to eat (RFC, Jazz Kitchen, are our faves) and then catch the shuttle back to the CCI. The shuttle is FREE for hotel guests so that would be pretty easy.
You won't need a ticket to get into the esplanade, you just go thru security.
Oh and whatever you do don't eat at the IHOP (way overpriced) or Captain Kidd's (nasty and disgusting food that shouldn't be served to anyone), but we did find the Denny's to be very standard, good prices, good service, standard Denny's food.
HTH!
