Walking/Ubering from Good Neighbor Hotels

[acamusic]

This will be our first time at Disneyland as we are east coasters and WDW vets. We're staying at the SpringHill Suites Maingate. I looked at the Google maps directions for getting into the parks and the walking time listed is 25 minutes even though we're on the back corner of the same DL block. Are there "insider" short cuts to get to the ticket concourse? I can see how to get to the DL hotel and Downtown Disney but it seems like a haul.

Would it be simpler to just get an Uber in the morning to save time and energy and, if so, where would that drop us off?

 

[HydroGuy]

This will be our first time at Disneyland as we are east coasters and WDW vets. We're staying at the SpringHill Suites Maingate. I looked at the Google maps directions for getting into the parks and the walking time listed is 25 minutes even though we're on the back corner of the same DL block. Are there "insider" short cuts to get to the ticket concourse? I can see how to get to the DL hotel and Downtown Disney but it seems like a haul.

Would it be simpler to just get an Uber in the morning to save time and energy and, if so, where would that drop us off?

Maybe - I would think about Uber/Lyft seriously:

See https://www.disboards.com/threads/where-do-uber-and-lyft-drop-off-at-disneyland.3629816

It is hit or miss but the trend seems to be that crowds at security are less on the West entrance from DTD than the East from Harbor. So you should get some feedback here on that and decide.

 

[SteveH]

We haven’t stayed here yet, but we’re going to in July. I think Google likes to route you down Walnut and down by Disneyland Hotel, 25 minutes 1.3 miles.

I’ve read several people talk about walking through the employee parking area to the Mickey & Friends parking structure and getting on the Tram. This would mean exiting out of the hotel and walking W Ball down West Place. (see pic that Alan K. posted in Yelp)

The ART bus stops here too, a daily pass runs $5.50, they also have 3 & 5 day passes, or you can pay $3 for a single trip.

If you have a family you’re probably better off snagging a Lyft/Uber to Downtown Disney.

 

[ParkHopper1]

If you can move at an able bodied adult pace, it is closer to 15 min

Edit: My bad, was thinking different location. That is closer to 20 min. We stay at the Holiday Inn right there and it is a 15-20 min walk at a brisk pace to the gates.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

The last time someone posted about this, guests were no longer allowed to cut through the CM parking lot to get to the M&F tram. Some people have said that they've gotten lucky, but there has been no consistent evidence that the lot is open to the public like it was before the security changes. And tram loading is not outside any more, but inside the bottom level of the structure. You also go through bag check there before boarding.
It might be better to Uber to the DTD drop off and walk to either the DLH bag check (between EOS and ESPN Zone) or to the DTD bag check (between Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone). Neither of those two bag checks is busy most of the time. The DTD lot has a 15 minute grace period for pick ups/drop offs.

 

[lalasmama]

If you take Uber/Lyft, remember that kids under 8 years old require a child safety restraint in the state of California, and Uber/Lyft does not provide such a service.

 

[acamusic]

Thanks everyone! Very helpful information

 

[SteveH]

@theluckyrabbit thanks for the head up on getting through the lot, that's a bummer.

 

[Malcon10t]

And a reminder, Uber/Lyft cannot drop off at the Grand unless you have a reservation.

 

[emmybee]

The last time someone posted about this, guests were no longer allowed to cut through the CM parking lot to get to the M&F tram. Some people have said that they've gotten lucky, but there has been no consistent evidence that the lot is open to the public like it was before the security changes. And tram loading is not outside any more, but inside the bottom level of the structure. You also go through bag check there before boarding.
It might be better to Uber to the DTD drop off and walk to either the DLH bag check (between EOS and ESPN Zone) or to the DTD bag check (between Rainforest Cafe and ESPN Zone). Neither of those two bag checks is busy most of the time. The DTD lot has a 15 minute grace period for pick ups/drop offs.

Thanks for this. I got excited when I saw the map above. I was trying to sell my husband on the idea because I really want to try the Majestic Garden Hotel, but don't want to take the shuttle that drops us off on Harbor. Does anyone know about the walkability of Disneyland Drive? I wouldn't mind either walking to the Mickey & Friends structure and taking the tram there, or continuing on to the security entrance closest to DLH. For reference, we have stayed at the Hilton Convention Center, and did not find the walk to the DLH at all onerous.

 

[DharmaLou]

I always take Lyft to the DTD entrance.

 

[UnderTheRialto]

What destination do you enter into Lyft for the DTD entrance?

 

[DharmaLou]

I put "downtown disney district" and it comes up "disneyland monorail" in the app.

 

[DharmaLou]

they essentially drop you off at self parking behind ESPNzone

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Thanks for this. I got excited when I saw the map above. I was trying to sell my husband on the idea because I really want to try the Majestic Garden Hotel, but don't want to take the shuttle that drops us off on Harbor. Does anyone know about the walkability of Disneyland Drive? I wouldn't mind either walking to the Mickey & Friends structure and taking the tram there, or continuing on to the security entrance closest to DLH. For reference, we have stayed at the Hilton Convention Center, and did not find the walk to the DLH at all onerous.

The Majestic Garden used to be the Sheraton Anaheim, where we stayed many times. And we walked to the tram, the parks, and DTD many, many times! This thread has all the info you need: How to walk to Disneyland from Motels north of Mickey and Friends?. Posts #13 ff have the most recent information. Come on back with any specific questions! (That thread references the Super 8 on Disneyland Dr. which is across the street from the Majestic Garden.)

 

[j9isawesome]

I would just walk to the Downtown Disney bag check from there, it’s short and easy and then it’s a quick walk through Downtown Disney & into the parks. My husband and I walk from the Mickey & Friends garage and hotels in that area all the time but my friends prefer to wait for Uber or shuttles. Getting dropped off at Harbor makes for less walking but also longer lines to get through security depending on when you go. The official drop off/pick up area on Harbor can also get really backed up at times. It’s a cheap uber ride but if you don’t mind walking it might be easier/faster.