what is theWalking time from Fairfield Inn to DL gate? thanks!

[Georgieut]

So this is our frist trip to DLR and we are staying at the Fairfield Inn. I notice on a hotel map that it isn't right across the street from the entrance into DLR. I was wondering how long does it take to walk from the hotel to the DL gate. Thanks for your help.

 

[Girimama33]

It's about a 5-8 minute walk depending on how fast you move.

 

[seagodess]

I agree with the PP.... between 5-8... maybe 10 minutes. Depending on your speed and the crowds.

 

[gerilyne]

For us it depended on when we hit the light to cross the street. But I agree with everyone else 5-8 minutes

 

[FryingPansWhoKnew]

When making your calculations, don't forget security. That may be quick or may take some extra time. I find that the security line closest to DCA (that is all the way over to the left) is the shortest line coming from that direction.

 

[figment_jii]

Depending on where your room is located, it's about half of a mile from the furthest room to the DL ticket gates. I agree that most folks can make the walk in about 10 minutes (not including the time it takes to get through bag check).

 

[Georgieut]

When making your calculations, don't forget security. That may be quick or may take some extra time. I find that the security line closest to DCA (that is all the way over to the left) is the shortest line coming from that direction.

so is security before the turnstiles? I have never been there. I guess a good question is what is the order of operations to entering the parks. Then is rope drop inside. I am trying to picture this all. LOL They need an icon for pulling out my hair... hehe

 

[figment_jii]

so is security before the turnstiles? I have never been there. I guess a good question is what is the order of operations to entering the parks. Then is rope drop inside. I am trying to picture this all. LOL They need an icon for pulling out my hair... hehe

As you walk from the Fairfield and enter DLR, you'll come across Bag Check first. Go through that and you'll be in the Esplanade. You can either head to DL's or DCA's ticket turnstiles. Once through those, you'll be allowed onto Main Street (DL) or Buena Vista Street (DCA). They'll have the ends "roped off" to prevent you from going into the rest of the park. Once the park opens, they'll "drop" the rope and you can go into the rest of the park.

 

[FryingPansWhoKnew]

so is security before the turnstiles? I have never been there. I guess a good question is what is the order of operations to entering the parks. Then is rope drop inside. I am trying to picture this all. LOL They need an icon for pulling out my hair... hehe

First comes the bag check/security. CM's will look through your bags looking for unsafe things, mainly glass containers among other things. If you are bringing in a stroller full of stuff at like 2 PM midday on a busy day, security can be a long process. Most of the times we go through with a stroller full of stuff it takes maybe 5 minutes...including the line. We have it down though as we go alot.

Next comes the turnstiles. Coming from that direction, DL will be to your right, DCA will be to your left. They will let you in approximately 30 minutes prior to park opening. You will be able to access Main Street or the entrance way to DCA. Stores will be open.

There will be ropes set up manned by CM's blocking access to the rest of the park. This is the "rope drop".

I've actually never attended the DCA rope drop as the times we go, they always have EMH at DCA. If you are going to DL first and do not have a large stroller, look for gate 14. That will usually have the shortest line.

 

[Georgieut]

As you walk from the Fairfield and enter DLR, you'll come across Bag Check first. Go through that and you'll be in the Esplanade. You can either head to DL's or DCA's ticket turnstiles. Once through those, you'll be allowed onto Main Street (DL) or Buena Vista Street (DCA). They'll have the ends "roped off" to prevent you from going into the rest of the park. Once the park opens, they'll "drop" the rope and you can go into the rest of the park.

oh my gosh - thank you for the visual map. That was so nice of you to do that. So when its magic hour and the park reguarlly open as 8 so that would be 7 am magic hour. What time should we be at the bag check. Thanks again for everything.

 

[DarthMole]

oh my gosh - thank you for the visual map. That was so nice of you to do that. So when its magic hour and the park reguarlly open as 8 so that would be 7 am magic hour. What time should we be at the bag check. Thanks again for everything.

It really depends on how close to the front you want to be. I would plan on being there no later than 6:30.

 

[Cheshirecatty]

It really depends on how close to the front you want to be. I would plan on being there no later than 6:30.

I'll second this!! Good advice!

 

[valiamo]

As you walk from the Fairfield and enter DLR, you'll come across Bag Check first. Go through that and you'll be in the Esplanade. You can either head to DL's or DCA's ticket turnstiles. Once through those, you'll be allowed onto Main Street (DL) or Buena Vista Street (DCA). They'll have the ends "roped off" to prevent you from going into the rest of the park. Once the park opens, they'll "drop" the rope and you can go into the rest of the park.

/QUOTE]


Love the picture, where is the gate #14 that everyone raves about?

 

[ThumperWabbt]

I was wondering how long does it take to walk from the hotel to the DL gate. Thanks for your help.

I'm glad you asked, since that's where we're staying later in the month! It'll be my first time off-site and I wasn't 100% sure where in relation to the gate it was. I picked it because it has a Pizza Hut inside.

Priorities...I haz them

 

[FryingPansWhoKnew]

Love the picture, where is the gate #14 that everyone raves about?

It's right where the "T" and "i" are in the red text of "DLR Ticket Gates".

 

[valiamo]

It's right where the "T" and "i" are in the red text of "DLR Ticket Gates".

Perfect! I would have walked further to the west, and then right past it.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Georgieut]

Thank you all! I appreciate the replies.

 

[lk2500]

View from the FFI. The crosswalk is about a block to the left of McD's.

 

[Georgieut]

View from the FFI. The crosswalk is about a block to the left of McD's. http://s706.photobucket.com/user/lk2500/media/100_0079.jpg.html

Thank you. That's a great pic. It gets me excited to go.