Hi there, Heather! You're as welcome as can be here at planDisney!
It sounds like your theme park style is similar to mine. I also like to arrive at the
Disneyland Resort prior to the opening time in order to "rope drop" at the theme parks. When you're among the first Guests to enter the parks for the day, you can experience so many
attractions with lower wait times during those early morning hours. It's a great way to maximize the magic during your visit to The Happiest Place on Earth.
I'm happy to tell you that, yes, you can certainly enter Disneyland Resort through the
Downtown Disney District first thing in the morning. You can walk over to the entrance of the Downtown Disney District from your hotel, and there you will need to go through a security checkpoint. Then you can stroll through the district over to the Esplanade where you will find the gates to both
Disneyland Park and
Disney California Adventure Park.
Last summer, my family and I stayed at the
Disneyland Hotel which is located right outside of the Downtown Disney District. As we were leaving our hotel room each morning, I would place a mobile order at the
Starbucks located in the Downtown Disney District. It was so convenient to pick up our order as we walked past Starbucks on our way to the parks. Then when the Cast Members dropped the ropes and let Guests enter the parks, we were all caffeinated and ready for a day of fun!
If you have any other questions as you get ready for your Disneyland Resort visit, please don't hesitate to ask us. We're all ears! See ya real soon!
Samantha