Hey there, Paul! Greetings from “across the pond” in sunny California, and welcome to planDisney! I’m happy to hear that you’re plotting your walking route to the Disneyland Resort in advance. I’m a planner myself, and since I like to know exactly where I’m going before I get there, you’re in good hands here!
It sounds like your accommodations are just south of the resort, likely somewhere near the Anaheim Convention Center. There are a couple of options for entering the parks from this area. Since you mentioned wanting to hitch a ride on the
Disneyland Monorail, I’ll first help you navigate to the
Downtown Disney District. From Orangewood Avenue, you’ll want to head north on S. West Street. Keep walking past the Anaheim Convention Center toward Katella Ave. Once you’ve reached Katella, you’ll notice that the street name changes to Disneyland Drive. I like to think of this as an advanced “welcome” to the Disneyland Resort! Keep heading north until you reach Paradise Way, then make a left (head west). Keep walking until you reach the circle, then follow the circle toward the right (north) until you reach Downtown Drive. The
Disneyland Hotel will be on your left, and in a short distance, you’ll see the entrance into the Downtown Disney District on your right. Once you’ve made your way through the security checkpoint, head north past
Din Tai Fung, then make a right. You’ll see the entrance to the Disneyland Monorail just ahead. (If you’re looking for a quick bite before you hop on the Monorail, I highly recommend
Blue Ribbon Corn Dog—the snacks are both portable and delicious!).
The Monorail is a great way to zip over to the parks! Just keep in mind, Paul, that you’ll need a valid park ticket and reservation for Disneyland Park in order to take the Monorail over. That’s because the Monorail will drop you off right in the heart of Tomorrowland inside Disneyland Park.
If you’re looking for a more direct walking route to the parks, you can enter through the main entrance off of Harbor Boulevard, located on the east side of Disneyland Resort. From Orangewood Avenue, head north on Harbor Boulevard. You’ll walk a few blocks in this direction toward the main entrance. You’ll know you’re getting close when you see
Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: BREAKOUT! towering on your left. Keep heading straight (north) until you find the main entrance, which is marked with a magical blue sign that reads “Disneyland Resort”. You can’t miss it! And, once you’ve made it to your magical destination, it’s a great time to take that selfie in front of the entrance with your party!
I hope this helps you find your way, Paul! There are a few options for getting to the magic, and the route you choose will depend on where exactly you’re staying, how much walking you’d like to do, and how important it is to hop aboard the Disneyland Monorail—which, if you ask me, is a must-do!
I hope you have an absolutely magical visit!
Cody