Hi, Christine!
Disneyland Resort really packs in a lot of magic in a not-so-huge space. There are 3 resort hotels, Downtown Disney, parking areas, 2 theme parks, and a monorail. All that in just about 500 acres.
Your walk from
Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel to the theme parks will be about 20 minutes. Downtown Disney is just a stone's throw from your hotel, with about a 5 minute walk. The
monorail is also close, and you can hop on the "highway in the sky" for a quick ride over to the Magic Kingdom. You must present a valid park ticket to board the monorail, as it will drop you off in the Tomorrowland Station inside the Disneyland Park.
I find staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel is so convenient. Once you
park your car or get dropped off from an airport shuttle, you can simply walk everywhere you need to go. My family enjoys a leisurely pace walking to the theme parks through
Downtown Disney. They just need to keep me focused as I get easily distracted by all the great shops and restaurants!
Have fun visiting the Happiest Place on Earth!
Cathy