Hello there, Ashley, and welcome to planDisney!
Thanks for submitting your question to us and congratulations on your upcoming trip to the Disneyland Resort! What an exciting way to welcome the New Year! The period right after the New Year is often considered a great time to visit due to lower crowd levels.
In my experience, I have had no issues with using the shuttle that transports Guests from the
Toy Story Parking Area to the Esplanade when I stay off property at a nearby
Good Neighbor Hotel. There is a pedestrian entrance into the lot so you should be able to access the shuttle without any problems. I can't promise that this will be the case over your visit but I've always been able to use the shuttle when staying nearby.
In case you were wondering about the Tram, Guests are also able to walk to the Disneyland Resort Tram Loading Area at the Parking Structures from the street as well. You'll proceed through the security checkpoint before taking the Tram to the Esplanade.
Did you know that you'll also be visiting right on the Lunar New Year next year? Disney California Adventure hosts a Lunar New Year Festival so pay attention to the
Disney Parks Blog for updates on this. It's going to be the Year of the Snake (much to Indy's dismay), so be thinking of your favorite Disney snake characters! My personal pick is the huge one on the
Indiana Jones Adventure!
Ashley, I hope that this response was helpful in your planning. I wish you a truly magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth and encourage you to write again if you have more questions. You're always welcome here and we'd love to hear from you!
Wishing You a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
-Al