[LittleMissMagic]

Off-Property is often the only option at DL. The Good Neighbor Hotels receive EMH. You aren't missing out on bus service because everything in DL is walking-distance. You do miss the special resort gates to Disney's California Adventure, but going in the resort entrance isn't as "wow" as the main gate.

We've stayed at The Desert Palms, and it was walking distance from the main gate. Then again, we're an older, fairly athletic family, and it might not be considered walking distance for those with young children.

I do suggest that you stay on the same side of the street as the Disneyland Parks. When a hotel description says "directly across from main gate," it means that you'll have to cross six lanes of traffic to get there. The cross walk is at the end of the block, so you're really back-tracking. Therefore, I do not suggest Castle Inn, though it is pretty cool-looking. The traffic around DL can get rather scary.