How long does it take to get from San Diego to Disneyland?

We are going to be staying with relatives for a week in San Diego. We were wondering how long it would take to get to Disneyland from there. I have heard anywhere from an hour to half a day. If we do go to Disneyland, is it possible to just drive up there in the morning or is traffic so bad that we need to stay somewhere in Anaheim.

Also, we are big Disney fanatics and have been to Disney World several times. My mom says she thinks we would be disappointed with Disneyland. What do you guys think? Should we try Knotts Berry Farm or something else instead? My kids are 5 and 1.

Thanks!

 

<font color=navy>The normal drive is around 1.5-2 hours (I just came home yesterday from San Diego, and it took us almost 2 hours, and I live further away than Disneyland. There are occasions, however, where the traffic can take up to 3-4 hours - holidays, special events like air shows, etc. -- but, figure on a couple of hours.

If you have never been to Disneyland, then I would say definitely go. Folks who live out here tend to take the magic for granted. We're used to the park, so when we see WDW, we're blown away....

Having said that, I think the Disneyland Park, which compares to the Magic Kingdom at WDW, is a better all-round park than MK, and is a wonderful park for you to take your children. Just expect the lands to be closer together, and castle to be smaller, etc.

Knotts is fun, too - but Disneyland rules.

 

Reisneyland vs. WDW - WDW is more of an overall resort. However, Disneyland is very much like the Magic Kingdom. So much so that if it weren't for the size of the castle, you probably wouldn't know the difference. Your kids are the right age, so enjoy it.

 

You'll love DL (it's the same, but differrent), and don't forget there's CA and DD too! Consider driving up in the morning, but getting a room on S. Harbor Blvd for that night so you don't have to drive back. Or, stay another day!

 

How long it takes really depends on where you are in San Diego. I have a friend that goes to school at UCSD, and it takes her 20 minutes to get to the freeway, since she lives in the boonies of San Diego. The best way to find out is to know the address you will be starting from and mapquest it. (http://www.mapquest.com) Type in your California Address as your starting position, and then your destination, and it'll pump out detailed directions (keep in mind that this is only the route with the least mileage...it doesn't take rush hour into consideration, so follow your instincts). It will also pump out an approximate driving time based upon the speed limit. (we usually shave off a few minutes )

Anywhoo,
Here is Disneyland's address :
700 W Ball Rd
Anaheim, CA
92802-1843 US

Hope that helps
~Tina